Chapter 5
Ana
"Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen. This is your pilot speaking, sit back and enjoy the flight from Seattle to LA. Our flight time will be approximately two hours."
I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
"Is this your first time flying, dear?" A soft voice to my left interrupts my thoughts.
I look at her and smile. "No ma'am. I've flown before but I still get a little nervous with takeoffs and landings." She is an older lady, maybe in her mid to late seventy's. She reminds me somewhat of Grandma Steele.
"Are you going to see your special guy?" She asks, then chuckles.
"I am going to LA for the weekend to do some work. My close friend is a photographer and he asked me to do him a favor."
"That is kind of you. I am going to visit my new great grandson. He was born last week. I can't wait to get my hands on him. Do you have any siblings?"
I take a sip of coffee and tell her a little bit about myself. She smiles widely when I tell her I am a teacher. She is retired from King County and talks about how things have changed since she was a teacher.
Our conversation continues and before I know it the pilot announces over the speaker that we are on final approach to LAX and to make sure our seatbelts are fastened.
"It was wonderful talking to you, dear. Have a good time this weekend and keep being a shining light for those children. They need all the positivity this world can offer."
"Thank you. Enjoy spending time with your new great grandson." She pats my hand, and I look out the window at the Hollywood sign.
I grab my carryon bag and exit the plane. As I am walking through the airport terminal, I vow to myself to enjoy my weekend with my friend.
"Ana!" I hear a loud voice and I turn to see my friend running at me full force. He hugs me fiercely and I return it just as hard. "Annie, girl. I have missed you," he whispers.
"I have missed you, Jose. You look great!" I take in his relaxed attire, and he grins.
"And you look like a million bucks. I can't wait to see how this photo shoot turns out." He takes my bag, and we walk toward the parking garage.
"How are things between you and your guy? Still going strong?" I wink and Jose fans his face.
"Girl, strong isn't the right word. Hot and heavy is more like it. He has some crisis at his company and will hopefully be able to meet us later for dinner." We walk side by side to Jose's car and I whistle.
"Wow, business must be doing great!" Jose opens my door and grins.
"It most definitely is. Steve bought me this car a few months ago. I love it. Maybe you should buy one like it?" He shuts my door and I take a deep breath and enjoy the new car smell.
Jose gets behind the wheel and explains the reason why he drove and didn't get a car service. "There are a few things I want to talk to you about before we get on location." He pulls into traffic and tells me the details of the weekend.
"I can't believe they want me to be the face of this new campaign. There are hundreds, even thousands of models in LA that are more qualified than I am, Jose. Why did they choose me?" I am still trying to wrap my head around this whole gig.
"Because you are a working woman that wants to dress nice without breaking the bank. The company wants to reach out to women like you to offer great style at an affordable price. We are doing everything this weekend. By that I mean casual wear, bathing suits, professional attire, night wear, and intimates. And don't give me that pouty look." Jose side eyes me as he changes lanes.
"There is no way I am having my picture made wearing a bra and panties for the whole world to see." I ring my hands together thinking about the backlash from my father if pictures of me half naked end plastered in magazines.
"Ana, it will be fine. Trust me. There will be a company representative at the first location that will go over the contract you signed again to make sure you don't have any questions. I know it sounds like a lot, but once we get going it will fly by. They have picked some great spots to take pictures."
I sigh and realize my friend pulled a fast one on me. "So, you knew their plan from the beginning and didn't bother to tell me?"
He nods. "Yes, because I knew you would freak the fuck out and say no. You know I wouldn't put you in a bad situation. I have worked with this company numerous times on other gigs and they really want you for this campaign. Just relax and don't worry about what goes on around you. Okay?" Jose takes my hand in his and squeezes.
"Okay, I trust you. Where are we going first?" He steps on the gas toward the Pacific Coast and fills me in.
We arrive at the hotel, and I am impressed at the location. It is a resort and spa near Huntington Beach. We were closer to downtown LA for the last shoot.
"Wow, this is a nice place." I turn around in a circle and admire the view of the Pacific Ocean. If I ever move away from Seattle, I will consider living on the coast of California.
"We can site see later. We have work to do. Marie is waiting for us in the hotel suite." Jose grabs my suitcase and guides me through the front entrance of the resort.
I glance around the lobby and appreciate the floor to ceiling windows that bring in the natural light and the picturesque view of the Pacific. The walls are light brown, and the tile floors are a shade darker. I can't imagine how much it costs a per night to stay in this place. But I guess if people can afford it, they don't care what it costs.
