I hope you guys enjoy and thank you so much for all the love! Please review.
I'm dreaming of soft lips and shy caresses when I'm startled awake by an annoying buzz. I sleepily hit my alarm clock, but the noise continues and with one eye open, I go in search for what is causing the ruckus. Spotting my phone, I take it in my hand and huff as I see the caller id. Nick. What the hell does he want at this hour?
"Do you know what time it is?'' I practically growl.
"Five-thirty,'' he replies smoothly, as if he hadn't just woke me up.
"This better be important,'' I mumble, wiping the sleep from my eyes.
"It is! Prada or Burberry?'' He asks.
"What?'' I ask him back.
"I don't know which to wear. The Prada is a charcoal tone, but the Burberry is a navy blue-"
"Did you seriously just call me to ask me what you should wear?'' I ask incredulously.
Is he being serious right now?
"Yes I did. Now, Burberry or Prada?'' He asks once more, sounding a bit annoyed at my lack of reply.
"Nick, I'm going to kill you!'' I tell him, menacingly.
"What I do?''
"It's five in the morning! I have three meetings later today and you want to know what you should wear? Go to sleep!''
"I can't sleep! Besides, I have to get to work in a few. I just can't decide what suit I should wear,'' he says without taking a single breath.
"Does it matter?'' I huff.
"I'm going to see Phoebe! She can't see me in some ugly last season suit!''
"First of all, take a breath. You sound like you're about to have a heart attack. Second, I don't think Phoebe will care-"
"Don't be an idiot, Theodore! Of course she will care. Have you not see how she dresses?''
"Nick-"
"What about a simple gray? No, no, I can't wear that. She'll think I'm trying too hard. Me wearing gray when her last name is Grey…How about a Gucci-"
"Burberry! Just use that one!'' I shout at him, before hanging up.
Sweet Jesus. Why the hell am I introducing him to my baby sister, again?
With an annoyed huff, I try to settle back into my once peaceful sleep. As I start picking up where I left off, the buzzing starts up again. Rolling my eyes, I pick up my phone once again.
"What!'' I snarl.
"Tie or no tie?
"Call me again and Phoebe will think you're gay,'' I say, and with that I turn my phone off.
Now, where was I?
The day is uncharacteristically sunny as I look out from the balcony. Seattle bathed in sun and warmth is truly a sight to behold, and with all this splendor I know today will be a good day. Even after Nick's early wake up call, I was able to enjoy a bit more of sleep and I feel more refreshed than ever before. For the first time in ages, I don't feel stressed or closed off. Today, I feel like me. I feel like the twenty-five year old man I am and I know who to thank for that.
Ms. Olivia Hart
Glancing at my watch, I see that it's a little over seven. With an idea in my head, I quickly make my way out of the bedroom and towards the elevator.
"Are you not having breakfast here, Mr. Grey?'' Marie asks as I move to press the button.
"No, Marie. I have somewhere I need to be but thank you,'' I reply, stepping into the elevator.
"Will Thompson not be accompanying you?''
"Not today,'' I say before the door closes and I begin my descent to the garage.
As soon as the elevator opens, I am out and racing towards one of my many cars. Luckily, time and traffic happen to be on my side as I drive through the usually busy roads and before long, I spot the old fashion brick building.
"Call Olivia,'' I order my car as I begin to park.
"Calling Olivia,'' the operator replies back and in a matter of seconds, I hear her beautiful voice.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey. I'm about to head to the office-"
"I'm outside,'' I smile.
"Excuse me?'' She asks.
"I'm outside your building,'' I clarify.
"You're here?''
"That or I'm parked in front of a building that resembles yours,'' I laugh.
"I'll be down a minute,'' she giggles in reply.
"Take your time, Ms. Hart,'' I say, before hanging up.
Leaning into my seat, I smile at the thought of driving Olivia to work and spending a bit more time at her side. I couldn't care less what people would think at the sight of us coming in together. At this moment, I only cared about seeing her and that lovely smile. As I daydream about that precise smile, a gentle tap on the passenger window wakes me back up. Looking to my right, I spot the beauty that is Olivia Hart.
"Good morning,'' I greet as she climbs in.
"Good morning,'' she murmurs back with a bright smile.
"I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to see you before work,'' I say a bit shyly, rubbing the back of my head.
"No, it's fine. I usually just take a taxi half way and then walk the rest,'' she blushes sweetly.
"Then think of me as your personal taxi driver,'' I smile.
"So do I have to tip you?'' She asks, before realizing what she had just said. "I mean-"
"Let me buy you a coffee and we're even,'' I laugh as I pull into the now heavy traffic.
