Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

14. Chapter 14

Just Breathe Chapter 14 – Ana's first week at Grey Publishing; José's Exhibition
Tuesday, July 5
Ana's POV

I dress for work, aware for the first time that it does not matter what I wear. I'm not hiding body parts from Jack Hyde anymore. However, cognizant I have an HR meeting first thing; I settle on a summer blue, sleeveless, fit and flare dress with navy accessories. I fix my hair in a ponytail and fasten it with a navy barrette. I wear navy Lucite hoop earrings and bangle bracelet. I put on nude thigh high stockings, aware I have a spare pair in my box of personal items for work. I won't destroy a pair a day trying to avoid Captain Space Invader. Christian won't destroy a pair of underwear a day either the way my brain is currently mired in confusion. I have not decided about working for Grey Publishing. I reach for navy blue pumps and a navy blue hobo bag to pack with things to get me through the day if I stay with Grey Publishing. If not, I have cash to pay for a taxi back to the condo.

Ethan makes breakfast; relying on microwave breakfasts to feed us. Oh well, I haven't stocked the freezer with breakfasts. I need to spend time this weekend making and freezing French toast, waffles, pancakes, breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches for rush mornings. I can make mini quiche filling in Ziploc bags to thaw and cook in coffee mugs. I should have Ray change out the hot water heater the next time he's in town. We seriously need a tankless on-demand hot water heater especially if three of us are getting ready for school and work in the morning. After I research prices and options; I will offer to split the cost with Kate for it. I forward the calls from my old cell to the smart phone and take it off the charger. I've missed calls from Christian, Claire and José. They will have to wait until I have break or lunch to deal with them. I put Ortega Chicken in the crockpot, I eat breakfast and grab a yogurt and fruit for lunch in case I stay at Grey Publishing.

Kate drops me at the back entrance to Grey Publishing just before eight. When I approach the security desk, I show my identification. The security guard asks why I didn't come in through the parking level in the basement or the drop-off point in front of the building. I explain there was way too much media out front. He laughs and sends me up to the sixth floor. Claire greets me with hugs hello when I enter Grey Publishing. Amber and Emily wait for me also. They show me around the large entry for the building which includes being introduced to security at the front desk. They give me a map of the building so I won't get lost.

We tour floors six-eight in the building assigned to Grey Publishing. Reception, IT, storage, copy room, kitchen and break room take up the first floor. The second floor is editors and assistants with a reception area and a large conference room. There are two offices with workstations for authors to upload manuscripts or check emails, etc. There are two smaller conference rooms for meetings with editors. The third floor is finance, marketing, administration and Mr. Roach.

My coworkers share the numbers for three businesses that deliver lunch, in addition to the address of a coffee shop, dry cleaners and mini mail center within a six-block radius. They don't ask questions about Jack or Elizabeth…promising to save that conversation for lunch together tomorrow. However, they privately thank me for standing up to Jack Hyde. Finally at 8:25 Robb Loeder calls down to reception and asks someone to escort me to his office.

Mr. Loeder; who insists on being called Robb, leads me to a table in the corner of his office. "Welcome back," he greets me, offering coffee, tea or water which I decline.

"Thank you…" I hesitate.

"You don't sound pleased to be here." He says.

"I don't know if I am comfortable working here." I say.

"Because of Jack Hyde and Elizabeth Morgan?" He asks.

"Yes," I don't want to sound upset. "This was my first professional job. I don't know if Jack Hyde hired me because I have the potential to do the job; or if it was because of his obsession with Christian Grey. Is this a good idea; my returning to work at GP?" I asked.

"Well, I discussed your situation with Grey House HR, Mr. Roach and several of Grey Publishing's editors. If you want a job with Grey Publishing; we want you. If you don't feel comfortable here, we will arrange for you to receive six months of severance pay and a letter of recommendation. If that is the case, this would be considered your exit interview. Grey House HR requested you apply there if you do not stay with Grey Publishing. They have a six-month internship program. At the end of six months you could be assigned to PR, Communications or Marketing."

"Do they know about Jack Hyde assaulting me?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, they know because of the media. They are also aware of your relationship with Mr. Grey, due to the media." Robb is painfully honest. "No one here holds what happened against you. In fact, we are indebted to you more than you know. When Jack Hyde was arrested and materials were found that proved he assaulted interns before you; upper management was shocked. Needless to say, all GP staff is undergoing sexual harassment training. Elizabeth's death was a shock to all of us. We're very pleased with the upgraded work environment and the security guards available in the building." He cleared his throat.

"I have not heard about Elizabeth Morgan. Will there be a funeral? Is Grey Publishing organizing a memorial for her? It's just that I didn't receive any emails and there hasn't been anything in the press." I sit quietly with my hands in my lap…but it's just a ruse. My brain is churning and my anxiety levels are through the roof.

"I embargoed information about Miss Morgan because I wanted you to have time to consider your future with Grey Publishing without undue influence from co-workers." Robb said. "After we are done this morning, I have a broadcast email for Grey Publishing regarding Miss Morgan. Since Jack Hyde's arrest, we have been contacted by six of his interns who are cooperating with the police. If he goes to trial, they plan to testify. When they return to Seattle to testify; they will attend exit interviews with GP. We have not heard if there will be a class action lawsuit against SIP/GP and Jack Hyde."

"If management is wondering, I will not be suing GP for Jack assaulting me," I say softly.

"We're concerned about how you are handling all of this. You are coming in one day later than everyone else; GP and the changes are new to the rest of the staff. I'm a new entity to them. The IT staff is new. Two of our editors retired because they did not want to deal with the change in location and management. Remaining staff have been reorganized into positions more appropriate for them. This leads me to you. The departure of three of our editors leaves us with positions to be filled. I would like to offer you a position as a copy editor with Grey Publishing."

"But…I only worked at SIP less than a month." I protest.

"Here is a detailed job description. Mr. Roach, Grey House HR and three of the senior editors agree with my evaluation of your abilities. You know the authors. Your review of manuscripts has been insightful. You did not have to work last week, but you read manuscripts. Mr. Roach assures me that work ethic enabled Grey Publishing to continue forward despite down time during this transition."

"I don't know about this," I say hesitantly after reading the job description. "Although, there doesn't appear to be anything that I have not done or do not understand. Mr. Grey had nothing to do with this decision?" I asked.

"I can assure you that this decision was made by me without influence or input from Mr. Grey." Robb said sincerely. "After I made this decision; I discussed it with GP upper management and Grey House HR. They support my decision; which I believe is in your best interest and ours." Robb replied.

"Good, because it is very important to me to do this on my own if I stay with GP." I pause again.

"Give us 90 days, Ana," Robb urged me. "If you say yes, I can show you to your new office. You will have better, more secure technology and an assistant. I will order business cards for you. Security needs to photograph you and issue a security card and pass codes. IT needs to schedule a meeting with you. Plus, there is new paperwork to be signed."

I drew a deep breath. Publishing is what I want to do. This is a chance to prove myself. "Agreed," I said. "Ninety days probationary period, but I refuse to be blindsided. I want a performance review every thirty days during that ninety day probationary period. I want specific work-performance standards and accountability measures."