Jose pulls a key card from his back pocket and opens the room to the suite. We are greeted warmly by a woman I assume is Marie.
"Ana! I am so glad you agreed to do this project with us. Come over to the table where I have everything laid out for you. Would you like something to eat or drink?" She points to another table that contains a variety of breakfast foods, including pastries and fresh fruit.
Jose takes my suitcase into the adjoining room, and I scoop some fruit into a bowl. I sit down at the table and Marie reviews the contract I signed line by line. Once everything is confirmed, she shakes my hand and tells me again how happy she is to be working with me.
"Thank you for going over everything with me. I feel better about the process. I hope it all goes well and you are satisfied with the results." I smile in return as she walks out of the room.
"Alright, eat up so we can get to work." Jose taps me on the arm, and I finish what was left in the bowl. As I am throwing away my trash, several people enter the room carrying garment bags and pushing clothing racks.
"First up is the professional Ana. There is a conference room set up down the hall for a mock meeting. We will take different shots of you wearing a power suit, blouse with skirt, and then a business casual look. Go with Carmen and Beth so they can get your hair and make-up situated. I will wait here for you." Jose pushes me toward the other room and closes the door.
I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror, seeing a completely different person. I have dressed like this before, but now it feels different somehow.
"You have the most beautiful hair and natural complexion. The camera is going to love you. Beth and I will be around for touch ups, as well as helping you change with each outfit." Carmen appears behind me as I check myself out.
"Thank you," I whisper.
"Alright, Ana. Let's go. We have a lot to get done today." Jose shouts through the door and I roll my eyes.
"Coming," I say after taking one last look in the mirror. I have a feeling this weekend is one I won't ever forget.
After a busy morning at the hotel, we are directed to a public park nearby. The employees of the clothing company that were involved in the morning session bring their children along for the afternoon session at the park.
I am dressed casually, and I like the way the clothes fit me. I may end up keeping a few of these outfits. Carmen and Beth lead me to an onsite camper where they make subtle changes to my hair and make-up.
When I exit the trailer, Jose gives me the run down on what he needs me to do.
"For the most part, I need you to act like you are having a get together with the other moms and dads, like a play date. There will be enough children running around to keep you occupied as well. This is a more relaxed atmosphere than the earlier business setting. Any questions?" Jose messes with his camera and I shake my head.
"No, I got it. I am used to kids and playgrounds. Easy, peasy," I say and head toward the parents and their children. I am extremely relaxed and enjoying myself. I forget why I am here and start to play around with the kids.
"Time for a quick change of clothes, head to the trailer to meet Carmen and Beth," Jose says approaching quickly as he reaches for another camera.
School must have let out because there are more kids here than when we started. After a quick change, I am back outside looking for Jose.
"Over here, Ana," Jose shouts. He is talking to a group of people that step away when I approach him.
"This next bit won't take very long. They are impressed with how things are going and want to change locations for a casual dinner," Jose says casually, and I gulp.
"Causal dinner?" I ask and he nods his head, waving his hands around as he explains how the evening will go.
"It will be fine, Ana. You and I are going to eat dinner together and they are going to have a different photographer take a few shots of us. It's no big deal." I take a few deep breaths and silently tell myself to get a grip.
"Alright, let's do this." I clap my hands together and follow my friend.
We are back at the hotel, and Jose tells me to dress however Carmen and Beth choose. They have instructions how what type of dress I need to wear, and how my hair and make-up needs to be to complement the clothes.
I am putting on some jewelry and I hear a soft knock on the suite door. Beth goes to answer it and I hear her tell Jose about my look.
"Wow, Beth's description does not do you any justice. You are beautiful, Ana." I smile at my friend and check him out.
"You look rather dashing yourself, Jose." He is dressed in a navy-blue suit, a white button-down dress shirt with two top buttons undone. He is attractive but I don't feel anything for him other than friendship. Even if he wasn't gay, I wouldn't want anything more with him.
"Thank you, love." Jose kisses my cheek and leads me out of the suite to the hotel restaurant.
We are seated at a corner high table with a view of the beach. The hostess leaves some menus on the table and lets us know our waiter will arrive shortly to take our orders.
"This is a beautiful view, Jose. How many times have you been to this hotel?"
He tells me how his life is changing since his photography career is taking off and the success of Steve's software company. He chokes up when he talks about his parents and how proud they would be of him. I reach for his hand and squeeze it gently.
