Chapter 10
Anastasia POV
Why on earth did I invite Christian here?! He lives in that ivory tower and here I am in the little home that I purchased. I didn't want any of the gifts that he had given me but as per the contract, everything was shipped to me; even the submissive special car. I sold it all and used the money to move out of Kate's when I found this beauty and traded in my car.
I now live in North Beacon Hill. It's a safe and mostly residential neighborhood. It's nice and quiet.
My phone starts ringing and of course it's Christian. He's probably outside having a panic attack outside.
"Hello."
"I'm outside.. I think."
I knew it. "Yeah. I can see you. I'll buzz you up."
A few minuted later there's a knock on my door and Christian is standing with a security member that I'm not familiar with.
"Hi."
"Hey." he stands awkwardly at my door.
"Where's Taylor?" I ask frowning.
"He's reassigned right now."
"Oh.. Well come in." I say smiling as best as I can. This can't be good and it means I have gotten Taylor in trouble.
"I'm Ana. And you are?" I say extending my hand.
"Reynolds ma'am."
"Okay, here are ground rules. What is your first name?"
"Joshua." he says after getting a nod from Christian.
"Okay. Trust me, I know all of Christian's rules but in my home you will address me as Ana. As Christian will probably ask you this at some point, my home is throughly equipped and secured. You can also ask Taylor as I am assuming he is still your boss." I say that last part directed at Christian. "Now that that is out of the way," I smile. "Make yourselves at home. Would either of you likes something to drink or a light snack?"
"No thank you m- Ana." he shuffles uncomfortable. Christian is still however standing near the door looking stunned.
"If you would feel more comfortable, you can go in the security office. It's the last door on the right." I point. He nods at both Christian and I before leaving.
I look at Christian who still hasn't said anything since he came in.
"Wow."
I don't know if that's a wow this is nice or wow, you really live here.
"This is nice." Okay, good.
"Thank you. It's small but it's enough space for us. You want a tour?"
"Yes, I'd like that."
I walk slightly ahead of him showing him the small three bedroom apartment. I, or rather my dad and Taylor converted one of the rooms in to a security/safe room for the house. Upstairs, Teddy has his own room and closet full of clothes and other goodies along with an en-suite bathroom. My room is the same as Teddy's only larger and he has his own space in my room with a bassinet, changing table, etc. I doubt he will spend much time in his own room since I plan on doing co-sleeping. And I have a small balcony connected to my room. It's just enough for some chairs and a small table maybe. Then there's a guest bathroom off the kitchen. The kitchen also has a breakfast bar so that's where dining will happen for now. The security room is in its own little corner of the house safely tucked away.
"This is really impressive."
I'm not sure whether to take that as a compliment or not.
"Yeah. My dad found it for me. I have a strong feeling though that this is out of my budget and he pays for the rest. And Taylor's present to us was all the security measures.. please don't take my decision out on them.." I say timidly. Christian and I have argued enough times to let me know when one is about to start and I feel one right now.
"What I do with my employees is none of your concern-"
"Actually it is because they are my friends." I reply defensively.
He pinches the bridge of his nose and I'm sure I can see him count backwards.
"Look. You're right. I'm sorry, I was just trying to look out for my friends.. and you. I trust Taylor and I know you do too."
"Yeah, I did." He says walking past me and taking a seat at the breakfast bar. "This isn't about them right now, it's about us."
"Us as in Teddy."
"Us as in you me and Teddy."
"Okay. First thing is first, Teddy is not going to Escala." I ay with conviction. It came out harsher than I intended but I still stand my ground. "I'm sorry. That came out harsher than intended but I know what goes on in there and I don't want my son anywhere near it." And I don't want to o back to that place that holds so many memories.
He doesn't say anything at first which worries me. I know first hand how explosive he can be. I remember this one ti-
"Okay." he say pulling me away from the start of that memory.
"Huh?" I say/ask. I was preparing for.. well.. something.
"I understand. But I would like to be there as much as possible. I don't really know but I imagine how hard the first few months especially will be."
"Oh.. yeah. I've heard too. In the meantime I'm just trying to get as much sleep as possible since everyone says that I won't get any once he's home." I smile awkwardly. "You can stay here sometime if you want. There's a guest room on the other side of Teddy's although I'm sure he will mostly sleep in his bassinet in my room."