"Work performance standards and accountability are part of the new Grey Publishing HR experience. Part of the paperwork you sign this morning is your WPS and a non-disclosure agreement, which states that you do not talk to the press about Grey Publishing. Additionally there are security protocols to sign, as in you don't play solitaire on our computers or introduce viruses. You don't troll questionable websites. You don't release contact information for our authors or provide a database of information about clients or coworkers to spam websites."

"Understood," I acknowledge.

"Welcome to Grey Publishing, Anastasia Steele, Copy Editor. Now, I hate to throw you under the bookmobile – but your schedule is already tight today. I will take you to Security who will photograph you, fingerprint you, and give you a security pass card and keys to your office. When you are done with them, come back to our offices. Claire will call IT to meet with you. You need to be at a meeting at one o'clock in the main conference room on the second floor. Roach, the VP of Marketing; the VP of Operations and all the editors are meeting – it's informal. Lunch will be provided. I'm providing an update on staffing."

"Do I need to prepare anything?" I took notes on my smart phone.

"If you have time, look through the current roster of Jack's authors." Robb started sliding paperwork to me to sign. I'm amazed my salary is double my intern rate of pay, in addition to a signing bonus equivalent to three months' pay. Robb explained there would be a 5% merit raise at the end of my 90-day probationary period. There are signing bonuses for acquiring bestselling authors. Additionally, after 90 days, I would start receiving full benefits of sick days, leave days and insurance.

Security is cool, calm and professional. Christian's security informed Grey Annex Security I will be working in the building. I get a couple side glances from staff; but as they don't stare at me; I can deal with their curiosity. I apologize for the media outside Grey Annex this morning. I'm with them for thirty minutes. I'm assigned a parking spot in basement level parking. They provide a map of the parking area. Their main rule is to let them know if I'm entering the building before six and/or leaving the building after six. One of them escorts me back to Grey Publishing.

IT waits for my return. I turn down the work-provided smart phone and handed them the one Christian gave me. I ask them to remove the GPS tracker app. I get new applications on my smart phone to access work emails and the manuscript database. I get new IT passwords. I get a crash course in accessing the author database. IT hands me a tablet to access manuscripts via wifi. I get a crash course in accessing manuscripts on the manuscript server. I get a crash course in accessing the online calendar program for the office. They teach me to sync my work laptop , tablet and smart phone to the main calendar app. They show me how to access the online HR training courses. Once I watch the training videos, answer some questions online and click submit, it goes to the HR server and notifies them I am in compliance with training.

At break time, I check my voice mails, emails and texts. I turn down an offer for lunch from Christian, Kate, Ethan, Mia and Grace. I send a broadcast email explaining I have a working lunch today, but thanks for the offer. I can't wait to sign it Anastasia Steele, Copy Editor, Grey Publishing. I text José and Kate about his art show and our plans from my smart phone.

Retrieving Ray's electronic tracker; I use the powder room and kitchen. I make tea, return to my office and make a list of things to do. Robb drops by with a file of applications from ten potential assistants. I check through the current roster of Jack's authors. Yes, I've pretty much got those nailed. I have the five manuscripts Jack was championing, plus two more I read last week which should really be considered for publication. I print out information regarding the six authors Jack has kept in limbo waiting for notification of acceptance/rejection from SIP/Grey Publishing. I will bring them to the notice of the group. There has been so much to absorb this morning. A ping from my calendar announces the meeting.

After lunch I am astonished when Claire delivers a bouquet of two-dozen white roses to me. We share a whole five minutes of gossip behind closed doors before she has to go back downstairs. She asks if they are from Mr. Grey and giggles when I open the card and nod. She congratulates me on the job promotion and we promise to have lunch together tomorrow.

Anastasia, congratulations on the new job. I can offer champagne and an appropriate celebratory dinner tomorrow evening. Christian

Work has gone from dreading facing Jack Hyde to being the most interesting part of my day – well, since I'm not sleeping with Christian anyway. I'm doing more than making and fetching coffee, typing letters to authors and replacing paper and toner cartridges in the copy machine. I'm not sorting manuscripts by author last names. I'm not worrying about how to move or sit at my desk without Jack Captain Space Invader Hyde leering at me. Without him shouting at me or trying to micromanage my work; I'm actually concentrating on projects for longer periods of time.

3 p.m.
From Christian
To Ana
Re: Esclava Salons
Roz developed a list of a dozen "lackluster" projects/businesses. My accounting people are running the numbers and conducting financial analysis for the twelve. We will terminate business with them by Labor Day. It will mean some late nights with Mergers and Acquisitions, accounting and legal – but it will be done. Esclava Salons is one of the twelve. I have chosen the option where I gift my holdings in Esclava to Elena. I will pay off any bank loans with Grey House name on them. It will keep me from being financially tied to her. It will keep her from being indebted beyond her means and approach me to bail her out. I cannot just walk away from our business arrangement, there are papers to sign, pipers to pay.
I have asked my family, in the interest of repairing our relationship, to not discuss us now or in the future with Elena. I explained I plan to separate Grey House from Esclava Salons before Labor Day. Grandmother T, mom and Mia are looking for a new salon. GEH security will have to vet them, but it will happen.
How is your day going? Are you settling in alright?

3:10 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Thank you
The roses are lovely. Thank you for the offer of champagne and dinner tomorrow night; but I promised to research the phone answering service for Ray and call him with options. Dinner tonight is with Kate and Ethan so we have a chance to catch up on the move, Barbados, their summer plans, Ethan's class schedule and Kate and my work schedules. Thank you for giving me time to think about what I'm doing. I've been overwhelmed. No more communications during work today, OK?

I move the roses out of my office…I was staring at them and not getting work done. I remember what Christian said the last time he sent me white roses. I'm worth it when you are ready. Think about that. I don't dare think about that. I've already had two flashbacks of that kiss the first night outside his elevator and my panties are soaked. I individually smell all two dozen roses; then move the roses to the open reception area on the second floor. The three assistants on the floor are thrilled to have the roses on the console table by the elevator. They raise all our spirits.

At the end of the day, security escorts me to Kate's car because there is a media mob outside. I apologize, but they assure me it's the most fun they've had in a while. They tease they will bring tabloids to work tomorrow for my autograph. Kate and I talk about the situation and I agree to call Sawyer. He meets us in the parking level at the condo and escorts us into the building, while Ryan keeps the paparazzi at bay outside the building. I offer to feed Ryan and Sawyer, but they decline. Sawyer takes one of the living room chairs to the hall. Ryan lurks outside the building. Ethan, Kate and I talk about how to deal with the onslaught of media in our lives. I can't apologize enough, but they don't hold it against me. Kate is hysterical with laughter over us having paparazzi and security. I wonder how to get off this crazy train.

I call Carla; but regret our convoluted conversation. She's more interested in my relationship with Christian than she is in my new job. Men…it's always men first with Carla. She keeps advising me to get everything I can out of Christian before he finds another woman. She points out that national tabloids suggest Christian is interested in half a dozen petite actresses and heiresses. For the rest of the conversation I am lectured on how to keep Christian interested in me. I don't want to hurt her feelings…but I think there's more to a relationship than pretty lingerie and expensive perfume. How do I tell her that the only thing I want from Christian is a relationship with a man I can trust and love….not stuff?