"They are with you everywhere you go, Jose. Your dad loved to be outside with nature. Every bird's song is your dad singing his joy for you. Every time a butterfly flies around you, it's your mother whispering words of encouragement for you."
"Oh, Ana." Jose shakes his head and looks down at the table. "Enough of the sentimental stuff. How are things with dear old dad and mom?" I sigh and look out the window.
"He's pushing me to date some of his co-workers. He says he wants me to not worry about money for the rest of my life and by marrying one of the brokers at his firm, I will be set."
The waiter arrives at our table with a tray of glasses and a bottle of mineral water. Jose and I place our order and the over friendly waiter leaves after winking at Jose. I cough and take a drink of water.
"Shut it, Ana. Continue about Ray. I assume he doesn't listen to what you want?"
"Of course not. I honestly feel like he wishes I was a boy. Ever since I chose the education major in college, he has taken it upon himself to try and decide the course for my life. I have pleaded my case about wanting to find my own husband and live my life how I see fit. The more I talk, the more infuriated he gets. And don't get me started on my mother." I roll my eyes and Jose grins.
"Carla the Stepford wife robot?" Jose says and we both giggle. My phone vibrates on the table, and I see a message from Courtney.
"Tell her this is my time with you and to leave us alone," Jose pouts as the waiter arrives with our wine and appetizers.
Courtney – GIRL! You are never going to guess who came by the school looking for you!
Ana – Let me guess…my father?
Courtney – Nope…tall, dark and handsome stopped by. He asked me for your phone number.
I choke on my wine and Jose frowns.
"What is it? Is something wrong at home?" Jose asks, eyes wide with concern. I shake my head.
"No, nothing is wrong."
"Then why did you choke on your wine?" Jose asks and I bite my lip. "Ana Steele, out with it." I sigh in defeat.
"A few weeks ago, I went to one of Dad's work functions that was hosted by a co-worker of his. We ended up having an argument and he said he was ashamed of me and what I am doing with my life. It really hurt, Jose. I left the party upset and asked Courtney to go out dancing with me.
"We ended up at a new place not far from her apartment. They were supposed to have a live band but because of some accident, the band couldn't come. They did karaoke until the DJ could arrive."
"Say no more," he says, chuckling.
"Oh, there is plenty more." Our food arrives and I continue telling Jose about that night.
"The next morning, I tried to make a quiet exit but ended up running into Elliot's soon to be ex-wife and their son at the door. Their son Elijah goes to the school where Courtney and I are teachers. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't recognized me. I was able to escape to the waiting taxi when Elliot and Kate, the soon to be ex, started arguing."
Jose stared at me and then started laughing. I rest my arms on the table and wait for Jose to compose himself.
"Little Annie Steele on the giving end of a fuck and duck! This is fabulous!"
"Keep your voice down! The whole restaurant doesn't need to know what happened!" I whisper and look around the room. There are a few people staring but most tables are eating their meal and paying us no mind.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. What was Courtney's message about?" Jose asks after gathering himself.
"The guy I spent the night with came to the school looking for me. He asked Courtney for my number."
"I hope she gave it to him. Lord knows you could use more mind-blowing sex." Jose grabs my phone and taps on the screen.
"Hello, Missy. You are interrupting my time with Ana. Did you give the sex god her phone number?" He nods his head and says a few hmms and wows.
"Can I have my phone back please?" I reach for his hand, but he leans back in his chair, just out of my reach. I sit back and cross my arms over my chest, pouting.
"Well, do you think he will call her?" Jose grins at me and nods his head. "That sounds fabulous. We do need to get together. I will plan a trip to Seattle in a few weeks and we can go out. Take care, girl. Try to keep our Annie out of trouble." He laughs loudly and hands me my phone back.
"Thank you." I say and look at my phone screen. The call to Courtney is still open. "Well, what happened?"
"Well hello to you too. How's LA?" I roll my eyes at her changing the subject.
"The weather here is nice, and the modeling gig is going good so far. I had fun today. Now, tell me what happened at school today."
"School had let out and I was walking back to my classroom from the office. I saw Elijah and Christian peeking through the window of your door. I assumed he was looking for you, so I waited for him to turn around. I don't think he recognized me."
"Why do you say that?" I ask, then take a healthy sip of wine.
