Chapter 13: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

APOV

Thursday

This weekend was absolutely amazing. I can't even imagine what has happened in the last few weeks. There have been a lot of ups and downs but I have never been happier.

"Miss Steele? I hope you don't mind. I need to install an upgrade onto your computer. I just finished installing the update on Mr. Hyde's computer."

"Mr. Sawyer, of course. I'll just go get a cup of tea." The new IT Director looks more like GI Joe instead of a computer nerd. Claire thinks he's hot but he's not much of a talker.

My phone buzzes with a text from Kate.

*Jose has a new guy & wants us 2 meet him. Our place 2 night 4 dinner?*

*K. U want me 2 cook?*

*:-) Please. U don't want me 2 cook.*

*No. I want 2 live. lol I'll pick stuff up market.*

*Luv ya. Laters.*

"Ana!" I roll my eyes. Jack has been in a mood ever since he came back from New York.

"Yes, Jack?"

"I have a big project I need you to work on. I have to present new writers and their manuscripts on Tuesday to Roach. We have tomorrow and Monday to finish the presentations. My reputation is on the line."

CPOV

Friday

Shit. Mia had been calling me all week. I know it's because Mom told her about Ana. Luckily the acquisition of SIP has kept me busy. I had to tell Ana about it last night and she was not happy to say the least. But she started to laugh when I told her about Sawyer.

"Hello, Mia."

"Christian! Why have you been ignoring my calls?!" I had to hold the phone away from my ear.

"Jesus, Mia. I think they could hear you back in Paris."

"Why didn't you tell me you have a girlfriend? Elliot has known for weeks!"

"Calm down, Mia. I was going to tell you, it's pretty new yet."

"Well, I got a job at Mistral Kitchen so mom wants to have a dinner to celebrate."

"Congrats, Sis. I'm glad that semester in Paris was beneficial in more ways than just expanding your closet."

"Ha ha Christian. Mom is having a celebratory dinner tomorrow and you are bringing Ana. I want to meet her."

"Mia, we may have plans tomorrow. Maybe some other time."

"Christian, please! Please! Please!"

I sigh and roll my eyes. "Fine Mia. We'll come tomorrow. But don't scare her off, ok?"

"Yay! Christian! I'm so excited! See you tomorrow."

APOV

Saturday

Here I stand looking at myself in the mirror. I am so nervous. I feel out of my league. The dress I have on is beautiful and it cost Christian more than one of my paychecks. I keep breathing deep trying to not be so nervous. I'm putting in the earrings Christian gave me when he walks into the room.

"You look beautiful. Don't worry, they'll love you. You have already met my mother and Kate and Elliot will be there too."

"I'm just not used to big family get togethers. It's usually just me and Ray." I keep knotting my fingers together. Christian turns me so I am looking at him and gives me a sweet kiss. "Ana there is no way my family wouldn't not like you. Until you they all thought I was gay or some kind of celibate weirdo." I start to laugh at that thought and accidentally snort in the most un-ladylike way. Christian gives me a big smile and kisses my head.

"There's my girl. Come on, let's go."

We pull up in front of Bellevue, his parents' home. Christian gave Taylor the weekend off so we're in the R8. He comes around to my side of the car. By the time we get to the front door both his mom and dad are waiting for us.

"Christian, Anastasia, so good to see you. Come in." Christian kisses his mom on the cheek and shakes his father's hand. Christian's mom his me.

"Anastasia, it's so good to see you again."

His father unexpectedly pulls me into a big bear hug. It must not be normal for him because Christian had one eyebrow raised and his mom winks at me. "Anastasia, I've heard so many wonderful things."

"Please, call me Ana." At this rate I'll be blushing all night long.

We step into the foyer and go to make our way to the formal sitting room when I hear a shrill scream. Suddenly I'm almost knocked over by a whir of pink. "Ana! It's so good to meet you! Come in here let me get you something to drink."

"Mia, calm down and let her breathe will you?" Christian playfully scolds his sister.

We walk into the sitting room and like a breath of fresh air Kate and Elliot greet us. "Pipsqueak, you clean up good!"

"Thanks, El."

"Ana, I'd like you to meet my grandparents Theodore and Marie Trevelyan." Christian places his hand on my lower back.

"Pleasure to meet you, young lady. Call me Theodore." Christian's grandfather kisses my hand.

"Ted. Stop flirting! You're too old! Hello, dear. You are going to make some beautiful children with my grandson." I blush so much that I think smoke is coming out of my ears.

"Mother, Father. Be nice." Grace tells her parents. "Dinner is ready everyone." She leads us to the dining room. There is enough food to feed an army but it all looks delicious.

The conversation flows well over dinner. Christian and Elliot have a funny banter between each other and Mia is the perfect princess and little sister. It's obvious how much Christian loves her.

As we're having coffee and dessert the doorbell rings. Gretchen, their housekeeper, brings the guest into the dining room. It's Elena from our first disaster date.

I stop breathing and Christian completely tenses at the sight of her.

"Elena! What a pleasant surprise!" Grace smiles and gets up to greet her. What the fuck? The blonde bitch is friends with his mom? Oh holy mother of God. She's the friend that introduced Christian to BDSM. She's the pedophile. My stomach turns. I feel like I may be sick.

"Elena, have you met Elliot's girlfriend, Kate, and Christian's girlfriend, Ana. We're having a celebratory dinner for Mia new job." Grace is so happy, it's obvious she had no idea what a monster her friend really is.

Elena looks at me and gives me a fake smile that doesn't reach her botoxed eyes. "Girlfriend? Christian I had no idea. Your little new friend is very pretty." I think I am definitely going to throw up.

"Ana, it's it? You look familiar. Do I know you?" Ugh, God. She's horrible.

"No. I'm sure you don't." I answer her syrupy sweet and smile.

"Mom, Dad. I'm sorry but we need to go. Anastasia and I have and early morning." Christian stands and takes my hand. "You can stay at the table. I know the way out. I will give you a call. Mia, congratulations." Christian kisses Mia on the cheek and we are out the door.

We get into the car and head out. Once we're on I-90 W I can't hold it in anymore. "So, it's Elena who introduced you to that life?"

"Ana, it's complicated."

"Complicated? I don't understand. She's a pedophile and she's still in your life and your mother's life."

"Looking from the outside in, that's what it looks like. But she saved me. I was on a path to destruction and she saved me."

"Saved you? Christian, there were so many other ways she could have saved you if she really cared."

"Listen, Ana. Before you she was my only friend. We're business partners. And that's the end of the conversation."

He's angry. His jaw is clenching and he's silent. I'm hurt. I'm not even sure why. I feel like he has chosen her over me, over his family. We go back to Escala but we don't make love. Christian goes to work in his office and I go to bed. I act like nothing is wrong but that's because I'm afraid to ask Christian to choose. What if he chooses her over me? What if he gets sick of playing vanilla house and wants his old life back?