New house, New job, new friends

Ana returned the afternoon of January 1 to Seattle, ready to start a new stage in her life, before returning from NY, they had discussed with Kate the possibility of moving to a new larger apartment, nothing as ostentatious as NY, But yes, broader and safer, she was brooding possibilities from her father's house and had found three buildings that caught her eye, so she came and talked with Kate.

The girls contacted the real estate agent, they made the appointment for the next day, and they started the tour, the first apartment was beautiful, it was in Olive Way the building was Olive 8, it had two bedrooms, and although the view was Magnificent, the girls kept looking, the second apartment was on 4th avenue, the building Escala, what most caught their attention was security, could only be accessed by code, but they decided to see the last place, they had left it for the end Because it was close to their current address, it was on Western Avenue in the Hill Climb Court building, and that was the department that stole their breath, and they decided it was the one they wanted. It was located on Pike Market which had two bedrooms but the most crazy was the view, on one side you could see Elliott Bay, and on the other side you could see the city, also had a staircase leading to an interior garden, With a view to the city and the bay, Ana did not hesitate, this was the place she wanted so without further delay, made the offer, the saleswoman was delighted and Kate hallucinated, although she would keep her other apartment, had decided to move With Ana, she did not want to lose contact with her friend.

The next day the saleswoman called Ana and completed the transaction, by the middle of the next week she would be the owner of the Hill Climb condo, so they started packing again.

By January 10, they were already properly settled in their new home, Ana, concrete buying with help from Mike from New York, but she needs to make certain contracts and start seeing the creation of the new foundation, so she decided to make a meet with the lawyer Mike had recommended, by Monday Jan. 13, she had postponed as much as she could, but knew she needed counseling and, if he had recommended it to her, he was fully confident of his management, so when arrived Monday, dressed in a suit of trousers and garnet jacket, white shirt, minimal makeup, put on a cap, some high heels and went to her appointment.

When she arrived at the office she was surprised to find that it was a very elegant place, nothing flashy as she expected, it was a sober place, everything was decorated in wood, the secretary received it and took it to the boardroom, she said that they were waiting for it .

Carrick Grey was an excellent lawyer, specializing mainly in financial advice, although depending on the situation he was also a criminal lawyer, he was practicing for more than 30 years and was very proud of all the achievements he had made, when he received the call from Mike Amold telling him that he had recommended his services to Miss Steel, who was Mr. Storff's heir, was very pleased, had worked on several projects with the family, and had knowledge of the business that she had inherited, so when she called to make an appointment, he took away any other compromises that might arise, and there she was, a very young and very beautiful person he could appreciate, had done his research, and knew that she was the only heiress Of the entire hotel holding company, he also knew that she was the owner of a publishing house, knew the work she had done in Kids of Heaven and that she have the intention of opening a new home in Seattle, Mike had explained everything in detail, it was clear that he had a special affection for this young woman.

-Ms. Steel - extending his hand and walking to find it halfway - Carrick Grey, it's a pleasure to meet you.

-Mr. Grey, " said Ana, clasping her hand firmly, staring at him, she knew from the moment that Mike told her the name of the person he wanted to be advised in Seattle, when she saw him; Christian would come to her mind, but now that she had it in front she found no physical resemblance to him, but she pushed those thoughts away at the moment - it's a pleasure.

-"Please take a seat," he made a gesture with his hand, "I must tell you first of all my most heartfelt condolences for your loss, in the little that I deal with your mother, I could see that she was a charming lady.

Ana moved uncomfortably in her chair, until now it was difficult for her to be told about her mother as a wonderful being - Uhmm ... thank you... Carrick realized the discomfort and decided to pass the subject.

-Ms. Steel, I understand, as I am told by Mr. Amold that you plan to take permanent residence here in Seattle and that he will continue to guard your legal interests in NY, but that you would need a counselor here.

-Really Mr. Grey, my residence is here in Seattle, I just moved to NY to discuss the subject of inheritance, and that's why once I've finished everything I've been back here, I've been doing several administration courses since my specialty is Literature, but I want to use everything I learned in SIP, and see all I need to open a Kids of Heaven foundation here.

"Well, Miss Steel, if you agree, we can make a contract, and I represent you and help you, I have experience with the business inherited by her stepfather and my wife and I have a foundation called Coping Together. Delighted we can advise you on the creation and what you need.

Ana smiled - Thank you Mr. Grey and if we can prepare the contract for you to represent me and I would like it, when you can talk to Dr. Grey to help me get started as soon as possible - Carrick raised his eyebrows surprised

"Excuse me, how do you know my wife is a doctor?" Ana blushed

"Oh, Mrs. Miller told me, it was she who told me Dr. Grey was in charge Coping Together - Carrick smiled, Helen Miller was a friend of Grace, and she knew she was the director of KH.

