Sorry this took so long I hope you like it!
Chapter Forty-Two
Christian's POV:
It's Friday and things are finally getting back on track. I have a little surprise tonight for Anastasia. We were both in a coma on her birthday and so much shit has happened since then. We haven't had the chance to celebrate, but what makes this even better is her first book comes out today. We've decided a press day isn't necessary because it's her first book, but we are throwing a launch party at Ana's favourite book store. I have funded it 100% and bought a ton of her books to hand out.
We've invited the whole family and all of her friends. Kate already convinced the young woman who write book reviews at her paper to do an article about Ana's book, which we have blown up and put it in the windows of the book store.
The whole time I'm talking to people and raving about her book, which I haven't read yet I am making sure I have everything ready for the surprise. Ana makes a wonderful speech; thanking everyone for coming and supporting her dream. We decide to do a little book signing for those who want a signed copy. Ana reads the first chapter out loud for everyone before we get to the signing.
I'm standing by her side and notice that she gives everyone a different note. It looks like she really paid attention while talking to these people. Once everyone is gone, I take my copy and have her sign it.
Christian Grey,
You've been with me through so many firsts and here is another one. You never gave up on my dreams of being a publishes author. I look forward to a life time of more firsts with you!
Only Yours,
Anastasia Steele
After reading it, I have a Cheshire smile plastered on my face. How did I get so lucky with Ana? She is the most incredible girl I've met. Ana walks around the other side of the table and I pull her in for a hug. Her face is nuzzled into my chest and I kiss the top of her head. She smells like jasmine and lavender. She pulls away and we say goodbye to a few more guests who are hanging around. Once they leave, Ana and I help clean up a bit before she and I head to work for a couple hours. It's already one so the day is almost over, but Ana insists on getting some work done.
We ride to work together and drop her off first. We head in the direction of Grey House, but instead of going to work, I decide to make sure everything is prepared for tonight.
I go pick up her dress, check the decorations at the club, which Mia has done. I make sure the cakes will be there on time. I double check the guest list and make sure we have extra security. I think my plan will work perfectly.
I pick Ana up at five on the dot and we head home. She decides the best thing for right now is to take a name and I agree. She's been under so much stress she needs rest if she's going out tonight. Although she doesn't know that.
I cuddle with her until I'm sure she's fallen asleep then I sneak out as quiet as I can. I go into my office and check my e-mails since I've been preoccupied all day. I reply to everything that can't wait until Monday then I call Mia.
"Hey, big bro" She says as she answers the phone.
"Hey, Mia, how are you?"
"I'm great, Christian. Kate, Elliot, Ethan, and I are on out way to the club to set up."
"Great make sure you text me when you guys are done."
"Yes, Sir" She says jokingly, but it rattles me.
"Alright, I'll let you know when were five minutes away."
"Alright, see you tonight." I press the 'end call' button and crawl into bed with Ana.
I set my alarm for seven just in case I don't wake up on my own.
Anastasia's POV:
I wake up and I'm blistering hot. Christian is practically lying on top of me. I hear is alarm going off, but I can't reach his phone. I try and slide out from underneath him and no luck. I'm pretty strong, but not strong enough to lift him off of me. I am able to get my hand free and I just start poking him. He stirs a little. Ughh!
"CHRISTIAN!" I scream into his ear and he jumps up.
"What the fuck?" he mumbles half asleep.
"You're kinda on top of me."
"Oh right. Well we could make use of this." he wiggles his eyebrows "but we have plans so get in the shower" I give him my best sad face and he give me a kiss before getting out of bed.
"You can either get into the shower on your own or I can carry you." With the look on his face I can tell he's not joking. I jump out of bed as fast as I can closing it in Christian's face. I decide to take a bath since I got my hair done this morning before the launch party. I sit there a soak letting all the tension in my body go. I'm almost asleep when Christian starts banging on the door.
"We have a schedule to keep Miss Steele." Ugh!