I talk to Ray. He has decided to join José Sr. at the opening of José's art exhibit in Portland. He wants Kate and me to go to Sassy's Smokehouse with them after we go to the exhibit. I explain we're working on logistics. I don't need any more notoriety. Ray is still getting hounded by the media for information about Christian and me. I apologize but wring a promise out of him that he won't shoot anyone. I promise to bring him the list of answering services that can screen the media calls from the client calls. We talk about the media. Ray says he wouldn't mind Christian continuing to provide security. He doesn't want what happened to Elizabeth to happen to me. I cannot tell Ray that Leila is not some random psycho who is obsessed with Christian. There is history between them.

I divert the conversation by asking Ray about the tankless water heater. He says it would be a breeze to install. He wants one for the house so it will give him good practice installing it before he tackles ours. He can donate our old water heater to the same recycled home products place he gave the doors. He's very proud of my new job. I tell him that I'm scared I'll blow it. He reminds me I research everything and make informed decisions. Seeing Ray over the fourth was great. I needed the time to think. Christian has honored my demand that I need time and space to figure myself out. I feel guilty though, because I know he could be having nightmares while I'm stuck in some loop in my head.

Tuesday evening, July 5, 7:00 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Thank you...
for warning security at Grey Annex about the media and me. Thank you for the loan of Sawyer and Ryan tonight. You are right; this media frenzy puts Kate and Ethan in jeopardy. I owe you an apology. Ray says not to rock the boat and allow you to provide a close protection detail as long as they do not interfere in my life or attempt to dissuade me from things I need to do. Sawyer providing transportation and protection is acceptable. Do you think the gym at Grey Annex is safe to use?

Tuesday evening, July 5, 7:15 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Thank you –
I thought the day would end without hearing from you again. Thank you for accepting transportation and protection from Sawyer. I will still have my IT people checking your emails – Barney says you are getting thousands a day. The important ones, like author emails, work emails, family/friend emails, etc. will go right through without issue. Grey Annex will have orders from Sawyer regarding handling any messages, mail, packages, etc. which threaten you; please give them to Sawyer to deal with immediately. Grey Annex doesn't have an open track but they have great, state-of-the-art gym with treadmills. Sawyer can keep anyone from bothering you.

Tuesday evening, July 5, 7:30 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Bothering me?
Please tell me that is NOT security speak for Sawyer reporting if Bobby the Bodybuilder decides to look at me. I'm going to try a workout schedule early in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. My exercise schedule has been so intermittent since graduation. I need to reestablish a schedule and reclaim my life. I'd like to be at Grey Annex by 7:00 so that I can run for an hour, shower, dress and be upstairs to work before 9. I'll be ready by 6:40 to go with Sawyer to Grey Annex.
Kate found pictures on the Coping Together website. I was right…you look like a rogue.

Tuesday evening, July 5, 7:45 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Thank you –
but I only want to be a rogue with you. Sawyer is there to keep anyone from annoying you, photographing you, or touching you. Bobby the Bodybuilder will be Bobby-Booted-from-the-Building if I hear he was inappropriate with you. Claude wants to know why I'm kick boxing the shit out of him. I'm trying to lose my angst over us.
Anastasia – I miss you. I want to see you. I want to talk to you. I want to be with you. Please – I cannot wait until Labor Day when Elena's out of my life to be with you again. Please, help me to fix us.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 8:00 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: You can't fix me…
…I think I need to talk to John to get my head on straight about things. Will you have Carrick contact me? I was supposed to remember to pick up papers for Ray; but in my haste to leave Sunday, I forgot. I need to ask questions about Leila. Grey Publishing is donating to a local scholarship fund at Elizabeth's alma mater in her honor. It is our understanding her body has been shipped to Virginia where her family plans to hold a service. Have you heard of any legal issues regarding Elizabeth's death?

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 8:15 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Yes, I will have Dad contact you about the paperwork for Ray.
Dad can tell you if there are issues with Elizabeth's family. I will endeavor to answer your questions about Leila. I can arrange for you to see John? You can write a list of questions you want answered – I will be honest. You should wear jeans or slacks when you see John…if you are wearing a dress and stockings…I might inappropriately grope you…John's office is on the fourth floor of his building…that means stairs…or the elevator.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 8:30 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: John
Yes, I will meet with John but I can't meet until Friday after work. I'm sorry if that is short notice. I'm working late tomorrow because I have interviews for an assistant on Friday. Thursday is the opening of José's art exhibit.
I do have a tendency to over think things, I admit it. But I've been thinking about Saturday night and how wonderful it was to be with you. Despite our interruption by Elena in the middle of the festivities, we were able to have a wonderful rest of the evening and night with one another. We had a lovely time Sunday until I ran away. I'm not willing to give up the essential Ana to please your family or friends…and I think we have to talk about that. I need to learn to deal better… hopefully John can help.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 8:40 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: José's Art Exhibit
Were you planning to drive? I could fly us to Portland in Charlie Tango. If Kate agrees, I can ask Elliott to go with us. We can have a driver in Portland take us to the art exhibit. Taylor is my co-pilot. He is licensed and insured to fly Charlie Tango. He can fly us back if I have a drink with dinner. What time does the exhibit open?

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 8:50 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: José's Art Exhibit
We were planning to drive. If we left Seattle by 5:30, we could be in Portland by 8:30. The exhibit is open 7-10. Ray and José Sr. want to have dinner at Sassy's Smokehouse which is open to midnight. It would be a long drive for us, but we feel we should support José because this is a good opportunity for him. You ask Elliott, I'll ask Kate, we'll coordinate. Safety in numbers?

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:00 p.m.
To Ana, Elliott, Kate
From Christian
RE: José's Art Exhibit
If everyone meets at Escala at 5:30, we can take off at 5:45. We'll be in Portland before 7, in a car and at José's exhibition before 7:30 p.m. I can arrange for a driver and limo in Portland. If we stay thirty minutes at José's exhibition, we can be at Sassy's Smokehouse around 8. Dinner finished no later than 9:30. Back to helicopter before 10, back to Seattle by 11. Everyone can be home by midnight or stay overnight at Escala. I can have everyone awake by six in the morning. Mrs. Jones can feed us and send everyone on their way to work.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:15 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Decisions have been made…
Kate, Elliott and I will meet you at Escala by 5:30 to fly to Portland for José's exhibit. Elliott called shotgun, so he's sitting up front with you. I texted Ray and told him we'd be there by 7:30. He has reservations for nine of us (you, me, Ray, Elliott, Kate, José Sr. and José, Taylor and Sawyer) in a private dining room at Sassy's. Thank you for the offer to stay overnight. Kate and Elliott want one room. I would prefer my own room. We'll all bring clothes for work on Friday.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:30 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: José's Art Exhibit
What genre is José's photography?

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:45 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: José takes pictures of landscapes
– sort of National Geographic (red shirt) photography. He has some great panorama shots of rivers and lakes. He is inspired by Arthur Clarence Pillsbury and Ansel Adams. Pillsbury mentored Adams, who worked as a clerk for him at his Three Arrows Studio in Yosemite. He developed and critiqued Adams first roll of film. José knows more of the history of the early National Parks photographers if you are interested. It's late…I need to go to bed so I can get up early and exercise at Grey Annex. Good night Christian.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:50 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Good night Anastasia
Dream of me?

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 9:55 p.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Always…
Meet you on the deck of The Grace in my dreams. Please…have your IT people wipe these emails. I don't want media at José's exhibit. Wait…yes I do; I just want them to be there for José and not for us.

