CPOV
What in the fuck has she had done to her face now? I'm sitting across from Elena for lunch and the sneer she's throwing my way was thoroughly pissing me off until I just now realized she's had another surgery and she's still 'recovering', not sneering. So much for growing old gracefully.
"Darling, it's such an inconvenience having to gather all of the documentations, bank statements, payroll journals etcetera. Is it really necessary? You know the salons are doing well, why the hassle?"
"Elena it's standard procedure for every one of my investments every few years. I cut you a break the last time but I can't put it off any longer. Just hire someone to gather the shit for you. Do you not have a competent company doing the books anyway?" She's hiding something, I know it, she knows it and she knows I know it.
"I do, I do! It's just that I have to pay them so much more to deal with this 'audit' of yours when it's totally unnecessary. Aren't you happy with the returns you're getting?" I pinch the bridge of my nose, she finds a way to grate on every single one of my nerves. Why did I agree to meet with her? I like to inflict pain on others, not on myself.
"Not the point, Elena. I get good returns because I know how to run a company. If I can get more, I'm going to get more. For tax and audit purposes I have to have clean businesses and yours is up for internal audit. I'm not putting it off again for you. Have the books to Tony Lain by next Friday or I'm pulling my backing, we've done this dance too many times."
Her face is truly gross now, I've never seen Elena cry but I think that's what she's trying to conjure up. Not going to work, not today, not tomorrow and not next Friday when I call Washington Mutual and pull my backing. What was I thinking ever getting into business with her anyway? I'd long since returned her $100k plus interest and a nice 'thank you' bonus.
"Oh for fucks sake, Christian! After all we've been through together you're going to pull the CEO bullshit! It pisses me off and frankly, it hurts my feelings. I can't believe you'd threaten me like that!" Feelings? Elena? Right.
"I know what's going on, I know why you're so tense and rigid. It's been over four months since you terminated whatever her names contract. Another one falls for the great and mighty Christian Trevelyn-Grey. Did this one cry when you ended it? God, she called me for weeks to intervene!" She sits back, that impossibly grotesque sneer getting grosser and crosses her arms. "You need a good hard fuck and I know just the girl to give it to you."
I can't help but roll my eyes. "Elena, I am not going to fuck you again. Ever. So just stop." I hide the involuntary gag that accompanies the visual of her naked.
Her laugh is cold and rings in my head like an annoying clanging bell, "Not me! Though if you ever did need someone who can take the worst of it, I'd offer to step in." her words hang there, there is no way I'd fuck her again, thanks, but no thanks. After an awkward silence, on her part, not mine; I don't give a fuck if her 'feelings' are hurt, she continues.
"I have a girl lined up. Frankly I'm surprised you've waited this long so I started looking a few weeks ago. She's beautiful, 34 years old, preschool teacher, big blue eyes and long brown hair. Body to die for, real tits and all." I put my hand up to stop her, I'm so not interested in having this conversation.
"I'm not looking for a sub right now."
"What? How can you not be? It's been four months!" I know she's trying all she can to distract me but I'm having none of it. I want to see the finances on her company and no amount of sexual innuendo is going to deter me.
"I'm not interested, send her to someone else."
"Christian, just meet with her, she's perfect. I'm telling you, no hard limits other than fisting and she has never safe worded, not once in the span of three doms. She's from the South too, accent and all."
Normally, this would be a quick sell to me but for some reason, I'm just irritated and, surprisingly, embarrassed. Well that's new. And I know why. No matter how many times I've promised myself to not pursue Anastasia, I know I will anyway and I don't want any more complications than I already have. If I'm totally honest with myself, I'm not even interested in anyone else but her, she has totally captivated my mind and my imagination and after meeting her, everyone else seems drab and morose. Jerking off to her is better than fucking someone else. Alright, now you've gone over the deep end. I have got to get her out of my system!
"Elena, no. Get Tony the files by Friday." I get up and leave, one more minute with her and I'm going to need an attorney.