"Don't get your panties in a bunch I'll be right out." I actually think he was surprised by that comment since he doesn't respond. I get out of the tub and dry myself off with a towel before putting on my robe. When I open the door, Christian is sitting on the bed wearing a white tee-shirt, brown cap toe boots, light blue jeans and Reid leather jacket.
Careful not to drool my subconscious chuckles.
"I bought you an outfit for tonight. It's in the closet. Hurry up and get dressed."
I walk away and mutter 'bossy pants' under my breath.
"What did you just say?"
"Bossy pants." I stick my tongue out and run into the closet and hear him laughing. I see a garment bag so I open it up and pull out a beautiful red and black two tone dress. I also see a gift wrapped shoe box that has a pair of black pumps with a gold platform. Christian's outdone himself this time.
I shimmy into the dress and no surprise it fits me perfectly. Next, I slip on the shoes before walking into the bathroom to put on some make-up. I decide to do a dark smokey eye with red lipstick. I never have been able to wear lipstick, but recently I found a colour that works perfectly with my skin. Christian is no longer in our room so I head down stairs into the kitchen where I hear him in his office. I'm about to go find him when he walks out off the room and stares at me.
"Wow" is all he says and I blush. "I have a present for you before we go."
"Isn't this dress enough?" I ask.
"Nothing will ever been enough for you, Anastasia"
"Christian, you're all I need." He smiles and runs back into his office and comes out with a beautifully wrapped box.
I slowly unwrap it while Christian stands there like a giddy child. I open the box, which says Cartier on it. Inside there is a beautiful diamond choker. I just gasp there is no words for how beautiful this necklace is.
"Christian, I can't accept this." the necklace must cost more than three hundred thousand dollars.
"You have to, it's a present." He says defending himself.
"A far too extravagant one."
"Nonsense." He takes the choker and motions for me to turn around. He gently places it on my neck and clasps it. He leads me over to the mirror and I take a look. It is absolutely stunning. I turn around a give him a kiss.
"It's beautiful Christian thank you. From now on maybe stick to gifts under a hundred?"
"Yeah that's not going to happen." He grabs my coat and almost pushes me out the door.
"So where are we going?"
"To dinner." He says with a smile.
"Did I really need to dress like this for dinner?" I'm dressed rather formal.
"It's a nice restaurant."
"You don't look like your dressed for a fancy restaurant." He's wearing jeans for fucksake.
"Well I saw the dress and wanted you to wear it." No fair.
"I have a question did you buy this for me because it resembles a collar?" Christian is taken back by my comment.
"Maybe" he say's shyly.
"You don't need to be embarrassed. I think it's clever. Where ever we go people with a assume it's a necklace, but it has a secret meaning." I give him a kiss then his phone pings.
"Ah fuck!" Christian shouts. "Taylor we need to stop by the new club apparently there's a problem and it's urgent." Ugh! I roll my eyes and Christian glares.
We pull up at the front of the club and Christian hops out. I expect him to leave me here, but he comes around the other side and opens my door.
"Why do I need to come? I'm with Taylor."
"The last time I left you alone at a club, you got kidnapped." He grabs my hand and helps me out of the car.
"Don't worry it's only Elliot. He came by to check on the remodel and somethings wrong."
We step inside and it's pitch black. What the hell? We continue walking and I'm doing my best not to trip over anything. I'm holding on to Christian like my life depends on it when all of a sudden the lights turn on and I hear a bunch of people yell "SURPRISE" I am shocked. How didn't I see this coming? My mouth is hanging open soon enough the Greys, Kate, and my father are surrounding me saying happy birthday.
"You guys do know today isn't my birthday, right?" I ask slightly confused.
"We know, but you were in a coma on your actual birthday." Mia says jumping up and down.
I look around and there is decorations everywhere. Over by the VIP section in big sparkly letters it says 'Happy Birthday Ana', balloons are covering the dance floor, and finger food is laid out around the bar.
Kate hands me a shot of rum and I stare at her. "We doing this? Really?" She just nods.
"Your money not mine." I say before downing my shot then she passes me a twenty dollar bill.