"I would like that. What about the rest?"
"Um… really I'm not sure. I think it would be best if we work through everything else involving just us three as it comes. We've kind of worked out living arrangements. Your family and Ray are another thing entirely though."
"So your dad doesn't know?"
"No. No one does outside of us, Taylor and Gail, and the people at the hospital.. well and probably your mom now.. no one knows. I didn't tell anyone it was you."
He's silent again. I hope this isn't a new thing because it's making me nervous. "Oh.."
Yeah, oh.. "So how do you want to tell your family? I was thinking about maybe having the three of us for dinner here and breaking the news. What do you think?"
"Ray is an ex-marine correct?"
"You remembered."
"In that case, where are some escape roots or better yet, where are the safe rooms again?" He says with a smile.
"Haha very funny. I think you should be safe though. He has been saying he wants both us in Teddy's life ever since he found out."
"If you say so.. Why don't we knock them both out in one day. My mom is suspicious but I don't think she'll say anything without knowing for sure."
"One day?"
"Have lunch with your dad, recuperate, and then have dinner with my parents."
"Sounds like a plan. In the meantime we really need to go over security. I would feel most comfortable if Jason and Luke were here for that conversation though."
"Luke, huh?"
"Yeah. Jason thought it would be best if I had a CPO in case someone found out of something happened since I was on my own here for some time before I told Ray. Kate still doesn't know; I haven't seen her in months. Once I started to show I just made excuses so Luke was all I had. We formed a really great friendship and he's been with me ever since." I smile at the thought of my growing friendship with Luke.
"I'm not comfortable with that. I can't trust Taylor right now." he says with a hint of sadness.
"I have thought about this from your point of view and I can honestly say that I understand where you're coming from but Jason was looking out for you as well by looking out for me and your son. I hope in time you can see that and trust him for yourself again. In the meantime, I trust him with all three of our lives and I'm comfortable with him. And you know he's the best at what he does."
There goes the damn silence again. I see he is trying to really think about what I said to him though and hopefully it's sink in. He pulls out his phone and presses a button. "Ana's in 15" is all he says. "He'll be here in 15. You should tell that CPO of yours to get her too I guess."
"Luke has always been here. He lives a few blocks down. I told him you didn't need him since it was only you but I'm sure he's in his security office checking in." I say with a smile. Luke is my best friend and has become the overprotective big brother I never had, and I love him for it.
A few moments later, Luke enters the apartment and there is a palpable tension between him and Christian that I honestly don't understand. We sit in silence until I hear a knock on the door. Jason is on the other side and I don't think twice about giving him a big hug. He's been so busy this past week keeping Christian away and working that I feel I have barely seen him or Gail. This display of affection is nothing out of our ordinary as we have built a great friendship pretty much even from the time when Christian and I were still.. uh.. together wouldn't be the right word but I can't really think of another one. Whenever Christian wasn't there over the weekend or he was held up in his room, we would talk or I would help Gail around the apartment and we've only grown since then, he's like an uncle to me. It isn't until I hear Christian clearing his throat that I remember the awkward situation we are in.
I slowly release Jason and hold him at shoulders length. "I missed you.. Okay, let's get down to business." I say walking to small dining area while we all sit around the table.
"I don't know about the paps, and things like that but I will start with what I do know. Christian, whenever you take m- our son somewhere I expect you to either take the SUV or Sedan. I don't like the idea of Teddy in a sports car. I traded in my R3 for a Hyundai Genesis. It is one of the safest cars with a five star rating. I had both Taylor and my dad check it out before I purchased it. It's the 2014 model and it only had one owner before me. Everything is safe. I have the Chicco KeyFit carseat in my car along with the stroller. It's one of the safest car seats currently for infants. I think, especially cine you have a fleet of cars, that you should have at least one car seat of your own. I prefer the same system I have." I say directed at Christian. "Well, that's my main concern. Jason?"
"I agree with the seat analysis. I already have one, I ordered it at the same time you did, it's in my car but we can transfer it to the SUV for the meantime. Everyone here knows I have personally hired Sawyer here as your CPO and I think that it will be best to keep him since you trust him." Jason starts.