"Well, it's settled, we'll work out the contract and I'll pass it to you for review and sign, and tonight I'll talk to my wife and give her your number so she can call you." Ana smiled in delight. "Let's go to my office, Miss Steel. . .

"Ana ... please call me Ana." Carrick smiled, liked this young woman.

"In that case Ana, call me Carrick." She nodded and smiled and they went to his office.

After completing the corresponding formalities, Ana left the buffet for SIP, had a meeting with Jim at noon to analyze the movements and changes that had to be made, could not avoid comparing Christian with his father, not only did not resemble Physically, but it gave the impression that Carrick was more relaxed than Christian, and with that in mind, she went to SIP in order to get in front as soon as she could

She spent the rest of the afternoon in the company, checking the numbers and staff, she knew there were some who were not producing the right thing, so she had to make some changes, met with several of the editors in chiefs and them Explained the changes, the last she met was Mr. Jack Hyde, as Jim had explained, he came very well recommended from the previous administration, and from what Ana could appreciate he had an excellent deal with most writers, too Excellent references regarding the recommended publications, the only thing was his attitude was explosive and had several problems with some of his colleagues and his personal Assistants, but fortunately nothing serious.

With Jim they were working late into the night, accompanied by Human Resources, reviewing contracts, antiques and wages, there were many improvements to make, the company was growing, but wages had been frozen for a long time, so they decided to make adjustments , When the meeting was over, it was already past 9 at night, the office was empty, only the three of them were left, so they decided to continue the next day and they were ready to leave, when Ana arrived at the parking lot she climbed her beettle but this one Refused to ignite.

"Come on, please, it's too late ..." - said Ana trying the ignition again, but after several attempts realized that it was a wasted task, her beettle was too old, and although she had always refused, it was time to change it.

Tomorrow she would take care of that, for the moment she would take her things and go by taxi. I took his cell phone and called the company and decided to wait next to the entrance of the company as the parking lot was too empty.

For several minutes she had been waiting when she saw a silhouette approaching, Ana did not know very well who he was, but she prepared to scream for help to the guard if necessary.

-Ms. Steel, what are you still doing here? He asked worriedly.

-Mr. Hyde, I had trouble with the car and you? Ana asked suspiciously, what was he doing at that hour in the offices.

The young man smiled - Oh, awkward of me, forget a manuscript that I must take to the interview that I have tomorrow with a writer, he has summoned me in his house to discuss some changes that I suggested, and tell me, how will you go?

"Call a taxi, do not worry.

The young man looked at his watch - it's too late, if you want I can bring you home, I just have to take my things and I take it.

Ana looked at him, he had not been more than kind to her, and it was clear from his expression that he was worried that she would be alone at this time on the street, but there was something in her head that told her to be careful.

"Thank you Mr. Hyde, but I already called the taxi, I'm sure he'll be here at any time, please do not stop for me, find what you need and go and rest at home.

The man made a gesture - I would not like to leave you alone here waiting, I propose something, we wait together the taxi and if it does not come in 10 minutes I approach it, what does it say?

Ana pondered the proposal, did not want to travel with him, but she did not want to be rude, so she nodded and gave him a half smile.

"If you forgive me the audacity, Miss Steel, but what troubles did your car have?" Maybe I can help you.

-Oh, I think that will not be feasible, I deduce that my car has decided to abandon me - the young man looked at her with confusion as she clarified - I have a beettle of the year 79 and I think it already gave its last breath.

"Oh," he said, "but how come the owner of the company has such an old car? I'm sorry if I look so bold, it's just that it's so strange.

Ana smiled - yes I understand, I still did not have time to change it, but given the latest developments I think it will be necessary.

The young man looked at his watch again. "Well, Miss Steel, it's been over 10 minutes, and I refuse as a gentleman that I'm leaving you here alone, so please, let's go get my things and then I'll take you home."

The alarm in Ana's head rang again, but she knew that she had accepted the proposal so she had to accompany him "damn taxi company" she thought, and with a resigned smile she prepared to follow him when they heard the sound of a horn, turned And it was the taxi "thank God" Ana said to herself.

"Well Mr. Hyde, I think my carriage has arrived, and thanks for waiting with me," with a wave of her hand, she said goodbye, but before she got into the taxi, she turned around and said jokingly - oh, and do not stay at work Until very late, I watched that we did not agree to pay you overtime - and with this went up.