"Wait, what's this game?" Christian and Elliot ask confused.
"It's how we do birthdays. You turn twenty-two you get twenty-two shots. You can give them away or you can take them. For every shot you actually take you get twenty dollars." I explain and Elliot laughs.
"I bet Kate only loses 60$" Elliot jokes and Christian replies "I bet she only loses 100$" I look at Kate because she knows the tick I'm about to pull. I did it to the guys every year we were in college.
"Let make a bet. I say I can take 13 before I'm out." Christian looks worried, but they both agree.
"So what are the stakes."
"You both pay an extra 20$ each pay shot if I make the limit; if not, I pay you 20$" I say will an innocent smile.
"Deal." They say in unison.
"You guys are fucked." Ray says "She's been playing this since she was sixteen and has been able to drink me under the table when she was nineteen." Both of there eyes go huge. Ray hands me another drink and I tip it back.
An hour and two more shots later, Kate and I are shaking our stuff on the dance floor when Anthony interrupts.
"May I take this dance?" Kate goes off to find Elliot and I start dancing with Anthony.
"Nice dress...did Mr. Money Bags buy it? And this necklace. Damn girl" He says, making me laugh.
"Yes, he did." I stick my tongue out.
"So who'd you hustle for shots this birthday." He says with a wink.
"Christian and his brother." He just laughs. We dance for a few more minutes before I drag him to the bar. I get another shot and slam it down on the bar and Kate comes up with another twenty. Ray comes over and days goodbye because he leaves for Portland early in the morning. All of the older folks are gone so the party can officially start. I am about to order another shot when Anthony yells "BODY SHOT!" I assume he's going to take one, but no I am. Christian says no, but Kate happily volunteers. She lies down on the bar and takes off her top. The bartender puts a line of salt just under her belly button pours rum into her bellybutton then passes her a lemon wedge.
I look over at Christian and Elliot who stare at us dumbfounded. I am so happy that Christian brought me a change of clothes in the car because this would be impossible in that dress. Thank you skinny jeans and converse. I climb onto the bar and everyone counts down.
"5-4-3-2-1" Once they reach on I lick up the salt line, scoop out the alcohol using my tongue, and bite down on the lemon wedge between Kate's teeth. We stand up on the bar take a bow and jump off hand in hand.
"I believe you owe me another twenty." I wink and she hands it over.
"That was fucking hot!" Elliot says before kissing Kate. "Did you two ever experiment?" Elliot ask and we glance at each other shyly.
"No fucking way!"
"We were both very drunk and it sorta happened." I shrug and Christian pulls me in for a kiss. I don't know if it's the alcohol or what, but I have trouble keeping my balance. He pulls away and I can see his longing for me in his eyes. I bite down on my lip and almost hear him growl.
We head back on to the dance floor for a little longer before I head back to the bar for another shot.
"Six more" Kate screams and hands me a twenty.
Anthony slaps my ass and counts "One"
I was hoping he wouldn't do this.
Kate counts "Two"
Elliot "Three" It continues like that with my party guests and Christian is lucky number twenty-two.
I look back at him and say a little too loud. "Be careful my butt sill hurts from the last beating it took" Kate and Elliot laugh, Christian looks like he's about to burst and everyone else looks confused.
"Remember when I fell earlier this week." I slyly cover my tracks and Christian looks relieved.
"Twenty-Two." Christian shouts and everyone starts to cheer. He helps me off the table and pulls me into his arms. "I think you've had enough to drink." He says sternly.
"Nope, I'm fine." I smile and after a few second he smiles back.
"Hello everyone." Mia's voice booms through the club. Everyone turns there attention to her from the make shift stage. "I know this is lame, but it's so lame it must be done. We are going to do Karaoke." She shouts and everyone claps. People start rushing to the stage to sign up and sing. Anthony, Marcus, Elliot, Kate, Ethan, Christian and I are sitting in the VIP section talking while people sing there hearts out. I'm about to order another round of drinks when someone calls Christian and Anastasia to the stage. Mia is standing there and passes me a microphone and another show, which I happily take.