When Ana's proposal comes over late Thursday night I'm excited, actually fucking excited, to read it. Simply because it came from her. She's got a good business head, I can see it just in the formulation of her clauses and the coverage she gives herself and staff. I can't help but laugh at her ninth point about returning the car. You will not win on this one, Steele. I agree to the rest of it. Her fee is in line with company averages but she could have quoted me a million dollars and I'd have signed it.
Glancing at the clock I see it's too late to call her and with an odd sense of regret I realize we haven't contacted each other all day. Emotional regret, just one more emotion to add to the whirlwind of chaos in my mind. Sleep does not come easily, I'm so wound up over this whole thing with Elena and my constant confusion on what I want to do about Ana that I don't do much more than toss and turn. At three in the morning I find myself standing in my bathroom with the vile of pills Flynn gave me. There has got to be a better way. I throw them back in the drawer and return to my $40k bed covered with a $32k mattress, $3k sheets and the unbearable horrors of my dreams.
Just like on Monday, I clock watch and the second 9am rolls around, I'm calling Ana to congratulate her on the contract.
"Good morning, Christian." Fuck her voice is so sexy and fuck me the way she says my name.
I'm all business though, I want her so badly that I feel like I need to cover myself, my lack of control when it comes to all things Anastasia has to stop. I waste no time offering her the project and we get down to brass tax on the car clause. I win. Of course. When she reminds me that she's visiting her father this weekend I'm sad, actually sad that I won't see her. I wonder how many guys she went to school with got a piece of her and suddenly I'm beside myself with anxiety.
"What are your plans with your dad?" If she's meeting up with an old boyfriend, I will force her to come in and work and not think twice about it. Reassuringly she's not seeing anyone so I let her go, knowing full well that I'll be tracking her phone and car the entire weekend anyway.
The weekend. Alone. It's never before seemed like a bad thing but now that I've spent a weekend like a normal person with an amazing woman, the span of two days bereft of her presence is long and daunting. I have never been more anxious for a Monday morning, she'll be here to work and then we'll go for dinner. I feel a little better knowing I have something to look forward to with her.
"Andrea!" She comes in with her tablet to run down today's schedule. "Call Tony Lain and tell him I want to know the second he gets Esclavas financials. I also want him to pause whatever else he's doing and focus on them exclusively. Notify reception that the minute Ms. Steele arrives on any given day, that I want to be notified immediately. I also want to reiterate to you that she is to be granted immediate access to me no matter what I'm involved in."
"Sir, yes on all points. Also, your sister wanted to know if you were free for lunch today and your brother called earlier this morning and left a voice message."
"No to Mia. I'll text her myself."
"And your brother?" Do I feel like being goaded today? No.
"Tell him I'll call him over the weekend." Which, of course, I won't actually do because, well, I'm an asshole like that.
Monday morning I run with Taylor and then meet with Bastille. He can't meet over the weekends so I'm sure Taylor is happy to drop me for my 8am spar. I've been restless and pissed for the majority of the last two days so besides being my normal schmucky self, I also had him work out with me four times.
It was absolutely pathetic how many times I checked my phone for texts, calls or emails from Ana but….nothing. All fucking weekend. Her phone left the house twice but once I could see the coordinates were to a grocery store, the other looked like a state park so I'm going to assume she was with her dad outside. I was pleased when the two times she did leave the house, she took her new car. Despite her hesitation in receiving it, she must like it anyway. Better not let her find out about the tracking device in it!
I know she stayed at the house most of the time but what I don't know, what's eating me up, is that I don't know if anyone went to her. My mind is running at 100mph and I knock Claude down, the image of Ana being touched by someone wreaking havoc on my brain. An hour later I'm showered, shaved and sitting at my desk when I receive notice that one Ms. Anastasia Steele has entered the premise. Thank fuck! I look at the clock, 8:50. Good girl. I'm waiting at the elevator bank, much to Andrea and Olivia's surprise, and damn if she doesn't disappoint. Oh my God I've missed her, fuck me look at those legs!
I can't stop myself and I reach out and touch her arm, pulling her in for a kiss on the cheek. I breathe her in and the anxiety, the confusion, the restlessness of the last 72 hours disappears.
