Party
"Let's hit this," Elliot smirks, when we finally arrive at the Kavanagh Estate. A hilltop property at one of Washington's exclusive neighborhoods. The property is impressive. A contemporary style home surrounded by nothing but trees and nature. About half a dozen cars are already parked at the circular driveway when we arrive. There is no valet, there's just security waving to tell us to park at the designated space.
"We're late," I mutter, as I park my R8 on the next available space close to the house.
"Dude, it's a party. We're not late, we have three minutes to get inside," Elliot says, rolling his eyes as he lets himself out of the car and I follow.
"If you didn't take your time playing dress up, we would be here a little earlier," I retort dryly. Since my weekends are now pretty much empty, unless I work or if I had a new submissive, which I still don't at the moment, and since I don't have friends to hang out with, I'm pretty much stuck spending any free time I have with my brother. We went sailing earlier in the day, then he decided to take his time, like a girl, playing dress up, until he found the suitable outfit to wear for the occasion, completely forgetting the horrible traffic on the way.
"At least you won't look like an idiot, waiting and then gawking at Ana, when you finally see her," Elliot smirks and shoves my arm playfully.
"Fuck you, Elliot," Is my reply. Elliot is still laughing when we finally enter the tent, the Kavanagh's have set up for the special occasion. It's smaller and more intimate than what my parents have. I would know, Grace knows how to throw a soiree. The engagement party has barely started, we're in a room full of familiar faces. Everyone's attention is on the future bride, my sister, Mia, and her groom, Ethan, who are currently thanking everyone for joining the celebration. I scan the room to look for the one person that I am most eager to see, above anyone else.
"You see her, yet?" Elliot teases, just as my sister and her fiancé finish their short speech and announce that dinner will be served buffet style and the small crowed make their way towards the buffet area, manned by servers.
"Fuck off, Elliot," I mutter, just as I spot my mother and Mrs. Kavanagh chatting with someone who's face I don't see. Long silky brown hair, with hints of honey blonde streaks. Slender figure accentuated by the navy blue cocktail dress and cream stilettos that also emphasize her toned legs. Everything, aside from the changes in her hair screams her. The one that got away. Damn. My feet automatically move across the room to reach her. To get a closer look. I could say 'hi,' right? Be friendly. I don't even bother looking at the smug reaction of my brother. Right now, all I care about is seeing her face for the first time since… well since the last time. The day she said goodbye…
"Are you sure about this?" I ask her, once again. Please say no.
"Yes," she says, though her expression says otherwise.
"Once this is done, it's done, Ana. Over. You won't see me or talk to me again, ever," I try again, hoping that these carefully chosen words make her change her mind. Please stay, my sweet Ana.
"That… that's what I want," she says, barely even a whisper.
"Fine. Contract is voided. It's over," I say, bitterly. Why does this fucking feel so wrong? "I will have Taylor arrange transportation for your… things," I say, surly. Goodbye, sweet Anastasia.
"No, Christian, everything in my room and some of the items on your rooms… those are all yours, I don't need them," she tries to say but I didn't let her finish. Christ! She is one infuriating woman!
"Don't be ridiculous, Ana. You signed the contract, the contract says you'll take anything I give you," I say forcefully.
"I don't want to take anything that remind me of you," she says, a single tear rolling down her eye. Fuck! That hurts. Why does it hurt? Focus, Grey, I scold myself. I won't let her walk away with nothing, so I try a different tact.
"You're wounding me, Ana, please take them. Do whatever you want to do with those things, just take them, please," I beg her. I want her, but I can't give her want she wants. I'm no good for her, but I want her to think of me even though it's over. Christ! I'm a fucked up son of a bitch.
"Okay, I'll take them, but on one condition."
"What is it?"
"You said it's over. I won't see or talk to you anymore after this," she repeats my words. Okay, where the fuck is this going?