"Five more." I shout and everyone cheers. I don't know a lot of these people, but I sure as hell am having a good time.
"I picked this song because Anastasia has a secret love for Dolly Parton that she doesn't tell anyone about." Christian says and winks. Oh god so much for my secret!
The song Island in the stream starts playing a christian start off. He sings the Kenny Rogers part and I sing Dolly Parton.
Christian
Anastasia
Both
Baby, when I met you
There was peace unknown
I set out to get you
With a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside
There was something going on
You do something to me
That I can't explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got something going on
Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication
All this love we feel
Needs no conversation
We can ride it together, ah-ha
Making love with each other, ah-ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha
I can't live without you
If the love was gone
Everything is nothing
If you got no one
And you did walk in the night
Slowly losing sight of the real thing
But that won't happen to us
And we got no doubt
Too deep in love and we got no way out
And the message is clear
This could be the year for the real thing
No more will you cry
Baby, I will hurt you never
We start and end as one
In love forever
We can ride it together, ah-ha
Making love with each other, ah-ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha
Sail away
Ooooh, come sail away with me
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah-ha
From one lover to another, ah-ha
Christian was born with many talents and singing is one of them. Every time I hear him sing, I swoon. When were done, everyone starts cheering. Christian takes a bow and I curtsey. When we reach the table Kate has a glass of water and another shot. I take a few sips of water take the shot and down the rest of the water. Kate hands me another twenty, which I shove into my pocket.
"Can everyone join us on the dance floor for cake." Mia says into the microphone.
Christian takes my hand and I rest my head on his shoulder as we walk to the dance floor. Once were in the middle Christian blindfolds me and everyone starts singing happy birthday. If only people knew what we used this blindfold for before. I blush and giggle.
"Okay, you can take the blindfold off now." Christian whispers into my ear. I slowly pull it off and open my eyes.
"Holy shit." I nearly scream. That is the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. It is all Alice in Wonderland themed. The original cartoon movie, not the recent Tim Burton one with Johnny Depp. The first tier is blue, which resembles her dress with mushrooms, flowers and even the caterpillar around it. The second tier is pink with a disappearing Cheshire cat and the white rabbit holding a pocket watch. The third tier is the mad hatters hat with Alice sitting on it drinking tea beside a teapot. Kate must have told Christian about my obsession with the books and movies.
I kiss Christian and hug Kate before making a wish and blowing out my candles.
I wish my life stays this perfect for a little while. I know it won't stay perfect forever, but I am happy as I am right now. How could I not be? I am surrounded by everyone I love. Sure a lot of crap has happened recently, but none of that matters right now. I am happy. They wheel away the cake near to the bar and cut it.
All of a sudden the song 'Bust a Move' comes on and Kate and I start screaming. We had a charity coffee house when we were in second year and sang this as a duet. We dance side by side not messing up the lyrics once. We look over at the boys who are shocked and break into a fit of giggles. We decide we can hold of dancing while we eat some cake, which is delicious. The tenth shot of rum hits me hard! I am starting to feel a little dizzy, but that doesn't stop me from climbing on the bar and dancing with Kate. We are giggling over nothing and doing stupid little dances like 'the shopping cart.'
When I try and get off the bar I almost fall, but Christian catches me, which sends me into another fit of giggles.
"I think it's time to cut you off."
"Nope." I order another shot and pound it back before making a silly face at Christian who smiles. I order a water to make Christian happy and sip at it before dragging Kate to the ladies room. Kate hasn't had half the amount of alcohol I've had tonight and can hardly walk. I help Kate go to the washroom before I do then we wash our hands and fix our make-up before returning to the boys. Christian grabs my hand and pulls me on to the dance floor.
His hands find there way to my waist just like the first time we went to the club on Halloween and we start dancing to the music. I run my hands from his shoulder to his neck and back down. He pulls my back closer to his front and we dance for what seems like hours.
