Chapter 4
Ana.
It's been 3 months now since the Jack incident, it's been a long road to getting back on track but I managed it. Christian was so supportive during everything and for that I will always be grateful but we had to say goodbye eventually. We both have massive commitments already, plus he wasn't ready for any kind of relationship.
It was painful to hear him tell me that we couldn't see each other anymore, in any capacity. I really did like him and it would have been wonderful to have remained friends but it wasn't what he wanted. I accepted it and now here I am.
After Jack was arrested the company was left to Denise, she was basically Jacks boss, we never met her or even really heard much about her but after Jack was sent to prison she had to make a decision regarding the future of the company.
Apparently everyone in the office decided that the best future for the company was me, so I'm now the manager of SIP. It's been amazing; everyone has been so supportive and helpful. The job came with a pretty big jump in salary and considering I don't pay any rent I have too much money, but it's all going into a savings account and one day I hope to be able to buy something great with it.
A few magazines have done some interviews with me as well so that's more money I made, but after speaking about what happened I became a public figure. Everyone knew my name; I had just figured it was because Christian Grey was the one who came to my rescue. It wasn't, about a month after the attack, and after the release of my interviews I was being contacted by a lot of people, to speak at conferences and help young women who have gone through the same thing. I willingly accepted and before I knew it everyone wanted to speak to me.
It all died down though, a few people still approach me to speak about it but for the most part vie gone back to my usual old life. I'm now getting ready to publish my first book and I couldn't be more excited, I started writing it before I finished school and its finally done. The great thing is I don't need to go anywhere to have it published, I can do it myself.
6 months later.
Wow, my book has had an amazing reception. I even managed to get to number one on the billboards most anticipated books.
Denise approached me a few weeks ago to talk about the future of SIP, she is much too old to be dealing with its new found fame and has asked me to buy her out. As of today I am now the official owner of SIP, and another publishing company in New York. Apparently saving all of my money did come in handy. Being a public figure is all good, but now I feel like I can't have anything kept private and its tough, but I enjoy it.
As a celebration Kate and I are going out for drinks tonight, not only to celebrate my newfound success but also to celebrate her newfound romance.
….
"Hey Ana, you look great, I feel like I hardly see you anymore."
"Kate, we live in the same apartment you see me every night."
"True, it's still crazy though, I'm now living with a multi-millionaire."
"Okay, maybe don't shout that, you never know what kind of money thirsty people might be lurking around." We both burst out laughing, and chat about life. It's been a while since we could both sit down and just chat, it feels good, and it almost feels like nothing has changed.
"Okay, so I have this big charity gala to go to in a few days, seeing as I don't have anyone to take, would you like to be my date?"
"Are you kidding Ana, of course I'll be your date. We need to go shopping then."
"Yes we do, that's why tomorrow you won't be going to work, instead me and you are going shopping. We need to look good, there's going to be a lot of people, famous people even." As soon as I mention famous she is full of excitement.
After a few more cocktails and several bottles of champagne we decide it would be wise to go home, considering tomorrow will be spend shopping all day, and shopping with Kate wouldn't mix well with a hangover.
The whole way home Kate just goes on and on about what we will wear, how our makeup should be done and what we will do with our hair and as soon as we get back to the apartment she grabs her laptop and fires it up.
"Kate, I love you so much and I'm glad you're excited by this event, but if we are going to go shopping tomorrow we should probably get some sleep. We have a really really long day ahead of us." Her face drops a little but within seconds it's replaced with a huge grin.
"You are so right banana, it's good to see you back to your normal self again." We say goodnight and head to our rooms, I'm beyond exhausted and as soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out like a light.
…
"Ana! Get up, we need to get ready if we want to get shopping anytime soon." Kate!
"I'm up, I'll get a shower and then we can go."
"Okay, well hurry up its already past 11."
"Okay, but you do know the shops don't close until 6 tonight don't you?"
"Ha ha very funny banana, c'mon we have so much to do."
I quickly shower and get dressed, knowing we will be photographed while we are out I make an effort and put on some makeup. It takes me all of 30 minutes to get ready and then I'm ready to take on shopping with Kate.
…
6 hours later and we are eventually back at the apartment. I can no longer feel my feet and I'm pretty sure my face is in a permanent smile from all of the photos I've taken with people today.
We did manage to get out outfits sorted for the event, so that's done at least. I haven't told Kate yet that we need to pack a bag because were staying at a hotel for a few nights, I know as soon as I do there will be hugs and screaming and too much excitement for my tired body to deal with, but considering we leave in less than 2 hours I should probably let her know.
"Kate, so there are a few things I didn't tell you about this event. It's not here, it's in New York so we need to pack a bag for a few nights. We leave in about an hour and a half."