"Yes, unless, you've changed your mind, of course," I say, hopeful that she did change her mind.
"I love you, but I can't give you what you want and you can't give me what I want, Christian. So unless you've changed your mind, then my answer is still a no, Christian. I'm sorry," she says, smiling weakly.
"I'll miss that smart mouth of yours, Ms. Steele," I say, mirroring her smile. Though mine is more bitter than weak. It's true though, I will fucking miss her.
"Me too, Christian, I will miss you," she responds, another tear managing to escape from her eye. That's it, my wall begin crumble.
"Do you have to do this? Stay with me, please?" I try again.
"I don't want to re-hash, Christian, we can't provide each other's needs. It won't work, not anymore."
"Fine. What is it then, that condition?" I ask bitterly.
"Promise me that you will not keep tabs on me. No more security, background checks, the whole nine yards. Promise, no– give me your word, Christian, that you will stop the stalkery and I will keep everything that you gave to me."
"Christian, hello," I blink to hear Anastasia's startled, yet pleasant voice, take me from the memory of our last conversation and back into the now. Another blink and I see her shy but smiling face. That face. Thos beautiful blue eyes, now regarding me with their usual intensity. God, I forgot the effect they have on me. Don't even get me started with the lips. Christ!
"Are you okay?" she asks, smiling tentatively.
"Yeah, it's good to see you, Ms. Steele," I respond, finally finding my voice while my body, for the second time automatically reach up to give her a kiss in the cheek. She blushes, a delicate shade of pink, the blush made me smile. Her answering smile made me almost forget that we are in a room full of people and that we are no longer together, which fucking suck.
"Always so formal," I hear my mother say. Yeah, I almost forgot, she's talking with my mother and Mrs. Kavanagh.
"I know right? Why so formal, Mr. Grey?" she smiles, that shy smile. The smile that could turn even the grumpiest fuckers to keel.
"Old habits," I shrug.
"Well I'm sure you two have some catching up to do, we'll go join the others," my mother announces happily, giving Anastasia a kiss in the cheek, before touching my cheek and then leading an intrigued Mrs. Kavanagh somewhere, giving me some privacy with her. My Anastasia.
"Err… okay, what was that?"
"I think my mother is giving us some privacy," I say as we both watch my mother and Mrs. Kavanagh mingle to the crowd until they make their way to my sister and her fiancé.
"Oh, okay, I guess?" she giggles. One of the most beautiful music, at least to me, is her giggle. It is also one of the things that I miss the most, aside from the giggler herself. Quit acting like a pussy, Grey. Focus. I tell myself.
"You look incredible by the way. New York suits you," I say, truthfully. I would say mouthwatering, but that would be too much.
"Thanks. You too, Christian, you look great, as always," She blushes, returning my compliment with another compliment. Of course, but beauty is only skin deep.
"Why thank you, Ms. Steele. So… how are things?" I ask, my curiosity peaking. Yes, I'm dying to know how she's doing.
"Great," is her simple answer, I roll my eyes.
"Come on, Anastasia, give me details," I mutter dryly, much to her amusement.
"I'm glad you seem to be keeping your promise," she says, looking relieved.
"Of course I did, I'm a man of my word," I say, feigning offense. I've been tempted a couple of times since hearing the news of her moving to New York, but I thought better of it and frankly, I don't know what I'll do if I find out that she moved on or something, so I fought the overwhelming urge to check on her.
"Glad to hear it," she says, for some reason, my assurance seem to make her feel more relieved. She takes a deep breath, then continues, "Well, I'm a Senior Editor at Morrison Group, a lifestyle and media company based in Manhattan. I've been living in New York for about three years now, uhm, what else? That's it, I'm afraid. Work and home, very boring," she finishes with a shaky laugh.
"How about you, Mr. Grey. How are things?" she asks. Of course she'll ask. What to say? Hmmm that I've changed submissive faster than my morning runs? That none of it is the same since she walked away? That I miss her? None of those seems appropriate so I resolve on saying the simplest words I can think of.
