A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"Hey Dad, I was calling to say hi and see how you're doing.", I tell my dad while balancing my phone against my ear and grabbing a bowl of granola.
"Good morning Annie. I was just about to pick up the phone to call you. I guess great minds think alike.", he laughs. In addition to Kate, my dad was my rock after my breakup. I'll never forget how he threatened to drive from his house in Montesano to Seattle in the middle of the night just so he could beat up Bryant, but I was able to finally convince him that Bryant wasn't worth it. My birth father died when I was a was a baby so I have no memory of him, but I've got a lifetime of memories of Ray Steele, who my mother married when I was two. That marriage ended, but I stayed with Ray even after my mother remarried and moved to Texas with her third husband. She's currently based in Georgia with husband number four.
"Have you had breakfast yet?", I ask, knowing that he's probably been up for hours already.
"I woke up around five and made breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. I even had freshly squeezed orange juice."
"Sounds delicious."
"It was, but the best part of it was that I didn't set off the smoke detectors." One of the things which we did while I was still home was cook together even though his contribution was not always up to par. "How are things there?"
"Things are going well. Kate's been sick since yesterday, but thankfully it's not the flu which we had thought. I've been keeping her supplied with plenty of fluids and soup.", I say, looking towards Kate's room where she was still sleeping when I last checked on her.
"You're always taking care of others. And work?"
"The same. I've been assigned to cover a fundraiser tonight, The Coping Together Ball. It's a pretty big deal that I want to give my very best. I'm even wearing a fancy dress and getting my hair styled.", I giggle. "I'm not even going to call and tell Mom about it since she'll insist that I send her photos."
"She wouldn't be you mom if she didn't. You'll be beautiful just as you always are."
"Thanks Dad. How about I come and visit you soon or you can come here? I miss you."
"I miss you too sweetheart. I can try to come in two weeks if that's ok with you. The last thing that I want is to intrude when you're busy."
"I'm never too busy for you so come on."
Once my phone call with my dad is over, I begin eating my granola and thinking about the day ahead of me. My Saturdays are normally spent cleaning and running errands while dressed in yoga pants and a tee. Today, however, is going to be spent working on the beginning of my article and then getting dressed in the gown which I bought yesterday. In the past, I've enlisted Kate's help in finding a fancy dress, but her sickness kept that from happening so I was left to fend for myself.
"Do we have more juice?", I hear Kate moan while shuffling her feet across the living room in her pink slippers.
"Yeah, I'll get you some." Before I have a chance to get up, she holds her hand up and directs me to remain seated.
"I'll get it. You've already done more than enough for me." She grabs a glass out of the cupboard and then opens the fridge for the orange juice. "Are you excited for tonight?"
"Sure. I'm looking forward to covering the ball.", I shrug. She finishes pouring her juice and takes the seat across from me while shaking her head. "Kate, if you're under the impression that I'm going to go there to whoop it up, you're badly mistaken. Tonight is for work and work only."
"You can also enjoy yourself. Were you able to get as much research as you wanted?", she asks.
"I'm more than satisfied with what I've got." Once I was off and running with my assignment, I began learning more about the Grey family. Carrick Grey is a prominent attorney while Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grey is a successful pediatrician. They're parents to Mia, Elliot, and of course Christian whose success is quiet remarkable for a man of only twenty-seven. After only spending two years at Harvard, he dropped out and started his own business which has grown into the billion dollar Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc. "Enough about tonight. How are you feeling?"
"I'm still not a hundred percent, but I'm feeling a little better than I was yesterday. The cold medicine that my doctor prescribed me has been a big help. I feel well enough to help you get ready for tonight if you want."
"I appreciate your offer, but I can manage. I'm going to curl my hair into loose curls and leave it down. What do you think?" She finishes off the last of her juice and begins tapping her index finger on her chin in contemplation.
"My dear, that will look great.", she says. "It'll be the perfect style to go with your dress which I can not express enough how much I love. For someone who claims to not have a sense of fashion, you did a wonderful job picking out a dress." My dress is an embellished black gown with alternating layers of black and white tulle which create a layered shadow effect. The top bodice is made of black lace with black sequins and beaded embellishments. It's a beautiful dress which I'm proud of myself for finding.
"What was I thinking?", I mumble under my breath while walking towards the large tent in the backyard of the Greys' home. The frown which I got from the valet who took my car when I arrived didn't help put me at ease. Olivia called earlier and told me that I need to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Grey near the entrance when I arrive. A man, dressed in all white, nods as I step inside. The setting is amazing. Tables which are draped in silver tablecloths with black candles on top line the sides of the room while silver chandeliers serve as the main lighting for the area. In the center is a black marble dance floor with a stage at the front.
