ENJOY!
Olivia's POV.
"I'm home," I call out as I step into the apartment.
"Finally! I have wine chilling, brownies in the oven, and homemade pad see-ew," Sydney lists as she pushes me towards my bedroom. "Put on some pajamas and get ready for some massive girl talk!''
I groan at her announcement. I had hoped she would have forgotten all about our afternoon talk, but it was only wishful thinking. Sydney Hart never forgot anything.
"Don't groan missy! You brought this on yourself after your impressive declaration," she says as if she were talking to a child. "Now go get comfortable! You better be out in ten minutes.''
With one final you-better-do-as-I-say look, she shuts the door, leaving me alone for a few moments of peace. I stare at my bed in longing, wishing I could just crawl in after such a long day but I know better than to go against headstrong Sydney. If I took more than the ten minutes she had given me, she would scream the place down.
"You brought this on yourself Olivia," I tell myself while kicking off my heels, wiggling my toes as they are released from their confines.
Much like my shoes the pins from my hair follow and immediately my hair falls in long, blonde waves down my back. Grabbing my hairbrush I gently run it through my locks all the while staring at my reflection in my small vanity. My green eyes shine just as bright as they once had before the death of my parents but this time there is a whole new spark to them. I don't linger on my eyes for long as I look at my lips, the lips he had taken in a deep, passionate kiss.
"I can't believe he kissed me," I giggle like a schoolgirl as my fingers trace over my rosy lips, remembering the feeling of his lips against my own.
"What are you doing?''
"Not thinking.''
"I want this.''
"Tell me to stop.''
"Touch me.''
"You have two minutes before I come in Liv!'' Sydney's voice pulls me away from the sweetest of memories. He had told me he wasn't thinking and though I barely knew him, I knew not thinking was something new for him. For me he was willing to feel, willing to try, and so was I. Never had I wanted to be with anyone like I did with him. I had practically thrown caution to the wind and almost allowed him to rid me of my virginity. I wanted him and he wanted me, and at the moment that was all that mattered. Yet a part of me is glad for his sister's interruption. I couldn't just let my heart take over when I didn't know where his lay.
I'm scared you'll let me down like she did…
Less than ten words and yet they held so much power. His heart had been broken no matter how many times he tried denying it. As I dress in a pair of silky pajamas I wonder who she is. Was she beautiful? Did he love her? What did she do to drive him into such pain? How could I even compete with a ghost? She might not be in his life anymore but her memory is without doubt etched in his mind.
"Olivia!'' Sydney shouts once more.
"Coming!'' I call to her as I give one final glance to my reflection. I was nothing like the women in his life. His mother was elegant and held a timeless beauty. His cousin a statuesque beauty. His sister, vibrant and impossible to dislike. Amanda Carter was simply beautiful and she knew it. And then there's me. Simple Olivia Hart with student debt, no money, short, and everything he should be running away from.
"You'll never be like them," I say to the girl standing in front of me. "You're just you."
Tossing my hairbrush onto the vanity with a little too much force, I glare at the small insignificant girl that stares back at me. In the living room Sydney has a feast laid out on our small coffee table and Pretty Woman ready to start in the background.
"Finally!'' she huffs as if I had spent hours and not minutes in my room. "I have spicy pad see-ew, triple chocolate brownies with caramel drizzle, a bucket of rocky road, Pinot Grigio all chilled, and the best love story ever made: Pretty Woman!''
"Don't you think you're being a bit exaggerated for a Tuesday night?'' I sit down on the couch and make myself comfortable against our many pillows.
"This is no exaggeration cousin of mine! You, Olivia Hart, have not only admitted you want to do the dirty but also admitted that you want to do the dirty with your boss! With the one and only Theodore Grey!'' she practically squeals, handing me a bowl of mouthwatering pad see-ew.
"Yes, it seems like you've covered it all." I roll my eyes as I dig into my food. God, it was delicious. I really hadn't eaten anything since this morning. The day was just too hectic to think about my stomach.