"Hello Mr. Grey, how was your weekend?" She's smiling and I know I'm smiling back because I can feel my mouth but no words will form. I am so happy she's here.
After a few seconds I remember who I am and pull myself together.
"Long and boring. No potatoes, no brunch, no babysitting. How was yours?" I find I'm eager to hear all about it, to learn anything about her days.
"Short and not boring. I did, in fact make my dad your favorite, we did have brunch and I consider taking care of a grown man babysitting so there ya go!" She's giggling and I'm mesmerized by the sound and sight of it. Olivia is openly gaping at us and I swear to Christ if I didn't know it would upset Ana I'd fire her ass on the spot.
"Well it's back to reality now I'm afraid, let me show you to your office." I turn and toss Olivia a glare that weakens her knees and slams her ass in the chair. Good.
I'm looking forward to showing Ana her new office, the crew did a good job making it comfortable and airy and I'm pleased with the results. There are floor to ceiling windows and the walls and floor are in standard GEH white. For now the glass desk and black leather couch are hers but she can update to whatever she wants.
"Oh my goodness! Is this for real?" Her hand flies to her mouth and she drops her briefcase on the chair in front of the desk, rushing to the window to see the streets below. She turns, her eyes wide and excited and slowly lowers her hand. "This is really my office? I was expecting a cubicle."
I'm thrilled with her reaction, seeing her excited and happy is one of the best sights in the world. You made her happy, Grey, you did this. "A cubicle? Did you really think I'd put you in a cubicle? I don't think we even use them here. This office is yours for however long you need it, I'm so glad you like it. If there's something you want to switch out, just let Andrea know and she'll take care of it."
"It's wonderful, I'm sure everything is fine. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and this, this is icing on the cake." She does a complete turn, her arms outstretched and I feel my legs involuntarily move towards her but stop before she notices.
She comes towards me and reaches up and I automatically lean down so she can kiss me chastely on the cheek. "Thank you, Christian." Her voice is soft and sweet and I feel it in my chest more than hear it in my ears.
"You are very welcome, Anastasia." She smiles again and I take a steadying breath.
"The files are in the cabinet over there, Barney will be by in a few minutes to go over your computer passwords and the safe combo for the more sensitive items. I'll be in all day so feel free to come by whenever you need to. If you're still up for it, we'll head out at five for dinner." I'm beaming, literally fucking beaming. I want to hit myself.
"Sounds great, I want to dive right in."
The rest of the day drags on, I've left my door open on the off chance she'll walk by but the only time I saw her was at lunch time when she popped in to see if I wanted anything.
"I've got a lunch meeting on site in an hour but thank you." Yes, I want you, on my desk, pantyless and spread eagle. The image makes my balls tingle and I mentally file it away for later tonight.
Finally, at five o'clock on the dot I walk out of my office and meet her in the hallway on the way to the elevator. She smiles and my heart thuds harder but when we get into the lift, I feel like someone has stuck my finger in a socket. I'm attracted to her, of that there is no doubt but this borderline terrifying draw to her in this space makes me feel desperate. Almost like the control I have over my actions evaporates when those doors slide closed and the true desire between us is laid bare. I notice again that she's looking straight ahead and seems to be on edge. She must feel it too. We would be so good together.
I open the car door for her, I've had Taylor follow us in the Audi so that I can have Ana all to myself, and she folds herself in. I shut the door and climb in and when the engine roars to life she giggles. We drive in silence but I glance over at her every minute. It's a novelty, having someone in my car while I drive and I very much like looking over to see her.
"Where are we going?"
"The Mile High Club. Do you know it?" I'm curious.
"Do I know it? I've lived here for four months, of course I know it, everyone does. Never thought I'd be going there to eat though! Have you been there before?" So cute, so so cute.
"I own it." I shift to first gear and pull into a parking spot marked 'reserved'.
"What do you mean, you own it? How can you run a restaurant, you've got GEH." She's confused and that little V is between her brows again but it's the bottom lip she's got stuck between her teeth that's momentarily muted me.
"I own it, I don't run it. I hire competent staff to run my businesses. The chef here is excellent though, that I did orchestrate. I hope you like oysters."