"ANAAAAAA! You little devil. I cannot believe you didn't tell me this already. How am I going to pack my things in that short time." Instantly Kate had a small suitcase on her bed and is planning what she needs to take with her. I leave her to it and go into my own room and finish packing.
I only need to throw in my last few pieces because I already packed when I found out about it so I pack up my toothbrush and phone charger and zip the case closed. All of our jewellery is staying with Kate, I'm the kind of person that would lose it and it's not something that you would want to lose.
"Kate the cars here, please tell me you are ready to go."
"Yep, let's get this show on the road." She has upgraded her small case to a medium case and she has a large handbag as well, typical Kate.
"You do realise we are only going to be away for 3 days right? I mean you look like you're about to take a week-long trip with the amount of stuff you have"
"I really don't have that much you know. I just like to be prepared, you never know what might happen."
"Okay fair enough, let's go before this guy has a fit about us running late."
We head out of the apartment and make our way downstairs, both excited about the weekend ahead of us. I have also neglected to tell her that we are going to the spa tomorrow and we are getting our hair and makeup done as well as nails. I'll tell her when she's a little more exhausted.
"Hi, you must be Anastasia. I'm Sawyer, I'll be your driver."
"Hi, please call me Ana. This is Kate, just ignore her if she gets too excited, she just found out we were going to New York."
"Alright Ana. Please allow me to take your bags for you."
This guy is so nice. I was just expecting some middle aged balding guy to turn up and grunt if we spoke to him.
Christian.
I know I should be staying out of her life but it's too difficult. I find myself constantly thinking about her, and worrying. I just need to know that she is safe.
"Taylor. Find out who is taking Anastasia to the airport this evening. Have him paid and send Sawyer, but he cannot let her know he works for me. He is simply just to be a driver for the evening."
"Yes boss."
At least if I have one of my men drive her I know she will be safe. I'm guessing she has no idea that I'll be attending this event as well, and I'll keep it that way. I don't want her to panic about seeing me.
…
Ana.
"That was amazing. I have never been so relaxed in my life."
"I know, I still can't believe you have all of these surprises Ana. It's so unlike you."
"Well, I needed to treat you, plus we both needed it."
"We really did. Okay let's get started on this makeup then. I'm thinking maybe a.."
"Why do you have that look on your face? Please tell me you don't have another surprise!"
"Actually I do. We don't need to worry about hair and makeup, it's all taken care of. We just need to sit back and relax while we get pampered"
"I couldn't love you anymore right now Ana."
"Yeah yeah, get that champagne and let's get this evening started shall we?"
Kate had a huge smile on her face and we both begin celebrating. We take it slow with the alcohol, we have dinner to eat and very important people to meet later so I don't want any of us stumbling around looking ridiculous.
…
With our makeup and hair finally done the final thing to do is actually get dressed so we both head into the bedroom do get our dresses and accessories.
Kate looks stunning, her dress hugs her in all of the right places. She has a floor length Tadashi Shoji gown, it's all lace and has long sleeves. She paired it with a pair of simple diamond earrings and a small diamond choker.
I on the other hand have the most gorgeous floor length YSL dress. It's come to sit just in the middle of my chest and the back come to sit at the same height as my belly button, the back flows right behind and forms a small train. Kate has paired it with some simple diamond drop down earrings, and matching bracelet and a simple diamond necklace that sits just above my cleavage.
"Ana! You look like a Greek goddess!"
"Thank you, you look amazing too, men are going to find it difficult to keep away from you."
"Yeah right Ana, you'll have them drooling all over you like lost dogs"
" Okay, and the final surprise."
"Another one. You are spoiling me banana"
I hand Kate a box, I didn't tell her tonight was a masquerade event.
"Ana, it's amazing. Thank you!"
"You're welcome." Kate has a delicate lace mask that ties at the back with silk ribbon, it is all black but has small red diamonds dotted all over it.
"How did you know I would choose a red lip?"
"When don't you Kate. Plus I was listening when you were telling me how you were doing you're makeup."
"Well done. Shall we go?"
My mask is similar to Kates but the lace on mine is red and it has the most amazing diamonds shining. I actually can't wait to go out tonight now.
…..
After dinner the party really begins, and everyone slips on their masks and heads the great hall for everyone to mingle.
"I must say, you look absolutely stunning in that dress. May I buy you a drink?"
"Thank you, if you insist." I have no idea who this man is but from what I can see he is definitely a looker. Apparently this makes makes me far more confident that I would usually be and before I know it we are having a full conversation.
Christian.
I don't have any idea what Ana is wearing tonight, but as soon as I see her I'll know it's her. I scan the room but it's much too busy for me to really get a good look at anyone. I make my way to the bar, she's going to need a drink at some point so if I stay here I'm bound to notice her.