"I asked if I could help them with anything and Elijah said they were looking for you. I told them you had taken the day off and Christian's facial expression showed disappointment. Big time. He kept staring at me, so I went easy on him and told him who I was. He smiled that panty melting smile and I offered to deliver you a message, but he asked for your number instead."
"He seemed disappointed that I wasn't there? Are you serious?" I can't believe he wants to get in contact with me.
"Yes, I'm serious. So be prepared when he reaches out to you for a date." I scoff.
"I'm sure his reason for contacting me has nothing to do with going on out on a date. I wonder if he needs to tell he me he has some sexually transmitted disease, and I should get tested." Jose's eyes bug out of his head at my comment.
"Oh, come on. You were too drunk to notice how much he was into you that night. He is totally interested in you, so just go for it. You know the sex is out of this world." Courtney's comment causes me to squirm in my chair and Jose give me a knowing look.
"Just tell her it's time to shut the conversation down. You two can talk when you get back to Seattle."
"I just know that Christian is not the type of guy that does relationships. He told me himself that he prefers one night stands and avoids commitment."
"Ana, you are a bright and beautiful woman. He would be stupid not to pursue something more with you. Just keep an open mind. Besides, I'm sure Jose is rushing you off the phone. Call me if Christian reaches out. Otherwise, we can catch up when you get back on Sunday."
"Okay, Courtney. Thank you for letting me know. See you later." I end the call and slide my phone into my clutch.
"So, what's the plan with Christian?" Jose rests his elbows on the table and steeples his fingers at his mouth. I've seen that look before.
"There is no plan. I doubt very seriously Christian will call me. He's not that type of guy."
"Well, maybe you are the woman he wants to have a long-term relationship with? Just don't shut it down until you've given him a chance." I smile at my friend.
"Okay, I will." Time to change the subject. "What are the plans for tomorrow?"
Jose goes over the itinerary for the rest of the weekend, and it sounds like so much fun.
Fun doesn't describe how the rest of the weekend went. During the ride home from SeaTac I replay everything in my mind. Saturday, we spent the entire day on Balboa Island. I had never been there, and it was so nice. The weather was beautiful.
Saturday night I went out with Jose and his partner. Steve is a great guy and adores Jose. Steve's software company is growing more successful with each day. He attributes his success to the happiness in his personal life. There were a few times I felt like the third wheel when they became affectionate with each other. I just turned my head and took in my surroundings.
My happy trip down the weekend memory lane comes to a halt when I see my dad's SUV idling at the curb in front of my house. Great. So much for a quiet evening at home.
Christian
As I drive back to my house, I feel dejected about not being able to see Ana. I can't help but consider my options. I really want to pursue Ana but am I capable of dating? Should I forget about trying to have something long term with her? I don't have much to offer as relationships go but how will I know if I don't try.
"Uncle Christian I'm hungry. Can we stop for a cheeseburger?" Elijah whines from the passenger seat.
"No," I answer while my grip on the steering wheel tightens.
"But why?"
"Because if you eat now, it will ruin your dinner. And your father will kill me."
"Since when do you care what my dad thinks?" The kid has a point.
"I care about you Elijah and keeping you healthy. Maybe Gail will have some good snacks in the refrigerator for you."
"Fine," he huffs then looks out the window.
We get back to my house and Elijah tosses his backpack on the couch and rushes into the kitchen. "Miss Gail, do you have anything I can snack on?" He looks at her like an eager puppy.
"How about some apples and peanut butter?" She reaches for a small plate and starts to cut an apple.
"I have never had that. Is it good?" He asks, and Gail seems surprised.
"Yes, the fruit is a good snack, and the peanut butter will help tide you over until dinner." Gail continues to cut apple as Elijah watches eagerly.
"What does tide mean?"
"In this case, it means a temporary solution." Gail smiles and scoops out some peanut butter to add to the plate of slice apples.
"Oh, ok. Thank you, Miss Gail." Elijah sits at the table and digs into his snack.
"Well, did you see Miss Steele today?" Gail asks while wiping the countertop down.
I sit down at the table and drum my fingers on the wood. "No. She wasn't there. Her friend and co-worker said she had taken the day off. She offered to deliver a message to her, but I asked for Ana's phone number instead."
Gail stares at me with her mouth open. "Wow, Mr. Grey. You asked for a phone number? Did she give it to you?" I nod. "Well, are you going to call her?" I shrug.
"I don't know. I am not sure how to do this type of thing. I have never pursued a woman. It's always been women throwing themselves at me and I never have to go after them. This is different. I want to handle this right."
