Blame it on the Christmas Tree
by
Ava LeBeau
Chapter 13 – Shitloads of Money
"You know, I really think this was bound to happen, Ana."
"What do you mean?"
"Snow polo, Champagne parties, the mansion, a private jet, the whole nine yards... obviously, way too much. Too good to be true."
"I think I just panicked. I felt so out of place."
"That's what I mean. Bound to happen."
Anastasia fidgeted, "And, uhm, what do you suggest?"
"Talk? Just talk with him. Tell him all your concerns, how you're feeling. Why you ran away. Everything, okay?"
"I-I think I can't. Way too embarrassed after what happened last night. I feel so immature and stupid. I doubt he even cares."
"Seriously?"
"What?"
"Do you really think you'd still be there if he didn't care? That you'd be there at all..."
"I don't know," Anastasia started pacing the room.
"You don't know, Ana? Come on!"
"It's- it's just, that I'm not sure that I can live up to his expectations," her shoulders sagged.
"Then tell him. Hear his thoughts on this..."
"I could never... I mean, I landed this entry level job while he is-"
"Do you really think your financial status is what he cares about? How much you make?"
"Why shouldn't he?"
"Because I'm quite sure he could be with any rich daddy's daughter in this country, heck, the whole western hemisphere, if he wanted to... but he told this chick that you're his girlfriend? Makes no sense, right?"
"Mmmh."
"See."
"Yeah, maybe..."
"No, he could and he would be if it mattered. Has the thought of him being with you because he cares about who you are crossed your mind?"
"I was hoping so...," she stopped in front of the window that was overlooking the garden.
"Well then, how about you try to not make him doubt his decision...?"
"What about my decisions?"
"Listen, Ana, I told you that you are to decide whether this is a no-go for you or if you're willing to give it a try. Both is fine, you know."
Anastasia sighed but said nothing.
"Feeling self-conscious around some rich dude and his boozy douchebag buddies bragging about race cars and super yachts? Pack your bags and tell him you're done. Think he may have shitloads of money but he is also just a guy who's probably looking for a down-to-earth girlfriend to spend some quality time with away from all the craziness of the business world? A guy who genuinely treated you right the whole damn week but made a stupid mistake last night, just wanting to live a little and got carried away? Fine, too. Just go for it, Ana. Let him in. Give him a chance to show you who he really is. Let him get to know the real Anastasia, flaws and all. If it's meant to be it will happen. If not, you can always forget about him or tell everybody that you've always known just how vapid and condescending rich pretty boys are, how much you regret having met him in the first place. Heck, blame it on the damn Christmas tree. Whatevs. I mean, dude's filthy rich, sure as hell he's never experienced a single day of hardship in his whole fuckin' pampered life, what's there not to hate, hm?"
Tears were welling up in Anastasia's eyes again.
"I don't know...," she squeezed her eyes shut.
"What are you so afraid of, Ana? It's only been two weeks. It's not like you are going to marry that guy or something. Just be you, we all grew up differently."
"I don't want to get hurt."
Her friend sighed, "Ana, take it from me... there is no such thing as a guarantee that you don't get hurt in the process, okay? You can only try and see where this goes. It's okay to bail out, but if you do, do it now. Tell him you want to leave. Tell Kate you want her to let him know that you want to leave. Jeez, even go tell his housekeeper, or one of his security guys for that matter, that you want out. You don't have to stay there if you don't want to, Ana. There's plenty of guys out there who'd want to date you, you know? And for one of them, you'll be perfect."
"I know."
"You do? 'kay," he didn't sound convinced, "...so, go buy that ticket, I'll pick you up at the airport... But you know what? I really think you should stop thinking so little of yourself. You belong there, don't think you don't, Ana. He wants to be with you for a reason. Stop being so hard on yourself. Get to know the guy better. Get to know his family. Enjoy your time with him, with them. Learn from the experience. And promise me to stop using your head for a change. What does your heart tell you?"
"I think I really want this to work. I like him, you know."
"Good."
An awkward silence ensued.
"Hey, you don't think he intended to upset and hurt you or something?"
"No, don't think so. Christian is nothing but kind and respectful when I'm around. Patient. Understanding..."