Tuesday Evening, July 5, 10:00 p.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Good night Anastasia
I'll meet you in your dreams where the sky and water are the color of your eyes.

XX

I am going to see Christian on Thursday, for the first time since I left his parents' home. I don't know why I'm so happy. Carrick is taking care of Jack issues. Grey Publishing is taking care of Elizabeth for the moment. I need to ask Carrick if he can guide me if things go pear-shaped with Elizabeth's family. I'm gainfully employed. But I lost my temper and hit Elena… I have to talk to John.

I am determined not to let Christian sexpertise me Thursday. However, I'm lying here in my bed; where we had a wonderful night of sex after I reviewed the contract. I'm just a wet wanton woman. I worry he fears to be loved more than he fears to be touched. I wonder if I fear punishment, raised voices and arguments more than I fear being without Christian. Memories of arguments with Three rerun in my head. Carla let him verbally abuse me because he was the person with the money and the power in their relationship. Christian is the one with the money and power in our relationship. I saw my mother reinvent herself every time there was a new man in her life. She liked rock because Ray liked rock. She drank tea because Ray drank tea. She wore jeans and T-shirts with Ray. With Bob, she is an energizer bunny high on suburbs! She wears chic twin-sets and dress pants and argyle socks with penny loafers! She is addicted to gourmet coffee now that she is with Bob and she listens to classical music with him. I mean, they go to the opera either in Atlanta or in Columbus for god's sake. They make a weekend of it, hotel stay, Bob golfs, Carla spas, they go to the opera. Okay, I like flying in Charlie Tango and I like gliding and I like dancing with Christian, but I love fishing with Ray. Turning on my side, I hug my pillow, filled with an overwhelming sadness. My thoughts plague me into the early hours until eventually I fall into a fitful, exhausted sleep.

XXXXX
Wednesday 7/6

Ana's POV

"Morning Sawyer," I greeted him at the door; handing him a tote and a gym bag. I grab the box of personal gear for my office. Stockings, spare phone charger, water bottle, T-4-1 teapot, tin of tea bags, small tin of luxury biscuits, breath mints, miscellaneous toiletries, mirror and fingernail file, a real book and bookmark, half a dozen of my favorite pens, a small packet of stationery, spare umbrella, $20 in singles and pocket change, a sweater and a spare electronic tracker. I won't put up with listening devices any longer. I need to exercise this morning to clear my head. For once I want to feel like a normal young woman with a normal job and a normal life.

Sawyer and I talk security on the way to Grey Annex. I have not changed my mind about Sawyer sitting outside my office door. It's intrusive and I don't like it. I want that space for my administrative assistant. Sawyer agrees to coordinate with HR and Grey Annex security. He can sit in the open reception area of the floor where I work. What he will NOT DO is follow me into the powder room. He will not hover outside my office door while I'm trying to work or have visitors in my office. He will not follow me into conference rooms when I'm meeting with authors or staff. He agrees to all of my rules if I agree to follow his rules rotating transportation routes, about entering and exiting the building and his rule about accompanying me to the cafeteria or the gym.

The gym at Grey Annex perplexes me. It's new…too new…as in did Christian Grey have it installed so that I would have a safe environment for working out? I'm going to ask building security and see if I get an appropriate answer. I step into the women's locker room and I'm convinced this is a new facility. There are very few locks on lockers. What was this area last month before Christian bought SIP? I put my stuff in one of the full-length lockers and drop the padlock key in a special wristband. I pull on my arm sling, a sweatband and get ready to run. The showers, instead of being open to the world, are tucked into small shower/dressing rooms which have locks on the door. I can shower and dress in privacy.

I'm coming to the end of my five-mile run, when a glamorous looking Amazon gets on the treadmill next to mine. I've programmed my cool-down cycle and am looking forward to a hot shower. However, her militant stride almost stops me cold.

"Hi," I remove my ear buds and talk to her.

"Hey," she says, barely losing stride or puffing air. "Are you new to the building?" She asked.

"Started yesterday," I said. "Name's Ana."

"Prescott," she says.

I nod. She just gave me her last name…like Taylor, Sawyer, Ryan…

"Are you part of my entourage?" I ask.

"Pardon?" She queries.

"Are you part of my entourage?" I ask, nodding in the direction of Sawyer who is holding his ground between the door and me.

"I'm building security," she said. "I was hired six months ago. You've got one of Mr. Grey's security staff with you. That must mean you're the new girlfriend." She gives me a cursory look before settling into a rhythmic run. I have slowed from brisk walk to a steady walk for another mile.

"Is this your normal time to work out," I ask. "The reason I'm asking, is I need to know if Mr. Grey plans to have me under observation in the locker room."

"I work for building security, who I guess is owned by Grey. I work out before I go to work. I work 8-5. Working out in the free gym beats paying for a gym membership." Prescott admits.

"How long has this gym been open?" I ask.

She gives me a funny look.

"I know the place is new…just how new?" I ask.

"One month. The machines are all new and under warranty." She replied. "The media is outside for you, aren't they?"

"In May, I had no idea who Christian Grey was. Now I'm ready to join a dirt floor nunnery in a third world country where no one knows me."

"There's no guarantee of safety in a third world country," Prescott says. "Just ask me to show you the battle scars." She turns her attention to running again.

I finish my cool down. I take the hand towel I brought with me from the locker room and wipe down the treadmill. The towels are another dead giveaway. These towels are so new they have texture, not like my over-washed, overused gym towels from my college days. I wipe down my face, arms and legs and pick up my water bottle before I head for the locker room.

I notice the gym now has three giant men working weight machines, boxing bags and an elliptical. Did Christian clear everyone out this morning so that only security and I use the place, or is it so new that the rest of the building hasn't caught on to its secret location? At least Prescott is working out. The fake-workout security guards have to try harder.

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Bobby the Bodybuilder
Mr. Grey, I love the new gym. I wish more staff in the building knew about it. I love the private shower/dressing rooms in the women's locker room. I plan to ask Claire, Amber and Emily to join me on M-W-F. If they are going, I have to get new workout clothes so I don't look shabby next to them. Is Sawyer up for a marathon shopping spree with Kate and me? (Just kidding – I hate shopping and do most of it online.)

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Bobby the Bodybuilder
Busted – but I didn't want you to use the Grey House gym because I didn't want everyone in the place staring at you. The Grey House gym doesn't have private showers with dressing rooms. When I work out here, I use the private shower facilities attached to my office – so if you use the Grey House gym – you should to use the facilities in my office. How did you figure out the gym was new? What gave me away?

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Bodybuilding Bodyguards
Prescott only gave me her last name; which is not normal for working people. I know you're used to being called Grey, but I'm used to being called Ana. The towels are new, the equipment is new and there were very few locks on lockers. Maybe your security guards should work out while I'm there instead of pretending not to watch my ass.

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Bodybuilding Bodyguards
They were supposed to be watching your three, six and nine – not just your six. Are you trying to make me jealous? Please eat breakfast – you get snarky when you are hungry.

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Bodybuilding Bodyguards
No, I'm not trying to make you jealous. I'm trying to make you aware that you have stalker tendencies…and it's not sweet. I just finished my breakfast. Is there an app for tracking my meals on the smart phone? I'm having lunch with co-workers.

