I woke up in bed with a massive headache and the feeling that a Mack truck just hit me. If I'm feeling this nasty I can't imagine how Olivia is feeling right now. From outside my bedroom I hear Olivia's voice screaming at me.

"Leila! I am NEVER drinking like this again!"

Casually I yelled back, "Yes Olivia! Of course because that is what you said last week, oh, and the couple weeks before that, and do you remember Vivienne's engagement party…and

She staggers into my room.

"Yes, yes I get the point! How are you feeling?"

"Like shit."

"Alright so we settled the fact that our feelings are mutual now lets move on to the good parts of the night! I know there was a guy in here so…"

"Wait! Before we get into that I know it irks her so bad I want to know how you didn't come back with Leah and Sabi and why you were fighting with a garbage can!

"Oh I was doing that?" Shaking her head she mumbled out "Mmm..ya…. I don't remember that. What I do remember is that we were in the dance area getting down with some guys there for a bachelor party. We were having a good time when apparently Leah stated that one of the guys was one of her cousin's man and he was kissing this other girl..blah blah…story story..she ends up in an argument with the guy and well, alcohol and anger don't mix, so he called her a dumb bitch and she backhanded him with her purse. Sabi and me were shocked and because we were with her we all got kicked out. All I know is we got in different cabs and went home. Then you showed up with mystery guy. So did he park his car in your garage last night?

I laugh at her dorkiness because even in talking about sex she still makes it sound geeky! "No Olivia, my garage was locked up for the night! I just met the guy! I'm not big into promiscuity these days!

"BORING!" "So what his name? He did at least give you his name right?"

"Ethan Kavanagh."

"Ethan Kavanagh? Sounds so soap opera like! "And then Ethan Kavanagh swooped through the door of the lake house while I sat on the couch in a satin negligee. As he approached me I sat up and ran to him throwing my legs around him. "Oh take me Kavanagh!" as I throw my champagne glass on to the floor. I did not hear the glass break as we proceeded to make passionate love among the massive fireplace!"

I rolled my eyes and let out a heavy sigh. "Are you done yet miss days of our lives?"

"No because I want more of the story about your friend!"

"Okay well I met him last night. I was drunk and left to catch a cab. While walking outside I fell down and landed on my back on the concrete. He came over to me and helped me up. He was so nice, asked me if he could take the cab with me and I said yes. We had talked a bit. He's visiting family here, someone he knows is getting married I can't remember who, and then we came to the apartment and found your drunkass!"

"So he took us upstairs and left."

"Well yes but I fueled by alcohol courage I gave him my business card and told him to look me up. He probably won't call but it was worth trying. He was gorgeous.

"I don't remember his features but he sure was strong!" He didn't give you his information?"

"Nope. If he doesn't call me its fine. Men will be men what can you do about it?"

"I guess your right. Well let's go. I'm ready to get our carb fest on. Lets just enjoy the rest of the weekend before Monday."

Ugh Mondays! I have so many phone calls to make, emails to write, and meetings to arrange at the gallery Monday mornings. The day goes by quick because it's a lot of work however it sucks because it's Monday.

Ethan Kavanagh. At least I have a hot guy I interacted to think about for the rest of the week. I guess you can say it was worth going out this weekend.

Monday

"Leila, I need you make sure that the appropriate pieces from the sunlight room go for framing. I need emails from other galleries replied to immediately. Please make sure that Ms. Madrigal has set appointments with the buyers in Philadelphia before this Thursday, we cannot hold this off much longer."

"Yes Kathryn, absolutely, I will get right on it." Kathryn is the principal overseer of the gallery. Her job is basically to make sure that we do ours. She is incredibly sweet just one hundred percent rule-governed and set on schedule. I respect that.

"Phone is ringing, where is Leah?"

"Right here Kathryn!" Leah works as a receptionist at the art gallery. This is how we met. Leah has a shy personality but get a few drinks in that girl and you would never know. She has natural fire red hair that no one believes is real but we know the truth. With a curvy, hourglass shape, warm smile, and bright hazel eyes she is very welcoming to the visitors that come to visit our gallery.

"Nayera Madrigal's gallery, how may I be of assistance to you today? Yes, why yes she does…of course, not a problem, let me see if she is available at the moment….if not could I take a message?...sounds good sir, please hold."

Leah walks up to me while I'm in the sunlight room working with some of the other representatives to sort paintings for framing.

"Leah you have a phone call on line one."