"I mean, his mom could be just as crazy as Kate's mom. True, she's always been like a second mom to us, but still...," he laughed, "...so overbearing and crazy as hell."
Anastasia chuckled, he really had a point there, Kate's mother had always been there for them, but not without being demanding and overprotecting in every possible way.
"There's the Ana I know," he continued, "You know, his mom could be like Gladys, urging him to put a ring on it, get married before he turns 30. Trying to avoid embarrassing the family for him still being single, quelling any rumors about his sexuality as well as glossing over his sick penchant for dating hookers and those serial killer vibes? And that's why he's playing around with you, trying to placate his family."
"Gosh, stop it, José. You're watching way too much true crime stuff. He's not like that," Anastasia insisted, reaching up to brush her fingertips over the key pendant she was wearing on a necklace around her neck.
"See," her friend laughed, "Now you're defending him.
"Oh and, him holding off? Taking his time...? Hate to break it to you but... Might be ED," he teased and laughed again.
"José," Anastasia warned.
"But he's probably just trying to make sure that you're comfortable with where this is going. That you're ready for a healthy, mature relationship with a very rich and busy man. Capable of holding your own. And keep in mind, that, while you have a lot to win, he, on the other hand, has a lot to lose, you know. Lots of gold diggers to weed out."
"José, please."
"Also, I guess, he doesn't want you to think the wrong thing about him. I mean, filthy rich dude who's inviting the ladies to his sprawling mansion, impressing them with all his riches only to get into their panties. Sounds plausible, right?"
"Geez, stop it."
"I'm sorry about what happened last night, Ana. I know just how much you hate these situations. Kate should've..."
"... it's not her fault, José. I should have just told him before we got into that mess. Do you think it's all over?"
"Look, as I said, talk with him. Be open and keep in mind the whole set up there is just what he's used to. Too much privilege and entitlement, surrounding himself with people of similar status. Might cloud the judgment. Lower awareness. Dunno... Just be you, Ana."
"Love you, José. Thank you so much. I'm really sorry about last night, my call, everything."
"Hey, no worries, Ana. Any time, you know that."
"Man, what's eating at you?"
"Just one of those days..."
"You sure?"
"Well, I really doubt she wants to be with me anymore after bailing on me last night."
"You're not freaking out or something?" Elliot laughed. "Must be the hangover..."
"You know, surprisingly, I'm feeling like a champ. Must be my superhuman alcohol tolerance kicking in," he pinched the bridge of his nose, "But seriously, E, I can't shake the feeling that I totally fucked up."
"I get why you're stressing. But you weren't that wasted at all, just a little buzzed, I'd say. Plus, you were really wiped out before we even started. We all have our off nights but this was rather tame."
"Yeah, a night of virtue and sophistication," Christian's jaw tightened, "I guess you're right but it's still hard to swallow the fact that she saw me in such a state."
"Come on, we all have our moments. Real relationships are about accepting each other's flaws, right? So if Ana's the one for you, she'll understand and not judge you on one wild night. And guess what," Elliot pointed his index at his brother, biting back a mocking grin, "If she does, it's time to dump her anyway."
"Oh, really?" Christian drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, his voice heavy with sarcasm.
"Kate mentioned that Ana was mad at her for...," Elliot lifted his hands, air quoting, "...ignoring... her at some point last night."
A deep line appeared between Christian's eyebrows.
"Christ, I really should've listened when she told me she wanted to leave," he sounded contrite, "But then she started talking with Tiffany and, you know, I thought... she was fine," he shrugged, frowning.
"Man, stop beating yourself up over this..."
"I know, but this feels different. I don't want her to think less of me," he drew in a long, sharp breath.
"Damn, you're crushing really hard on her, Christian," Elliot stared at his brother and while he managed to refrain from laughing, the corner of Elliot's mouth quirked up.
"I'd rather we settle for 'interested' for now," Christian's expression hardened while the gates to his property swung open and he pulled into the driveway.
"Looks like someone's hitting the panic button there. For catching the feels..." Elliot mocked.
"I have a hard time trusting people," Christian stopped the car in front of the house, reached up to rake his fingers through his hair, staring straight ahead to deflect his brother's scrutiny.
