Chapter 4

Ana

I spend the ride back to my house getting my thoughts together. There are more voicemails from dad, but I will listen to them after I have a cup of coffee. I wonder if the taxi driver will run through the Starbucks drive thru.

That idea is shot down when he pulls to a stop in front of my house. I send payment with a tip through the app and thank him before I get out of the car.

"Judging by your attire I'd say you had a pretty eventful night," Courtney jokes as I step onto my front porch. She hands me a cup of coffee from my favorite place, and I reach for the door.

"Eventful night and morning. Come on inside. I have a lot to tell you." I unlock my door and we go inside. "I'm going to take a quick shower first. Make yourself at home," I call over my shoulder.

After a refreshing shower, I step into the living room and sit on the couch next to Courtney. "I don't know where to start." I chuckle, then take a sip of my lukewarm coffee. I should have waited to take a shower.

"Do you remember anything about the car ride to Christian's?" I shrug.

"Kind of. Why don't you tell me what happened and maybe I can fill in some blanks?" I cross my legs and get comfortable.

"I am going to start with how you were all over each other before we even left the club. As soon and Christian and Elliot joined us on the dance floor, you two were attached at the hip for the rest of the night. He even followed you to the bathroom." My eyes widen in surprise, and I shake my head.

"I don't remember any bathroom sex. He did corner me in the hallway when I exited the ladies room. Keep going." I like hearing someone else give me a play by play of my actions.

"I got tired of dancing so Elliot and I went back to the table. He talked to me about his estranged wife. She is not very nice. He kept asking me if I minded the topic of conversation and I told him now. I let him talk about everything from his job to his relationship with Christian. He owns his own successful business. Kate is from the Kavanagh Media family."

"That explains her bitchy attitude this morning," I say under my breath.

"What?" Courtney asks.

"Nothing. Keep going." I finish my coffee as she continues.

"Elliot said he and Christian were not very close growing up. Christian was the partying type and Eliot chose to concentrate on his education." Courtney giggles.

"I can see that. Elliot seems like an uptight kind of guy. Maybe once the situation with Kate is resolved he will loosen up." I shrug.

"Anyway, Elliot says he spent most of the marriage keeping Kate and her family happy. They never focused on their relationship and now it seems to have suffered. When he first left, he thought things would blow over and she would ask him to come back. But he doesn't feel that will happen now."

"But it's only been a week, right? Isn't that what he said, or did I imagine that?"

"No, you are right. But he says it's been over for a while." Courtney looks in my eyes and sighs. "He also told me that Christian is the type of guy that only does one-night stands. He doesn't do relationships. He would rather live a bachelor life and not be tied to one woman."

"I can see that about him. Even though he was with me most of the night, there were women coming up to him and slipping him their phone number. So, the ride home. How did that go?"

"Before I go into that, I want to say the chemistry between you and Christian seems electric. I know Elliot said he is not a relationship kind of guy, but I see that changing. He was hanging onto your every word last night. You and I started talking about our jobs and he watched you the entire time."

"That could have been the alcohol. But I will admit there is something between us. He's an incredible dancer and even better in bed. Sex with him is other worldly. I would have stayed longer this morning if I didn't want to avoid the awkward morning after conversation. He looked so delicious in bed." I shake my head to shake off the memory.

"Anyway, he ripped my dress last night and I had to steal some of his clothes to wear home. Once I got dressed, I snuck downstairs and tried to leave without being seen. When I opened the door, Kate was standing there with their kid." Courtney's mouth drops then she busts out laughing.

"You are kidding me!" I shake my head.

"I wish I were. And to make matters worse, the kid called me Miss Steele. I'm certain he's in the fifth grade but I will have to check the school roster to see. Kate's eyes were shooting daggers at me, and I was concerned I wouldn't make out unscathed. Thankfully Elliot came into the room and asked her why she was there. While they screamed back and forth at each other, I walked out the door to the waiting cab." I shrug and wait for her response.

"Only you, Ana. Did Christian ask for your phone number?"

"No, and I didn't offer it. Last night was a chance to let off some steam and get my dad off my mind for a little while. He has already started with the phone calls this morning. I know I will have to answer him at some point, but I don't know what to say." I slump back on the couch cushion.