Ignoring my sarcastic tone, Sydney starts the movie and sits down with her own meal, turning to face me rather than the television. "Spill Hart and leave nothing out, because something tells me you've been holding out on valuable information.''
"There's nothing to say Syd," I say around a bite of noodles.
"Don't bullshit me Olivia. There's definitely more than just work going on at work and it has to do with your very hot, very single boss." She gives me the stink eye before her face turns into shock. "Oh my sweet Jesus! You've kissed him, haven't you? You've kissed Seattle's richest bachelor!''
I feel myself flush at her words, in both embarrassment at what I had done and at the memory of our lips hungrily attacking one another. There was no way out of this conversation now that she knew. If I didn't tell her now, she would find a way to get the information out of me sooner than later.
"There's more to him than his money," I say to her.
"Well, well, well. In the afternoon you were cursing at him and now you're telling me he's more than his palace for a home and collection of imported cars," she snorts.
"Because there is –"
"You haven't answered me Liv. Did you or did you not kiss your very sexy boss?''
"Yes! We kissed in his office and if it hadn't been for his sister I would no longer be a virgin! Happy?''
Her eyebrows almost touch her hairline as I confess what happened and what almost did. I wish I had a camera on me because to see a shocked Sydney Hart was like seeing a lion and a lamb falling in love. There was little that shocked this girl and I had done just that.
"You almost had sex with him? But what happened with spider-legged Barbie and not knowing if he was being honest with you? I'm so lost," she says taking a huge chug of wine.
"They're just friends, at least that's what they are now, and I believe him.''
"Told you," she smirks.
"Do you want me to tell you?'' I purse my lips not wanting to hear her say how right she had been all along.
"Fine. Continue.''
"We had another small argument per usual and when I was walking back to my desk, he pulled by the arm and into him…'' I tell her everything. I tell her how I was the one to initiate the kiss and how he laid me on his desk, ready to have his way with me. No detail is left out. Not even how he promised to woo me and how his sister had stopped us from doing it on the cold surface of his expensive desk.
"Well damn! On his desk? I never thought you had it in you cousin.''
"Neither did I but I'm glad his sister stopped us. We…I'm not…I can't do this –"
"No Liv! I know what you're thinking.''
"I'm not right for him Syd. You should see the women in his universe. I'm not like them.''
"You're acting as if he weren't from this world, Liv. Sure he's rich but you said it yourself, didn't you? There is more to him than his daily allowance.''
"His mom hates me –''
"His mom doesn't know you! Besides she's more like you than you know. She was just some normal twenty-one year old student at WSU when she met the Christian Grey. I read some article and it said they got married only after knowing each other for less than three months!''
"It's not the same," I say, taking a large bite out of a brownie.
She gives me a look that means I better give her some good ass reasons as why this situation isn't the same.
"His mom is gorgeous and I'm just –''
"Oh shut up Olivia! You have a killer rack, beautiful green eyes, short but somehow you're legs look like they go on for miles, and you have the most loving heart.''
I shake my head as she list down all these so-called qualities, not believing she was talking about me. I was just some plain, little mouse. People would say I was after his money when they found out I had no penny to my name. Sure his mom had bagged his dad but the odds of me doing it with him were a longshot.
"Olivia I know that you think that you shouldn't have survived the accident when your parents didn't, but you did. You survived and now you need to live! Don't you think they'd want you to? I know they would," she murmurs passionately, taking my hand in hers. "Don't be the person that asks 'what if?' Don't give up before you try.''
"I may have already lost," I say sadly.
"How so?''
"Someone hurt him before. I can't fight with a ghost Syd. I don't want my heart broken.''
"Falling for someone isn't easy Liv. If you get your heart broken I'll be here for you and so will Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Love wasn't meant to be easy, it's supposed to be worth it.''