"I've never had them." I open the door and she shifts her legs to the pavement before taking my hand to help her stand.
"Never?"
"They seem kind of gross to me. They're slimy!"
"They're delicious! Will you try one tonight? For me?" I give her my best pout but since I've never really used the expression before I have no idea if it has any effect.
"For you, Christian, I'll try anything." My breath catches in my throat and all comprehensive thinking stops. Oh baby, if that's the case, I've got a room about 10 minutes away I'd like to show you.
The minute I walk in there is a quiet flurry of activity. We're led immediately to the best table in the place with the best view of Seattle. The 78 floor elevator ride took a lot out of me, that's a long time to fight the gravitational pull between us but I managed to maintain my dignity. As soon as we're seated the sommelier presents us with a vintage Chardonnay and I approve. Ana hasn't taken her eyes off of me once.
Oysters on the half shell adorn the table within minutes and she wrinkles her nose at them. "Just try one, here, I'll prepare it for you." I squeeze a bit of lemon and lift it to her lips. She hesitantly opens her mouth before I tip it back and tell her to swallow and not chew. Instant throbbing hard on. I'm delighted when she gives a shy smile and states that she likes them.
"Do you like cod? I've gone ahead and ordered it for us, I hate waiting." I feed her another oyster, my balls screaming at me in protest each time her red lips open and swallow. Damn.
"I do. What would you have done if I didn't?" Her eyes are half closed, questioning my motives and I can understand why. I'm feeding her in my restaurant and I've ordered for her. Is my dominant personality coming out too strong? I've got to reel her in before I start ordering her around. Like she'd ever go for that.
Shrugging I tip an oyster in my mouth and swallow, her eyes still watching me but now they watch my mouth instead of my eyes. Oh yes, baby, I can do amazing things with this mouth. She licks her lips as I tip another one back and I use all of my self control to sit still and not take her on this table. Her hair would look so good spread out on the gold tablecloth. Did she ask me something?
"I'd have cancelled yours and ordered something else. Do you want something different?"
"No, cod is fine, I've just never had someone order for me." Well get used to it because I plan on knowing what you want before you do.
Dinner is a new experience for me. Ana and I have shared a few meals together but we've never been out for something so intimate before and I can't help but feel like I'm on a date. Is this a date? No, I asked her to go out to celebrate a business deal.
"What's this?" she asks surprised when the sommelier returns with a bottle of Bollinger Champagne.
"A celebration of your accepted contract. I know we're going to work well together and I'm looking forward to your help and involvement in this project." I hold up my glass and she does the same before we chink them and sip.
"Thank you, Christian. It's a wonderful opportunity for my company and I'm looking forward to learning by watching you run your business. What you've done is remarkable and I'm not easily impressed."
I want her in this moment, right now, as she holds her glass and smiles that warm engaging smile. I don't even want to fuck her right now, I just want to be able to reach out and grab her hand and kiss her lips. I want to be with her and be allowed to touch her. I take a deep breath, seeing her like this, innocent and so sweet makes me feel even shittier about myself. She is way too good for you, Grey. You'll ruin her.
So I shut down. Not enough where she feels the chill but enough where I can protect myself. I've never needed to do that with a woman, even Elena didn't get to me like this. Time to wrap up the evening, I'm beginning to freak out.
When I pull up to her apartment and walk her to the door there's an awkward moment where we don't really know how to end the night. She's the first to move so I follow her lead and keep it light.
"Thank you again for dinner, it was excellent. Your club is worthy of all the hype!" She smiles and I lean down to kiss her cheek goodnight. When she turns to unlock the door I quickly inhale the scent of her hair as quietly as I can. She's turned me into an addict but I don't know if she's the cure or the problem.
APOV
Leaving dad is always tough, especially knowing I'm leaving him alone in a house that still holds painful memories for him. When my mom left him, it all but destroyed him. He had no legal rights to me since my biological father had died right after I was born but Ray had come around early enough so that I never felt the loss of my actual father. My mom leaving brought him to his knees, not so much because of her affair and subsequent marriage to Stephen Morton but because when she left, I left too.
