Blame it on the Christmas Tree
by
Ava LeBeau
Chapter 12 - Risqué
"Wait... what? So, you're telling me that you just... brushed her off and, uhm, left? To do business? Man, what's wrong with you? I mean, it's okay if you're not ready to go all the way with her, uhm, you know, to take it real slow," he bit back a grin, fully aware of the effect his words would have, the two of them stuck in a non-stop competitive relationship one could easily label as sibling rivalry.
"It's just... well, it's almost two weeks. You bring her here... and… you've still not fucked her... I mean, seriously?" he combed his finger through his unruly hair, all the while taking in the scene in front of him.
"Whoa, hey, no need to get all salty with me. It's just... I mean, Ana... she's such a babe, the best you ever had, you know. And it's not like you- all right, calm down, Christian... Okay ... just calm down already. Now, what's the plan?" he listened intently, smirking when Kate, clad only in one of his Motörhead t-shirts, stepped out onto the balcony, wrapping her arms around him, raising herself on her toes to kiss his neck.
"'kay, sure," he ground out, craning his neck, giving his girlfriend's behind a cheeky squeeze, "I'll talk to Kate and... and we'll take care of it, don't worry. And don't call her, bro. You hear? …just don't. Talk to you later...bye."
"Mmmh," Kate sighed when Elliot pulled her into his arms.
"Pumpkin."
"Stop calling me pumpkin, hon," Kate slapped his arm playfully.
"But I fuckin' love callin' you pumpkin, pumpkin" he kissed her, grinning against her lips, knowing just how much she hated that nickname.
She pulled away and gazed into his eyes, her fingertips playing with the fine hair at the nape of his neck, "I want you, hon."
"Again?" Elliot arched his eyebrow in mock surprise, "You are insatiable, pumpkin," he kissed her before she could protest.
"I'm afraid we have an emergency here," he said when he pulled away again, lifting her up.
"Emergency?" Kate wrapped her legs around his hips, letting him carry her inside, trailing lazy kisses along his jaw.
"Yep, exactly."
"What's wrong?"
"Christian, he...," Elliot smirked.
"Oh my...," Kate chuckled while he pressed a kiss to her lips.
"We could go out tonight," she suggested.
"Double date?"
"Kinda," she smiled, caressing his cheek.
"Hmm," he grinned, still holding her to him.
"What about me? Us?" Kate caught his gaze, teasingly grinding against him, pleased with the groan she'd provoked.
"Later, pumpkin."
Kate's eyes narrowed, a mock pout ghosting across her plump lips.
"Love you, pumpkin," Kate let out a soft moan when he kissed her again.
Love.
Anastasia bit her lower lip while she put the kettle on, it was almost noon and the kitchen was sun-drenched.
Love?
Ana's heart fluttered at the very thought of Christian Grey. Surely, it was way too early to call all this love, to even think about something so precious as love. Infatuation, that was all this was. At best.
Two souls entwined in a dance of uncertainty, two hearts yearning for something more.
Or so she hoped, at least.
Anastasia's cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and apprehension and she felt a knot tighten in her stomach.
Did Christian long to bridge that invisible gap between them, just as much as she did? Long to take this to the next level? Long to put a label on it, just as he had mentioned the other night?
Labels...
Just thinking of Christian only toying with her sent waves of unease through Anastasia's veins.
He had been very understanding and attentive whenever he was around, had made it obvious that Anastasia's comfort and happiness were his utmost priority.
The more she'd tried to be angry at him for leaving last night, the more ridiculous she'd felt for even thinking that she had so much as a right to be angry with him. After all, Christian had only been doing his job, right? The probably most important thing in his life. And he'd even told her that he might get called by his office if something came up.
But Anastasia couldn't deny that there was also this fear again, the fear that her reluctance would disappoint him, that Christian would see her as less than perfect in any way. That he would finally turn away from the possibility of love.
