Chapter 24

APOV

The weekend was great. I stayed at Christian's place on Saturday night and on Sunday we just relaxed at his apartment. He wanted me to stay over again last night but since I had to work today, I spent the night at my place. I think things are getting serious between us, especially now our relationship is in the open.

I make my way down to the staff kitchen to get some tea and see Claire. She's pretty much the only co-worker I have who is close to my age so we've become good work friends. "Hi, Claire! How was your weekend?"

"Apparently not as good as yours." Claire gives me a cheeky wink.

"What do you mean?" I am really confused.

"Ana, didn't you see it? Your picture is on TMZ. It's you and Christian Grey on a date. I didn't know you were dating!"

"TMZ. The TMZ… the website that has all the Hollywood gossip?"

"The one and only. Here, look." Claire takes her phone out and goes to the TMZ website. And there it is, the first picture - Christian and me holding hands walking towards his R8. It's from Saturday night when we met Kate and Elliot for dinner. And, to make matters worse, there is a headline above it that says, 'Who is Grey's Mystery Date?'

"Oh my God. I can't believe this."

"Ana, I can't believe you are dating Seattle's most eligible bachelor and you never said anything. You're going to be famous now."

"What? Why would I be famous?" Who cares about little Anastasia Steele from Montesano?

"Why? Only because you bagged the guy who is at the top of the hottest men lists when everyone thought he was in the closet."

"Shit. I better warn Christian. I'll talk to you later Claire."

"Later, Ana!"

I get back to my desk and see that Mary is still at her meeting so I have a little bit of time to text Christian.

*Have you seen TMZ?*

*Yes, Mia called me first thing. I guess we're official now. ;-)*

*Why do they care about me? I'm not anyone.*

*You are someone. You're beautiful and smart, and you are the only woman who has ever appeared in public with me socially aside from family.*

*So you aren't mad?*

*Why would I be mad? It'll probably die down by next weekend anyway and we can go on like we were. Are you OK?*

*Yeah, I'm OK. Have a good day at work.*

*You too. Laters, baby.*

*Bye xoxo*

At lunchtime, I head down to the corner cafe for a small bite. As I pass the newsstand, I catch the cover of the Seattle Nooz. It's the picture of Christian and me from Saturday night. Holy Hell, we're on the cover. There are two women next to me looking at the pic. I put my head down and luckily they don't recognize me. "I wonder who she is." The one says to the other. "I don't know, but she is gorgeous. Look at that dress; it looks like it was made for her." the other replies. "I think it's a Talbot Runhof. I wish I was her." The first woman responds. Quickly, I make my way back to the office and decide against going out for lunch. I think I'll just have a yogurt from the fridge.

The rest of the week is pretty smooth, although we just hang out at either my place or Christian's so there isn't much opportunity for pictures. On Thursday, Christian tells me he wants me to go with him to a black-tie charity gala on Saturday. "Black tie? So I have to wear an evening gown?"

"Usually. I'll be wearing my tux." Christian grins at me.

"I can wear the bridesmaid dress from Kate and Elliot's wedding. Will that work?" I don't have any other fancy clothes.

"Anastasia, I don't want you to worry about it. I've made an appointment for tomorrow afternoon to meet with Caroline Acton who is the personal shopper at Neiman's. She can help you." I try not to show anything but it's like he can read my mind. "Don't worry about the money. I am paying for it all and if I find out you paid any of your own money I will be mad."

"Christian, that's a lot. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am positive. In fact, I insist."

It's Friday and Mary let me leave work early so It's not very late by the time I get to Neiman's. Caroline is an impeccably dressed woman in her mid-40's. When she smiles there's a kindness to her that makes you immediately feel comfortable.

"You must be Anastasia Steele. I'm Caroline Acton." She reaches her hand out to shake him.

"Um, yes, hi."

"Mr. Grey said you are beautiful but honestly, I'm worried we won't be able to find a dress that can hold a candle to you." I blush. I'm sure it's because she's a shopper. "You have a wonderful figure and your skin is a silky alabaster. I think the hardest part will be which dress you should get."

"Oh, thank you."

"You're a dress size 6?" I nod. "There are a couple of designers who I think would look perfect on you. I'll get you dresses from each for you to try on. Why don't you relax here and I'll be right back."

I think she's only gone about 15 minutes when she comes in with a rolling rack of dresses. "I've organized them by the designer. You have Jenny Packham here, then Zac Posen, and finally Carolina Herrera.'

"Carolina Herrera? Isn't that a designer all the stars use?"

"Yes, Miss Steele. And now you. Do you have a favorite color we could start with?"

"Black?"

She purses her lips in thought. "Since you were last photographed wearing a black dress, I think you should steer clear of it for the red carpet. You don't want to be shown wearing the same color twice in a row."

"Oh, OK. I'm not sure I have a favorite color but I don't want anything too bright or flashy."

"That shouldn't be a problem with what we have picked out here. We need to pick a nice dress since you will probably be the 'it girl' of the evening."

"What? Why?"

"Well, Mr. Grey has never brought a date onto the red carpet or to one of these events and you are beautiful. Everyone will want to know who you are wearing."

"I don't think I like the sound of that."

She smiles kindly at me and her eyes crinkle at the corners. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it." Get used to it? How does someone get used to it? "The Talbot Runhof you wore was very flattering to you but we don't want you pigeon-holed to one designer or style. So, I think we should pick something different this time."

After I've tried on more dresses than I can remember, and convincing Caroline I don't want a bright color or something too sexy, I think I've found my dress. It's a navy lace gown from Marchesa Notte. It has an illusion top with short sleeves and gold and navy embroidery. There is a little peplum skirt and a ruffle down the side. Caroline told me Christian really likes Christian Louboutin shoes. I don't know how he would pick them as a favorite - I hope he isn't wearing them. But I want to make him happy so I will humor him. They are gold t-strap heels with little bows on the back. It's just enough for a hint of sparkle but not too much. Now that I have my outfit for it, I feel a little less nervous. A little.