"Shit the buyers, yes I will be right there. Grant, Terri, I have a quick phone call I need to take. I'll be back in a few minutes. They nod their heads in agreement and continue their work.

"Dammit Leah! I thought I would call them in a couple of hours. These bastards are pretty insistent aren't they!" I start giggling when I noticed a dumb smile on Leah's face.

"Fuck! They're mad aren't they! I start jogging lightly towards the phone. "I need this job!"

"Leila, hold on! It's not the buyers! It's a guy! When were you going to tell me you met a guy. I mean, really, how rude of you!"

"Come again? What guy are you talking about?"

"He says his name is Ethan Kavanagh and he would like to speak to you. Should I say your not here?"

We approach the phone.

"Move, Leah!"

Leah holds up her hands in surrender yet hovers nearby as she wants to hear what I am saying.

"Leila Williams speaking, how may I be of assistance to you today?"

"Hi Leila, oh that voice, that voice that I remember so vividly, Its Ethan, Ethan Kavanagh. We shared a cab the other night..from the bar?

"Yes, I do remember you! Even in my drunken stupor I couldn't forget him. How are you?" I speak to him in my most gentle tone.

"I'm doing well just hanging around working on some papers."

"Oh you're a student?"

He lets out a nervous laugh, "No just boring work stuff. The reason I was calling you is because I am going to be mostly based in New York for the next three weeks as I have some business I need to concentrate on here with my Dad. I was hoping that maybe we could get together this week, have coffee maybe or lunch?"

My body is in utter shock and disbelief. He actually called me back. Inside I'm jumping up and down like a won the lottery!

"Why of course Ethan! Lunch sounds great. When are you free?"

"I have a very flexible schedule. When are you available?"

"How about tomorrow at 1:30pm? I get out early tomorrow since the gallery will be closed for preparations of an upcoming showcase. Is that good for you?"

"Sounds like a plan. Where should I meet you?"

"How about back at my apartment and we will go from there. Oh and here is my cell number" I proceed to give him my cell phone number so that little sneaks like Leah won't be monitoring me like crazy! Oh…that and my job of course. He gives me his number as well.

"I'll text you later today and we will map it out!"

"Great! Catch ya later Leila."

"Bye Ethan" I say this with a flirtatious tone in my voice.

"OOOO Someone has a date, with a guy named Ethan…Ethan and Leila sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G first comes love then comes marriage then comes a baby in a baby carriage!" Leah proceeds to hover over me blowing me kisses, pretending to hold a bouquet of flowers, and cradling her arms.

"Gah! You are so immature sometimes! No make that all the time! We just met Leah!"

"Yes but you never know. Well lookey here! It's my break time.

In my head I muttered: I'm going to call Olivia and Sabi and let them know.

She pulls out her phone.

"I'm calling Olivia and Sabi right now! Oh and add text! Leila got a call at work today by a guy named Ethan."

As I'm writing up orders I get a call from Olivia. "OMG! Ethan Kavanagh called you! I knew it! Its as if I am psychic!"

"Calm down, miss cleo, its lunch no biggie."

"When, where?"

"Tomorrow, 1:30pm and conveniently enough you will be at work."

"Damn your right! More details! I love you I do, I'm not trying to be a pest but I thrive on this stuff you know this."

I laugh because I know its true. "Yes Olivia I will give you details when they come in. Now I have to get back to work, I'm busy."

With that I leave to go retrieve mail. In my personal mailbox is a manila envelope addressed to me. I already know what this is. I open it up and in it is a check made out to me in the amount of 42,000 for this year's art classes I have been taking. A generous gift from benefactor Mr. Christian Grey of Greys Enterprises Holdings. It's a nice gesture however I don't feel comfortable with taking his money anymore even if he is worth billions. I'm not worth billions to him. I'm not his to protect. I stick the check back into the envelope and put it into my workbag. I'll send his money back to him as soon as possible. I've been healing. I'm in a better place. Even if it's hard I'll make it on my own.

The day ends and I head home. Once I reach home I throw myself on the sofa and breathe a sigh of relief that I'm home this Monday is over with and I can just enjoy the evening. I hear my cellphone go off in my purse. It seems I have a text message. It's an Inspector Gadget gif complete with theme song. I scroll further down and a message reads "Interrogation still on for tomorrow?"

AHHH Ethan is too cute for words right now! I text back immediately.