I pick at the remaining piece of my brownie, thinking over her words as Richard Gere declares his love for Julia Roberts on the television. They made it seem so easy in the movies. A rich guy falling for someone that had no place in his world. As they kiss the sappy music starts, letting us know that they lived happily ever after but that's not how it goes, does it? There are no certainties in real life like there are in the movies.
After helping Sydney with the dishes and without another word about my love life, I head back into my room, ready to climb into bed and wake up a month from now. I felt like I was on overdrive. Just a few weeks ago I had been hoping to land the job at GEH and here I am now, slowly falling for the heir to it all.
Why couldn't I have fallen for an intern or something? I just had to fall for the boss, I think to myself.
Right as I'm about to draw the duvet back from the bed and throw myself in, I hear the annoying buzzing of my phone. Grabbing it from its place on the dresser I smile as I see whose calling. Theodore.
"Hello Mr. Grey.''
"Did I wake you?'' he asks.
"No. I was just about to get into bed," I reply laying down on the welcoming sheets.
"What an enticing image I'm having… of us in bed…together," he says making me blush at his comment.
Oh my… The thought of us in bed together…yes, the thought was very enticing.
"You haven't wooed me yet," I laugh timidly.
"No I haven't Miss Hart you're right.''
"How was your night out with your sister?'' I ask, moving the conversation onto safer territory
"It was exactly what I needed. She likes you by the way.''
My eyes widen in shock at his declaration. He talked to his sister about me? She likes me?
"You talked with her about me?'' I gulp.
"I did," he murmurs with a smile clear in his voice.
"Why?'' I question rather stupidly.
"Phoebe is my sister and I'd like for you and her to be friends.''
Friends? Wow! He actually wants his sister and me to get along. To get to know each other…
"Don't you think you're moving a little fast? I mean you just said you wanted to woo me and now you're planning on introducing me to your family.''
"Does that bother you?''
"Yes. No. Maybe we should take things a bit slowly. Last time I checked your mom didn't like me and I'm pretty sure your dad thinks I'm incompetent," I ramble.
"My dad thinks the world is incompetent," he offers.
"And your mom?''
"My mom forgets that I'm an adult. I'll deal with Mrs. Grey.''
"Please don't! I don't want you fighting with your mother because of me. I'm not worth the hassle.''
I would not be the force driving mother and son away from one another. I couldn't live with myself if it ever came to that. I didn't want Theodore to choose between us. He didn't deserve that.
"Miss Hart you are worth all the hassle thrown my way. Now, I don't really want to talk about my family anymore. They weren't the reason I called you.''
"And why did you call me?'' I ask curiously.
"Your voice calms me," he replies with nothing other than honesty ringing through his voice.
My breath catches in my throat and I can practically hear the sound of my own beating heart at his honesty. Never did I imagine to hear these words coming from him.
"Is that so?'' I ask warmly, feeling proud of myself at the knowledge of what my voice can do to him. If only he knew what his voice could do to me…
"As a matter of fact it's so. You make me forget everything.''
"Like what?''
"Like who I am.''
Oh Theodore…
"I like who you are," I tell him, wishing I could erase the pain that lies beneath his voice.
"And what exactly do you like about me Miss Hart?''
"Now that would be telling Mr. Grey," I laugh softly.
"How about we make a deal? I'll tell you something if you tell me something," he negotiates.
"Ever the businessman Mr. Grey," I tease him.
"That I am Miss Hart. Now tell me something.''
"I thought you were handsome when we first met," I say and I'm surprised at how strong my voice sounds.
"Did you now? Here I thought you were too busy beating me up to take notice of my charms," he drawls no doubt recalling our first meeting.
"I'm not blind. Although, you deserved getting stepped on after you ogled me.''
"I did no such thing Miss Hart! I was nothing but a gentleman that day.''
"Staring at my chest does not classify you as a gentleman.'' I smile remembering his eyes taking me in. Maybe one day I'll tell him that I liked having his eyes on me. Perhaps I'll tell him that I felt something warm stir deep inside me we both took one another in.