Jack gave her a smile and waved a hand, turned to the door, took out his keys, and entered the company, went to his office, and looking at the desk found the impressions he had forgotten, he had been a Silly, anyone could have seen them and with that he could have ruined everything, when he left he gave a tip to the guard and went to his car, smoking a cigarette went home, "overtime, hahahaha, with what is coming Doll, I will not need to work in my life, it's just waiting a little longer to strike at the right moment, it's a matter of time ... just a little more time ... .. ".

When Ana arrived in her apartment, she was ground, but happy, tomorrow would be her first official day in SIP, so without wasting time took a bath and lay down to rest, and again had the dream that was recurring in her nights, She dreamed she was flying, it was the first hours of dawn, and all the sky was painted yellow, orange and light blue, and she laughed and was happy, when she came down to earth powerful arms around her and she was lost in a deep kiss And in gray eyes.

The morning had arrived and with it her first day, she was nervous, but she hoped she could use everything she had learned. She left early to the office and before she realized it was already 10 o'clock, she decided that in the week she would go through a dealership to buy a new car, very early she had called the auto pick service and they told her that There was no solution with her car, she was submerged in her office on new contracts when her phone rang.

-Hello, Anastasia Steel speaking - said without recognizing the ID

-Ms. Steel, it's Grace Trevelyan -Grey, my husband gave me your number, I hope it's not a bad time.

"Oh, Dr. Grey, I was waiting for your call, and I'm so grateful you called me so soon."

"There's nothing to be thankful for," Carrick told me, "that you're wanting to start the process of opening a Kids of Heaven Foundation here in Seattle and let me tell you that I'm very excited about the idea, my dear friend Helen has told me a great deal about you and Of everything you've done for the kids.

-Dr. Gray, although no one believes it, those children did more for me than I could have done for them, tell me, when we could talk personally, excuse my daring, but I have many desires to speak personally with you. There is so much to do and I want Start as soon as possible.

"My dear, you took the word out of my mouth, I was just going to ask you if you were free today for lunch and so we know each other."

Ana smiled - Perfect sounds good at 12:30 p.m. In canalis?

"Excellent dear, I'll see you there."

They cut and Ana kept working until 12, then went to Jim's office to tell her about her plans and tell her that she was retiring, when she was leaving the building, she ran into Jack Hyde again, who very politely held the door So she could go out

-Mr. Hyde what a surprise, I assume your meeting went well

-Good morning Miss Steel, and yes, I have indeed achieved the changes that the manuscript needed and once I have the new draft I will be passing it to the publishing discussions, I assume that it arrived well last night

- Yes thanks, and if you excuse me I have a commitment, see you later.

"See you later Miss." Ana marched out to the street for a taxi, and Jack stood at the door, looking at her. She was a very attractive woman, he liked it a lot, he had the impression that she was a difficult woman to master. .but for him that was never an impediment to getting what he wanted, he had methods to subdue women.

When Ana arrived and asked the hostess she directed her to the table where they were waiting, in front of her was a woman of about 50 years impeccably dressed, she wore a white dress and shoes with low heels, which gave her an aura of An angel, was of medium height, blond hair gathered in an elegant bow, had green eyes and a crystal clear and very sincere smile.

When Grace had the young woman in front of her she smiled, she was a very young and beautiful woman, she was dressed very simply, she wore black corderoy trousers, a white turtleneck neckline and low boots, with no trace of makeup, all her Beauty was natural.

-Mrs. Grey- said Ana reaching out her hand to shake it- is a pleasure to meet you and thank you for coming so soon.

-Ms. Steel pleasure is mutual and there is nothing to be thankful for

Both took a seat and received the menu, to drink only water.

-Ms. Steel, I must confess I really wanted to meet you.

-Ana or Anastasia please

"Well, Anna, as I was saying, I really wanted to meet you, Helen has told me wonders about you.

"Mrs. Miller often exaggerates my attributes with Mrs. Grey.

"Grace, please, Mrs. Gray is my mother-in-law," Ana smiled and nodded. "And I must say that I absolutely believe every word Helen said about you, so besides helping you with what you need to open the KH Foundation, I want to ask you for help with Coping Together - when the waiter returned with the drinks they made their order and kept talking.

- With great pleasure, I have done a little research about your foundation and I must say that I am very impressed with the work you do and with the support you make to families, KH is more committed to children, but you come much more there.

"It's a cause that touches the depths of our heart - and Grace could not help but think of that frightened little boy who was terrified of being touched, Ana saw the sadness reflected in Grace's face, there was certainly something she was remembering.

Grace recovered quickly and smiled.