"I loved Inspector Gadget! Wait! Serious tone, serious face (clearing throat) why, of course Ethan Kavanagh. I need to see if the license you handed to me was in fact real. Being "indisposed" as I was at that moment I intend to fully assess with whom I am speaking to."

In a few moments my phone buzzes.

"Go Leila, Go"

Olivia grabs my phone. "Who are you talking to? What is that strange cartoon on your phone?"

"Its Inspector Gadget por su informacion and I was talking to Ethan."

"Ethan Kavanagh?"

"Do you know any other Ethan?"

"So what are you wearing?"

"I don't know yet."

"Okay that means I need to help you. Get your ass off the couch we are raiding your closet."

"Now? Oli it is 8:00pm I am tired."

"Yeah but do you want to be in a frenzy tomorrow? No I didn't think so. Plus it shouldn't be too hard, you have a lot of nice things."

Yeah I do because of Christian Grey. I just really wanted to close that chapter and those clothes are such a reminder of that fucked-up relationship.

We decided on a sailor style pencil skirt dress. It's cute and whimsical. I lay it aside with some blue heels to match the color of the dress.

As I fall asleep, I notice that I am nervous, nervous about seeing Ethan. I hope I don't make this one go down in flames. He seems a normal enough guy. I didn't get the vibe that he was going to use me for sex and enforce strange torture devices upon me.

Next Day

As soon as I get off at Noon I head straight home and change out of my drab black gallery wear into my whimsical sailor dress.

My phone rings and I immediately scramble in my purse for it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is Ethan Kavanagh, are you ready to make passionate love to me today at my lake house cough, cough." Oh how cute. Olivia's solid performance of a guy's voice.

"Hi Olivia! Go to hell." I press the end button and hang up. I soon get a text message a few moments later with a big LOL and a kissy face emoticon. How juvenile. I head over to the bathroom to fix my makeup and begin to be lost in thought. Oh how have things changed these past two years. Even though I've had my heart cut out of my chest quite a few times I know that real love has to find me. It just has too. Even if things don't work out on this date at least I tried right? Dr. Flynn helped me to understand how I need to have confidence in myself. Despite my heartbreaks my love life won't be a domino effect. My thoughts are interrupted by a phone call. I check my cell, its Ethan.

"Hello?"

"Hi Leila, I'm downstairs now. You ready?"

"Be down in a minute!" Question is are you ready to handle this 100% percent of a woman! Yeah baby yeah! Okay I have to lose the weird pep talk with myself and head downstairs!

ETHANS POV

I'm downstairs waiting for Leila. I can't believe I'm doing this. She is so beautiful. What luck right? And out of all places a bar. I grin at the thought of that night. When I saw her lying there I figured true emergency or drunk and rushed over. Luckily it was just drunk. When I picked her up she had the most gorgeous green eyes and long brown curled hair. Her skin felt soft as I picked her up and her smile. Wow her smile was infectious. I had met plenty of women but something about this one struck me as very special. It was very welcoming to come to after being in Seattle. I was glad to be out of Seattle, truth be told.

Back in Seattle my sister had just gotten engaged to this billionaire's brother who himself wasn't to far behind himself. Elliot wasn't a bad guy but it just seemed to happen so soon. I hope its true love. Kate deserves it. I can admit the Grey family isn't to bad themselves. Hell, they flew me and Kate to Aspen. Granted I had to deal with Christian and Elliot's little sister Mia Grey, it was a nice trip. Mia is an attractive woman however I didn't feel a strong chemistry between us. It was cute that Ana hooked up with Christian and then Kate with his brother Elliot, but it just wasn't in the cards for me and Mia. Kate has been on my ass to find someone after being single for sometime but I always tell her that I'll just know and not to worry about it. Of course I'm teased mercilessly until I crack and yell at her to leave. I love my little sister but her cross-examinations need to cease and desist!

As I panic over what will happen, what will I say when Leila comes downstairs, she is already walking down the stairs looking straight at me. I freeze, hands in pockets staring at her. She is striking in that dress! Her body is sculpted perfectly with, no doubt, some killer curves! As she approaches the last stair I instinctively hold out my hand and she grasps it. I pull her in line with me.

"Well hello there Mr. Ethan Kavanagh. So nice to see you again." She flushes that incredible smile.

"Same here Inspector. Where do you want to go to lunch?" She grins.

"Do you know that Italian pizza place Giovanni's?"

"I do actually, about 15 minutes from here."

"I'll catch us a cab."

"Its alright I drove."