"Well…what can I say? It would be a crime to not stare at your beauty.''
I let out a laugh at his movie-like line. Did he seriously just give me a pickup line?
"You're cheesy! Does that line actually work on girls?''
"Apparently it doesn't now.'' I can practically see him pout as I mock his attempts at wooing me.
"You'll have to be smarter than that Grey if you want to woo me.''
"You make difficult when you laugh at me for trying.''
"I'm sorry. I won't laugh again, promise.'' I cross my fingers as I bite my lips to keep my laughing at bay.
"Something tells me you're crossing your fingers Miss Hart.''
How the hell does he know that?
"Maybe I am,'' I smile.
"I'll tell you something," he whisper as if he were about to share a big secret with me.
"What?''
"I like it when you laugh at me.''
"Really?''
"Yes. There are few who dare laugh at me and they're all relatives of mine with the exception of Nick and Amanda. It's refreshing.''
"I'll make sure to laugh at you more often then.''
"Please do," I laugh alongside her. "Your turn Miss Hart. What else do you like about me?''
"Your smile.''
"Everyone says I have my dad's smile.''
"It's a very pretty smile.''
"What else Miss Hart?''
No you don't Grey! It's my turn and I want to know. I need to know.
"Oh no. My turn. What did she do?''
He goes silent at my question. My heart races in anticipation for his answer. Will he tell me? Or will he just hang up on me and order me to never ask again. I hate myself for asking him what I'm sure is a painful question, but I need to know. I need to know who the ghost is.
"Who?'' he asks, playing dumb.
"You know who," I say.
"I don't think this is a conversation I want to have at the moment.''
Let me in Theodore. Don't shut me out, I silently beg.
"Did she cheat on you?'' I finally ask. The mere thought of someone like him – handsome and rich and everything actors portray in film – being cheated on is outrages. Why would anyone hurt him when he's so kind?
"No. I might have forgiven her if she had," he finally says.
She didn't cheat on him? Then what she do to cause him so much pain?
"Tell me," I order gently. Surely I'm overstepping but I wanted to know him better. How could I help him if he wouldn't let me in?
"I will but not now Olivia. This is new for me. I haven't wanted something like this in seven years. I need time.''
His voice is pained as he slowly opens up to me. This moment might seem small, but it means the world to me. He won't tell me everything just yet but this small step was only the beginning. He needed time and I would give it to him.
"Okay," I say softly.
"Okay," he repeats back to me.
"Theodore?''
"Hmm?''
"I love your eyes. It's like looking at the morning sky after a rainy day.''
He lets out a soft laugh. "I thought I was supposed to woo you?''
"I told you I would woo you as well.'' I smile resting my head on my favorite pillow. My hand drawing a pattern over it again and again.
"I think you're doing a better job at it than I am.''
"Maybe I just have a way with words," I giggle.
"So you do. Now it's my turn. If memory serves me right I asked you to go out with me this Friday.''
Oh. I though he had forgotten all about Friday.
"Yes, I remember.''
"Get ready to be wooed Miss Hart," he promises.
"Are you going to kidnap me?'' I tease.
"Something along those lines.''
Being kidnapped by Theodore Grey…
"Alright then. Kidnap me.''
"Miss Hart don't say something you don't mean.''
"I mean it Mr. Grey. My cousin recently told me I should live a little and I plan to.''
"What a coincidence. My sister told me the same thing.''
"They must know us well.''
"It would seem so. It's getting late Miss Hart, sleep.''
Mr. Domineering is back, I smile at his mood swings.
"Aren't you bossy?''
"I get it from my father. Now go to sleep Olivia. We both work in the morning.''
"You're the one that disturbed my night Mr. Grey.''
"That I did. Now I want you to rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow and I don't want you to be tired at work.''
"Okay Mr. Grey, I'll sleep.
"Good," he says.
"Goodnight Theodore," I whisper to him, loving the way his name sounds on my lips.