"Guess you must trust her then, she's the first girl you've ever brought here. You know, it's okay to be afraid sometimes. I mean, when you're in love, what in the world can go wrong?" Elliot laughed.
"Just shut up, will you?"
"Hi," Anastasia entered the kitchen.
"Ms. Steele," Christian's housekeeper smiled, working dough together and into a ball with her hands, "How are you? Enjoying your stay?"
Ms. Scott opened a drawer, looking for the cling wrap. They'd hardly seen each other ever since Anastasia had come to visit Aspen.
"Yes, thank you," Ana smiled politely, watching as the housekeeper covered the dough with a piece of wrap and put it into the fridge.
"Can I get you something? Tea, perhaps?"
Not only was Ms. Scott like a ghost, unpacking your bags for you, picking up after you without you even noticing, but she was also quick to learn and remember preferences of the house guests.
Probably most coveted talents in a superb housekeeper, Anastasia mused, invisible, nurturing but never a nuisance.
"Tea would be lovely, thank you," she said and pulled out one of the bar stools by the kitchen island while Ms. Scott prepared the beverage.
"Mind if I stay?" Anastasia asked, wrapping her hands around the mug when the tea was ready.
"Sure, Ms. Steele," Ms. Scott smiled and started peeling granny smith apples.
"Just Ana, please," Anastasia took a sip.
"Oh, I don't think Mister Grey would approve. I'm really sorry, Ms. Steele," the housekeeper moved to core one of the apples.
"Of course," Ana forced a smile, feeling her cheeks turn pink.
"Mister Grey asked me to prepare a light late lunch today."
"Apple pie?"
"No, the pie's for later," Ms. Scott smiled again.
"Is he- I mean, is he home?" Anastasia's heart skipped a beat at the very thought of him.
"Right now?" the housekeeper reached for another apple, "No. He went for a run in the morning and left the house early today."
"I see," Anastasia took another quick sip from the mug.
"Probably work commanding his full attention again today? He looked rather preoccupied when he came back home yesterday afternoon. No wonder, considering all the responsibility he's bearing."
Ana nodded quietly, every single word of the housekeeper a stabbing pang of guilt.
Not drunk but simply exhausted, she thought, inspecting her cuticles way too long.
"Have you planned something nice and relaxing for tonight?" the housekeeper filled the sliced apples into a bowl.
"I- I'm not sure. To be honest, I thought there's gonna be a party tonight?" Anastasia pressed her lips together.
"Here?" the woman laughed, "Not that I'm aware of."
"I see," Anastasia looked down at the cup in her hands, utterly confused now.
"In all my years working for Mister Grey he's probably hosted three parties up here, maybe four. I'd like to think that, unlike his brother, he isn't much into the whole party thing. More intent on preserving his peace and quiet. As I said, he's working hard everyday. I suppose that's taking its toll. But I'm sure he has planned something nice for you. Allow him to spoil you a little, Ms. Steele, he really enjoys that," Ms. Scott winked, "He should be home any moment now anyway."
Anastasia pulled her lower lip between her teeth, watching the housekeeper nimbly slicing more apples.
"You know, Ms. Steele, they say there's two types of people in Aspen: those with three houses, and those with three jobs."
"Oh, I didn't know that," Anastasia tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"It's more of a joke, but there is some truth to it. There's a lot of wealthy people up here and some of them have grown up in very privileged environments, with very limited exposure to people from different backgrounds. And they tend to surround themselves with others who are similarly affluent, sort of creating a bubble that shields them from the experiences and perspectives of those with different circumstances. Not to mention all the privilege and entitlement that comes with it, it's all very pretentious," she moved to take a lemon and squeeze it out before she straightened and looked up at Anastasia, "Mister Grey is not one of them."
Anastasia's insides clenched when she mentioned his name.
But she recovered quickly and asked, "Well, how about you? Do you live here? And do you have three jobs?"
"No, my husband and I have a small house down valley. But there's a room for me up here if my presence is required over night. As for the job, Mister Grey wouldn't..."
"...approve?" Anastasia cut in, finishing the sentence while the housekeeper nodded.
"He made that very clear right from the start. He's even paying for the college tuition of my son. He's a very generous man, Ms. Steele, taking good care of his staff."