Yet there was also a tiny spark of hope, that, despite him leaving without as much as a warning last night, those last few days and the way he'd been towards her were nothing but a silent reassurance that Christian accepted her as she was, flaws and all, for it was her essence that captivated him.
Anastasia hoped that her being herself, honest and vulnerable at times, wouldn't be a barrier but instead could become a bridge to their connection.
After all, love was not about perfection, but about acceptance, right?
Would she find a love so pure in Christian, a love that defied expectations, a love that embraced her for who she truly was?
Only time would tell.
All Anastasia could do was hoping for a love that would bloom in the face of uncertainty, a love that would change their lives.
Ana's heart swelled with emotion and for a moment tears were glistening in her eyes.
Blinking the tears away, she glanced at the slim vase on the window sill, took the single rose from it and smelled it.
"There you are," Kate's cheerful voice pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Oh, hi," Anastasia smiled when her best friend hugged her.
"Where is everyone?" Kate opened the fridge, scanned its contents.
"Dunno," Anastasia shrugged and took another sip of tea. "I thought you might know."
"So, Christian's not...?" Kate waggled her eyebrows.
"No, he's not," Anastasia shook her head and Kate arched her eyebrow, uttering, "Oh?"
"Mhmm."
"Well, any plans for today?" Kate sat down beside Ana, glancing at the rose, "Beautiful."
Anastasia shrugged.
"You know what, Ana... Let's go shopping today. Just you and me. What do you think?"
"Sounds like fun," Anastasia tried to sound convincing but she'd probably failed miserably.
"We could stay in if you-"
"No, Kate, shopping is great," Anastasia frowned when her phone rang.
Kate craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the phone's display but Ana was quick to swipe, sending the call directly to her mailbox.
"Well, then...," Kate said quietly, one of her shoulders twitching up in a half-shrug.
By the time they'd reached downtown Aspen and got out of the SUV, there were three missed calls from Christian displayed on Anastasia's phone.
Sawyer was quick to park the vehicle nearby. He'd insisted on accompanying them the whole day, much to Ana's dismay.
Still, she couldn't understand why Christian commanded security staff whenever she stepped out of the mansion, even though today he wasn't even with her.
"I think he's really cute," Kate mumbled and bit her lower lip.
"Kate!" Anastasia shot her a warning glare.
"But he really is," Kate wouldn't stop, Ana let out a disdainful snort, while a beaming Sawyer waved at them, taking long strides to join them.
"Lingerie or shoes first?" Kate chuckled.
"Wha-," Anastasia could feel a sudden heat creeping up her neck uttering a quick "Hi" when the dapper security closed up to them.
"Lingerie then," Kate smiled one of her flawless smiles, taking Anastasia's hand in hers.
"Also, I'm ravenous. How about pizza, Ana?"
Anastasia shrugged.
"Great," Kate took that as a yes and glanced at Sawyer.
"Mr. Sawyer, would you mind?"
Those puppy dog eyes of hers made Ana roll her eyes again but at least she was successful at biting back an unnerved groan that had formed deep down in her throat.
"Thank you. Don't worry, we won't be far, Mister Sawyer," Kate chuckled, her thumb pointing at the boutique across the street.
RISQUÉ the shop sign said.
Sawyer, outwardly impassive, nodded and left.
"Come," Kate pulled her friend with her, making Anastasia wonder just how Kate was doing this, obviously calling all the shots here.
The shop was small but offering a surprisingly large variety of lingerie.
Apparently, Kate had been here before, judging by the way they were greeted by a man who'd introduced himself as Laurent, the shop owner.
Anastasia bit her lower lip and folded her arms in front of her chest, glancing at rows of bras in countless colors and sizes.
And while Kate seemed to be completely in her element, Anastasia shifted from one foot to the other, wondering how much the flimsy ensemble that Kate had just pulled out would cost.
