Pulling the phone out of my pants pocket, scrolling down various text messages I see something from Ana.
When I open it all I say is "Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!"
Sure enough there's a short, surly text from Ana
~Get Bent~
with the attached photo of Mason.
Sighing... "Taylor, get Mason on the horn."
"Mason here."
"It's Grey, I'm on speaker with Taylor and my brother Elliot. What exactly happened."
"Sir Miss Steele arrived at the Fairmont at 2:15am. Initially she walked passed me, returning, confronting me saying "I guess your boss decided not to call off the stalkers" then snapping my picture oh her phone which I assumed was sent to you. Then said "Tell your boss I don't want you to lose your job because I'm sure you have talent when it comes to security but you suck at stalking." When I tried to her she was mistaken. Miss Steele said, " Whatever your name is, you've been Made. No one calls a 21 year Ma'am. I recognize you from yesterday evening, you were in West Seattle hanging out outside the fish & chips diner while I was with my father and now loitering in the lobby. By the way, you're still reading the Seattle Times edition from Friday." then she turned around walking away.
Elliot starts howling. "Mason Dude...you got schooled by a young old woman. Friday's paper are you shitting me!" He's laughing so hard his laughter has been reduced to hissing sounds and he's got tears streaming down.
I'm all business "Mason where are you now?"
"Mr. Grey as soon as she took my photo Taylor said I should leave. I'm currently curbside across the street from the hotel."
"Go home." giving Taylor the signal meaning to end the call.
Yelling "Shut the fuck up Elliot!"
"Taylor get in touch with the guy in Portland, we'll no longer need his services effective immediately."
Next I reply to Ana's text. ~I only now left Europa and didn't think of taking immediate action. I was planning to call everything tomorrow morning. I do respect your wishes. Please accept my apologies. Thank you for tonight's discretion~
When I look over to Elliot I see he's no longer laughing, rather he's giving me a dirty look.
"What is it now Elliot?"
"Taylor I'm coming home with Christian, there's some shit bro and I need to get sorted. Staring at me... Dude there is something that went down tonight and sounds like you fucked up, so what haven't you told me."
We're both quiet until we hit the elevator, that's when Elliot rips into me. Ana a friend of Jane's so I thought that's how you were introduced? Am I wrong? And why the hell are you having her followed? Goddamnit bro, do you have any idea how fucking creepy that shit is? I'm really fucking surprised she didn't run away or call the cops on you. Guess that explains the pics."
While heating up some of Mrs. Jones spaghetti and meatballs I set off explaining to Elliot how I met Ana up until when she left, sparing no details. Gotta hand it too him, he was quiet the entire time I was talking. Finally saying to me "Chris I spent much of the wee morning watching you, watching her. You are obviously hung-up. Why don't you use that brilliant mind of yours and make this wrong a right. I'm going to crash in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Thanks for the food."
Sunday turned out to be a rather quiet day. Elliot left around noon saying I need to come over to Mom & Dad's for an early BBQ. Relenting I text mom apologizing for the short notice and that Eli and I would be there 2pm. She and Dad were ecstatic. There's been no response from Ana by the time 9pm rolls around and without a doubt she won't send a reply. Hell, the least she could do was acknowledge my text. Elliot said I should fix this and I resolve to do so.
Monday morning I arrive at the office with a plan in place.
APOV
I was relieved to read that text from Christian, now I can carry on without lurkers in the shadows. Dad and I had a great time at the Mariners game. God forbid we miss the first pitch. Its the only time he acts like a kid and damn does he get passionate. Yelling at the home-team when they screw up, yelling at the opposing team and always manages to meet other like-minded rabid fans to shoot the shit with. Dad cracks me up.
When I get home the first thing I see was Kate on the couch sitting in her pink flannel pj's.
Shit! She got dumped AGAIN. Isaiah and Kate were only dating for a month and after graduation he's moving back to Billings for work, which we all knew. Making her a grill cheese and tomato soup I console her, then said "You have until we finish eating then we regroup and focus on finals."
I think about how Christian called me Princess. Kate is a princess, not me. If anything her parents spoiled her rotten and never said No to her demands.
Monday went well. Kate went off to meet Isaiah and all I want to do is go home. Minutes after arriving, there's a knock on the door. Looking thru the peephole I see this woman.
"Delivery for Miss Steele" She's holding a huge spray bouquet of long stem roses, there must be several dozen. Cream and pale pink.
"I'm Steele"
After signing she hands me the flowers, some Godiva chocolates and a note. Closing the door I admire the roses taking them into my room. My fingers running along the envelope. I notice it's thick, expensive and hand made, the texture is amazing soft. Enclosed is a short note. The penmanship is fluid, deeply imprinted. As if it was done written using an inkwell and feather . It's beautiful, reminding me of old world elegance that is now lost.
"Anastasia,
My words and actions are regrettable. Please accept these flower and sweets as a small token towards atonement.
C"
I have to say I'm somewhat impressed especially if he actually has such beautiful handwriting. As I go to sleep later that night I think about Christian which is exactly what he wants me to do...
Tuesday, my first day of exams which was a breeze. Shortly after getting home I start round two of packing for our move when I hear a knock at the door. It's the same woman, this time greeted with Peonies, in cream and pale pink, chocolates and a note.
"Anastasia,
Not that I would expect to be forgiven on my first attempt. I shall continue to court and to hopefully woo you until forgiven for my wrongdoing. I would like to extend and olive branch. Please call me. Hope to hear from you soon.
May your finals be going along smoothly.
C"
It's now two for two and by the current message Christian won't ease up until I put a stop to it. Before I can stow the bouquet in my room Kate comes home, immediately drawn to the flowers.