"Goodnight Olivia. Sweet dreams.''
"Sweet dreams Mr. Grey.''
Hanging up, I nestle against the softness of my bed and wrap myself in the duvet as I think of him. He had promised to woo me and I had as well, but I also know there was something else I needed to do. I needed to mend his broken heart. I would do everything in my power to erase her memory from his mind. I would help him live just as I would do the same. Together we would tear down our walls.
Theodore's POV.
"Are you ready to be the big honcho at GEH?'' Phoebe asks as she takes one last bite of the pie we had devoured together in her room.
I shrug. Was I ready? That was the question everyone asked. It was the question I honestly had no answer to. I had been raised all my life knowing that GEH would belong to Phoebe and I. When Phoebe had said she would study art, I knew it would be up to me. I would have to live up to my father's legacy. I would have to make sure that GEH didn't topple down. Was I ready?
"As the daughter of Christian Grey," Phoebe starts making me laugh at her mock impersonation of me. "I should tell you that the universe is yours and you were born to do this. You graduated with top honors from Harvard and I think you know what you're doing.''
"As my sister?'' I smile.
"As your sister I want you to live life. Stop doing what everyone expects of you and just think with your heart. Do something spontaneous and wild. No one is going to love you less if you stop following in dad's steps.''
"How'd you grow up so fast?'' I look at her in what I know is brotherly adoration. Sometimes I'm just as bad as dad when it comes to her. To me she was still the same baby mom held in her arms the first time we were introduced.
"It was bound to happen sometime," she shrugs before resting her head on my shoulder. "I can't be happy if you aren't Teddy. I don't feel like I deserve it.''
"What are you talking about? I'll never resent you for being happy Phe.''
"It was my fault that you found out. If I hadn't said anything –''
"If you hadn't said anything I would be living a lie. You can't blame yourself for telling me the truth.''
"I like her.''
"Hmm?''
"Olivia. She made you laugh again," she whispers before I hear her give a soft sigh.
"Goodnight Phe," I whisper into her soft hair.
"Night Teddy bear," she mumbles back before she is pulled into her dreams. Her face peaceful as sleep claims her.
Closing my eyes, I lean my head back against the soft headboard. Memories flooding my mind as they had when Olivia had asked about my first time. Memories that no matter how much I tried to ignore, they always forced their way in. Gently, I get Phoebe off of me and let her head rest on one of her many pillows. I smile as she hugs the plush unicorn dad had given her when she was a little girl. That plush had accompanied Phoebe on all her travels and had seen better days, but Phoebe would never give it up.
"Sweet dreams Phe," I murmur, placing a kiss on her head.
Silently I tiptoe out of her room and head to my old room. A small smile graces my face as I look around the space that had been all mine for eighteen years. Sport trophies, books, and Harvard memorabilia adorned my childhood bedroom. Running my hands over my trinkets, I reminisce about my teenage years. Memories of parties and trying to sneak away from my father's closed grip around me. I had never cared for my father's controlling nature but after that day, I knew he was only doing what was best for me. He had never wanted to see me hurt and I had taken his caring nature for granted.
Walking over to the collage that adorns one of the walls, I look at the many pictures; smiling as I spot a few funny ones. In some I see Amanda giving me a hug, my cousins all laughing, one of mom and dad, and then I see her. The pretty brunette that looked innocent with her hazel eyes and sweet smile as she gave my cheek a kiss. She looked angelic but hadn't Lucifer been an angel too?
"Theodore! I love you!'' she cries.
"Of all the lies you told me, that's the one I resent the most," I glare at her before pushing past her and my family.
Taking the picture away from the collage, I crumple it up in my hand and throw it into the waste basket by my desk. She had no place in my life or my memories. Besides there was only one person that I would rather be thinking about. Olivia Hart. My Olivia. Beautiful Olivia that waltz into my life and woke up a part of me that I had thought dead.