"Do you have a matching garter belt?" Kate inquired before she beckoned Anastasia over while Laurent opened a drawer to show Kate several alternatives.
"Do you like it, Ana? I swear, silver gray would look great on you," Kate stated and held out the lacy bra to her best friend.
"I don't know, Kate," Anastasia furrowed her brow.
"You want him asking for more, don't you?"
Laurent, after disappearing somewhere behind a heavy curtain, returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
"I- what? Who?" Anastasia arched her eyebrow, not sure what to say next.
How dare she?
"Christian... I mean, I'm not stupid, hon. You all alone in the kitchen, sending all his calls right to the mailbox... No sexy time yet... tsk."
"Kate, I'd rather—"
"-seduce him with your brains?"
A dramatic sigh escaped Kate, "I know, sweetie, but he's not that kinda guy, you know. He likes to play..."
Anastasia rolled her eyes, wondering if she should just make a bolt for the front door.
"So... silver gray...," Kate reached for one of the champagne flutes and took a sip, "... or maybe magenta?"
She twirled a strand of hair around her free index, looking pensive for a moment, obviously waiting for Ana to say something.
"Electric blue?" Kate tilted her head a little.
"Kate, please," the buzzing of her phone earned Anastasia a breather.
When she glanced at the display she realized that it was Christian again.
In no time the pad of her thumb was hovering over the deny button but her best friend was quicker.
"All right, I won't ask what happened last night but how much longer are you gonna to reject his calls, Ana?"
"Dunno," Anastasia mumbled and bit her lip.
"Do you want to be a priority for him or stay an option, hm?"
Ana shrugged.
"Make him work for it. Like... pronto!"
Anastasia gasped when Kate answered the phone.
"Christian? Hiii," that sickly sweet tone of hers was beyond annoying.
"Yeah, right, this is Kate speaking. No... uhm, no, actually she can't right now..."
Kate winked at Ana, grinning.
"Yeah, Laurent is showing her some… uh, things..."
Anastasia bit her lip again, glaring at Kate.
"Yes, Laurent," Kate pressed her lips together, looking like she was about to burst out laughing, but, you had to give her that, she recovered quickly.
"Well, he's in the changing room with her... mhmm, exactly. Yes, trying on bras and stuff..."
Anastasia mouthed a silent yet desperate 'are you crazy?' but Kate was only just getting started.
"Mr. Sawyer? No, I'm afraid he's not...," Kate paused, taking another sip of her champagne, raising her glass to Ana who had now grabbed hers.
"On lunch break, I suppose. Well, I'm sure you don't mind, Christian. I mean... knowing just how... how seriously you're taking labor rights and such, hm?"
Anastasia couldn't help but chuckle before she followed Laurent into the changing room. To her surprise it was larger than she'd expected it to be and while the shop owner lay out several ensembles she turned and kicked off her shoes.
"Yeah, I'm sure you will... of course. Gotta dash. Bye, Christian," Anastasia heard Kate's voice while she tried on the silver gray bra.
Turning in front the large mirror she thought that maybe, just maybe, Kate was right. It really looked great on her, complimenting her complexion in the most amazing ways.
"Geez, Kate, what the hell?" Anastasia said when Kate peeked into the room.
Her friend chuckled and topped up her glass, "He's fu-ming, Ana."
"Oh no," Anastasia sighed.
"Now, look at you, hon. That's the spirit," Kate tilted her head as if she were sizing up her best friend, "You really should try the magenta one, Ana."
"Kate, you didn't have to get Sawyer in trouble, you know. I mean he's not on a lunch break or anythi-"
"Now, speak of the devil...," Kate laughed when Christian's bodyguard pushed open the door, a pizza box in his left.
"Mister Sawyer," Kate was quick to open the box and inspect its contents.
"You, mister, are a lifesaver, och," she let out another dramatic sigh and took one of the pizza slices.