I've avoided talking about my mothers third husband most of my life and I intend on keeping that way. Ray is the only one, outside of my mother, who know why I was sent back. In spite of the circumstances of my return, Ray was thrilled to have me live with him and over the years, my relationship with my mom has suffered while the one I share with Ray has grown. Not protecting ones child will do that. Subconsciously I run my fingers over the scar on my scalp and shiver.
On the drive home I reflect on the last few years and the sacrifices Ray has made for me when my own mother wouldn't. It was he who paid for three years of therapy, he was the one to take me back to school shopping and teach me to drive. Ray was the one who threw me my high school graduation party and he was the only one at my college graduation. He's a good man and the guilt that follows me for each mile eats at me. He hasn't even touched your room, it's the exact same way you left it five years ago. The knowledge hurts me and comforts me.
I've got my outfit laid out for the morning, a fitted grey pencil skirt and a ruffled front white button down blouse with a chunky necklace and flesh tone high heels. Kate will do my hair, she's all to familiar with my short comings in that department.
I'm up early and do a few minutes of yoga to calm my nerves but I just want to get there and get started. And see Christian.
I arrive early, the butterflies in my stomach forcing me to skip the coffee which in turn has contributed to the dull ache between my eyes. I'm greeted at the front door by Taylor which surprises me but he quickly escorts me to the private elevator and sends me up. Christian is standing there when the doors open and my God is he a nice first sight in his navy blue pinstripe suit and silver grey tie. He's grinning and leans in to kiss me hello which sends a shiver down my spine and my god does he smell good.
I follow him to my office, it's just down the hall and around the corner from his own and to say I like it would be a major understatement. I am beyond pleased. Ecstatic, elated, excited. It's gorgeous. Not just gorgeous, it's sophisticated and grown up and did I mention gorgeous? I feel like a little kid and try as I might I cannot get this stupid grin off of my face.
I know he's done this for me and I thank him. I want so badly to wrap my arms around him and press my lips to his but I settle for a chaste kiss on the cheek. It surprises him and when his eyes open wide I notice that the silver in his tie is the exact color of his eyes.
The work is intense, messing up a translation for something like this is an enormous problem involving three major companies and two foreign governments so I'm careful and thorough. Before I know it, it's five o'clock and I'm locking everything up including the state of the art computer I now get to use. It took Barney almost an hour just to show me how everything worked and the security features alone make my mind swim. Is corporate espionage really such a problem? He assures me that it is.
We meet up in the hallway and he asks about my day. I saw him briefly at lunch and it was weird to be in the same building and not be with him. The elevator ride is pure torture again and I make a note to myself to avoid it as much as I can from now on. If I could act on it, it'd be fine, but I can't, so it's not. When we get to the garage he opens the door of a brand new Audi R8, ironically parked where Wanda was last week. What ever happened to her?
"This is your car? I'm surprised."
He's opening the door for me so I get in as ladylike as I can. He leans into the door frame and asks me why. The way his suit is pulled across his abs as he leans in is sexy as hell.
"You're so cautious and controlled. I would think a car known for its speed wouldn't be up your alley."
He grins and gets in and hot damn that engine sounds nice. If he hadn't told me that he owned the Mile High Club I'd have figured it out the minute we walked in. These people are literally falling over themselves to serve and please him. Every female in here is vying for his attention and ignoring me but I can see that he hasn't even noticed them. Take that bitches.
Instead he's attentive to me, feeding me and bantering with me. I can't help but notice the way his arms flex under his light gray shirt when he uses his fork or lifts his glass and I find myself imagining him naked. I want him to want me but I have no idea how to seduce a man. The idea alone makes me so nervous I start to giggle and I'm pretty sure that's not part of being a seductress.
He's jovial tonight, laughing freely and teasing me about the oysters he was intent that I try. They're actually not bad but I'd rather watch him eat them, the way his Adam's apple moves up and down when he swallows is all male and I can't take my eyes off of it. I want him. I shouldn't, he's now technically my boss but I do, badly.