Reaching for my phone, I scroll down my contacts and press call without a single thought about how late it was. She picks up on the third ring. Her voice soft and beautiful. A melody that begins fixing a heart she didn't even know how broken it was.
"Hello Mr. Grey.''
"Did I wake you?'' I ask.
"No. I was just about to get into bed," she says softly.
"What an enticing image I'm having… of us in bed…together.''
"You haven't wooed me yet," she laughs timidly.
"No I haven't Miss Hart you're right," I say as I lay down on the bed.
"How was your night out with your sister?''
"It was exactly what I needed. She likes you by the way.''
"You talked with her about me?''
"I did," I murmur, smiling at her shy tone.
"Why?''
"Phoebe is my sister and I'd like for you and her to be friends.''
"Don't you think you're moving a little fast? I mean you just said you wanted to woo me and now you're planning on introducing me to your family.''
"Does that bother you?''
"Yes. No. Maybe we should take things a bit slowly. Last time I checked your mom didn't like me and I'm pretty sure your dad thinks I'm incompetent.''
"My dad thinks the world is incompetent," I offer.
"And your mom?''
"My mom forgets that I'm an adult. I'll deal with Mrs. Grey.''
"Please don't! I don't want you fighting with your mother because of me. I'm not worth the hassle.''
"Miss Hart you are worth all the hassle thrown my way. Now, I don't really want to talk about my family anymore. They weren't the reason I called you.''
"And why did you call me?'' she asks curiously.
"Your voice calms me," I tell her honestly.
"Is that so?'' Her tone is proud and teasing, but also filled with warmth.
"As a matter of fact it's so. You make me forget everything.''
"Like what?''
"Like who I am.''
"I like who you are.''
"And what exactly do you like about me Miss Hart?''
"Now that would be telling Mr. Grey," she laughs softly and for some reason I feel my heart skip a beat at the sound. My heart actually fucking skips a beat.
"How about we make a deal? I'll tell you something if you tell me something.''
"Ever the businessman Mr. Grey.''
"That I am Miss Hart. Now tell me something.''
"I thought you were handsome when we first met," she starts off.
"Did you now? Here I thought you were too busy beating me up to take notice of my charms," I drawl.
"I'm not blind. Although, you deserved getting stepped on after you ogled me.''
"I did no such thing Miss Hart! I was nothing but a gentleman that day.''
"Staring at my chest does not classify you as a gentleman.''
"Well…what can I say? It would be a crime to not stare at your beauty.''
"You're cheesy! Does that line actually work on girls?''
"Apparently it doesn't now," I pout.
"You'll have to be smarter than that Grey if you want to woo me.''
"You make difficult when you laugh at me for trying.''
"I'm sorry. I won't laugh again, promise.''
"Something tells me you're crossing your fingers Miss Hart.''
"Maybe I am.''
"I'll tell you something," I whisper as if I were about to tell her a big secret.
"What?''
"I like it when you laugh at me.''
"Really?''
"Yes. There are few who dare laugh at me and they're all relatives of mine with the exception of Nick and Amanda. It's refreshing.''
"I'll make sure to laugh at you more often then.''
"Please do," I laugh alongside her. "Your turn Miss Hart. What else do you like about me?''
"Your smile.''
"Everyone says I have my dad's smile.''
"It's a very pretty smile.''
"What else Miss Hart?''
"Oh no. My turn. What did she do?''
I freeze knowing who she was asking about. My hand tightens around my cell and I glance at the wastebasket where her now crumpled picture lays.
"Who?'' I ask, playing dumb.
"You know who," she says.
"I don't think this is a conversation I want to have at the moment.''
"Did she cheat on you?''
I close my eyes in exasperation, knowing she wouldn't let this go so easily. But then again, didn't I want her to get to know me? If I wanted more with her, shouldn't I finally open up to someone about what happened?
"No. I might have forgiven her if she had," I finally say.
"Tell me," she orders gently.