Wednesday 7/6, before 9 a.m.
To Ana
From Christian
RE: Bodybuilding Bodyguards
I wish I were stalking you – it would ensure that I see you. How about dinner tonight? I love to watch you eat.

Wednesday 7/6, 8:59 a.m.
To Christian
From Ana
RE: Watching me eat…
I think you are just obsessed with my mouth. I'm working late tonight. No more emails until I get an afternoon break. The roses are still beautiful today. I don't say that so you will send more…I say that to let you know I appreciate them and your thoughtful gesture.

Setting aside the manuscript I had been reading, I stood and stretched. Lunch with the girls couldn't come too soon. We were eating in the cafeteria at Grey Annex. I Googled it earlier to find the special for the day. I liked reading in Christian's library last week and being with Mrs. Jones, but this was wonderful – normal people doing normal things – the ping of the elevator, the tickety tap of a keyboard, the bing when email arrived – it is a far cry from the tension in my life two weeks ago and the barking orders of Jack Hyde putting me on edge. I reached in my desk drawer, took out Ray's tracker and turned it on, checking the office. I checked the halls as I walked to the powder room. I checked the bathroom. No electronic surveillance…so far.

Other editors sent me emails, asking my opinions on manuscripts. In turn, I asked their opinions on the ten applicants for my assistant position. Grey Publishing is undergoing a transformation from a low-key publishing house to a serious player in the publishing world. The loss of ineffective staff meant the remaining staff was stretched thin until appropriate help was hired. Two minutes before lunch; I closed my eyes and enjoyed a calm moment, a break from the busyness of my normal workday.

Some days I wished Carla had talked more about feelings than stuff. She could have explained that one day I would wake up confused about a man. Why didn't she say that the butterflies when looking at Christian were prehistoric size compared to the ones I got before a track meet. My heart skipped a beat when I heard her my smart phone ring. The ringtone is Your Love is King. "Mr. Grey," I smiled when I answered the phone.

"No, this is Mr. Grey," He teased.

"Are you sure?" I teased some more.

"I'm not sure about anything around you – except that I like you and I want to see you." He said. He needed a physical connection to her. He needed to touch her. "I know you are having lunch with coworkers, but I hoped to convince you to come to Escala for dinner."

"I can't," I apologized.

"Are you still upset?" He asked quietly.

"No, I need to work late tonight because I'm preparing for interviews for a new assistant on Friday." I paused and took a deep breath. "I'm not angry with you. I'm thinking about things…I don't know what to say."

"Say you forgive me," Christian said quietly.

"There is nothing to forgive," I said. "I'm sorry I argued with Elena. I'm sorry I hit her. I'm sorry I ran away. But feeling sorry does not mean I understand how it happened. I need to understand how it happened."

"I'm okay. We're okay," he said assuring her. "If I can't see you tonight, I will wait until tomorrow night. I will be the most loving, kind, considerate boyfriend Miss Anastasia Steele deserves."

"She doesn't deserve you," I said. Conversation waned between us, flattening out to a companionable silence. Conversation was not necessary to make us complete. "I have to go, Christian," I said. "It's lunchtime and I have three coworkers standing in the doorway waiting for me. I love you," I terminated the call and reached for my purse and turned on the electronic tracker. I was not about to have our lunch conversation bugged. I wanted to tell them about the new, free gym in the building.

XX

"Visitor," Claire announced via phone call.

"Who?" I asked.

"Mr. Grey," Claire announced.

"Christian?"

"Carrick," Claire said. "He says he has paperwork for you."

I stepped out into the reception area. "Sawyer, Mr. Carrick Grey, Grey Publishing reception area. Will you bring him to my office?"

Sawyer nodded and disappeared into a stairwell.

"Ana," Carrick appeared in her doorway. "I brought the paperwork for Ray to sign." He handed me a folder. "We also need to talk." He closed the door to my office.

"What do we need to discuss?" I asked. "Because if you are here to tell me to step away from Christian at the urging of Elena Lincoln…I will tell you to go to hell."

"Not my plan at all," Carrick assured her. "But, we have a problem. A mutual problem."

"Elena Lincoln." I guessed.

"You said I could tape our conversation Sunday, for my office. It contained your verbal acknowledgement of our legal arrangement." Carrick said. "However, I can't use it."

"Why?" I was confused.

"Because I made the mistake of leaving my phone with the app running on my desktop," Carrick said.

"OH MY GOD!" I shouted. "OH MY GOD!" I put my head down on the desk.

Sawyer appeared in two seconds in my office. I shook my head at him and waved him off. Sawyer disappeared, but posted himself outside my office.

"Yes, exactly, precisely." Carrick said.

"How much did you hear?" I raised my head from the desk to look at Carrick.

"The whole conversation," Carrick said.

"Oh my god," I put my head back down on the desk. I was nauseous. I was light headed. Holy shit…I didn't break Christian's NDA…I shattered it into unrepairable pieces.

"Please, look at me," Carrick said. "I gave Christian the conversation. We talked. He confirmed everything you said. He swears you aren't into the lifestyle as he calls it. He was surprised at some of the things Elena said. It was a crisis at our house until Christian contacted John Flynn. I didn't know he was still having nightmares. I knew he still has touch issues. I did not know about him and Elena. John explained that Christian has been stepping away from the lifestyle…which is the reason Elena is so upset with him and you."

"I needed time to think, Carrick. I'm not that person…I don't solve issues with physical violence. I'm trying to put Jack Hyde, Grey Publishing, Christian, Elizabeth, Leila and Elena…all of it into perspective. I don't want to be the person who solves things by physical means. I used to be proactive about things in my life but this past month I've just been in reactive mode." Part of that equation is that Christian and I have to work out issues somewhere other than in bed…my subconscious snarks.

"Just so you know, it took five stitches to fix Elena's split lip. Grace thinks you hit Elena in the mouth because she called you a gold-digging whore."

"I hit her because she grabbed me when I tried to leave. I don't like being grabbed," I explained.

"Christian and I opted not to tell Grace about the rest of the taped conversation." Carrick said. "She does not know about Christian and Elena's sexual history. She thinks he's arguing with her over you. Grace wants me to ask – are you walking away from Christian because of Elena?"

"I'm sorry," I apologized. "I am sorry about the scene with Elena at Coping Together Saturday night. I'm not sorry Grace asked her to leave that night; because Christian and I were able to enjoy the rest of the evening with one another. I am sorry about the scene at your home Sunday. If Elena continues to harass me when she sees me, I'm going to ask for a no contact order against her. I don't know how to do that without revealing everything."

"She's going to behave herself," Carrick said. "I can guarantee that."

"How?" I asked softly.

"I threatened her with police involvement if she did not remove herself from our social circle, stop contacting Grace and stop any contact with underage youth." Carrick said. "I threatened to kill her if she came near Christian again."

"She's going to blame me and make my life a living hell," I predicted.

"I told her if she says one word to you or about you, she will become the newest radar blip for the Sex Crimes Unit at SPD." Carrick promised.

"Okay then," I breathed a little easier. "I'll sign the paperwork you need. Then I'd like to talk best and worst case scenarios about Elizabeth Morgan with you."

XX

The day faded, along with sounds of other employees leaving. Sawyer came to stand outside my office, but was surprised when I waved him inside. "I'd feel more comfortable with you in my office when there are very few people in the building." The setting sun blazed before dropping from sight. Before 8:30 I turned to Sawyer. "Let's end this long and very busy day." I smiled.