Gail gets closer to me and feels my head. I pull away. "What are you doing?"
"Just checking your head to see if you have a temperature. You are saying things that are out of the ordinary for you." She giggles.
"Yeah, I guess so. Maybe I should schedule an appointment with my therapist and see what she has to say." I pull out my phone and a call her office.
"Hi, it's Christian Grey. Does the doctor have any openings this evening?" I listen to the receptionist list out available times, and I schedule one for six o'clock.
I am walking out the door as Elliot is coming in from work. "Well, what happened this afternoon? Did you see Ana?"
"No, she was off. Her friend gave me her number."
"Where are you headed? Do you have a date?" Elliot scoffs.
"Yes, a date. With my therapist." Elliot's eyes widen.
"Really? You know I am a good listener, Christian." I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"I know you are, but I need to talk a few things out with her first."
"Her? You haven't slept with your therapist, have you?"
"No, I have not. She bats for the other team."
"Oh, see you when you get home. Has Elijah finished his homework?" Ah damn.
"I didn't ask him if he had any. His first words were asking for food. I will do better next time," I say sarcastically as I walk out the door.
On the drive to my psychiatrist's office, I try to figure out why I have avoided relationships my entire life. My parents have been married for at least twenty-five years, but they seem to do their own thing. I wonder if they have had extra marital affairs. I don't recall them ever showing affection to each other, but I don't know what happens behind closed doors. And I honestly don't want to know.
I park on the street and walk into the office. The receptionist stares at me as I sit and wait for my appointment.
"Would you like anything to drink Mr. Grey?" she asks politely, batting her eyelashes at me.
"No, thank you," I answer in a brisk tone.
The door opens to the doctor's office and the patient before me walks out clutching a handful of tissues and sobbing uncontrollably.
"Christian, come on in," the good doctor says.
"Thank you, Ros, I see you still have an amazing effect on people." I tilt my head toward the door the upset lady just walked out of.
"Spare me, what can I do for you today? It's been a while since you have been to see me."
Ros Bailey is a short African American woman with a throaty voice. I guess she has smoked one too many cigarettes in her lifetime. But I would probably do the same if I had to listen to people's problems all day long. She has been my therapist for the past few years and I'm sure I've contributed to her habit.
"Well, I find myself wanting to have something more than a one-night stand with a woman." Ros laughs and I roll my eyes.
"Oh, Christian Grey has finally graduated to adulthood. It only took you ten years. What made you change your mind?" She pulls out her notepad and jots a few things down.
"Elliot and his wife are going through a divorce, so he is staying with me for the time being. We went out together a few weeks ago and met up with some random ladies at a club. The woman I met I can't stop thinking about. We spend the evening and night together and I find myself wanting to see her again, maybe date her."
"How do you feel about your brother moving in with you? Why didn't he reach out to your parents for help?" I chuckle and shake my head.
"I don't think he would like to be under the same roof with our mother and her constant meddling. I was a little annoyed at first because my space was cramped but I am enjoying him being around. He has offered some dating advise. He's the one that told me to go to Ana's school and ask her out."
Ros chokes. "She's still in school? Lord, Christian! Do you want to end up in jail or something?"
"What kind of guy do you think I am? Ana is a teacher, for Christ's sake."
"Oh, please continue."
"The time we spent together was the best time that I can remember ever having with a woman. She is intelligent, successful and I hung on her every word for much of the night. The sex was out of this world, and I was a little disappointed when she was gone the next morning."
"How did that make you feel?" Why do therapists always ask how things make you feel? It's super fucking annoying.
"I would have liked to repeat the night before, multiple times before she went home but I realized maybe she didn't want the same thing." I rub my chest as an uncomfortable feeling takes over.
"Have you talked to her since that night?"
"No, I have been trying to get her out of my system by seeing other women, but it has only made me want her that much more. How can one woman make me feel this way?"
"Are you going to try to date her?" Ros continues to write things on her pad.
"What are you writing down?" I ask, trying to peak at the paper.
"Just a few things I will bring up in later conversations," she answers sarcastically.
"Fabulous. I can't wait," I deadpan.
"Well, it's why I make the big bucks, Christian." Ros smiles and lays the pad down.
"Listen, I can offer you advise on how to handle relationships, but it all comes down to what you are comfortable with. We have discussed in the past the lack of adult role models you have had in your life, and it has played a part in your relationship immaturity. You will need to take one step at a time. None of them are the same and each person handles them differently. It's good that you go to your brother for advice but understand you don't have to follow it. Just take what he says into consideration when it comes to deciding on what you want."