"How about support what I do for once and back the hell off. Maybe you need to go see Grandma Steele. She always has some good words of wisdom when you are having a rough time."

"I will call her later. I need to do some housework and a few lesson plans for this week. I won't have a chance to drive up to see her today. Thank you for going out with me last night. I had a great time." I smile at my friend.

"I did as well. Elliot is nice guy and if he can get things figured out with Kate, there is potential for us." My eyes widen.

"Really? He seems like a goofy guy. But I wasn't paying that much attention to him. What does he do for a living? I don't remember that part of the conversation."

"He is an architectural engineer. He says he makes a good living but until he can get the divorce agreement figured out, he will be staying with Christian."

"Well, I hope it works out for you," I say sincerely.

"Seriously, though. If Christian was interested in something more than sex, would you be interested?" Courtney studies my while I think about her question.

"I would have to get to know him, see what his like and dislikes are. What kind of person is he sober? Then I can answer that. Right now, I don't know." Courtney stands up and I follow her to the door.

"Okay, call me if you need anything. Love you, friend." She hugs my neck and opens the door.

"I love you too friend. See you tomorrow." She waives over her shoulder and walks to her car. I close the door and lean up against it. Images of last night play over in my mind and I can't help but wonder if Christian would be a relationship kind of guy. Only time will tell, I guess.

I hear my phone ring and smile when I see the caller ID. "Jose, how is LA treating you?"

"Ana, dear. It's mavalous," he says in a movie star voice. I chuckle and walk into the kitchen for more coffee.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call. It must be important because normally we just text." I press the button to start my coffee and patiently wait for it to brew.

"I need a favor, Ana. Do you remember the company you did the swimsuit spread for a few years ago?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, the company reached out to me today and wants you to do their new spring/summer line." I stay silent for a minute, not believing my ears.

"No way. You are joking, right?" I can't believe what I am hearing.

"No, I am not joking. They asked for you specifically. Practically begged me to get you to do this for them. It was their best-selling campaign that year and they are hoping you can do a repeat performance. Please Ana? You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," his voice is pleading.

"What's the catch?" I know he isn't telling me something.

"They want to use your face this time." I shake my head back and forth, then realize he can't see me.

"No, Jose. I don't want my face plastered all over some magazine."

"I asked them if they would accept profile shots, or from the chin down. They said they are willing to compromise with you, Ana. Can I sent you the contract and let you look over it?" I chew on my fingernail contemplating.

"They will pay you one hundred thousand dollars the day of the shoot, then another one hundred fifty thousand when they get the proofs. That's a quarter mill, Ana. You could do a lot with that money. Please just think about it," Jose begs. I bet he is on his knees in his living room. I chuckle to myself.

I think about what the agency is offering. It is a considerable amount of money. I used part of what they paid me last time as a down payment on this house. I invested the rest.

"Okay, send me the contract and I will let you know this week."

"Um, I need to know by tomorrow." Holy shit.

"What? Why? When is the photo shoot?"

"This weekend in LA. They are paying for your airfare and accommodations."

"Wow, Jose. Nothing like putting me on the spot. Send me the contract and I will let you know tomorrow morning." Jose squeals through the phone and I can't believe I am considering this.

"I haven't said yes, Jose. Don't get too excited." I try to sound serious, but I can't help but feel a little excited about the opportunity.

"Thank you, Ana. I love you." He makes the kissing sound and I end the call. What have I gotten myself into?

A few moments later, I hear the email notification and I click on it. I skim the contract quickly, looking for any verbiage about full body shots that include my face. It is basic, listing out the three locations they will use over the course of Friday through Sunday. I send it to my printer so I can read it over more thoroughly. I will have to decide tonight so I can put the day off request for Friday in the system.

I set the papers aside for now and get to work on cleaning my house and doing laundry. I think about what I want to say to my dad, and I still can't find the right words. He can wait a while longer on a response from me.

By the time dinner rolls around, I have finished what I wanted to today and successfully dodged dad's phone calls. Thankfully he hasn't shown up at my doorstep. Yet.