He called down to security to warn them Miss Steele was leaving the building. I set my computer to back up and shut everything down. He drove, I checked emails. Kate was spending the night with Elliott. Ethan would be home late after having dinner with his father. Sawyer rejected my offer to cook dinner. He agreed to eat dinner with me because I said if I had to eat alone; I would not eat; I would just take a shower and go to bed. Sawyer did NOT want to have that conversation with Mr. Grey. He recommended a delivery sandwich shop near the condo that made gourmet grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. I called the sandwich shop; skipping the chips, I ordered fruit salad for us, along with bottles of vitamin water.

Arriving at the condo; we worked together as a team. He checked for paparazzi, while I gathered my things from the SUV. He called the elevator and checked for media hanging about. He grabbed half of my items to carry to the condo, I carried the other half. He manned the door to wait for sandwich delivery while I dressed in sweats for the night. He paid for dinner while I set the table.

Once seated at the table, I insisted we share the details of our day. Sawyer explained every single woman in the building checked him out that afternoon. I commiserated. The moment I explained that my shadow was actually a close protection detail, every woman in the building had visions of The Bodyguard dancing in their heads. I reached into my tote and gave him application folders for my new assistant. "I know who I want to interview, but I think Mr. Grey would be more comfortable knowing there wasn't anything untoward in their histories."

After dinner I apologized…it had been a long day and I wanted to soak in a tub and go to bed. I told Sawyer to stay and read or watch TV. I planned to wake at seven and be to work before nine tomorrow morning. I reminded him to get some sleep before tomorrow because it was going to be a late night at my friend's art exhibit in Portland. He called for Ryan to come to the condo and had a short debrief with Ryan before he departed.

I lolled in my bubble bath for some time. I thought about Christian. I had to come clean with John about Three and my past and how it affected my relationship with Christian. I planned to ask how Leila was doing. I need to know I could be free to love Christian without looking over my shoulder waiting for Leila or one of the subs or Elena to come after me. If Christian made me that promise in front of John, if he could forgive me withdrawing into myself, if he could agree to try some touch therapy…I would go through hell to be with him. I would put up with security guards as long as he loved me and wanted to be with me. I don't need assurance that we are forever, but I want more with him. I also knew if we end; it would be a long time for my heart to heal.

XXXXX
Thursday, July 7
Ana's POV

The sound of my heels clacking on the floor reminded me of when I first saw Elena. However, it was going to be a normal work day, nothing out of the ordinary. I would concentrate on my work to make the day go faster…because at the end of the day, I am going to see Christian. I would not Google him just to see his face. I have author letters to process, filing to do, databases to update, manuscripts to read. Daydreaming about Christian would not make the day go faster. I packed carefully for tonight and for tomorrow. There was no sense rethinking my choices now. I wore Kate's plum dress with my hair in a cascade of curls tumbling down my back. I wore plain gold classic jewelry: hoop earrings and a cuff bracelet. I wore an antique gold lapel watch; a graduation gift from Ray. He bartered restoration work at an antique store for it. My graduation card simply said, "In memory of our good times together." Ray is my rock.

Christian was waiting in the garage when Sawyer parked the SUV. "Elliott and Kate are already here." I get a gentle kiss on my forehead and he holds my hand when he leads me to the elevator. I feel that electricity between us. I can almost taste it, pulsing between us, drawing us together. "Oh my," I gasp as I bask briefly in the intensity of this visceral, primal attraction.

"I feel it, too," he says, his eyes clouded and intense. "I want to kiss you," he murmured, staring down into my blue eyes as if mesmerized. He held me gently in his arms.

"I want you to kiss me," I whispered back, gobsmacked by the warmth in his grey eyes.

"First base?" His eyes twinkled and he began worshipping my lips. His hands fisted in my hair, but his kisses were gentle, loving, fulfilling.

I held on to his arms, feeling the strength in his biceps. I was lost in his kisses. Abruptly the doors open, breaking the spell and we're on the roof. It's windy and despite my jacket, I'm cold. Christian puts his arm around me, pulling me into his side and we hurry across to where Charlie Tango stands in the center of the helipad with its rotor blades slowly spinning. I get a quick hug and kiss from Kate and Elliott. Elliott gets in and helps Kate into the helicopter. Christian gets in and helps me. Sawyer and Taylor get in and close the door.

Once we're seated and buckled in, Christian throttles up the engine and we lift off. I wave off Kate's questions and point to the fishbowl that is Charlie Tango's windshield as we continue south. The dusk is to our right, the sun low on the horizon; large, blazing fiery orange. The dusk has followed us from Seattle and the sky is awash with opal, pinks and aquamarines woven seamlessly together as only Mother Nature knows how.

"Wow," Kate says, clearly impressed.

It's a clear, crisp evening and the lights of Portland twinkle and wink, welcoming us as Christian sets the helicopter down on the helipad. We are on top of a strange brown brick building in Portland. I remember our first flight together. I feel like I've known Christian for a lifetime. He powers down Charlie Tango, flipping various switches so the rotors stop and eventually all I hear is my own breathing through the headphones.

Taylor and Sawyer exit the helicopter before us. Elliott stops to help Kate and they exit. Christian unbuckles his harness and comes to undo mine.

"Good trip, Anastasia?" he asks, his voice mild, his gray eyes glowing.

"Yes, thank you for doing this for Kate and me," I reply politely.

"Well, let's go see the boy's photos." He holds his hand out to me and taking it, I climb out of Charlie Tango.

A gray-haired man with a beard walks over to meet us, smiling broadly.

"Joe." Christian smiles and releases my hand to shake Joe's warmly. "Keep her safe for Stephan. He will fly us back to Seattle."

"Will do, Mr. Grey; Miss Steele," he says, nodding at me. "Your car's waiting downstairs, sir."

It's a limo that seats six in the back and three in the front. We sit in silence as our driver takes us to the gallery. Elliott and Christian sit in the back seat, Kate and I on the middle seat, Sawyer, Taylor and our driver to the front seat. This has been so much better than Kate and I racing down the freeway trying to get into the gallery before the end of José's show.

XX

Previously, the gallery struggled to exhibit various art work and artists in a two-week rotation. The new rotation of an artist exhibiting for a month would decrease the gallery's printing and PR costs. When the new manager came into position, he decided he wanted to stabilize their employee and volunteer base and maximize the flow of donations from patrons. The first art show of the fiscal year promised to be a dozy – especially since he recognized Christian Grey's new girlfriend in the portraits he demanded for a third section of the show. He built a new PR flyer which included one landscape picture and two portrait pictures. He sent it to every media outlet in a 400-mile radius of Portland. José Rodriguez's show would be sold out before one week passed, or he overestimated the effect of using Christian Grey's girlfriend as bait.

The gallery manager broke out the better liquor and wines from the cellar. He only hired good looking bartenders and wait staff. His receptionist was a looker, especially in a power red suit, with trendy jewelry and stilettos that stretched her legs to her shoulders. She was a petite girl, long dark hair and pale complexion like Miss Steele. He planned to keep her scurrying back and forth before the main windows with José in hopes the media would assume it was Miss Steele. José announced his friends and family would be there opening night. The gallery manager hoped for a huge crowd to kick off the exhibition. He called potential donors and let it slip that Christian Grey would be in attendance that night.