"No, my treat,'' she replies.
"I'm not letting you pay,'' I huff.
"But you will.''
"No I won't.''
"You will.''
"I most definitely will not.''
"Your change, Ms. Hart.''
"Thank you,'' Olivia replies politely and with a hint of triumph.
"You didn't have to pay,'' I pout.
"And miss out on you pouting? Never. Besides, you've treated me to lunch and dinner. I can pay ten dollars for coffee.''
I huff in annoyance but otherwise indulge her and give her a small smile in return. She really was an adorable little thing.
"Your tea, Mr. Grey,'' she smiles up at me, handing me my drink.
"Thanks, but I'm paying next time.''
"And for now I'll just enjoy this win,'' she giggles, sipping on her coffee.
"You aren't going to add anything to your coffee?'' I ask her as she leads me towards the exit.
"Coffee isn't coffee if you add all those sweeteners.''
"You're gross,'' I laugh in mock disgust.
"Maybe I should be girly and try some flowery tea,'' she teases.
"Hey! I'll have you know that tea is good for you, unlike coffee.''
"Research says coffee is just as good,'' she counters.
"And do you believe everything you read online,'' I arch a brow.
"No. However, Cosmopolitan is a reliable source,'' she replies back seriously.
We look at each other, before laughing in union.
"If you must know, my mom got me into drinking tea. She's a major fan and I followed in her footsteps,'' I tell her after we both catch our breath.
"My parents loved coffee. It was the first smell that came from the kitchen,'' she murmured sadly.
I want to ask her why she was sad, but then I remember. Her parents are dead.
"I'm sorry,'' I rush out to say.
"No, it's alright. It's a happy memory.''
I want to do something for her at the very moment, but I don't think anything could help the loss of her parents. Anything I said would be void. I had parents and I had never experienced the death of a loved one.
"You're going to meet my sister today,'' I tell her, choosing to change the subject.
"Really?'' She asks, returning to her happier self.
"She's coming by the office today and I'm going to set her up with my lawyer.''
"This has to be the first time I hear of a guy setting their baby sister up on a date,'' she laughs.
"Tell me about it. I still don't know why I should be doing this, but Nick has liked my sister for years and so I thought I would help.''
"You're a hell of a friend,'' she smiles.
"Tell me that when they're getting married. Otherwise, I never set them up, understood?'' I chuckle, opening the car door for her to get in.
"My lips are sealed,'' she winks as I close the door.
…
…
…
The drive to the office is too short for my liking, but I still enjoyed every minute with her. I hung to her every laugh and word, and I fell even more.
"Maybe you should go in first,'' she says, taking me away from my serenity.
"What?'' I ask bemused.
"If we go in together, people will think something that's not true.''
"So what?'' I arch a brow.
"I don't want to be the stereotypical secretary-"
"Have we had sex?'' I ask, cutting her off.
She blushes at my abruptness, but still manages to shake her head. "No, we haven't.''
"I know that and you know that. Isn't that enough?''
"…''
"Olivia, I would be a liar if I said I didn't like you. Taking an employee out for dinner or even spending a second outside of the office with said employee, well, that's a first for me. I don't care what anyone says or thinks, I like you and that's a fact.''
I almost feel myself blushing as I speak every word. I hadn't been this open about my feelings in years. I hadn't craved a woman like this since that lying snake…
"You like me?'' She asks after a moment.
Instead of replying right away, I move in closer to her beautiful face and to my pleasure, she does too.
"I want to kiss you right now,'' I murmur, running my hand over her rosy cheek.
"What's stopping you?'' She whispers back.
"I'm your boss and you don't want to be the stereotypical secretary,'' I mumble.
She opens her beautiful lips to speak but before she can, the sound of a car alarm going off startles us both. We pull away from each other immediately and look around for the source of all that commotion. Spotting one of the guys from tech support, we breathe a sigh of relief as he turns off his alarm and heads towards the building. As I look back at Olivia, I hear the sound of the door opening.
"Where are you going?'' I ask her dumbly.
"We both have work,'' she murmurs simply.
"Wait!'' I call out to her as she walks away from the car.
Dashing out of my own seat and barely able to lock the car, I rush to her side and take ahold of her arm.
"We weren't finished,'' I say.
"What do you want from me, Mr. Grey? Do you want another notch on your headboard for you to brag about? Am I just some blonde bimbo for you to fool around with?'' She asks, her voice strong but sad.
"What? No, of course not.''
"Then what am I?'' She asks again.
I don't know what to say. I haven't had these sort of feelings in years and even then, I don't even think I've ever felt this strongly for someone...