I run my hands over his flawless chest and six-pack and the tense when he moves his body to the music. I turn around so my back is facing him and he wraps his arms around my waist. When he pulls my body against his thought run aimlessly through my mind and they are thoughts the old Ana couldn't dream of. I'm still the shy, socially awkward girl I was, but the sex Christian and I have is off the charts amazing. The song fades perfectly into the next. The first song fades into the next and the next. I've lost all sense of time I just feel the music and Christian's body against me. Kate comes running over to me "It's the last call for drinks come on." She pulls me to the bar. I order two more shots and we wait for the boys.
"Yo-you re -ready?" I say slurring my words.
"You're going to get alcohol poisoning." Christian shouts and Kate laughs.
"No, she's not."
I throw back the first shot, picking up the last shot I hold it at my lips for a couple seconds before tipping it back. I wait a couple seconds for the feeling of nausea to pass before I slam the glass back down on the table.
"You've been hustled boys." I say with an innocent smile. Everyone starts cheering as they hand over the money. I just made 780$ from drinking. We head back on to the dance floor and wait for the club to close. Kate and I climb into the back seat and the boys look at us like we have three heads.
"Why? Is she coming home with us?" Christian asks.
"We're not going home silly." Kate says and sticks he tongue out.
"Why not?" The boys to beat.
"It's tradition we go to an all night restaurant after a birthday celebration. Now, get in." I say and Christian climbs in the back and Elliot gets rides shot gun.
"Take us to to The 5 Point Cafe Taylor." I say.
The restaurant is empty so we sit in a booth near the back. Christian orders the eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, Elliot gets he short stacks, Kate and I order the waffles and Huevos Rancheros to share.
"What is Canadian bacon?" Kate asks as if it's a philosophical question.
"Its basically ham." Elliot says, which makes Kate laugh.
"I've I've never been to Canadaaa." I say
"We went once as Children to Vancouver." Christian says on the verged of slurring his words.
"Let's go on a cross Canada vacation" Kate screams and I agree.
"Oh my gosh yes!" Kate and I plan an imaginary trip to Canada. By the end of our discussion we've decided were going to start in Vancouver, then go skiing in Whistler, although I've never been skiing. Then were going to the dinosaur museum in Alberta then go to a small mining town for a day. Next we will go to Ontario, where we will see Niagara Falls then site seeing in Toronto. Go see Percé Rock in Quebec. Do a polar bear dip in Nova Scotia.
"Oh and we can see a Leafs game." I shout, but no one is excited as me.
Our food comes and Kate and I pig out and the boys stare. I pay the bill with my winnings and convince Christian to have a sleepover.
"Please can they sleepover." He shakes is head sternly.
"Why not bossy pants." I pout. Elliot and Christian could not careless, but Kate and I are so excited.
"Oh my god yes!." We both hop into the car and threaten to leave them.
"Taylor won't leave with out me, Ana." Christian says and he's got a point. I pull Kate out of the car and cross my arms.
"Fine we'll hail a cab." I say and Kate sticks out the tongue. We stand there for a minute having a stare off before he gives in.
"Yay!" I wrap my arms around him and give him a kiss.
"Only because you're adorable when you're angry." He says and kisses the top of my head. When we pull into the car park Kate mutters something about him being Batman, which makes everyone laugh including Taylor.
When we get into the living room Kate and I decide to build a pillow fort. "GO to the guest room up stairs and throw down blankets and pillow" I say and She runs up stairs and tries to open the playroom door.
"Not that room the next one over" I shout.
"Why is that door locked." Kate yells back.
"It's my Batcave." Christian yells and we all laugh except for Kate who says "I knew it." Then runs and throws down all the pillows and blankets. We try out best to build a fort, but it doesn't work out. We end up spreading the pillows and blankets on the floor and lie down on it and watch The Little Mermaid. The boys sit on the couch, but Kate and I are convinced our fort is perfect and stay there. Half way through the movie, Kate and I fall asleep.
I'm going to post again tomorrow or Saturday :) What did you think? I got the shots idea from another book.