I hold out the door for her.

"Nice beamer, Mr. Kavanagh."

I smile and shrug. "It gets me where I need to go."

"In style!" She smiles and I smile with her.

We drive off towards the restaurant. "How was everything at the gallery today?"

"Busy as usual. My boss is freaking out over an upcoming showcase. I'm super stressed beyond belief.

"Well this might be a nice change of pace for you then."

"It might be Ethan." The way she utters my names rouses every nerve in my body and makes me feel more drawn to her in a way that I've never felt before. I've had girlfriends in the past and what not however this feeling was definitely foreign, invited nonetheless. We arrived at the restaurant and were seated immediately, our conversation continuing its flow from inside the car.

"My dad, Ryan Kavanagh is CEO of Kavanagh Media. I'm second hand to my dad working on strategic ways to encourage overall growth for our company. Kavanagh Media has gone mainstream in terms of journalism growth and larger ventures in programming. My mother, Denise stays at home and handles the household finances and whatnot. She did, however used to be a news reporter back in the day. That's how they met. Katherine, well Kate, is planning on being an investigative reporter. Media and journalism kind of run blood deep in the family. I can't say I'm one of those kids disappointed being in the family business. I enjoy it greatly. So what's your story?"

"Well I grew up in Kansas, small town. My mother still lives there with my aunt and her second husband. My dad left us when I was young. Couldn't remember why nor at this point do I care. I wanted to pursue Art and Seattle always seemed like the place to do it so when I graduated I applied at WSU and began their art program. I then transferred to Columbia here in New York. I love it here."

"So you ventured out to Seattle alone?"

"Yes, yes I did." She smiled at me with such confidence. She seemed fearless.

"What was it like for you in Seattle?"

"Lonely at times. That is until I met Olivia. You remember the angry raging drunk that was about to go postal on the garbage can? Well that crazy woman became my best friend. She is a sister to me. I consider her so. We met at WSU. She wanted to pursue fashion. When I decided to make the move to New York she followed. She said we were each other's family and we should travel as so..and we did."

"What made you want to leave Seattle?"

She seemed to tense up when I asked her that question. She smiled a huge smile at me however something seemed to be hidden behind that smile that I couldn't quite grasp.

"Seattle just didn't suit me. New York is a much better fit."

"That makes two of us."

"Do you still want to move here Ethan?" She looked up at me expectantly as she popped a third slice of pizza onto her plate. "Oh don't be surprised. I'm not the I'll have a diet coke and eat some kind of salad with nothing on it kind of chick. I like to chow down with the best of them!"

"As you were and yes I am moving here. Officially in three weeks."

"Well you be sure to invite me to your housewarming party!"

"Do I get a gift?"

She stopped and looked at me pensively for a moment. "Of course I would get you a gift."

"I was kidding you wouldn't ever have to get me anything." Just be you and be near to me.

"I could paint for you. Would you like that?"

I'm dumbfounded by her statement and question.

"I can make something extra special for you, a welcome to the city kind of painting. You can hang it in your place if it suits you."

"Leila where do you have time to do your art? At your place, the gallery?"

"Nope, none of those places."

"Then where do you paint?"

"Here."

"What do you mean?"

"C'mon what are your spidey senses telling you!" Think about it!" She entwines her fingers together and rests her head on her knuckles looking at me waiting patiently for an answer.

"Yes I'm into journalism, but I don't have spidey senses. That would be Kate. Secondly, I really suck at this so I'm going to be lame and ask you to please tell me."

"Right here in Giovanni's! You wanna see?"

"Okay," I muttered as I sit there completely confused. Leila runs up to an old man behind the counter. They both exchange kisses on the cheek and he hands her a set of big keys. They remind me of those keys in those old movies where the criminal is locked up in prison. She comes back to me old school movie keys in hand and asks me to follow her.

We head down some stairs in the restaurant to a basement. When we get to the basement we walk down another set of stairs that leads into a bunker of some sort. Leila pushes the key into the lock and opens the door. When the door opens there are many canvases and paint media all over the room. They seem to be haphazard to the ordinary onlooker but to Leila it all made sense as she walked around the room straightening paintbrushes and hanging aprons on different hooks.

"You have a mini art studio underneath a pizza place?"