Anastasia, still inside the changing room, folded her arms over her chest, happy now that she'd only tried on the bra so far. Mr. Sawyer wouldn't walk in on her to make sure that she was safe or however he would probably put it, would he?
Moments later she'd changed again and stepped out of the changing room, leaving the ensemble behind, giving Laurent an apologetic smile.
"What next?" Kate asked when she noticed Anastasia, who had only just spotted a silken kimono and was running her fingertips across the soft fabric.
"The gold would compliment the color of your eyes perfectly, Madame," Laurent, whose thick accent Anastasia found adorable, pulled out the garment for her to take a closer look.
"I-I really like it," Anastasia nodded, smiling.
"Oooh," Kate wrapped an arm around Anastasia's shoulder, "That's really gorgeous. How much is it?"
Laurent held out the tag for her.
"Kate, that's way too much," Ana protested. When it came to shopping and acceptable price ranges, Kate and her had never really been on the same page. A fact that would probably never change.
"Who said you're paying for it?" Kate looked surprised.
"Mom always says, why spend yours when you can spend his?" she continued and chuckled.
Anastasia furrowed her brow again, wishing she had just spent the day in the mansion's library, losing herself in one of the books, savoring the peace and quiet.
But here she was, sipping fancy champagne, wolfing down pizza sprinkled with shavings of white truffles and whatnot, having Christian's bodyguard eyeing her curiously while a man called Laurent was trying to sell her flimsy lingerie and a kimono the price of a down payment for a mid-range car and, of course, they would personalize it for her.
A sigh escaped Anastasia while Kate filled up her glass, "You really need to loosen up, Ana."
"Yeah, right," Anastasia frowned.
"Now, what about the silver gray?"
"This is so not me, Kate," Ana sounded desperate.
"Oh, trust me, it is," Kate grinned, "The new naughty Anastasia Steele."
Anastasia laughed, "Seriously?"
"Priorities, Ana," Kate nodded and Anastasia was sure that it was the champagne talking already.
"You are not his doormat. Don't you forget. Just make him think that he's in charge at all times," she chuckled again, "Very important."
Anastasia glanced at Sawyer, wondering if he'd report every single word to his principal straight away.
"How about we get something for you now?" Anastasia tried to shift the focus.
"Oh, E and I've already been here yesterday," she winked, beaming, "So it's your turn now."
"Kate, please..."
"Well, then take the kimono at least," Kate pulled out her wallet.
"Kate, I can't-"
"Won't take no for an answer, Ana," Kate motioned for Laurent to box the kimono.
"How about we go buy shoes and maybe a dress now and come back later?"
Anastasia shrugged, "Whatever."
It was only a short walk to the next shop across the street.
To Anastasia's surprise they were met outside by a beaming Elliot, who drew Kate into a quick hug to steal a kiss.
"Playing chaperone?" Anastasia mumbled, more to herself, wondering if Christian was behind all this and she was almost certain that she had heard Christian's older brother say something about a call earlier, credit cards and him filling in for the time being.
Finding herself inside a changing room for the second time today just moments later, Anastasia was trying on what was the third dress Kate had chosen for her and unlike the others she could see herself wearing it.
Elliot had told them that Christian had arranged for them to go out to a club tonight and all of a sudden Ana felt rather desperate to find a dress fit for the occasion at hand.
Kate peeked into the changing room, her expression giving away that she didn't quite like what she saw, "Nah," she shook her head.
"How about this one?" she held out yet a another dress for her friend.
"Would go perfectly with...this," Kate winked and shoved a small box into Ana's hands.
Anastasia raised her eyebrows and opened the box only to find the gray ensemble from RISQUÉ, "Kate, what-?"
"Belated Christmas gift, hon," Kate grinned, "Now try it on with the dress," she closed the changing room door behind her on her way out.
"Look at you... This dress is-"
"Too short?" Anastasia was quick to smooth down the fabric with her free hand, visibly worried, her newfound confidence with regard to short dresses and sexy lingerie faltering at lightning speed.