I sit on a bar stool in the kitchen and reach for the contract Jose sent. I read it line by line, searching for any clauses that state requirements that I don't want to do. They are willing to compromise on the facial shots and that makes me feel more comfortable about doing the work.

It's not that I don't want my face revealed, I just don't want my dad to say anything derogatory about me selling my body for money. That would give him more ammunition on finding me a husband. Maybe one day, if another opportunity arises, I will do it. But not right now. Not until he gets over the idea of marrying me off to a guy with high society status and money.

I sign the contract and place it on the countertop. I will send it to Jose in the morning before I leave for school. Right now, I am in the mood for a cheap pizza, a glass of wine, and some Friends reruns.

I chuckle to myself as I heat up the oven. I will be in LA next weekend because a clothing company wants me to model for them. I can't wait to see my friend as well. It's going to be so much fun.

Christian

This week has been a total shit show. I have tried to forget Ana by going out and picking up women, but it didn't turn out so well. I brought a woman home and found myself unable to do anything sexual because my mind was on Ana.

Angie, I think her name was, thought I needed to take a blue pill to get going. I told her I had a lot on my mind and maybe it would be better if she left. She didn't respond well to my comment and started throwing things around my bedroom. I politely asked her to leave but it only made her yell louder about what a jerk I was, and she hoped I died a painful death.

I finally got her downstairs and almost out the front door when Leila showed up pretending to be my girlfriend. I told her get lost and never come back, making her cry. I had reached my breaking point by then. I led both women out the front door, slamming it in their faces.

Today, I have been sitting on my deck looking out over the vast water of Lake Washington. For once the sun is shining. My thoughts linger on my life or lack thereof. Maybe Elliot is right, and I need to find a woman I am compatible with, not some bimbo that can't hold an intelligent conversation.

I remember Ana and Courtney talking about their jobs and how much they take pride in teaching children. I could never do that. I have zero patience when it comes to whiners and complainers.

I hear the door open, and Elliot sits down on the lounger next to me. "Rough week?" He asks and I scoff.

"You have no idea." I lean my head back and stare up at the blue sky as some clouds start to form. I guess the nice afternoon is turning gray to match my mood.

"Want to talk about it?" He asks, before stuffing his mouth full of popcorn.

I appreciate Elliot's concern and I almost tell him to get lost. I sigh. "I can't get Ana out of my mind. I went out on a few dates this past week hoping to clear my head, but only made it worse."

"Why do you want to forget about Ana? I think she's a nice woman." I turn my head toward my brother and frown.

"I have never wanted to spend more than one night with a woman. but I can't get Ana and the night we spent together out of my thoughts. I find myself wanting to see her again, and she's too nice to be with someone like me."

"Why do you say that about yourself? You are good looking, young, and a single man. Maybe the reason why you can't stop thinking about Ana is your attracted to more than her body. She's successful and intelligent, which is more than you can say about all the women you've been with combined."

I look back out over the lake and consider Elliot's words. Maybe that's what it is. I want to have a relationship, or my mind thinks I'm ready to try to have one. I start to feel weird and take a few deep breaths.

"Are you alright, Christian?" Elliot asks, sounding concerned.

"I think I am having some sort of anxiety attack," I choke out. Or I'm dying. That's it, I'm leaving this world because my body is fighting my thoughts of wanting a long-term relationship with a woman.

"Sit up and touch your feet on the deck, then put your head between your legs. Take a few deep breaths."

I follow his instructions and after a few minutes, the anxious feeling goes away. I rest my elbows on my legs and look my brother in the eyes. "I never thought I would ask you for anything, but I need your help figuring this out. I've never been in a relationship before." Elliot grins, the fucker.

"Wow, this is different. Usually, it's the other way around – me asking you for help. You will need to take things one step at a time. Who knows if Ana has been a serious relationship? She may be just like you and new to it all." I nod my head.

"True. So, where do I start?"

"Did the two of you exchange phone numbers?" I shake my head and Elliot rolls his eyes. "Well, we may need Elijah's help with the next part."

"How is a ten-year-old boy going to help me ask a woman out on a date?" I ask incredulously.