"Ana these are gorgeous and look at the vase. It's either a great knock-off or its a Baccarat." lifting the bouquet looking underneath. "Yep, just like I thought. Do you know how much this runs for?"
shrugging my shoulders, I don't really care...
"About $2,300.00. Who sent this to you anyway?"
"Christian Grey."
The expression on her face was that of being stunned. "You know Ana he was a prick and was an asshole during the interview. He made me sign a NDA before I even spoke to him. I don't understand what he would want with you other than looking for a beard and you're naive enough to fall for some guy sending you stupid flowers."
Bristling to her words. "I can't believe you talk like that about people, beards... really? that' so catty of you, I never gathered you were homophobic until recently and how dare you talk to me in such a dismissive way. Frankly,how I see it you're pissed that Isaiah dumped you and are lashing out at me. On the subject of Isaiah I've been biting my tongue. Now I won't. You KNEW he was moving back to Montana. What the hell did you expect from him? To change his life because as always, you want your way. Fucking grow up already. I don't know what has been going on with you lately but I don't need this shitty behavior from you and I sure as hell won't take it. So if I don't get an apology from you I will break our lease finding my own place to live. So snap the fuck out of it or find yourself without a roommate in Seattle."
I can't believe her words, that is so NOT Kate.
We are in a stare-down, when she decides to stomp out of the apartment. What the hell is going on with people lately. First Christian's tirade and now Kate. At least it seem Christian is trying.
Grabbing the phone I call him. Answering on the second ring "Anastasia thank you for calling."
sounding curt yet polite. "Thank you for the chocolates and flowers, they are lovely. Please don't send anymore."
"You are most welcome and I won't since you asked. Yet we both know why you called so I won't beat around the bush. As you read from my note I want to extend an olive branch. I would like to meet you on Friday if you're free."
"Sure Christian I'll be around after 3."
"Great I'll see you at 4. I don't like waiting so be ready."
rolling my eyes "See you then. Bye" hanging up the phone I go back to packing.
It's Friday and my final day of exams. Kate is still not talking to me. I guess she doesn't feel I'm due an apology. Apparently Kate invited a bunch of people for a party in celebration that exams are finished. I found out through Jose when he sent a text asking if he should come before the party started to help me cook if I needed help. I text him to contact Kate, not me. Getting home shortly before 3pm I hop in the shower and no later than 5 minutes pass when I hear Kate banging on the door telling me to
"Hurry up and don't use all the hot water"
I know it's immature and passive-aggressive but I take my sweet-ass time using up most of the hot water. I'm not going to let her push my buttons. Making my way to my bedroom, quickly slapping on a wee bit of make up I take to drying my mane while thinking what to wear. Deciding on skinny jeans, nude heels, a powder blue cami with matching sweater. As much as I hate to admit this I've been thinking a lot about Christian and those amazing gray eyes. I've dreamt of him every night this week and I'm dying to know what this peace offering is all about. Making my way to the kitchen having a few minutes to kill before he arrives thinking I'll eat a banana. When I see some containers of food from the freezer are sitting on the counter. Knowing exactly what her plan is I start putting everything away and turning off the oven.
Surprised that Kate is talking "Ana those dishes are your contribution toward tonight's party."
shaking my head... the balls Kate has on her
"I suggest you run to Safeway and pick up a couple of family sized Stouffers lasagna because you are not using the food I bought and prepared for your party."
Staring at her, she looks like someone pissed in her cereal. Saying nothing she grabs her keys and purse off the counter making her way out the door.
The only thing I have left to do is lock my bedroom door. This is the first time in two years I've used it and only because my current feeling is I can't trust Kate around my stuff plus I don't know who'll be here tonight. I sure as hell don't want anyone snooping thru my belongings.
I'm pleasantly surprised when exactly at four Christian's at my door.
CPOV
Fuck, finally its Friday. Taylor has my schedule and not pleased I'll be alone for a few hours. Deciding to dress down, I'm in jeans, white t-shirt, black slip on shoes and leather jacket. Driving down toward Boeing Field, Taylor drops me off where Charlie Tango is kept. With in the hour I'm at an airfield just east of downtown Portland. Shaking hands with Joe
"How are you today old-timer?" giving him a smile. "I should be back within 30 to 40 minutes. Can you make sure Tango has been refueled?"
"Just fine Kid and you?"
"Ah, No worries Christian, I'll keep an eye on your bird. Your hired car is waiting for you."
"Thanks Joe. See you soon"
Knocking on Ana's door. I am greeted by those beautiful eyes and sweet smile not realizing until that moment how much I've missed her. Asking if I want to come in, giving her a smile I tell her we're on a schedule and that it was a surprise. Taking her hand in mine, we are hit by our shared energy and I don't let go until we get to the airfield. Ana gives me this quizzical look when she notices the GEH helicopter. Introducing her to Joe and getting a heads up from him about my intended detour, I take to explaining that since I was a kid I was fascinated with flying. That for my 16th birthday my parent gifted me with 6 hours of lessons. That the time I was 22 I received my license and that Joe was instructor since my first class, less 15 hours while I was in Harvard.
"So Ana do you trust me to fly Charlie Tango?"
"I've never flown in a helicopter. I think this will be exciting."
"Great to hear. Let's get going, shall we?"
"By the way, where exactly are we going?"
"Over Mount St. Helens and then to Seattle, where my peace offering resides."
Ana stops walking, pausing, giving a once over.
"Ana I swear" holding her hand to my lips "This is not a con."
"Okay." giving me that lovely shy smile. "Then this should be quite the treat.