"Now Ana, tell me what you want to do." The lunch passed quietly. Both women shared opinions and points of view. They found that the first thing was to find the grounds to locate the home, and then once they had finished that, they would talk to a Construction team, they also talked about medical, school and psychiatric care, but before anything could take shape, it would be time, so Ana decided that while everything was in order she would help Grace with Coping Together.

When they finished lunch, they said goodbye with a hug, Ana thought that Grace was a wonderful woman and could not avoid thinking, as it would have been to grow up with a mother as loving as her, since if she showed so much dedication for her work and foundations, His family should be his prerogative.

Grace left the restaurant happy to have met Anastasia. She was a centered, sweet, simple, and noble-hearted young man with a will of steel.

When Grace told her husband how lunch had gone and how well Anastasia had fallen, he was not surprised, he had already dealt briefly with her and knew that his wife would be delighted as soon as she met her.

"Oh Cary, she's so sweet, and she's so eager to help the kids, I wonder if it's for some special reason."

"I do not know, my dear, but what I do know is that she's a very good young woman, It shows in her eyes".

- Yes I agree, she told me that when she had some place in mind, It would be calling you to start buying

"Well, let's hope it's soon."

-I hope, I really want to work with her, I'm sure that with her advice we can make some interesting changes in Coping Together, I even want to invite her to help me with the carnival dance program for February, I'm sure Elena will be delighted with The help of Anastasia.

Carrick made a gesture, Elena was not a saint of his devotion, there was something in her that always gave him a bad spine, he was annoyed as he constantly surrounded Christian, when he discussed this with Grace, she explained that Elena surely saw Christian Like a son since when he was younger, the work done in his house were those that helped him to improve his character. Carrick decided to keep quiet, as a man knew that Elena did not look at Christian as a son, but decided to push those thoughts away because although he did not like, Elena was an old friend of the family.

"Surely, Anastasia is a lovely girl, it's impossible that someone does not like her, I'm sure that when Mia meets her, she'll go crazy for her, too," said Carrick.

-Oh, yes, apart are the same age and although Mia is a little more bubbly than she, sure will get along, certainly Christian knows, I must ask what he thought.

"How does he know her?" - asked the man, sitting on the couch next to his wife.

"He met her in NY, at the KH gala when he was out there, I hope he made a good impression.

"Who Christian or Anastasia?" Carrick asked amusedly, Grace rolled her eyes and patted his arm playfully.

"Christian, of course, it's impossible for Anastasia not to make a good impression, and although I do not know her very much, I think I would love to have her as a daughter-in-law." Grace laughed softly.

Carrick raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Dear, I think you go too far, we do not know if Christian liked it, or if she liked Christian, I think it is very hurried to plan the wedding already

"Oh, but there's always Elliot too," Grace said with a laugh, it was all a joke, but deep in her heart she wanted her children to find someone like Anastasia.

"I think there's more chance that Mia will marry first, than those two," Carrick said, imitating his wife's laughter.

They finished their conversation, when Mia arrived, she was doing some courses of Pastry Specialization, had returned a few months ago from Paris where she had studied with a recognized Chef, was about to open her own business and was very enthusiastic, to do so she had saved Even though she knew that her parents or siblings could provide her with the necessary money or invest as partners, she wanted to get it by her own means, she did not always want to be the consent of the family.

When she entered the Hall after giving a kiss to her parents she sat with them

-I'm happy, next week is my last demonstration, once I finish I'll have all the certificates I want and I'll be able to do the local search to open the passiterie

"I'm very proud of you, my dear," said Carrick, looking with love at his young daughter, "you have accomplished everything with much effort and sacrifice.

"Yes, Dad, it's what I want, everything I get is my effort."

"That will be princess, by the way your mother was planning the wedding of your brothers.

Mia laughed, that was something far and far in her eyes, Grace hit her husband again in the arm.

"And who are the candidates?" - Mia said laughing.

"It's only one, your mother intends to marry her with any of them, so that she may be his daughter-in-law, I think if you liked her, capable of offering her to you as well." Said Carrick with a laugh.

-Cary! Grace blushed, Mia raised her hands in surrender.

"I like men, Mom," she said, laughing. "But I'm dying to meet this young lady who has you captivated.

"Leaving the joke," said Carrick, looking sweetly at his wife, "she is a charming young woman.

"All I said was that I'd like your brothers to meet a woman like Anastasia for her wives.

-Mom - Mia said getting up - I'm more likely to get married first before those two - and with this left, leaving the couple, Carrick made a gesture of I told you, while Grace nodded, she knew they were right .