"Welcome.", a sandy haired woman in her late forties greets me. Unlike the other guests, she isn't wearing a mask. I immediately recognize her from the online photos as Dr. Grace Trevelyan-Grace.
"Thank you. I'm Anastasia Steele from Seattle Magazine. I was assigned to cover the ball."
"Oh yes, Anastasia, it's a pleasure to meet you. Olivia spoke highly of you when we talked this morning." I can't see my face, but I'm sure that I'm blushing. Compliments are something which I've always had a hard time accepting. A tall, gray-haired man begins walking in our direction from the left of the room. Before he can get to us, a raven-haired girl who appears to be around my age leaps to his side.
"Grace, there you are.", he says. "Mia's been getting antsy over the auction." I figure out that the two are Carrick and Mia Grey. Mia's dressed in a pink ball gown which has a cinderella skirt. Her mask is a matching shade of pink with sequins on the side.
"You don't have a mask.", Mia points out.
"Forgive my daughter.", Grace apologizes. "Tonight is one of her favorite nights of the year so she gets a tad carried away. Anastasia Steele, this is my husband Carrick and my daughter Mia. Anastasia's going to be writing the article which will run in Seattle Magazine."
"It's nice to meet you.", they say in unison which sends Mia into a fit of giggles.
"As for the mask, I've got a few extra on hand if you'd like one, but you don't have to wear one if you don't want to."
"Wearing a mask would allow me to get the full experience of the evening so I'm going to say yes." Mrs. Grey turns to a small table beside her and picks up a black mask with small feathers on the side. "Thank you.", I say once I've got the mask on. Scanning the room, I see no sign of Christian, but the evening is still young.
"I've got an idea, you should sit with us at dinner. It'll be fun.", Mia says.
"All right. I'm going to look around for a while before dinner begins."
As I make my way through the crowd, a string quartet begins setting up on the stage while waiters begin passing around champagne. I'm tempted to have a glass, but I decide to hold off. Glancing at my watch, I see that it's almost time for the official welcome so I begin to go in search of the Grey's table. When I realize that I'm going in the wrong direction, I turn around, only to bump into someone.
"I'm so sorry." I'd know that voice anywhere. It's Bryant. I raise my head up and look at him through my mask. Christian Grey's theory that everyone wears a mask isn't true for me, but it's definitely true for the man standing before me.
"Ana, um, what are you doing here?", he asks.
"I'm writing an article about the fundraiser for the magazine.", I reply.
"Wow, that's great. Rachel's mother got us tickets." Is he for real? Does he actually think I give a damn about why he's here? No.
"Your reason for being here is none of my concern. If you'll excuse me, I need to find my table." Before I can walk past him, I feel his hand on my elbow.
"Wait, please. You look...wow.", he smiles with his eyes roaming up and down my body. This is a man who I allowed to discover every surface of my body, yet I'm uncomfortable in this very moment.
"Why don't you go and find Rachel?"
"She's mingling with some of the other guests. I won't bother you anymore tonight, but I wanted to know see you're doing."
"How am I doing?", I scoff at his ignorant words. "What did you expect me to do, stop living my life just because you stopped loving me? If you really want to know how I'm doing, I'm doing great. Your betrayal hurt me, but it didn't break me. I'm actually a better person because of it. So thank you for being the scum that you are." Behind him, my eyes catch sight of a man dressed in a black tux and simple black mask. Gray eyes are locked on mine as he inches closer to where I'm standing.
"Anastasia, my mother was worried that you might have gotten lost so I told that I'd find you.", Christian Grey says. He looks at Bryant only briefly before turning his attention back to me. "Am I interrupting something?"
"No, there's nothing going on here. I'm ready to take my seat." I don't give Bryant a chance to respond as I step away from him. "This is quiet a turn out."
"Yes it is. My mother is thrilled with the potential that tonight might bring."
"Yay, you found her.", Mia exclaims once we arrive at the table. "Ana, you can sit next to me."
"Ok." I take the seat next to Mia followed by Christian taking the one on my other side.
"It's good to have you sitting with us. Elliot, our oldest, is working in Tacoma so he couldn't be here tonight.", Mrs. Grey says. "Carrick, it's time for us to go and welcome everyone. We'll be right back."
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but was the guy who you were talking to causing you trouble?", Christian asks. "I can have him removed from the property if he was."
"That won't be necessary."
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Coping Together Ball. We strive every year to outdo the year before, and we always succeed, thanks to you. Over the past few years, you all have opened not only your wallets but also your hearts to the Coping Together charity. We can't find enough words to express our gratitude so I'll simply say thank you.", Mr. Grey says with his hand in his wife's. "We have a delicious menu lined up for you this evening followed by an auction. Enjoy your evening."