I stare at the carpet as I think about what the good doctor has told me. I think I can handle this.
"Thank you doctor. I'm sure you will see me again in the upcoming weeks as I try and navigate this relationship thing."
"Sure thing, Christian. I will always take your money."
I shake my head and leave her office. Sometimes I feel emotionally drained after a session, but today I feel light. Maybe it's the idea of possibly seeing Ana again.
I arrive home and hear the tail end of an interesting conversation between Elliot and Elijah.
"I like living here with you, dad. Uncle Christian is cool, and Miss Gail takes good care of us. Mom yells all the time and can't cook. Do you think she will let me live with you all the time?" I swallow. I like the kid, but not sure about him living here.
"Elijah, once I get things figured out with your mother, I will be looking for a place of our own. I am not sure Uncle Christian wants us to live with him. This is just temporary." I feel a little guilty that my brother thinks I don't want him around.
"Can we ask him if we can take Miss Gail with us. I love her cooking." Not likely, pal.
"I can cook for us, why do we need a housekeeper?"
"Because they make everything neat, and the food always tastes good. You don't cook very well, dad. Plus they make the house feel welcoming."
I chuckle at the kid's honesty. I decide to interrupt the conversation. "How was work, Elliot?" I grab for a glass and the bottle of whiskey.
"It was fine. Judging by what's in your hand I guess the appointment you went to was stressful." Elliot grabs a glass and pours some for himself.
"No, I feel relieved. She said some encouraging words that I needed to hear. What do you two have planned for the weekend?" I take a sip of the whiskey and study my brother.
He is a few years older than me and has a neat appearance. His shirt is always tucked in. I swear he tucks the t-shirt in his pajama pants when he sleeps.
"I don't know. We haven't discussed anything special. What are you doing? Have you called Ana yet?"
"How did you know I have her phone number?" I narrow my eyes at Elijah.
"Courtney messaged me earlier." Elliot grins at me over the rim of his glass.
"You got Courtney's phone number? You're a sneaky devil." I finish off my whiskey and put the glass in the sink. I don't want to get drunk. I have some planning to do and need a clear head.
"Yes, I got her phone number. She is a nice woman and easy to talk to. Once things are over with Kate, I may ask Courtney out on a date." I chuckle and smile.
"We need to discuss a few things when young ears aren't around." I tilt my head toward Elijah and Elliot nods.
"I'm going to my room to do homework." Elijah leaves the kitchen.
"Is that code word for playing video games? I have never seen him do any homework while he's here," I ask my brother.
"Probably, but I am choosing my battles with him right now. He is a good kid but is struggling with the situation between his mother and me."
"Speaking of that, has the PI provided visual evidence yet? Before you answer that, let's go out to the deck."
We recline back on the loungers and Elliot tells me what the PI found on Kate. Elliot has her dead to rights having an affair. Like body parts touching kind of thing. There is no way he will be paying any kind of alimony to that bitch.
"I asked him to come by Sunday afternoon once Elijah is home with his mother. I don't want him to overhear any of that conversation." I nod my head in agreement.
It's Sunday evening and find myself sitting out on my deck looking over the water. It rained for most of the day and there are still scattered clouds preventing the moon from shining. I have my phone in my hand, debating on calling Ana. What will I say? What if I ask her out and she tells me no? Christ.
Elliot is inside talking to the private investigator about Kate. I swear when the guy walked in, he almost tripped over the rug staring at Gail. She blushed when he introduced himself, completely ignoring Elliot. I guess I will need to get used to the name Jason Taylor since he now has eyes for my housekeeper and doing business with my brother.
I bite the bullet and dial Ana's number. It rings a few times, and her voicemail picks up. I clear my voice before the beep and leave a message trying not to sound desperate. I end the call and set the phone in my lap.
Now, I wait. The ball is in her court. I hope she calls me back.
A/N
Hello! Sorry for the delay in posting this update. It's been a busy summer. We moved my daughter back to college yesterday and I am an emotional mess. I cried a majority of the way home and still get teary eyed when I see her empty room. This is her third year and one would think I would be prepared but it's still a struggle. But I am super proud of her and I can't wait to see what she does with her life. Thankfully, I have a husband that understands me and my roller coaster emotions LOL. I hope you enjoy the update. Let me know what you think! Take care everyone and stay safe. Cheers!
Sherry