"The same, but with some improvements, I guess" I reply, because it's half true. I'm still CEO at Grey Enterprise, which is growing. I'm still living in Seattle, living in the same building and above all, I'm still a fucked-up son of a bitch who likes to… you get the picture. And it looks like she does to, for I'm rewarded with her eye rolling and yes, another smile. Half smile, this time.
"I have to ask, why New York?" I say, changing the subject.
"Well, Morrison Group was the only company interested to hire me, I simply jumped on the opportunity. It's been amazing. I mean, I know right? New York? It's nothing like Seattle, it's much more… urban, definitely not a quiet place to live. But, you know, it's not that bad once I got used to it and after a while, I started to love it."
"I'm glad to hear it," I say. "How long are you visiting?"
"I'm on week two of my three weeks. I visited my dad in Montesano the first week, then here until w- I mean, I leave next Saturday," she says, slightly flustered. I'm pretty sure she about to say we rather than I. hmm.
"Are you seeing someone?" I ask, curiosity getting the best of me. Control yourself, Grey.
"Me? Oh no," she answers with giggle. "New York is not the best place to date. Too many douchebags, if you ask me," she snorts.
"So you're not with someone?" I clarify. Christ! Why do I feel so relieve.
"Ana!"
We both turn to see Kate marching towards us. "Oh, Hi, Christian," she says dryly, before she takes Anastasia's hand and says, "Picture time with the ladies and then can we please eat? I'm starving."
"Uhm, okay," Anastasia replies, tentatively. "I'll see you around, Christian,"
"Rain check," I tell her. Irritated that her friend just had to butt in and steal the fucking show.
Dinner is uneventful. I am seated beside my brother, who is drinking too much liquid courage, hoping muster enough confidence to go and talk, and hopefully win back someone who isn't willing to come back to him. I have to listen to my parent's talk excitedly at their daughter's happiness. I also have to put up with my sister's friends, all of them mooning over me as if they're still teenagers. Normally I would confirm attendance just so my mom will know that I did what I was asked, then leave the first chance I get. But here I am, sitting on my ass, waiting for the perfect time to resume my little chat with the alluring Ms. Steele, and trying my very best not to stare at her the whole time. Our eyes have locked a couple of times now, I don't want to look like I am salivating to get a chance to talk to her, or be with her, or fuck her like there's no tomorrow, or all of the above, in no particular order. Fuck!
The perfect time finally comes when my brother, who I hope is not too drunk, finally sum up the courage to talk approach his ex (who's been studiously ignoring him). Ana is left chatting with my sister, Mia and Ethan. By some miracle, she looks at her phone and eventually excuses herself. Yes! I feel like a fucking stalker, although, who am I kidding? I kind of am one, I snort to myself as I follow her outside the tent and into what looks like the garden/patio area. Her back against me and she listens to whoever's on the other line.
"I see… no worries, give him a good night kiss for me… Thanks Paula, you're the best… yeah, see you… good night," she says. Kiss? Who? Perhaps she's with someone. Shit!
"Oh my god! Christian… you startled me," she says, breaking me out of my thoughts.
"I'm sorry, didn't mean to," I reply automatically. "Who were you talking to?" I ask.
"OH! You heard?" she asks, surprised and a little worried. Hmmm…
"Not really, just some part" I lie coolly.
"That was uh, Paula, a friend of mine from New York. She called to ask if I'm available next weekend for a house party," she says. Why do I feel like she's telling me a lie? Right, she's returning to New York next weekend, that's why.
"I heard about a kiss good night," I state dryly. Yes, she's no longer mine, but I still want to know.
"Oh!" she laughs shakily, "She has a son. Adorable little one," she adds fondly.
"I see," I say, noncommittally. "So, about that rain check…"
"About that rain check, where were we?" she says.