Enveloped in a whiff of freshly baked apple pie and coffee, Anastasia headed towards the stairs to go to her room.
On her way up she heard voices and when she looked up both Christian and Elliot stood at the top of the stairs, obviously on their way downstairs.
Both men were dressed smartly, Elliot was even wearing a tie, a rare sight to say the least.
"Hi," Anastasia piped and when their eyes met, Christian tensed up noticeably, squaring his shoulders while his face remained impassive.
"Ana," Elliot smiled, "how are you?"
"Fine. You?" she took the last steps towards them, beaming at Elliot, Christian's mood like a dark cloud looming over the whole scene.
"Mmh," Elliot leaned closer and sniffed, "You smell nice. Let me guess, apple pie?"
His smile was just as flawless as his younger brother's.
Christian cleared his throat and Elliot straightened, glancing at his brother.
If looks could kill.
"Yes, downstairs in the kitchen," Anastasia acted as if she hadn't noticed, "Anyway, lookin' handsome... what are you two up to?"
"We just finished a video call with mom and dad. It's New Year's Eve, you know, and they are far, far away. Overseas. With our grandparents," Elliot's mouth curved into a wry grin and he rumpled up his previously slicked back hair.
Christian seemed to have lost his tongue.
"Oh, I see," actually she already knew, Christian had told her on their way up to the mansion on their first day.
Anastasia glanced at him, he was tugging at one of his cuff links, a line was etched between his eyebrows but he said nothing.
"Well, I guess I really have to help myself to some of that apple pie. Laters, Ana," Elliot, moving to walk downstairs, looked back at his brother again.
"Keep the tie, E, makes you look less like a greedy pig," Christian grumbled.
"Love you too, Chrissy," walking downstairs, Elliot gave his younger brother the finger without looking back.
"Are- are you okay?" Anastasia lifted an eyebrow, reaching out to touch Christian's arm.
"Perfectly fine, thank you. Can we talk for a second?" Christian took her hand, his dark gray gaze now boring into her in the most unnerving ways.
"Sure," Anastasia nodded, all the same loving the feel of his warm hand in hers, "What's wrong?"
He touched her elbow ever so slightly, guiding her towards a gallery that was overlooking the entrance hall.
"Listen, Ana, if you want to go back home to Seattle, the jet is ready in 90 minutes. It will bring you wherever you want. No questions asked. Taylor will drive you to the airport," Christian said rather unceremoniously.
"Wha- Christian...," Anastasia gasped, her eyes wide when she looked up at him as he was towering over her, his mouth set in a hard line.
"Kate mentioned that you wanted to go home. I gather your father's probably still quite unwell? It's fine, don't worry. As I said, no questions asked. No hard feelings. You just have to tell me, if that's what you want. I don't want to keep you. I don't want you to be upset or anything, you know. Just say it."
"I- no," Anastasia furrowed her brow, feeling a tingling sensation creeping up the back of her neck.
"You sure? I'm not angry or anything. Just tell me. It's fine, Ana."
"Yeah, I am sure," Anastasia lifted her chin, holding his gaze.
Christian tilted his head, one perfectly manicured eyebrow arched sharply, "Okay. Good."
"You know what? You're really scaring me when you're like this," Anastasia blurted out, biting her lip, blanching.
Christian looked struck and shifted away from her in an attempt to not crowd her, "Trust me, that was the least of my intentions. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm really sorry, Anastasia."
He held out his hand for her to take, giving it a gentle squeeze when she did.
"Care to take a walk with me?" he asked, his voice much gentler now, and Anastasia noticed that his features had softened, "I think we really need to talk about a few things."
"Of course," Anastasia nodded, looking down at her hand in his while his thumb brushed lightly across the back of her hand.
"Do you mind if I get changed real quick?" he gestured towards his outfit, "I won't be long."
"Sure," Anastasia gave him a small smile.
"You might want to pick a warm jacket. And gloves, too," Christian said.
Ana nodded.
"All right, be right back," Christian leaned in to kiss her cheek and let go of her hand before he headed upstairs to his master suite.
A/N:
Thank you for all your comments and good wishes, all the favorites and follows.
I hope you like the new chapter. x