"That answers my question,'' she says, before walking off.
I want to tell her to stop. I want to tell her how I feel, but I can't. I don't know how. I'm afraid to open up again.
With a final huff at my stupidity, I follow her at my own pace. How did such a happy morning end up like this? I think to myself.
Stepping into the building like an angry little toddler, I ignore the many eyes following me and Olivia. They could think what they wanted for all I cared.
"The elevator is here Mr. Grey,'' Olivia announces, coldly.
Without a word I step in with her and hit our floor button a little too hard.
"You aren't just some blonde bimbo,'' I tell her as I look at the steel door.
I hear her sigh softly at my words, but says nothing in reply.
"I think you are very smart and beautiful, and I'm scared,'' I whisper without looking at her once.
"Scared? Scared of what?'' She asks.
"I'm scared you'll let me down like she did,'' I reply as the door opens to our floor. Without even a glance at her, I step out and rush to my office.
Shutting myself in the safety of my office, I lean on the heavy door and think about all I had just said. Did I really mention that woman to Olivia?
"God, what's wrong with me?'' I growl out loud. "Why can't I just forget about the past and move on?''
You need closure.
Those were the words my mother had spoken not so long ago, but I just couldn't do it. I didn't want to revisit that part of my life ever again, but I kept doing exactly that as I kept the past alive.
Sighing, I move away from the door and towards my desk. Files upon files sit on the wooden top but I ignore them and fire up my computer. Coming to life within a matter of seconds, I quickly Google a name I hadn't even dared to think about.
Lillian Faye.
As the results begin to pop up, I take a moment to think about how stupid this was. I could always order my dad's head of espionage to do all this for me, but I didn't want to. Barney would be able to give me everything I needed in a matter of minutes and I needed to do this on my own. I needed time.
Looking at the results, I spot a multitude of women with the same name. Scrolling through the site, I freeze as I spot the one I knew. Lillian Katelyn Faye. As I move to click on the name, I feel my heart racing nonstop and I panic. Without a second thought, I leave the webpage and delete the history.
"Fuck!'' I growl, pushing myself up from my chair.
"I'm Theodore Grey."
"Lillian Faye,'' she introduces herself with the sweetest smile.
I groan as all the memories come swarming in. Our first meeting in the school hallway. Our first conversation. The first date. The first kiss. Every single moment we spent together. Every moment she lied to me.
"I need to forget her,'' I mumble as I stare out into the now darkened sky. "One way or another, I need to get rid of her memory.''
Like my mood the sunny sky is gone and the rain begins once again. It seems that any moment of happiness cannot last, not as long as she is plaguing my memories.
"One way or another,'' I promise myself.
As the morning progresses, I try concentrating on all the work I had lined up and do my best to avoid Olivia. I didn't want to see her questioning eyes or like everyone else, her pity. I couldn't take another person feeling sorry for me. I just couldn't.
Shaking my head at my pervious thoughts, I continue looking over one of my many unread files. As I start getting into what the file was going on about, two feminine voices take me out of my concentration.
"I need to announce you first,'' I hear Olivia practically shout.
"I can announce myself,'' the other woman replies.
I roll eyes as I recognize the silky voice. Great way to make an impression, Amanda.
Before I can even move an inch out of my seat, the door is pushed open and in walks the platinum blonde, followed by a frazzled-looking Olivia.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Grey. She didn't want to be announced,'' Olivia apologizes.
"It's alright Olivia,'' I say, offering her a smile. "Ms. Carter is not a patient one.''
"It's not like you didn't know I was stopping by,'' Amanda retaliates with a huff, before turning to Olivia. "Amanda Carter,'' she smiles politely, giving Olivia the once over.
"Pleasure,'' Olivia mumbles back, sounding anything but pleased.
Amusement runs through me at the interaction. Amanda always knew how to make an entrance and annoy even the kindest of souls.
"Amanda, this is Olivia Hart. She will be taking over Andrea's post as executive assistant,'' I say.
"Olivia Hart. What a pretty name,'' Amanda smiles like a cat eating the canary.
"Thank you,'' Olivia whispers back, shyly.
"How nice it is to put a face to the name,'' Amanda murmurs as she continues observing poor Olivia.
Olivia arches a brow at Amanda's annoying comment. I swear that woman needs to know how to keep her yapper shut.
"Amanda, would you like anything to drink or eat?'' I ask her, cutting off anything else she was about to say.
"No, no, I'm not in the mood for anything,'' she continues smiling.
"If there isn't anything you need, Mr. Grey, I'll take my leave,'' Olivia announces.