"I will but not now Olivia. This is new for me. I haven't wanted something like this in seven years. I need time.''
"Okay," she says softly.
"Okay," I repeat.
"Theodore?''
"Hmm?''
"I love your eyes. It's like looking at the morning sky after a rainy day.''
I let out a soft laugh. "I thought I was supposed to woo you?''
"I told you I would woo you as well.''
"I think you're doing a better job at it than I am.''
"Maybe I just have a way with words," she giggles.
"So you do. Now it's my turn. If memory serves me right I asked you to go out with me this Friday.''
"Yes, I remember.''
"Get ready to be wooed Miss Hart," I promise.
"Are you going to kidnap me?'' she teases.
"Something along those lines.''
"Alright then. Kidnap me.''
"Miss Hart don't say something you don't mean.''
"I mean it Mr. Grey. My cousin recently told me I should live a little and I plan to.''
"What a coincidence. My sister told me the same thing.''
"They must know us well.''
"It would seem so. It's getting late Miss Hart, sleep.''
"Aren't you bossy?''
"I get it from my father. Now go to sleep Olivia. We both work in the morning.''
"You're the one that disturbed my night Mr. Grey.''
"That I did. Now I want you to rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow and I don't want you to be tired at work.''
"Okay Mr. Grey, I'll sleep.
"Good," I say.
"Goodnight Theodore," she whispers with a smile clear in her voice.
"Goodnight Olivia. Sweet dreams.''
"Sweet dreams Mr. Grey.''
As we both hang up, I stretch out on my bed, smiling up at the ceiling. Thoughts of a whole other her filling my mind. Thoughts of long blonde hair and green eyes, and a temperament that could match my own. Thoughts of a heart beginning to heal. Sweet dreams indeed…
"You guys practically ditched me yesterday. What happened to wanting me to move back and oh we miss you so much princess," I hear Phoebe say from within the dining room.
"Phoebe don't be so dramatic," mom laughs. "You told us you were going out with Teddy.''
"It was my first day at work! I was expecting some more love from the two of you! I didn't expect for you guys to celebrate without me," she huffs.
"We had a few errands to run in Oregon princess," dad says.
"Errands? Really dad?'' I laugh, stepping into the room.
"Oh isn't this like old times!'' mom shrieks happily as she pulls me down to sit next to her. "My two babies having breakfast with us Christian.''
Dad smiles lovingly at mom, enjoying her glee no doubt.
"Watch out Teddy, mom is about to feed you warm milk from a bottle," Phoebe teases.
I make a face before filling my plate with delicious looking French toast, drenching it with syrup.
"Would you like some food for your syrup?'' dad jokes as he eyes my plate.
"Nope. Want some?'' I ask around a huge bite, knowing I looked more like a toddler than an adult.
"This is who I'm leaving in charge," he mutters to himself.
"Speaking of work and going back to what Phoebe was saying, where the hell have you been?'' I ask him.
"I've had things to do," he shrugs, his eyes holding a secret I rather not uncover.
"Dad, you step down on July 30th. We're less than twenty days from that. I need you in the office and not flying out to Oregon because you wanted a quickie with mom.''
"Gross! Teddy don't say things like that!'' Phoebe glares at me while mom flushes.
"I want you to get a hang of things and your mother needed my full and undivided attention," he winks at mom.
"You two are going to Europe after the 30th and won't be back until Phoebe's birthday! I need you in the office and you mom should be at Grey House," I order.
"Is he seriously bossing us around?'' dad laughs.
"I dare say he is Mr. Grey," mom laughs alongside him.
I growl. "You two are impossible.''
"Do you know who you're talking to Teddy?'' Phoebe mumbles behind her cup of coffee.
"You need to go to work today. Ross is flying in from Japan and there is no way I am meeting with old man Hutson by myself," I glare at Mr. Master of the Universe.
"You forget that I'm still the CEO Theo and you're my employee," dad smirks.