Ray tried to breathe calmly. José had interesting pictures, but the final section of the exhibit pissed him off. He thought he would support his friend's son, see Annie and sign court papers for her. He hadn't felt comfortable the moment he stepped in the place and became more uncomfortable with the passing minutes and the growing crowd. He wanted a fun night out with his friend and it was important to support José – but this took every ounce of self-control he owned.

José Sr. could read his friend like a book. Ray was a slow torch burning.

"I like your landscapes, José. I don't know how to praise them enough. But your portraits piss me off," Ray said. "This is exploitation! Do Kate and Ana know about these pictures? What were you thinking?" He rounded on José as the receptionist left them alone for a minute.

"No, I've been busy and haven't had time to warn them." José said.

"Too late now son," José Sr. announced when he spotted Ana and friends entering the building.

"The gallery manager asked for portraits. He thought just a show of landscapes would dead end my exhibition. I brought in the only portrait pictures I had, which were of the girls. He picked the ten best ones and paid to have them blown up, printed and framed. It's all happened so fast, like within the last week. That picture of Ana in the sun rays is – ethereal. I used it as an anchor of the show."

"José, they are beautiful pictures of the girls, but I don't think Elliott Grey will appreciate that picture of Katherine brushing her hair and displaying a great deal of her goods to the world." José Sr. said. "Do these pictures explain the large media crowd outside?"

"I know there was advance publicity," José admitted, "but the portraits weren't included in it. The flyer announcing the show went out a month ago. It only had landscape pictures in it" He stood there, astonished at the reactions of Ray and his father. He had made an extra effort to project himself as a serious artist – plain dark suit, crisp white shirt, plain dark tie, highly polished shoes – he even had a manicure, a haircut and a facial. God, do men get facials all the time? His aesthetician plucked his eyebrows, trimmed his sideburns and evened out his hairline. It was embarrassing to get "tidied up" as she put it. The gallery manager wanted to get a picture of him, Ana and Kate next to the picture of them by the fire. He said it would look great for the exhibition review scheduled for the Seattle Times and the Portland Tribune.

When the group arrived at the art gallery; they were shocked at the number of paparazzi and media milling about outside. They were roped away from the entrance, but some of them spilled out onto the street.

"What the hell?" Taylor growled. "How did they know you were coming here?"

"Kate?" I looked at her. "Did you tell anyone we were coming here?"

"No one, I swear," she said to Elliott.

"No," Taylor said. "This isn't word of mouth, a tweet, or a flash mob. This is media; notified you would be here. I blame it on the gallery. I need you to just stay in the limo until Sawyer and I can run a security check."

Before long Taylor returned and we are ushered into the gallery. Avoiding shouted questions from the paparazzi, Taylor led the way followed by Elliott and Kate, followed by Christian and me, followed by Sawyer. The limo driver went to the parking area to wait for our return. We enter a converted warehouse; brick walls, dark wood floors, white ceilings and white pipe work. It's airy and modern and there are several people wandering across the gallery floor, sipping wine and admiring José's work. For a moment, my troubles melt away as I grasp that José has realized his dream. Way to go, José!

"Good evening and welcome to José Rodriguez's show." A young woman dressed in black with very short red hair, bright red lipstick and large hoop earrings greets us. She glances briefly at Kate, then paused, looking longer at Elliott. Her glance slides over me when she spots Christian. When she realizes she is staring; she has the grace to blush; and then seems to recognize Kate and me. "Ladies," she greets us warmly. "We'll want your impressions about the exhibit, Kate and Ana." Smiling; she hands us brochures and points out the three sections of the exhibit and the bar.

"You're here early!" José sounded surprised as he approached us.

"Christian brought us in his helicopter!" Kate explains.

"Forgive me, I would like to stay and talk, but I have to give an opening greeting," José said. He took off in the direction of Miss Red Lipstick.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. I am thrilled to be exhibiting my photographs here at the Portland Art Gallery. It's an incredible opportunity before I begin my senior year at WSUV. My instructors at WSUV have been monumental in helping me learn my profession. All of these pieces are important to me as there is a memory of good times with family and friends, or a time of reflective solitude behind each of them." José welcomed everyone.

"Annie, why don't you and Kate go get something to drink for all of us?" Ray said suddenly, blocking both girls from walking around the gallery. He handed Annie a $100 bill despite a frown from Christian. "Beer please, for José Sr. and me. Get whatever the boys want."

Ana and Kate headed for the line at the bar, giving each other questioning looks as everyone in the place seemed to smile and recognize them.

"What's up," Elliott asked.

"Christian and you can go in – no one else." Ray, José Sr., Taylor and Sawyer provided an effective blockade for the third section of the gallery.

Christian and Elliott stepped through the arch, wondering what Ray was protecting and got the shock of their lives. Pictures...huge pictures...the one of Ana and Kate dancing together, in a suggestive booty rub, had to have been 30x42 inches. There was a picture of Ana and Kate, huddled before a campfire, sharing the same blanket, mittens on hands, jackets on, stocking caps on and steam coming from whatever was in their mugs. There were pictures of Kate brushing her hair. She wore a strapless dress which showed a great deal of cleavage. Kate at graduation in cap and gown, happy and smiling for the camera. An angry Kate with spots of color high on her cheeks, her eyes narrowed. There were pictures of Ana: laughing, pouting, smiling, scowling and standing in a sun ray, her eyes closed, with her lashes brushing her cheeks, a soft smile gracing her rosy lips. Her hands were tucked in her back pockets of her jeans.

"This explains why everyone recognizes Kate and Ana." Elliott grimaced.

"I don't know about you, but I'm buying every one of these and I'm going to try to get them taken down tonight, or at least have this section closed off. Fucking José!" Christian snarled.

"I'll buy Katie's pictures from you," Elliott announced. "I wonder how much the negatives will cost us."

We're still standing in the beverage line, when Christian and Elliott go in search of someone. I watch mesmerized as they talk animatedly with Miss Red Lipstick. Christian fishes out his wallet and produces a credit card. I'm so glad. José has real talent. Christian must have bought one of his photographs. They fend off lots of people coming forward to shake hands with them…what is it? Special thanks for the first buyer?

Kate and I stop watching the guys and point out the different photographs around the room, reminiscing about where José took the picture and what we were doing at the time. Neither one of us take the time to read the brochure.

"The wine is abysmal;" Kate reported as we handed out beers to the men. "Ana and I tried a glass of the white and a glass of the red. You're better off with the imported beers."

"Cheers," the men toasted us.

"Let's look around," Christian suggested, nodding at Ray, who held his ground with José Sr., Taylor and Sawyer. "He's quite talented, isn't he?" Christian admired a lake photo in the first section of the art gallery.

"Can I take your photograph?" The photographer from the Portland Tribune approaches our group.

"Sure." Christian said, "but not in section three. It's closed."

The photographer lines us up against a mocha colored wall. "Mr. Grey, Mr. Grey, Miss Steele, Miss Kavanagh; thank you." He snaps a couple of photos and scurries away from us – probably wondering who to ask about Section Three being closed.

"Why is Section Three closed?" Kate asked with her usual inquisitiveness.

Elliott takes the lead to Section Three by guiding Kate. Christian and I follow behind. I'm holding his elbow like he's escorting me at Coping Together. This does not bode well.