"I believe I was confirming if you're currently seeing someone," I clarify.
"Uh… no," she responds swiftly. Okay? No… what?
"Care to elaborate?" I prod.
"I'm not seeing anyone, not at the moment," she finally say, before rolling her eyes at me. Her answer made me smile.
"New Yorker's are too much of douche for your liking, Ms. Steele?" I ask, playfully. Yeah, I can be playful if I want to.
"Something like that," she smiles. "But enough about me, what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Oh come on, dating anyone?"
"Anastasia, you know I don't date," I say, incredulously. She and I know this. I don't date. I don't do the vanilla shit. I don't do hearts and flowers. Well, she maybe the exception.
"You dated me. Partially, that is," she replies shyly. Yes, partially, that I can do. Shit!
"You were always the exception to that rule, Ana. I never dated after that," I clarify. Yes, it has always been her. Just her. The girl who left.
"Thanks, I guess? I'm not sure if I should be flattered by that. Okay, any new, you know… subs?" she asks, conspiratorially. I laugh.
"None at the moment."
"I'm glad you find me funny, Sir," she says, playfully. My cock twitches.
"Oh, Anastasia, what am I going to do with you?" I say, lowering my voice.
"Nothing, I believe," she replies, with a shrug. How can I reply with that? It's true, I can't do anything, for she isn't mine.
"I can take you out. Lunch or dinner, perhaps?" the words are out before I can even blink.
"Err…" She is all she can say. No doubt startled by my sudden invitation. She swallows and glances nervously at me, her blue eyes wide and round, like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Ana!"
We both turn to look at a slightly drunken Kate, followed by a couple, the guy I recognize as Jose Rodriguez, and his girlfriend, all walking towards us. What a fucking perfect time it is for them to fucking ruin the moment.
"Steele, we need to go," Kate says, when they finally reach us.
"Oh, okay. You okay, Kate? You sound… drunk," she replies.
"I had a couple of drinks, I'm okay – sort of. I just need to snuggle with my Teddy Bear. Come on, let's go!" Kate drunkenly replies. I notice both Ana and her other friend, Jose, cringe at her words.
"Okay, give me a moment. I'll catch up with you guys," Ana finally says, eyeing Jose meaningfully to take her drunken friend away.
"'Kay, hurry up. We have cutie little Teddy baby waiting," again Kate says, much to Ana's horror.
"Christian, I have to go," Ana tells me, apologetically.
"I can just drop you off, if you want," I offer. Don't fucking leave yet, I want an answer.
"I can't. I'm the designated driver. I'm sorry," she insist.
"Come on, Ana. Your baby teddy bear is waiting," a drunken Kate calls, almost yells. Again the look of utter horror on Ana, completely baffles me. What is this Teddy Bear? Who wants to fucking snuggle with a teddy bear?
"We gotta go. Listen, it was nice catching up with you, Christian," Ana says, hurriedly. Or maybe panicking.
"But what about my invitation?"
"Uhm… I'll call you. We really need to go," she insists, reaching up to kiss me in the cheek, muttering a meek goodbye and then she's off, dragging her drunken friend with her. Not even bothering to get my number. Perhaps she still has my number. I can't know for sure. Damn it, I don't even have her new number. Besides, this Teddy Bear, her friend kept prattling and unceasing her frightened reaction, has got my attention. What is she hiding? And who or what is this teddy bear? Why is Ana embarrassed or frightened when Kate mentions that thing? Christ! I don't even know if it's a thing or living thing! And who the fuck is her friend Paula? Why would she confirm invitation when she's still technically in Seattle next weekend? That's it, Ms. Steele has done it again, peaked my interest to the brink of insanity. Enough for me to do crazy stalkery things, as she likes to call them. I take my phone and dial a familiar number. Hell, had she simply said yes to my invitation, then maybe I would be this… curious, about what just fucking happened.
"Welch, I need a background report."