Hi everyone. I guess I should elaborate a little on this chapter.

It still takes place the day she met Christian. I wanted to show a slice of Ana's life with Kate and also give some sort of insight to her relationship with Edward. I hope this helps with clarity.

Again thanks for the feedback.

"Luuuuuucy I'm hooooome" calling out to Kate as I enter the apartment. I'm exhausted and starved. "How long before dinner?"

Kate with her nose in the computer looking completely absorbed with her task, without looking up says

"In twenty, Desi."

"Perfect. I'm going to shower. We'll catch-up on our day over dinner."

Dropping the bags in my room and quickly taking off my clothes slipping on my robe, I make my way toward our bathroom for a much needed hot shower. Twisting my hair in a tight bum, I start the water and jump in, letting the jets hit my back. Feels so good.

Stepping out of the shower making my way to the kitchen. I notice that Kate hasn't moved. Checking in on the lasagna I made from lastnight is almost ready.

Sounding like when Desi is shocked

"Luuuucy, you made a salad?"

As I toss my tired heap on the couch, stretching out and hitting the remote for the TV.

Laughing "Shut up Desi! You're distracting me. I'm almost finished."

Channels surfing absentmindedly, I think about the weird day I had.

I met Christian and damn he is beyond handsome.

Then him pulling that "player" phone thingamagigg, it felt like the oldest trick in the "pick-up handbook" yet for me it was exciting and very flirtatious. The gentle tug of my chin, feeling this charge.

It's like a lightening storm in a bottle.

I thought I was going to melt right there on the spot. That man oozes sex appeal.

Then he got weird with his the texts. It felt like he was demanding I carve out time to meet him. I'm sure he realizes this is crunch time after all, he went to college too.

It's like I was dealing with two people, one that was polite and sweet offering to carry my books and the other side that came across as demanding and cold.

Ughh, Ana don't worry about it. What's needed is a power-nap. As my eyes are closing and I'm drifting when Kate says

"Desi, let's eat"

"Ugh Lucy, I need a nap"

"Get up. Tell me how your day went."

debating if I should tell Kate about Christian "Nothing out of the ordinary, a couple people didn't show up for study group. I could care less they dragged the rest of us down anyway. Rehearsals were fun like usual. How did the photo shoot turn out with Grey?"

"The shoot went fine. Jose took some really good pictures of Mr. Grey. He email a large file, selecting his top five and I chose two to accompany the article. After we finish eating would you read the article? Give me your take on it?"

"Under the condition you shine my hard to reach places on my latex outfit I'm wearing tonight."

"Of course Desi."

After dinner Kate hands me her laptop. Reading the article I find that I'm learning about Christian and interpret his comments as curt (like his texts). Wondering if it's "that's his thing".

Then I read the bit when Kate asked if he's gay. I cringed when I read that. Not because he made a pass at me, for all I know he could be Bi, Straight, Gay, Whatever. It's the fact that the question was catty, inappropriate and had nothing to do with his goals already achieved nor his future endeavors for helping those that are poor and starving. He wants to make the world a better place and to ask about his sexuality is low-brow. That's National Enquirer or Seattle Nooze smut. And if Kate wants to be taken seriously as a journalist this is not a good start.

Kate and I went round and round about that bit of the article until I had to leave.

Finally I said. "Bottom line is Kate this is your article and your questions and they will be attached to you for all time."

"Ana you're so melodramatic" sounding a bit unsure of her words

rolling my eyes "I'm done talking about it. I gotta go, I don't want to be late."

Hopping on to I-5 south toward Portland, I punch the gas pedal roaring down the freeway. Pondering why is a person's sexuality such an issue. Gay, straight, bi who cares? I was brought up to accept people from different walks of life.

We all bleed red when cut.

By the time I arrive at Io, I decided to shelve the entire conversation with Kate. I can't control other people's thoughts or actions.

Seeing Edward. He's a goodlooking guy. Always dressed in black like the day I met him and Jane. Spiky raven dyed hair, the ever present kohl around his dark blue eyes. He's got a look, feel and throwback appeal to him as if he was a member of the Clash.

Edward is as chirpy as ever. Giving me a hug.

"Ana how the hell are you?"

"Ready to take my exams this coming week and frickin' graduate Already! It's starting to grate on me."

"Tell you what. As a gift from Jane and me, if you will, next Friday or Saturday after your finals I can block a space for you in the VIP section, give you bottle service, Hell anything you want on our tab. I know it's not like a trip to Fiji, but it's something."

"Edward you are so fucking cheap. You will list this as "entertaining potential clients" using it as a write-off" cutting my eyebrow

laughing "Ana you know me Oh So Well."

"In all seriousness, thank you and I'll make sure to extend my gratitude to Jane when I see her on Saturday."

smirking "Okay then, now get you ass to work"

"Aye Aye Capitan" giving him a sailors salute

"Hey Ana before I forget when you see Jane on Saturday, I should warn you about something"

"Sure"

"You know we've been trying for kids for some time now."

Nodding

"We're doing in-vitro and the shots are making her quite emotional. She's all over the board with the hormones that are coursing through her."

"No worries. I'll text her tomorrow morning see if she wants to meet. My train arrives in Seattle around 5 pm. I made a couple Banana nut loaves, I'll bring one to her. See if she wants to eats an early dinner with Ben and Jess and me."

"She'd love that. Now get you ass to work."

"Fuck off Edward"

It's about quarter passed 11 and I've put all my records away, stowing them in my case. Kevin is now spinning, after catching up with him I leave the booth, making my way downstairs.
Talking with Rachelle I get a fresh bottle of water. I'm frickin beat.

I see Edward at the entrance door talking with the Andy, our man of iron. This guy is scary big and strong. I look like a midget standing next to him. Who would know to look at his him, he's just a big ol' teddy bear. He's the definition of the term: Looks are Deceiving.

Waving to Edward he makes his way to me. Looking out of sorts, his demeanor changed from less two hours ago. Seemingly distracted.

"Are you okay? Did you get a call from Jane"

"Jane's fine Ana, Thanks for asking."

Sitting next to each-other at the bar he's not talking. After about 10 minutes I say.

"Well, I'm outta here. I could use the sleep."

"Sure Ana you must be tired. By the way, it was a really good set. I can't believe you included Underground Resistance" I thought they were to archaic until you mixed them tonight."

"Thanks I'll be using them again at Europa. Well, I'm outta here."

"Okay, Ana be safe. Talk with you soon."

Escorted by Andy to my car. I again feel something is off in my universe.