"I thought your friend was more of a landscape man," Christian said, waiting for Ray, José Sr., Sawyer and Taylor to move and allow us into Section Three. We turn the corner and I can see why I've been getting strange looks. Hanging on the far wall are five huge portraits of me. There are three huge portraits of Kate. There are two huge portraits of Kate and me.

I stare blankly at them, stupefied, the blood draining from my face. Me: pouting, laughing, serious, amused and ethereal. All in super close up, all in black and white.

"Did you buy one of these?" I ask Christian, unable to take my eyes off the pictures.

"One of these?" he snorts, not taking his eyes off them.

"You bought more than one?" I'm surprised.

He rolls his eyes. "I bought them all, Anastasia. I don't want some stranger ogling you in the privacy of their home."

My first inclination is to laugh. "You'd rather it was you?" I scoff.

He glares at the pictures again before speaking. "Hey, Elliott and Ray are just as unhappy about this as I am. I bought the pictures and the negatives. We're just keeping the section blocked off until gallery staff can remove them from the walls, crate them and ship them to Grey House."

I just stand and look at the pictures and shake my head. Kate is shell-shocked into silence, for once in her naturally inquisitive life.

"You look very relaxed in these photographs, Anastasia. I don't see you like that very often." Christian remarked, sliding his knuckles down my arm. I flush and glance down at my fingers. He tilts my head back and I inhale sharply at the contact with his long fingers. "I want you that relaxed with me," he whispers. All trace of humor has gone.

"Well, right now I feel bloody embarrassed," I say. 'If we leave now, will the paparazzi outside follow us to Sassy's?"

"Sawyer ordered the limo driver to take a ten minute drive away from the gallery and then bring the limo to the private exit. We'll all leave from there." Christian said, noting two gallery workers making their way toward us. "These come down, now and are to be crated. We're not leaving the building until it is done." He orders.

"You're sure they won't make more pictures and hang them," Kate asked.

"We own the negatives now, too." Elliott replied. "Taylor had a talk with the gallery manager. He won't put up any more pictures of you in this gallery because he does not have signed photo releases from you. It's how we got our hands on the negatives. Of course, we don't know how many pictures were taken by the press before we got here. You two had better go say goodbye to José."

I drag my gaze away from the sun ray picture and scan the main section of the building for José. He's talking to a group of young women. Kate nods and we go off to talk to him. Sawyer, Taylor and Ray keep the crowd away from Christian. It's not going to be an easy night for us. The girls are hanging on José's every word. One of them gasps as we approach, no doubt recognizing us from the portraits.

"José." Kate's voice is chilly.

"Ana, Kate. Excuse me, ladies." José grins at them and puts his arms around us. On some level I'm amused at José. He acts all smooth, impressing the ladies, ignoring Kate's chilly greeting.

"You look mad," he says to Kate.

"We're not happy about the pictures," Kate muttered, giving him a fierce look. "We need to go, there's way too much press here for the wrong reasons."

"But you just got here," José argued.

"The pictures are fantastic, José; you're very talented." I try to sooth things between my two friends, but seriously…I'd like to smack José right now. "I wish you had warned us about the portraits. Ray, Christian and Elliott are not happy!"

"Shit. Sorry, Ana. I should have told you when the gallery manager asked for them. Do you like them?" He asked us, expecting a positive answer.

"Um; I don't know," I answer truthfully, momentarily knocked off balance by his question.

"Well, they're all sold, so somebody likes them. How cool is that? Both of you are poster girls."

"Be sure to send us photo releases next time," Kate warns him. "I have a generic one that dad uses all the time for Kavanagh Media. I'm sure you can create one suitable for exhibition use."

José hugs and then releases us. "Don't be strangers, you're still my girls. Oh, Mr. Grey, good evening."

"Mr. Rodriguez, very impressive show." Christian sounds icily polite. "I'm sorry we can't stay longer, but we're off to get dinner and then get back to Seattle. I know Ray told you where we would be dining. I don't dare speak it aloud in this crowd." His voice probably just froze all the sweet tea at Sassy's Smokehouse.

"Bye, José. Congratulations again." I give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Kate follows suit and then Elliott and Christian drag us away to the line of silent men. Ten crates on two handcarts precede us. They are put in a storage room and Christian is given a bill of lading. We're out the building and into the limo with Ray and José Sr. following behind.

"How's the arm, Annie?" Ray asked.

"I thought I was going to have to re-injure it knocking sense into José, but the Grey brothers defended Kate and my honor; so I let him off with a stern look. Did you like the picture of me standing in the sun ray? I asked Christian to give that one to you if you want it."

"I'd rather have the bonfire picture of you and Kate. It would look great over my mantle." Ray admitted. "I think you should give the one of you in the sun ray to your mother."

"If you are thinking it will make her regard me as a simple, uncomplicated woman, you're asking too much," I laughed.

"Let's get the twelve-person family special," Christian suggested. "Then Ray and José Sr. can take the leftovers home. Sawyer and Taylor will eat in shifts. He nodded to them standing outside the door to the private dining room.

"That's very kind of you," I said. "But I don't know how many leftovers there will be after you, Elliott, José, Taylor and Sawyer eat."

"If José doesn't get here on time for dinner, I'll take him a to-go plate," JoséSr. offered.

"The twelve person family special," Christian orders from the waitress.

"Meats?" She asked.

"Ribs, apple pork sausage, chicken and brisket, with six extra pounds of ribs," Christian replied to the nods of approval around him.

"Sides?" She asked.

"You have to try the southwest macaroni and cheese," I suggested. "Shell macaroni, black beans, corn, Ortega chiles, red onion with jalapeno jack cheese."

"Sounds spicy," said Christian.

"It's sassy all right," José Sr. laughed. "Best get some cowboy beans, coleslaw, some baked sweet potatoes, skillet corn bread and a couple gallons of Sassy's Sweet Tea."

After a dinner was assembled for José and the leftovers were evenly divided among Ray and José Sr.; the ladies went one way to the bathrooms and the men to the other.

"Elliott, I need to talk to Ray, but I don't want to do it in the bathroom. Can you play sergeant at arms for me for a few minutes so I can talk to Ray in the foyer?"

XX

"May I talk to you about Anastasia?" Christian asked.

"You must be someone special to my Annie," Ray said. "Otherwise you would not be in her life. I appreciate what you did at the art show. I don't know why José exhibited those pictures of Annie and Kate, but thank you for buying them and removing them from the show."

"I love her sir," Christian says. "I've never done this before and I hope that I do it right. Sir, I want to marry Anastasia. You know I can provide for her financially. She'll never want for anything."

"Son, don't be a fool thinking my Annie is after you for your money. I know Hyde said Annie was sleeping with you for what she could get out of you. She's seen her bed-hopping mother go after 'a better life' for herself, regardless of any damage she might inflict on other people's lives. Annie has seen me, unable to move on to a new relationship because I haven't stopped loving Carla. There are a lot of days I don't like Carla – but I haven't stopped loving her. I'm not 'in love' with Carla anymore, but I still love her. I probably always will because she gave me Annie and she is the most precious gift I have."

"I feel that way about her sir. I want to love and cherish her for the rest of our lives. Please give me permission to marry your daughter."

"Oh son," Ray laughed. "You have my blessing to ask – but only Annie can give you the answer you seek."

A/N:

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.