The dinner portion of the evening consists of a choice of grilled salmon or roasted rosemary chicken along with steamed summer vegetables in a butter sauce, garlic red potatoes, and cream braised brussel sprouts. Topping off the men is the dessert selection of maple ice cream, chocolate ganache, and bananas foster crepes. The Grey family has been warm and welcoming throughout the entire meal. Mrs. Grey told me of plans to build a new rehab facility with a more relaxed atmosphere so families can be comfortable when visiting loved ones. I'm having a lovely evening, despite the fact that Bryant is here somewhere with Rachel.
"The auction is next, right?", I ask before taking a bite of my ice cream.
"It's going begin in about fifteen minutes, but we may have situation on our hands.", Mia answers. "We were supposed to have ten girls for it, but my friend Lily is sick. So...we're short one person."
"Mia, it's not a big deal that one spot is empty. Tonight will still be a success."
"True big brother, but ten is a better number than nine. If only we could find one more person who would be willing to help us." She shifts in her seat and grins at me, making me worry about what she's about to say. "Ana, didn't you say that you're all for getting the full experience of the night?" My words have come back to bite me in the ass.
"I did say that, but it was in reference to the masks. I'm simply here to observe the evening. One of the other guests would probably jump at the chance."
"Oh come on Miss Steele. The auction is for a good cause and is the highlight of the evening. Plus, it'll add more dimension to your story and allow your readers further insight on what takes place." I'm sure Olivia would be proud that I took such a step for the story.
"What does the highest bidder win? A dance?", I ask.
"A "date", Mrs. Grey answers. "We've done the dance idea a few times in the past, but we began the "date" last year. Most of the couples didn't actually go out on the date. They greeted each other, talked for a few minutes, and then went their separate ways. The money was still donated."
"Count me in."
Agreeing to the auction may have been a mistake but it's too late to back out as I make my way up the stage along with the other girls. Since I was such a good sport about it, I was assigned number two so I won't have to stand up very long. Mia's the first one in line. While I wait on things to begin, I see Bryant and Rachel at one of the tables on the right side of the room. Rachel's eyes are bulging at the sight of me standing in front of the crowd. She gives me a smirk and then leans into Bryant, whispering something before running her hand through his hair. If she's trying to get a rise out of me, she isn't getting anywhere.
"And now it's time for our auction. Starting us off is the lovely Mia Grey.", Mr. Grey announces. "Mia hopes to one day own her own catering business, and she enjoys volunteering at the hospital. She's a fine young lady. Where shall we start the bidding off?"
"Five hundred dollars!", a young,tall haired guy in the front of the room shouts. Mia's face lights up at his bid.
"I have five hundred from the front. Do I hear six hundred?"
"Six hundred!", Christian laughs. Mia appears annoyed at her brother. It's obvious that she wants the first bidder to win.
"Seven hundred!", she says as the crowd breaks into laughter.
"I'm not sure if you can bid on yourself, but I'll let it go. Do we have eight hundred?", Carrick asks.
"One thousand dollars!", the young guy answers. Mia clears her throat as a sign for her dad to end the bidding there.
"All right. I've one thousand dollars. Going once. Going twice. Sold! Congratulations. You may come to the stage and meet your date." Mia grins at me before heading to the edge of the stage where the guy has stepped. She takes his extended hand and joins him on the floor. "Next we have Anastasia Steele. She works for Seattle Magazine which will feature an article on tonight, but she has graciously agreed to help us in our auction. Let's the start the bidding."
"Five hundred dollars!", I hear from the back.
"Six hundred!", another shouts. I feel like I'm in a daze while the bids continue to go up far more than I was expecting. Bryant's lips are pursed together while his arms are folded over his chest. He looks like a child who has been there would be no ice cream. I love it! Rachel seems to have picked up on his foul mood because she's giving him the evil eye.
"Going once. Going twice. Sold for five thousand dollars to Christian Grey." What?! Christian glides forward with a smirk on his face.
"Why did you do that?", I ask once I've stepped off the stage.
"To help raise money.", he shrugs.
"Yes, but why would you want to bid on me? There are eight other girls up there who you could have chosen."
"I'm capable of counting. I saw the way the guy from before was looking at you so I thought that I'd help. He gets his Cheerios pissed in, and money gets raised. It's win, win."
"Thank you. I suppose I'll get back to my seat."
"Wait, we need to discuss our evening."
"What do you mean? Your mother said that a date doesn't have to take place."
"I'm aware of that, but I don't do anything half ass. I'd like to have dinner with you."