So we sit and eat and drink and toast our joint venture until it's time to go. I walk close to him on the way out, not quite ready to give up the illusion that we're here on a date. I don't know who I was trying to fool more, the women watching us or myself. When we say goodnight I feel melancholy and go right to sleep.
On Wednesday I arrive early again and am disappointed that he's not there to greet me. I'm not sure exactly where the work/friend boundary is so I go straight to my office and get right to work.
Hi, I'm in a breakfast meeting. We'll go for lunch to touch base, I'll loop you in on yesterdays call.
-No worries. Just give me a time and I'll be ready.-
1pm work for you?
-perfect, see you then-
I can't wipe the grin off my face knowing I'll see him for lunch. Shit, I don't want to do the elevator again so I quickly come up with a plan to head out a few minutes early and text him to tell him I'll meet him in the lobby.
"Hey, Anastasia, how's it coming along?" I'm startled by the raspy voice coming from my doorway but once my eyes adjust from staring at tiny Mandarin symbols I see it's Ros and smile warmly.
"Good so far. There's a few mistakes I've found in the original translation work but so far nothing that compromises the deal or is a problem. How's your end going?"
She snorts and sits in the chair directly across from my desk, her arms draped over the sides.
"I'm a woman in a man's world. The Chinese don't want to deal with me even though I'm heading this entire thing. It's hard not to let it get to you after a while." She runs her hand over her face and I feel for her. Every woman in the world knows what it's like to be short changed because of your sex.
"I'm sorry, I can certainly see how that would be frustrating and hurtful."
She looks at me like she's just now noticing that I'm there and smiles. "Frustrating, that would be the perfect word for these assholes." She stands to go but puts a hand on the desk and pauses, "That's why working for Mr. Grey is so great. He doesn't give squirrels ass if you're a female, he just demands results. He's never once made me feel like I wasn't able to do something because I'm a woman. You've got to admire a man like that." She grins and winks and walks out.
What was that all about?
A few minutes later I leave for the lobby under the premise that I want to make sure my security pass works, both mornings Taylor has been in the lobby to retrieve me so I haven't had the chance to use it yet. I feel him before I see him, an electric current that connects me to him and I turn in time to catch his sure stride over to me. The lobby has stilled, every one of his employees is in awe of him in one way or another and I'm again on cloud nine that it's me who he's here for.
"Hungry?" he asks, a glint in those clear grey eyes.
"Famished. I didn't eat breakfast."
He instantly looks pissed and cocks his head to the side. "Anastasia, you need to eat three meals a day. You've got to take care of yourself." Is he serious? I roll my eyes and am startled when I see pissed turn into actual anger.
"Don't roll your eyes at me and don't bite that lip." His finger curls under my chin and his thumb gently pulls my lip out of my teeth. Why not?
"Yes, Sir!" I salute him and we turn to go, Christian a half step behind since he was shocked that I'd teased him just then. We go to what I now deem as "our bistro" and order salmon over cannelloni beans with a crisp white wine. I love that he asks me if the vintage he's chosen is ok. I buy my wine by the case and as long as it's not totally gross, I'll drink it.
Once we've begun to eat he loosens up a bit and playful Christian is back. He's filled me in on the call yesterday, apparently the Chinese weren't too happy with the fact that the new 'team member' is another woman. The casual way he tosses that tidbit out and his subsequent shrug of annoyance softens the blow but I can relate to Ros that much more now.
"Ana, if you're free Saturday night GEH is hosting a cocktail reception for the Seattle Seahawks. They've agreed to match our donation to WSU's agriculture program and this is the press launch. I'd love for you to attend if you're available."
"That sounds lovely, I'm looking forward to it!" Dressing up with Christian? Will he wear a tux? God help me if he does. "Is it black tie?"
"Yes and there will be photographers from a lot of agencies there. I've given you fair warning, if we arrive together you're going to be bombarded with questions and written about in the rags."
"Do you want me to come separately? I can manage that." I'm crestfallen. He doesn't want to be seen with me and the pain in my chest is sharp.