"When I moved to New York I would come to this place a lot because Mr. Giordano, Gio, the elderly gentleman behind the counter, was an extremely sweet, caring man that would talk to me for what seemed hours when I was lonely. I needed that especially when Olivia was busy late nights at work when she got her first high-end position at a design house. I had gone through a lot and he gave me great advice. I would scribble drawings on a notepad I used to carry around and he liked my little scribble scrabbles. I told him that I would paint for him and I did. Some of my paintings are in his restaurant right now. He had asked me where I painted. I told him in a janitor closet that no one really used at my gallery. I could have gotten into a lot of trouble for that too. He told me in his heavy Italian accent, "I give you place to paint, not much, but you paint. You make me pretty drawings." He introduced me to the bunker and its been my little escape."

"Leila, what can I say, this place is fantastic."

"You want to paint a bit, Mr. Kavanagh?"

"A preschooler can paint better than I can."

She approached me chest to chest and looked up at my eyes. She took her hand and rested it gently over my heart. "Its not always about technique, Ethan. Painting depicts what's in here." She lightly pushed my chest. Even if its messy to you, if it means something, then that's what it is. It has meaning. I'm lost in her eyes for what seems an eternity. All of a sudden there is red paint on my cheek.

"Did you just paint on my face?"

"I sure did! You can be my canvas today!"

"You know what, Lele!, I'm feeling pretty creative and inspired right about now!" I quickly grab a paintbrush, dip it in blue paint and splash it on her hair. I was going for chest but didn't quite work at that way. She opened in mouth in shock yet smiling at the same time! "Ya that's right! Take that blue hair!"

She moves open to this big bucket of yellow paint and dips both her hands into it. Oh no, no she isn't really going to…

WHAM! She smacks both sides of my cheeks with both her hands. She then continues to hold my face in her hands. "Today you will be the sun!" She giggles pulling her face closer to mine that are noses touch. I can't help it much longer. Her beauty, her charm, her scent, her heart. She makes me move mountains and I'm captivated. I instantly take her face between my hands. She looks up at me surprised as her hands fall down around my neck. I lean down and kiss her. I kiss her once and before we both know it we can't stop. Our tounges both relaxed with each other. I hold her tight. I don't want to let her go. She makes me feel comfortable and I believe in some way I do too. I want to be there for Leila and I intend to fully 100%.

3 days later…..Seattle

Anastasia Grey! Hurry up! We will be late for shopping!" Why is Anastasia always so irked about going shopping. What a freaking privilege it is being with these men…the benefits don't hurt either.

"Kate, I'm coming hold on! I'm getting dressed!" Yeah how many times have I heard that after her and Christian's sex festivals the night before or hold on…correction the morning's of. I miss Ethan. He usually calls me to check in but hasn't in a bit. I'm going to call him and chew his ass out. Some big brother. I hit brother on my cell and wait for an answer…..

"Hello?"

"Hi this is Kate Kavanagh, your little sister who you have refused to call back or even call!"

"Sorry Kate, I've been busy."

"Yeah Ethan, your also being vague!"

"Look I have to go, I'm kind of busy right now."

"But Ethan! I'm planning a big celebratory engagement party for me and Elliot in a couple of months. I need your input, you get this stuff and I.." Suddenly a background voice kicks in.

"Ethan, am I dressed to impressed or what! Lets hit the show babes! OOPS (whispering) your on the phone. Ill just wait over here.."

"Ethan, Ethan! That's a girl! Who is she? You motherfucker! Are you dating someone now? How the hell?"

"Kate, I love you, I'm heading out I'll talk to you later."

"Ethan don't you dare hang up this phone!" The phone call is disconnected. He actually hung up on me.

"Kate what's wrong?"

"Apparently Ethan's on a date! Or actually with someone! I don't know he didn't tell me anything!"

"Guessing its not Mia."

"Hello no! Its not Mia! I heard her voice. I want to go to New York right now! Tell Christian to get one of his damn planes or something!"

"Kate, relax! Let Ethan be happy. I know deep down you want to look after him too but he's a big boy he will be fine."

"Whatever Ana. If he doesn't start talking…you, me, jet, New York!"

"Kate, a reminder…a few months ago you didn't have this kind of availability of power! In fact 1 in every point something billion people do not get the opportunity to be in your position so get over it!"

"He's my little brother Ana. I worry about him."

"I know he will be fine."

"Thanks Ana. I know, I know."

I love my older brother and I will be happy if he's happy. He sounded happy just caught of guard. Well maybe when it gets closer to the engagement party I can meet this woman. I'm sure if she is good enough for my brother, she is good enough for me.