"I'm fine for now. Why don't you take an early lunch, Olivia,'' I offer, politely.
She nods and without a word practically stomps her way out of the office, almost slamming the door behind her.
She's adorable, I think to myself
"She has a hell of a rack,'' Amanda states, as she moves to sit in one of the chairs. "I might just switch teams for her.''
"Keep your claws off her,'' I laugh.
"But seriously, I totally approve.''
"Amanda Carter, are you actually giving another woman your approval?'' I ask amused.
"You heard right, my dearie,'' she purrs. "If it wasn't for the fact that I know I'm one hot piece of ass, I would totally be jealous of her looks. I'm telling you, if she were to ask me to switch teams, I would do it for her.''
"This is why I keep you around, Amanda,'' I laugh.
"For my sex appeal and charming personality?'' She asks, fluttering her eyelashes like some tween.
"Charming personality? Am I talking to Amanda Carter? Bitch-extraordinaire?''
"I'll take that as a compliment,'' she smiles. "Now, when does the show start or am I late?''
"The show?'' I ask, bemused.
"The one where our beloved Nick makes a fool of himself,'' she laughs.
"Not yet, but Phoebe should be here soon,'' I laugh.
"I should've brought popcorn,'' she continues. "This is going to be one hell of a show."
"I'm happy to see how much you admire and believe in our friend,' I tease.
"I adore Nick, but he has been in love with Phebes since I can remember and has not once said a word to her. He might be a lawyer but I can already see him all red and stumbling over his words."
"Well, you're going to have a field day when I tell you what he did this morning,'' I chuckle, recalling his early wakeup call.
"What did he do?'' She smiles with excitement.
"He called me at five-thirty in the morning just to ask what he should wear!'' I laugh.
"No! Oh, Nicholas, I am totally going to tease you for that one,'' she laughs.
"Tell me about it. I was ready to tell Phoebe he was gay-"
"Who's gay?'' The voice of my beloved sister rings through the office as she makes her entrance.
"Phoebe!'' I shout like an oversized child.
"Hello, Teddy bear. Amanda, how are you?'' She greets, pulling Amanda in for a hug.
"Smoking hot and so are you, dolly," Amanda replies.
"You guys like?'' Phoebe asks, twirling around as she shows off her work outfit.
"Dolce and Gabbana blazer, Vince Camuto floral dress, Zanotti pumps, I approve,'' Amanda gives a thumbs up.
"You look beautiful, sis,'' I smile.
"Thank you,'' she says happily. "Now, who's gay?''
"My Zumba instructor,'' Amanda replies, swiftly.
"Oh, I could have told you that,'' Phoebe giggles.
"So, how's work treating you thus far?'' I ask.
"This working business is definitely not as easy as it looks! I mean you and daddy make it seem so easy, all you guys do is sign papers-"
"We do more than signing papers, Phebes,'' I say with a roll of my eyes.
"Beside the point. Anyway, so far my boss likes me and I am in charge of selling more than ten pieces of art,'' she says, practically jumping up and down in excitement.
"Congratulations!'' Amanda praises.
"Speaking of selling art, I might have a first client for you,'' I state. Time to put the plan into action.
"Really?'' She squeals.
"Yup. He's a friend of mine and wants to put up some fine art around his new place. From what I know, he's searching for the right dealer. Most of the people he's met don't understand his taste or something like that,'' I say on the spot, almost patting my own back at my well thought out story.
"Please tell me he isn't some stuck-up ogre,'' she arches a brow in dismay.
"He's-"
"Knock. Knock,'' an annoyingly familiar voice greets.
"Speak of the devil,'' Amanda giggles, taking the words right out of my head.
And then it happens like in one of those sappy romance movies. Phoebe turns at the sound of Nick's voice and then they both stare at each other, as if they were the only two people in the world.
"Where's my popcorn?'' Amanda laughs.
"I'm sorry, I thought you were alone. There was no secretary…'' Nick mumbles as he continues staring at my sister.
"It's fine Nick. We were just talking about you,'' I reply.
"We were?''
"You were?'' Both Phoebe and Nick ask in union, before laughing awkwardly.
"Oh, sweet Jesus. I need to film this,'' Amanda whispers.
"Phoebe, this is Nickolas Holden,'' I introduce them.
"Nice to meet you,'' Phoebe smiles shyly, offering her manicured hand to Nick.
"Like wise,'' he says back, trying to sound unfazed by her. However, the blush gives him away and Phoebe lets out a soft giggle.
Dear god, is she seriously giggling? And is he blushing?
"Phoebe, Nick is the friend I wanted you to meet. He's currently moving into a new place and wanted to decorate with some art,'' I say, doing my part as wingman.