"No! I'm happy to have you come with me, I just didn't want you blind sided by the paparazzi fuckers." He seems genuine about my arriving with him so I accept and we formulate our pick up plan. I'm silently contemplating how best to wear my hair and what dress I'm going to wear. I've got to make an appointment immediately for a wax and trim.
"I've asked Elliot if he'd like to go since he's a fan and I believe he's asking Kate. Actually, my entire family will be there including my sister Mia." He pauses and looks up from his salmon, "Come to think about it, forget the paparazzi, Mia's the one who'll exhaust you."
We leave lunch and stroll back to GEH after I stop for a Starbucks. He's in no rush to get back but I don't want to take advantage of the fact that I'm friends with the boss so we step into the god forsaken elevator only two minutes past my self imposed hour break.
"Thank you for lunch, I'll get the first bundle of correctly translated documents to you by close of business today." Andrea isn't at her desk but Olivia is standing there, gaping at us again. What is her problem? He smiles at me as I turn to go to my office and I hear him address his assistant, the harshness of his tone stopping me mid-stride.
"Is something the matter, Olivia?" Christian growls at her and she closes her mouth and looks at him.
"No, sorry, Sir. Mrs. Lincoln is waiting for you in your office, she didn't have an appointment but your 2:30 pushed back to 2:45."
He's agitated and runs his hands through his hair so it's my cue to go. I give him a slight wave and walk away retreating to my little sanctuary in the sky. I send Ros a quick email;
To: Ros
From: Anastasia Steele
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Christian told me the Chinese didn't want me involved because I'm a woman. You're right, assholes.
Anastasia Steele
Steele Translations
Her response is quick and witty and I can't help but want to be her friend. I'd like to meet her wife too, anyone who can nail down someone as feisty as Ros must be something special.
I pop my head into Christians office when I leave at 6 but he's on a call so I just wave. He holds up his finger for me to wait and mutes his call. "I'll see you tomorrow, correct?"
"Yes. Have a good night!"
He smiles and waves me out.
The minute I walk in the door from Pilates I raid mine and Kates closet looking for something to wear on Saturday night. I want to look as good as I can so I settle on a short black dress with long sleeves encrusted with silver beading around the edges. It drapes over my curves and is backless but it's modest in the front and in its length. Well, it's actually pretty short but I'm only 5'3" so I can pull it off.
"Kate! I need help! I'm going to a GEH cocktail party on Saturday night and want to borrow this dress. Is that ok?"
"Only if you're going to lose your virginity in it. It's high time you got on the 'done that' train." She's cracking herself up.
"Okay then. You're in a good mood, what's up?"
"Elliot. I am so happy with him. We have the greatest time together no matter what we're doing and my god the sex, the unbelievable nonstop sex! Ana, he asked me to go hiking and I agreed!"
I'm the one laughing now. Kates favorite part of the great outdoors is coming inside. "Please, take pictures. No! No! Video! You've got to take video!"
"Can it Steele, if you can pretend you're not dating Christian, then I can pretend to be an outdoor girl." We're both laughing now but I've got to respond that.
"I am not dating him, Kate!"
"Alright, if you're not dating would you consider going out with one of Elliot's friends from college? There's a few he thinks would like you but one in particular that I've met and think is hot. He's a landscape architect so he's not an idiot either."
A date? With one of Elliot's friends? The idea would normally appeal to me, I feel like I'm ready to start dating but I don't want to go out with one of Elliot's friends. What if Christian found out? Would he care? Why should you care is more the question!
"I don't know, Kate, I'm just starting the company and now with this GEH contract I'm going to be super busy. I don't think it's the right time."
"Good grief, Ana. You're going to die a virgin, and for what reason? None! The guy is hot and smart, snatch that shit up, let him take you out for an expensive dinner and then give him your cherry. And wear these shoes with the dress. Did you make a hair appointment yet? Did Christian tell you that I'm going with Elliot as well?"
"I'm going to call Ricardi's in the morning for a full wax and I'll have someone schedule a manicure and pedicure and hair style for Saturday." I choose to ignore the rest of her little tirade. Kate's enough to handle on a normal day but when she's got her mind set on something, you may as well get earplugs.