"No."
"Too tight?"
"Nope," the corner of his mouth twitched, Anastasia could feel his gaze on her.
"Too... slutty?" Anastasia whispered, grinning while she slid out of his embrace for a turn on the spot, still holding his hand. She couldn't help but bite her lower lip.
Expertly, he guided her back to him, back into his strong arms, raising a single brow while he pointed out with gentle authority, "Too slutty? Seriously, Ana? Trust me, if you looked in any way... inappropriate you wouldn't be here with me tonight."
Holding her gaze, Christian leaned closer and she could feel his breath on her skin when he stated, "You look fabulous tonight."
Ana could tell her cheeks were crimson by now, it was his stare that was to blame, a stare just as unrelenting as always.
"Thank you. You, too," she smiled softly while her hand lightly came to rest on his shoulder, "And tired," she added.
His stubble, no matter how handsome and rugged it made him look, really was a stark contrast to his usual clean-shaven look as were the dark circles under his eyes.
"Long day?" Anastasia tilted her head slightly, caressing his jaw while he was swaying her ever so gently to the music.
"We could've stayed in tonight, you know...," she continued, when Christian remained silent, knowing that she would have preferred a cozy evening on the couch with him over partying the night away in a fancy club downtown any day.
"Nothing a double espresso can't fix. Don't worry, I'm fine," he nodded, pulling her closer again to kiss her.
"Well, then, thank you for the dress, Christian."
"I got great taste, I guess," he grinned against her lips before he claimed them again.
"Hey, you two, go get a room," Elliot's taunting voice came from somewhere behind.
Anastasia chuckled when Christian let out a low growl, pulling away to turn and face his brother, all the while firmly holding her hand in his.
"Yo, look who's here, bro! Doubt you'd wanna miss out on this...," Elliot called, holding a bottle of Grey Goose in his hand, standing in the middle of what appeared to be a private booth, somewhat elevated to grant both view of the dance floor and easy access to the main bar.
Anastasia glanced at the man who was standing right beside Christian's brother, wondering where she'd seen him before, settling for the housewarming party. Yes, Elliot's frat brothers had been there in force that night and she was convinced that he must be one of them. Her gaze darted to one of the sofas and Kate who was chatting animatedly with another blonde, most certainly the guy's girlfriend.
"Alec Pierce," Christian mumbled, more to himself, leading the way through the crowd back to their booth, Taylor right by their side.
Ööö
"Oh my gosh, Ana, it must be pretty exciting to be his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?" Anastasia's gaze darted to Christian who was deep in conversation with Alec and Elliot.
"Yeah, that's what he said," Alec's fiancee Tiffany shrugged.
"He must be gettin' a lot of attention from women, I mean, he has everything a woman could wish for... Honestly, if I were you... God, I would be so jealous all the time."
"Christian? He's only a man," Kate stated, not impressed. "Besides... jealousy? So not sexy...," Kate arched an eyebrow, side-glancing at Anastasia, "...plus, he's not like that. Not at all."
"Only a man?" Tiffany let out a laugh, "Yeah, right. Anyway, don't care. Still would be...," Tiffany's lips curved into a wry grin, "Now, look who we have here..."
They shifted to make room for the men who were joining them again.
"Miss me?" Christian smiled and sat down beside Ana who nodded slowly. She leaned a little closer to kiss his cheek when he snaked his arm around her waist, deciding that now was not the right time to ask him about the whole girlfriend conversation he'd apparently had with Tiffany.
"Where's E?" Kate piped.
"Right here, baby, you look like you could use a drink," Elliot waggled his eyebrows, grinning mischievously as he poured a couple of tequila shots.
"Oh god, not again. You know what happened last time we did shots," Tiffany laughed.
Kate was quick to down her shot, grimacing while the others followed suit.
Ana took a small, tentative sip.