"Whiskey please, 2 cubes of ice and whatever this beautiful woman desires." Asshole, clearly just looking for a woman to fuck and then leave in the morning.
"I'll have a Cosmo please" I snap my head round at the sound of her voice. I know before I even look it's her. Smug asshole. He thinks he's getting lucky with her tonight. Not if I have anything to do with it.
"Taylor, the man sitting at the bar. I want him away from that woman. Offer him money, just get him away from her."
"Yes sir."
Ana.
"I'm actually here with my best friend, she's here somewhere."
"Ah very kind of you to bring a friend along. Sorry I ever did catch your name"
"It's An…"
"Sorry to interrupt, but may I have a word with you sir." I know he hasn't done anything wrong but he excuses himself and follows the security guard away. After about twenty minutes I figure he isn't coming back so I order two more cosmos and go in search of Kate.
I eventually find her surrounded with men who clearly adore her, but she isn't having a good time at all.
"Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind I must steal this woman away from you all."
"Thank you Ana. They were talking far too much about money, I just want to have a good time."
"Well let's start having a good time then." I hand her the drink and we drink it quickly before heading to dancefloor.
After a few too many cocktails later Kate has gone off with a young handsome looking masked man, I can still see her from where I am so I know she is safe. I take my phone from my bag and sift through the messages I have, most of them are from my assistant keeping me updated on what's happening at SIP.
I see his name and my stomach flips with excitement. I smile to myself and close the phone and head back to the bar.
I drink a few more cocktails until I feel my head starting to get fuzzy and stop. Just as I go to find Kate my phone rings and I quickly answer it.
"Ana banana. It's me Kate, listen I know you brought me here and it's amazing but Elliot's here, the guy I've been seeing. Do you mind if I go back to his place for the night?"
"Not at all Kate, just let me know when you are coming back to the hotel tomorrow, and behave" I giggle as I say goodnight.
I decide to order another drink, I may as well considering Kates gone now and the alcohol is free.
Christian.
"Bro, I'm heading off for the night. I'll catch up with you tomorrow that okay?"
"Yes that's fine Elliot. I'll see you tomorrow."
At least I don't need to deal with a drunken brother this evening now. I head to the cloakroom and grab my coat, after a final scan of the room I'm satisfied that Ana has gone home and head to the bar for one last drink before I go to my room. As I go through the doors I notice she is still sitting at the bar. Alone this time. I argue with myself about whether or not to leave, but before I have a chance to decide my phone chirps in my pocket.
"Hi Christian, I know you said you didn't want anything between us and I get that, I just want to say thank you for helping me through everything. I really did appreciate it. We should grab coffee sometime."
My heart beat a little faster at the thought of spending time with her again and I walk towards the table.
"Hi, could I get you a drink?"
"Oh no it's alright I was just getting ready to leave. Thanks though. "I can't let her leave, I want to stay here and spend time with her talking and laughing.
"Anastasia, please stay and have a drink with me." I take of my mask and her head spins round to look at me.
"Christian. Hi. I didn't realise you were here tonight. Please have a seat."
"I didn't want to upset you so I kept my distance, but I was just leaving and saw you sitting here alone. Is your date gone?"
"Oh, I. I didn't have a date, I brought Kate along with me. I didn't want to come alone."
"Ah, so where is Kate then?"
"She left a while ago with her new boyfriend who was apparently here. I didn't realise she was dating a guy that would come here but apparently so."
"Oh, well he must be pretty special if she's leaving her best friend alone to drink."
I flag the barman down and order our drinks, hoping she doesn't notice I knew what she was drinking.
"Yeah, they've been seeing each other for a while I think but I haven't met him yet. Know any wealthy young man named Elliot." She lets out a laugh, obviously not expecting an answer from me.
"Actually yes, my brother."
"Seriously. Kate's dating your brother. How did they even meet. I mean surely they don't run in the same friendship circles."
"Yeah you would be surprised, Elliot has a very large circle. He knows a lot of people."
I don't usually drink much but I'm enjoying her company and before wither of us realise it's time to go and we are way beyond tipsy. For the first time in a long time I'm truly happy and actually find myself laughing as we go upstairs.
I look at her in the elevator and I can't help myself. I push her gently up against the wall and crash my lips onto hers, much to my delight she accepts and slowly opens her lips to allow my tongue to explore her.
The elevator pings and we both stand back to attention and try not to look guilty. When we finally reach her floor we stumble through the door and fall into the bedroom both laughing hysterically at one another and how drunk we both are.
I know now that I need her in my life. She makes me feel complete. She makes me feel normal.
I love her. I love her so much it hurts to think about my playroom. All I want from now on is her.