"I guess you don't know about the morning Ana left. She came face to face with Kate and Elijah as she was doing the walk of shame." I stare at Elliot waiting for more. "Elijah called her Miss Steele." I wait for more. "Do you remember the conversation between Ana and Courtney about their students?"

I replay Elliot's words and the penny finally drops. "Ana teaches at his school?"

"Finally!" Elliot claps his approval and I consider throwing him off the deck.

"Before we talk to Elijah, I need to know something. Do you think it's a good idea that I pursue her? Do you think she will say yes if I ask her out on a proper date?" Elliot laughs, and I'm not talking about a chuckle. He is full on belly laughing.

"Sorry," he says after he composes himself. "I just want to soak up as much of this as I can. You are asking me for dating advice." I roll my eyes and get up from my lounger.

"I'm going inside for a drink. Would you like something?"

"A glass of white wine sounds good, thank you." I scrunch my nose up.

"Are you sure you have a dick and balls? White wine is girly."

"Very funny. I don't like the hard stuff quite as much as you do. I want to enjoy what I am drinking, not numb my insides."

"Fine. White wine it is." I enter the kitchen and Gail is leaning her hip against the counter. I see the guilty look on her face, and I wonder what she was doing before I came into the room.

"What's going on Gail?" I pour Elliot a glass of wine and reach for a glass for myself.

"I hope you don't mind but I heard part of your conversation with your brother."

"Which part?" I reach for the bottle of bourbon and pour a small amount in the glass. I'm not looking to get hammered tonight, just something to take the edge off my anxiety. I turn to face Gail as she starts to explain herself.

"I walked by the door and heard you two discussing asking a lady out. You mentioned not having any experience in dating and I was going to tell you I could help you." It's good thing I hadn't taken a drink yet because I would have sprayed it all over the kitchen floor.

"Why would you want to help me? You are my housekeeper, and I don't expect you to get involved in my personal life." She straightens her shoulders and narrows her eyes at me. Oh hell.

"Mr. Grey, for the past three years I have cleaned up more bodily fluids from your bedroom and bathroom than any housekeeper should. At this point, I feel like our relationship is more than just boss – housekeeper." I stare at her and realize she is waiting for me to respond.

"You are right, and I appreciate the work you do for me, Gail. I didn't mean to upset you. I didn't think you would want to get involved," I say like a scolded child.

Her eyes soften a bit and I think apologizing to her was the right thing to do.

"I want to extend the offer for relationship advice from a woman's point of view, from someone other than your mother. Let's be real, she's not the best role model." Her honesty about my mother makes me smile.

"You are correct on that one. I will keep your offer in mind. Thank you, Gail." She nods her head and leaves the kitchen.

I open the door to go outside just as Elliot comes through with rain drop marks on his shirt. "It is starting to rain. We can continue our conversation in here." I hand him his wine glass and we sit at the kitchen table.

"My housekeeper Gail overheard part of our conversation about the idea of me dating. She offered her help from woman's perspective." I take a large gulp of bourbon, enjoying the burn while it travels down my throat.

"That is nice of her. She may have some good pointers for you." I shrug.

"It's possible, but I have my doubts about how successful I will be in dating, considering I don't know what it entails." Elliot shakes his head.

"I disagree. Do you take a woman out before you take her home to, you know?" Elliot waives his hand around and avoids the topic of sex.

"What do you mean? Like take them to a restaurant for a romantic setting? Not hardly. I try to get the first part of the evening over with to get on with the sex."

"You really have a lot to learn, Christian." Elliot laughs. "Taking a woman out doesn't always mean the night will end in sex." I look at him with wide eyes.

"I realize I am not that experienced in relationships, but you forget that is what my life has been like. I know more things about women sexually than I do intellectually."

"If Ana does agree to go out with you, I would let her know upfront your history of relationships, or lack thereof," Elliot says.

"Enough talk about my lack of experience. I need a plan to come face to face with Ana. When is Elijah coming over again?" I ask desperately.

"I am supposed to pick him up from school Friday afternoon, but I have an afternoon meeting that I can't get out of. I was going to ask mom to pick him up for me."