"And even if you want to get away from me, I'll still be around!" Luke smiles at me.
Jason clears his throat then starts talking again. "I think that it will be best to keep Teddy on a need to know basis. He's still very young and vulnerable right now as are you Ana. I don't want to risk either of you getting hurt or sick because some pap decides to push and shove to get their next story. Obviously, both of your families have the right to know but it cannot reach outside of them. No close friends, co-workers, etc. for as long as possible; gossip spreads like wildfire. Also, Mr. Grey, I believe that you should tell Ros. She is your second in command and if something comes up, she can handle it. Besides, she is the direct correspondent between you and your PR department which will come in handy when this does get out. Ana, I know you were very reluctant for security to begin with but you haven't seen what these people can be like. Therefore, I want to propose that you get at least one extra CPO."
"She will." Christian states flatly. I don't want to argue with him over this and I know Jason would not suggest it if he didn't think it was necessary.
"I agree Jason. Thank you for asking. I think it would be best if were a woman, preferably one who has experience with children just in case. Because I know you, I know you have probably already been scouting and I suggest that Christian and I go over them together."
Christian doesn't say anything but nods looking at Jason.
"I think those are the major security concerns that we need to deal with. Threats we can handle on an incoming basis."
"I agree. I also think there should be one more person to watch from a distance. Once threats do arise, they can keep a look out and be covert enough that no one knows them and that can be used to our advantage."
Jason looks at me for my reaction, I just nod. I'm going to pick and choose my battles very carefully. That's it though.. I don't want my son to grow up in a bubble.
"I'd also like to go over Sawyers information."
"Why?"
"I just want to make sure he is credible and reliable enough for the job."
"Well take my word for it." I say a little agitated. "What about getting home from the hospital?"
Everyone looks at me like I've grown two heads. They have probably been so busy planning the future they didn't think about the now.
"Huh.. Teddy should be able to come home this weekend at the latest. I would appreciate it if you were there to take him home." I look at Christian hopefully.
"I would love to be." He answers with all sincerity.
"Well, how are we going to explain: Christian Grey leaving hospital with mystery woman and baby. I can see the headlines now."
"I have already given the people who we have to encounter NDA's that are very much so legally binding. I don't think they would risk losing their jobs and going to court just to make a little money. And if it hasn't come out yet, when it's obvious to the people that work there that I'm the father and it hasn't come out yet. It seems they have respect in that ward."
"That doesn't mean that it won't." I say trying to get the idea through his thi-
"Okay. I will scout the hospital for it's busy times and we will leave during downtime. In theory, keep our heads down and get out as fast as we can. We will have two identical cars in case we are being followed and we can lose one."
"Okay. And I was thinking since he's in a step-down nursery right now that maybe we could stay in the room with him the night before?" I slightly whisper to Christian.
"Stay in the room?"
"Yeah, an overnight stay in the hospital. Sort of like a test-run for when he's home. I was thinking of doing it anyway and I think you should be there too."
"Okay."
I turn back to Luke and Jason. "We will be checking in and staying the night before Teddy leaves so it might make it a little easier and all we have to worry about is leaving."
"Sounds like a plan." Jason nods at Luke probably to say they will be meeting later to discuss further details.
"Okay, all this talking about him I want to go see him."
"I agree. We can take your car." he says. I know he is just worried about the safety of it and it actually warms my heart a bit.
"Are you two coming?"
"I think that's best but we will simply follow you two." Luke pipes up.
"Alright. Let me just get a few things." I pack up my pump with a few snacks, mothers milk tea, and some bottles. There's no telling how long we will be there and I always want to be prepared. I grab a few 'daddy' themed sleepers and onesies to put in the diaper bag and we head out.
A/N: I know some of you might not have been able to review since you did on the previous chapter. I hope that you can on this one.
Yes, there is a lot that goes in to taking care of a child let alone a newborn(trust me, I know) but Christian is clueless and Ana is young so they will have to figure it out as they go the same as any first time parents. This story will be very practical in terms of parenthood.
I hope you liked the longer chapter! Please review, comment, ask questions, etc.