Fifty Shades of Life – Chapter 3
Disclaimer – I don't own anything
A/N: I never understood why everyone loved reviews, but now I know why. Reviews and follows and favorites really encourage me to continue, knowing people enjoy what I write. So thank you! I'm sorry if this chapter doesn't make sense, it's just a filler and I'm rushing with it. The first few chapters are quite slow going, but I have quite a lot planned out. Please bear with me!
I open my eyes to a new day, confused as to where I am. I look around. Oh, I'm in the playroom. I smile. Fifty can be so sweet and caring, yet sometimes so callous and cold. My mercurial man. My head is resting on Christian's perfectly sculptured, muscled chest. He really looks after himself. I try to get up but his arms tighten around me. I lie back down, nuzzling his chest. His eyes flutter open as a soft grin kisses his face. Lord, he is so adorable in the morning.
"Good morning." I reach up to kiss him.
"It's perfect now." He replies. "What time is it? I have to get to work."
"Shit!"
I scramble out of bed, Christian watching in amusement. I grab Christian's shirt and slip it on, rushing down to get ready.
Downstairs, Gail and Taylor are talking in the kitchen. Gail stops mid sentence as I pass the kitchen, both of them looking up at me.
I flush and run to the bedroom. Ripping Christian's shirt off, I climb into the shower. I come out at record time. Toweling myself, I look at the time. 8.15. I sigh in relief. That's not too bad. Christian walks in and smirks as me as he removes his jeans, shirtless because I took his shirt. He saunters in to the shower. Such a tease.
Walking into the kitchen, pancakes and bacon are laid out for me. I smile. Sipping my tea in comfortable silence, a pair of hands wrap themselves around me. Christian kisses my cheek as he comes to sit next to me. An idea pops unbidden into my mind.
"Can I borrow your phone, Mr. Grey."
Christian looks at me as if I have 3 hands but hands it over without a word. Scrolling through his contacts, I find the number I'm looking for and commit it to memory. I pass Christian his phone back.
I stand, walking to the elevator. "I'm taking the Audi to work today. It's Friday." I tell him by way of explanation.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Audi
Date: September 24, 2011 9:23
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I can't thank you enough for the Audi. It moves like a dream. Thank you!
Ana. x
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
Hannah knocks on my door, walking in and bringing my daily coffee. She gives me three manuscripts and I start to work. My computer pings, alerting me of new mail.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 242011 10.53
To: Anastasia Grey
You're welcome. You really have to stop thanking me for things. I want to give you the world, Anastasia. Would you and Little Blip like to join me for lunch today?
Christian Grey
Hungry CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Lunch? Christian has never taken me to lunch on a weekday. Hmmmm. I type a quick response to Christian.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 24, 2011 11:09
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I'd love to.
Ana. x
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 242011 11.12
To: Anastasia Grey
What time shall I collect you?
Christian Grey
Hungry CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 24, 2011 11:15
To: Christian Grey
How about I meet you there, since you have provided me with such a lovely car
Ana. x
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 242011 11.20
To: Anastasia Grey
Okay. I'll meet you at the Italian restaurant, Itallinies on Fifth Avenue at, say 12.30?
Christian Grey
Smirking CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From: Anastasia Grey
Subject: Lunch
Date: September 24, 2011 11:25
To: Christian Grey
Sounds good
Ana. x
Anastasia Grey
Commissioning Editor, SIP
At 12.10, I take my phone and my packed lunch. I give it to Hannah on the way out as to not waste, and tell her that I have a lunch appointment. She quizzically looks at me and checks her PDA.
"But Ana, it's not written down in your schedule."
"Yeah I know, it's last minute, with my husband."
"Oh right. Thanks for the lunch and I'll prepare some files and manuscripts for you when you get back." Hannah bristles with efficiency. I smile kindly at her before exiting. On the way out, Claire wishes me farewell. Getting into my car, I head off to Fifth Avenue.
Entering the restaurant, I look around. It's elegant and romantic, with soft music in the background. It looks very classy and expensive. I look around to find my husband but there's no sign of him.
"Hello. May I help you?"
I turn to find a man in blue pants and a red shirt.
"Er – yes, is there a reservation under Christian Grey?"
"Yes, he's in the private room. You must be Mrs. Grey, if you'd like to follow me."
I follow him past a few tables to the back, where there's a door. Knocking on the door and opening it, the man leads me in, I thank him and he leaves. Christian is sitting in a soft, comfortable chair, looking rugged and sexy, sipping a cup of wine. My inner goddess melts.
"Hello Mrs. Grey, if you'd like to join me."
Christian's soft voice in the well-designed room caresses me as he gestures to the seat opposite him.
A waiter comes in, bringing me a glass of white wine, along with penne pasta in garlic tomato sauce. Delicious. As we eat, we converse about how our days have been so far.
"Christian, why did you suddenly ask me to join you for lunch?"
"I just miss you. Can't I treat my wife to lunch?" I blush. God, I love this man. A sudden thought comes to my mind.
"Can I ask you something?" I ask.
"Of course." He answers warily.
"Well, remember my surprise belated birthday in the playroom? There was a box. I forgot about it. What was inside?"
"Well, why don't you see for yourself?"
After lunch, we kiss goodbye and I head back to work. That was really refreshing and sweet. He also left me wondering what was in that box.
Leaving work half an hour early, I head home. Walking into the great room, it's empty, save for Gail.
"Is Christian home yet?" I wonder.
"No, Mr. Grey told me to prepare dinner in half an hour." She replies with a smile.
Oh good. I grab the spare key and head to the playroom. Upon opening the door, I find the wrapped box. Opening it, tears well up in my eyes.
Dear Mrs. Grey. This is the first of many birthdays to come. I am honored to be able to celebrate them with you. I'm sorry that it's late, but I will make it the very best. Thank you for being mine and for loving me. You mean the world to me. Here is my heart to you. I love you.
Inside the box, two small little heart shaped balls are placed neatly inside. They have a blue string attached. Exactly like the silver balls! I smile. This is really Christian. Romantic, yet kinky and sexy put together. I love Christian Grey.