"Art! You want to buy some art?'' Phoebe practically shrieks, grabbing onto Nick's arms.
The look on Nick's face is absolutely hilarious and while I stop myself from laughing, Amanda doesn't. She giggles as we see Nick all but ready to pass out at being touched by my sister.
"I…that is…sure,'' he stumbles out.
"I can totally do you!'' Phoebe says all of a sudden and then blushes, as she realizes what she just said. "I mean I wouldn't do you. Not that I wouldn't want to-"
Amanda only laughs harder as Phoebe makes a fool of herself and this time I can't help chuckle at the hilarious sight. Even Nick lets out a small laugh, but his face is still a blazing red. I decide to take mercy on my baby sister and save her from her babbling.
"Phoebe, shut up,'' I call out to her and to everyone's amusement, she zips it.
"Would I like to buy art from you?'' Nick offers, politely.
Phoebe nods rapidly, smiling up at him in a way I had never seen her do.
I'd like that,'' he smiles down at her. "Although, I must let you know I can't tell a Monet from a Degas.''
"That's what I'll be there for. Besides, Teddy can't tell a Monet from a finger painting,'' she giggles.
"Hey!'' I pout. "I'll have you know I took one semester of art history in college.''
"Like that helped,'' Amanda snorts.
"Shut it blondie,'' I order before turning back to Nick and Phebes, only to see them staring at one another in fascination.
"If you'd like, we can get together and talk about some art pieces for your house,'' she offers to him.
"That would be great!'' He practically exclaims. "I mean that would be nice.''
Phoebe giggles again as he stumbles over his own excitement. Her gray eyes shining in a way I had never seen in my little sister. This look wasn't like the one she gave a new pair of shoes or another addition to her wardrobe. It was a look I had seen mom give to dad.
"I can give you my card and you can just set the date. I'm having lunch with Teddy today, but I'm single tomorrow. I mean free! I'm free tomorrow,'' she says.
"Actually Phoebe, I won't be able to do lunch today. I have a last minute meeting, but I can promise you dinner,'' I tell her.
"Oh! That's great,'' she says, but then blushes at her excitement. "I mean that's too bad…''
"Sure it is,'' Amanda mumbles, clearly enjoying the show.
"Why don't you guys have lunch together?'' I offer. "That way you can talk about art.''
"Did you have plans? I mean you came here for a reason,'' Phoebe asks before I'm even done talking.
"I was going to see if Theo was free for lunch, but he obviously isn't now…''
"Great! Then let's go have lunch…I mean only if you'd like to…''
"Yes, definitely. I know a great Italian bistro,'' Nick smiles.
"I love Italian,'' she practically sighs.
"It's a date. I mean it's not a date. It's a business date…umm… I mean lunch! It's a lunch for me to buy art,'' he stumbles.
"Smooth, Nick,'' Amanda snorts.
"I'm sorry,'' Nick says, after throwing Amanda a glare. "I'm not usually like this. I'm a lawyer, so I'm good when it comes to talking and now I'm rambling, aren't I?''
"A bit,'' she nods with a smile. "If it makes you feel better, I think it's adorable.''
"Mother of pearl, I hear wedding bells,'' Amanda chortles.
"Would you two leave already?'' I huff in mock annoyance "And while you're at it take blondie with you."
"Hey! I can show myself out,'' Amanda huffs.
"I'm only kidding, Amanda. You can stay if you'd like."
"I'd love to, but I actually have things to do. I'll talk to you soon,'' she says, blowing me a kiss as she stands up. "See you later lovebirds."
"Bye Amanda," they both say with little interest.
"Seriously, get out!'' I chuckle.
"Right," Phoebe says, before moving towards me and placing a kiss on my cheek. "Dinner?'' She asks.
"Yeah, I'll pick you up from work,'' I reply.
"K-kay. Laters,'' she smiles, bouncing over to Nick.
"See you later Theo," he smiles, opening the door for Phoebe.
"Laters," I say, giving him a thumbs up as he mouths a final thanks, before following Phebes out the door.
Good job! You just set up your baby sister on a date with your best friend and yet, you can't handle your own love life, I think to myself.
"Maybe I should ask Nick to be my wingman? Or maybe Amanda," I mumble before getting back to the millions of papers I had left aside. "And where the hell is my dad? He better not be having sex while his son is at work…"
I'm so sorry for not updating, but life gets in the way. Thank you so much for all the love and please review. Hope you guys enjoyed the adorable Nick and Phoebe! I'll be writing more about them soon. Coming up a chapter in Olivia's pov.