I found myself at a quaint little coffee shop after walking for what feels like hours. I needed out of Escala before did or said something I would regret. Walking seems to help me let go of my pent-up anger and frustration.
A feeling of being watched had me panicked as I glanced behind me and couldn't see anyone. I know better than that though. Christian is very stern about my safety and I'm sure walking aimlessly around Seattle after the few close calls we've had would set-off his already fragile hold on reality. It is with this knowledge that I know for sure that either Taylor or Sawyer is tailing me. A few blocks from Escala, my suspicions are confirmed as I pass by a mirrored window and across the street is Sawyer, subtly – catch the eye-roll – following me.
I ducked into the coffee shop and stand at the counter, waiting to place my order. With my tea in hand I find a table in the back and sit sipping the beverage. Sawyer is still across the street, leaning against a light pole, looking relaxed and at ease. I know better though. He's watching me and our surroundings for any dangers or heaven forbids I try to evade him again. I should probably apologise to him for that stunt.
Time passes as I sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, just people watching.
My blackberry buzzes for what has to be the tenth time in the two hours I've been sitting here. One glance at the screen and the flashing name has me sending the call to voicemail. You would think he'd get the message that I don't want to talk to him, but apparently not. I know he's fuming about my refusal to take the call, but he can go to hell for all I care.
I order another cup of tea and head back to my table, just staring at the people going about their business. I refuse to entertain any thought to my hostile husband at this point, lest I breakdown in public. Wouldn't that be a sight! Mrs Grey balling her eyes out in public... that's sure to make front page news.
I haven't noticed Sawyer walking into my haven, until he's standing in front of me with a frown on his face. "Mrs Grey, Mr Grey would like to have a word with you" he hand me his phone and strolls to the door, attempting to give me a semblance of privacy.
I glance at the phone debating whether or not to take the call. Deciding against it, I hit the end button and call after Sawyer, handing him back the phone. His eyes dart from me to the phone with a bemused look on his face. As he reaches for the phone it buzzes again, Sawyer snatches it off the table and one look at his face tell me all I need to know about the caller.
He answers the call and flinches at what must be fifty screaming bloody murder at him, I should be sorry, but I am all out of sympathy. Sawyer mutters a yes sir before lowering the phone and addressing me, "Mrs Grey, Mr Grey for you" he hands me the phone again, but before I can take it and repeat my previous action, Sawyer pulls it back an inch causing me to look at his face.
"Please" he mouth, and dammit I cannot be a cold-hearted bitch about it now. I nod and take the phone from him.
"Christian"
"Where the fuck are you Anastasia? I explicitly told this morning that we were having company and you take off without so much as a word to anyone. Why have you not been answering you phone?" Christian rants; each sentence louder than the last.
"I needed to l…" my attempt at calming the volcano that's about to erupt fails and Christian interjects, cutting me off before I can finish. Now that's just rude, and I will not tolerate that shit from him.
"I don't…."and I end the call cutting him off like he did me. See how he likes that!
I hand the phone back to Sawyer, smiling sweetly at his disbelieving expression. He must think I've lost my mind and he may be right too. When it buzzes again, a slightly hysterical giggle escapes from my mouth before I can suppress it.
I snatch the phone from Sawyer and answer it.
"Shut-up and listen Christian Grey, I do not want to talk to you right now so stop harassing Sawyer. I'll be home when I damn well please. So knock it off with all the damn calls already" Click
I hand the phone back to Sawyer for hopefully the last time. "That should take care it" Sawyer takes his leave and strolls out of the coffee shop to stand guard across the street again I presume.
It's around sunset when I decide to leave the coffee shop and head back to Escala. I know that there might be a possible mega-storm brewing, but I couldn't care less. Perhaps he'll tell me what's bothering him. Doubtful, but I'm still optimistic that My Fifty is still in there somewhere.
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The reasons and reactions of Christian might seem confusing, please be patient all will be revealed...