"Nick notarized the papers yesterday which technically puts GEH under my name. The party is just for show," I say with the same look he gave everyone else.
Standing up, I button up my suit and give my mother a kiss on the cheek before turning to my dad.
"You're working today Grey," I say in my best no nonsense tone.
Dad arches a brow in amusement before turning to my mom and Phoebe. "Well ladies I do apologize but it appears my boss is ordering me to work."
Mom and Phoebe laugh as they receive their kisses from dad.
"Have a nice day at work baby," mom says after one of their X-rated kisses.
"Laters baby," he purrs.
"You guys are so gross! But also cute." Phoebe giggles as she stands up, dawning her Prada bag over her shoulder. "Do you mind if I borrow Sawyer mom?"
"What happened to Ryan?'' dad asks.
"I'm giving the day off. He seems tired although I don't know why," she shrugs.
"Maybe it has to do with the fact that he's assigned to do your every bidding," I joke.
She gives me a face before turning to mom for her reply. "Taylor can drive you, can't he mommy?''
"Don't do it mom. She'll probably kidnap Sawyer and force him to marry her.'' I laugh remembering Phoebe's crush on mom's right hand man. I still remember when she had a pretend wedding with him, dad had almost gone into cardiac arrest at the sight.
"I was four Teddy!'' she blushes.
"Didn't stop dad from drawing up an annulment.''
Mom laughs as dad's face goes red, recalling the very moment his little princess declared her undying love for Sawyer. It had never gone unnoticed that Phoebe preferred him over every other bodyguard much to everyone's amusement. One only had to remember when she sold lemonade for one hundred dollars the cup to everyone but Sawyer. I believe her reasoning was that he was pretty; her words not mine.
"Take Taylor, Phoebe," dad orders.
"Daddy!'' she whines. " You owe me, remember?''
"I'll buy you pony," he huffs.
"I'm not a baby, daddy!'' She turns to mom for help, knowing mom would make dad see reason as she always did.
"Christian, let her be. You can take Sawyer but please don't harass him," mom smiles as she sips on her tea.
"I don't harass him!'' Phoebe pouts.
We all arch a brow at Phoebe humph. With a glare at us she sweetly calls out, "Oh Sawyer!''
In a matter of seconds Sawyer is racing into the dining room, alert as always. I swear the man always seems as if he's going to war. He's always on edge.
"Miss Grey?''
"I'm borrowing you for today," she grins.
Sawyer visible gulps at the news, turning to my mom for a swift rescue, but she only laughs from behind her tea.
"What about Ryan?'' he asks.
"I gave him the day,'' she says before giving him an evil smile. "Make sure you're wearing your comfy shoes, we have a busy day ahead of ourselves.''
"Don't you have work today Phe?'' I ask.
"I do but I made plans with Ava and the girls. We're going clubbing.''
Sawyer's face makes us all laugh as it goes from scared to absolutely petrified. No doubt he had heard from Ryan how difficult it was taking care of Phoebe and the messes she got herself and Ava in.
"Phoebe it's Wednesday and didn't you go clubbing enough in Europe?'' I say.
"Teddy there are seven days in a week and each day must be lived to its fullest. How boring would it be if I only went out on the weekend," she replies back.
"Nice philosophy," I snort.
"Where and with who are you going?'' dad questions.
"Ava and a lot of other girls, daddy. Don't worry there are no boys going unless you count Sawyer.''
"Have fun Sawyer," I laugh as his face continues to grow in horror at the thought of looking after Phoebe and her friends.
"Miss Grey, I'm sure Ryan isn't too tired to work today. Let me just go get him –"
"Don't be silly Sawyer! Now let's go. I don't want to be late." She tugs at his arm, pushing him towards the main hall.
"You should send backup for Sawyer. He might quit by the end of the night," I tell dad as we watch little Phoebe Grey treating the man as if he were nothing more than a ragdoll.
"I'll send the entire team," dad nods.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and please review! I love reading what you all have to say.