"I will do it. I don't want mom polluting Elijah's young mind. Look what she did to us." I finish off my glass of whiskey and stare at the table.

"Yes, but you were her favorite, Christian." His sarcastic response makes me roll my eyes.

"Not hardly. She just enjoys parading me around in front of her friends. The day I came home from Julliard after one semester, she made it clear how much she was disappointed in me." I shake my head as I remember her exact words.

"Christian, I can't believe you dropped out of Julliard after one semester. Do you know how many strings I had to pull just to get you in there? Now I am going to be the laughingstock of Seattle. You are one big disappointment." I shudder at the memory, wishing I hadn't finished my drink.

Her words stung at first, but I managed to get over it. College just wasn't for me. I hated the professors and the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn to listen to them go on and on about stupid shit I could care less about. I enjoyed the atmosphere of drinking, partying, and an endless supply of women too much to attend class.

"She should be over that by now. You are successful in your own right. I may not have told you this before, Christian, but I am proud of you for doing your own thing."

"Thank you, Elliot."

Friday afternoon arrives and I am nervous. I sit in my car and watch as students walk out to the buses or their parent's cars. I replay in my mind exactly what I want to say. After a few silent pep talks, I get out and walk to the front entrance of the school.

I follow the instructions Elliot gave me and let the secretary know why I am at the school. I present my ID and sign Elijah out. She hands me a visitor pass, then directs me down the hall to the gym where Elijah is waiting with some other students.

I hear my name being yelled as I enter the gymnasium. I turn to see Elijah running at me with a smile on his face. "Uncle Christian! You came to pick me up? Where's my dad?"

"He had a late meeting and wasn't sure he would get here in time to pick you up, so I volunteered to come get you." And to see if I can get another look at the lovely Miss Steele.

"Great. Let me get my backpack and we can leave. I'm starving."

We walk out of the gym, and I look around at the classroom doors as we pass them, searching for any clue to where Ana's class is. "Hey, Elijah. Do you know where Miss Steele's classroom is?" I ask and he nods his head.

"Yeah, it's down that way. Why?"

I shrug. "Just curious. Do you mind if we go to her classroom?"

"Sure." He nods his head and I follow him.

The butterflies in my stomach flutter faster as we keep walking. I take a few deep breaths to fight off the anxiety of asking Ana out on a date.

We stop at a closed door, and it appears no one is in the room. I look through the glass on the door and the room is empty and the lights are off. Damn. She already left.

"Can I help you?" A voice says from behind me. I turn to see the source and find a young woman grinning back at me.

"I'm looking for Ana Steele," I say with more confidence than I feel. The lady in front of me looks familiar but I can't place where I've seen her before.

"And you are?" she asks.

"Christian Grey, I'm Elijah's uncle." She smiles.

"I know who you are. You don't remember me, do you?" She grins and looks at Elijah.

"I'm sorry but I don't remember your name. I recognize your face, but I can't recall where I have seen you before." I go for honesty, hoping she knows Ana and can put in a good word for me.

"I am Ana's friend Courtney. We met the other night. Ana is off today. Do you want to give me your phone number and I will make sure she knows you came by to see her?" I nod and she takes my number down on the clipboard she is carrying.

"Can we go now, Uncle Christian?" Elijah asks impatiently.

"Can you give me Ana's number? I'd like to reach out and ask her something." I pat Elijah on the shoulder and nod my head at him.

Courtney writes something, tears off some paper and hands it to me. I glance at it, then tuck it in the front pocket of my shirt. "Thank you." I smile and she winks.

"Have a great weekend, Elijah. See you on Monday! Good luck, Christian."

I smile widely as we walk to my car. I thought I'd missed my chance today because Ana wasn't at the school, but I lucked out by seeing Courtney and getting Ana's number. The question is, do I reach out now or wait a few days? I will see what Elliot thinks when I get home. Either way, my chances of seeing Ana again has greatly improved.

A/N

Thank you for being patient for this update. My life is busy right now with my job and trying to run a farm. Next chapter will be Ana's time in LA and maybe a first date. Hopefully Christian won't get in his own way when he asks Ana out. Take care and be kind to one another.