"Ana Ana Ana. If you're going to bang on Saturday night, you can't wax that morning, you'll need to wax tomorrow or Friday morning at the latest."
"Katherine Kavanagh! I am not going to 'bang' anyone! Do people really still say that because they shouldn't. I wax because it makes me feel better and I will wax whenever I want to."
"Whatever, don't forget your birth control pills either. Gearing up for sex, Ana? A dress, a wax and the pill." I'm laughing again. Me being on the pill is a running joke between us since she's on nothing but having sex and I'm on the pill and haven't even seen a naked penis.
"They regulate my cycle! You should be the one taking it, I'm sure Elliot's not looking to be a father anytime soon!" It feels good to be hanging out with my best friend after coming home from a real job. I feel like a grown up.
Christian is waiting for me in my office when I arrive on Thursday with a stack of papers and a cup of coffee, just cream, the way I like it. I give him a sweet good morning and thank him for the coffee. He's sitting in one of the chairs across from my desk and instead of sitting behind the desk, I sit in the opposing chair.
"This looks good, Anastasia. It reads well too. Can you clarify for me the third point though? I can't make heads or tails of it."
I lean over and read it even though I know what he's referring to. Some things just don't translate well and because of the nature of this acquisition, exact translation is crucial. I've included the exact translation along with the 'Americanized' version of what it should read but on this particular point, none of it makes sense.
He's not satisfied and asks me to schedule a call with them for early Monday to go over it.
"You want me in on a call like this?" I've been on plenty of business calls as a translator but this call holds almost two billion dollars on it.
"Of course, we'll do it in my office with Ros. It'll be a skeleton staff since it's Labor Day so we'll do the call and you can head out if that's alright with you." He tosses over his shoulder when he leaves.
I'm almost to the elevator when I hear him yelling, loudly, in his office. My eyes open wide and I turn to look at Andrea who is not at all affected by the noise. She looks at me quizzically before she makes the connection.
"Did you need something Ms. Steele? I can always interrupt if you need Mr. Grey." She stands but I shoo her back down.
"No, I was just going for lunch. Does he always yell like that?" I whisper, not that he could hear me anyway. She just smiles at me and gives me a half shrug. She's good at keeping secrets I can see. The door flies open and an older woman in all black struts out, literally struts. I've never seen anything like it. She's got immaculate blond hair and cold hard blue eyes that make my skin crawl. Was he yelling at her? If he raised his voice like that to me I'd be crying and on the floor in a heap but she doesn't seem to care at all.
After a few steps she stops, notices me and stares before walking over slowly and giving me a Botoxed smile. I don't know what to do so I half smile back, my instincts telling me to stay away from this Kim Catrall knockoff. This...woman...is looking over my body like she's my doctor, I'm half expecting her to tell me to turn and bend until Andrea asks me a question and I have a reason to look away.
"Ana, did you need to see Mr. Grey?" Andrea has cocked her head to the side waiting for my answer but it's unnecessary as Christian himself comes rushing out of the office and takes my elbow angrily before leading me back into his office.
"What are you doing? I was just going to go get something to eat!"
He's shut the door to his office and has let go of my elbow but is now furiously running his hands through his hair. "I thought I heard Andrea say you needed me."
"No, she asked if I did but I already told her I didn't. Are you ok?" He's pacing and has taken off his suit jacket, throwing it on the chair behind his desk but the stops when I ask him if he's ok and turns to look at me. He's breathing fast, concern clouding his gaze.
"I'm fine, I thought you needed me but if you don't, I'll let you get on with your lunch. I'd go but I've got a call I need to make and I've got to make it now."
"Christian, I hardly expect you to spend lunch with me every day while I'm here. Can I get you something while I'm out?"
He's still and he looks lost right now, something is going on that I'm unaware of and I'm not going to pry but I can attempt to be his friend.
"You make your call, I'll grab you something to eat and when I get back, you can fill me in if you're up for it. If not, you can eat in peace." I reach out and pull his hand down, it's frozen in his hair and he watches my hand reach up and then pull his down.
"OK."
By the time I leave his office the blonde knockoff is gone but I still can't help feeling like I need a shower.