"Whew!" Kate shouted, fanning herself.
Alec patted Christian's shoulder, shot in his free hand, "You know, I guess, I could arrange a meeting on Monday if you're game, Christian."
But before Christian could answer, Tiffany wrapped her arms around Alec, "No more talking business, honey. Not tonight. Please?"
"I'll drink to that," Kate called and downed her second shot before she demanded, "Pour me another, E!"
"Jeez, I feel one of them nights coming on," Elliot let out a laugh and kissed Kate deeply.
Anastasia noticed Christian glancing at her, she was feeling a little anxious with everybody around her going wild and crazy.
And before she really could protest, Elliot had poured six more shots, Kate was passing them around.
"Lick, sip, and suck!" she shouted, grinning from ear to ear.
"Real classy, pumpkin," Elliot teased and Kate slapped his shoulder playfully, provoking a mock pout.
"And you two," Elliot continued, gesturing wildly towards Christian and Anastasia, a slice of lemon, that he'd just picked, between his index and thumb, "will do as I do, 'kay?"
Looking determined, Elliot proceeded to action.
Tiffany giggled and rolled her eyes, "Body shots? That's worse than college, E!"
"So?" he nipped Kate's neck, eliciting a giggle.
Anastasia shifted in her seat.
"Is he making you uncomfortable with this spring break stuff?" Christian asked, studying Anastasia's features.
She could feel his soft touch against her elbow and was quick to say, "No. No. I'm fine."
Ana watched Christian downing the shot before he bit into the lemon wedge to suck on it, grimacing just as Kate had before, not following Elliot's instructions in the slightest.
And while his older brother had become somewhat obsessed with the licking part which, conveniently, also involved Kate's clavicle, Christian only kissed Anastasia's neck, breathing a hot, tingling "That should do," against her skin, eliciting another laugh when he grinned up at her.
Some time later she had told him that she wanted to leave, yet, being an all cute and happy drunk, Christian had easily charmed her into staying just a little longer despite her being convinced that the party had been over for him about an hour ago.
And so, Anastasia was rather convinced that Christian hadn't even noticed that she had retreated to the end of one of the sofas shortly afterwards, arms folded in front of her chest, watching the whole scene, unsure whether to be bemused or disgusted by all this, herself alternating between water and a lazy sip of champagne now and then to keep up appearances, feeling rather uneasy the later it got.
In fact it seemed as if he'd forgotten she was even there.
Slipping out of Elliot's embrace, Kate was right by her side, when Anastasia rose, "Hey, where ya goin'? You okay?"
"Sure, I'm fine, just gotta pee really bad," Ana pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, looking at her best friend, she could smell the alcohol on Kate's breath.
"Same," Kate giggled, linking arms with Ana, "Mind if I join you?"
Anastasia shot a fleeting glance towards the exit, then the bathrooms, nodding slowly.
"Come," Kate pulled her with her, staggering on her sky-high heels, making Ana wonder just how she'd managed to not break her ankle so far, or worse for that matter.
Kate was topping up her lipstick when Ana left the bathroom moments later.
Anastasia cleared her throat, "Listen, Kate, don't wanna be a downer here... but I-I'm really... tired."
What a blatant lie.
All Anastasia wanted was to get away from this partying crowd, all the boozing and the jeering, mixed with stories of family holidays in Aspen, St. Barths and maybe Monaco, back in the good old days. Now she knew that Alec Pierce was keen to buy his third Ferrari while Christian had seemingly set his eyes on a McLaren F1, which, Elliot had pointed out, would probably be tucked away under covers most of the time just like the rest of Christian's collection with him being beyond busy lately.
All Anastasia knew was that her recently discovered confidence was gone, all her plans to seduce him, just as Kate had suggested, her plans to win him over, seeming more than ridiculous, childish and stupid now.
She wanted to leave behind all the fratty binge drinking or was it rather the whole rich kids stuff? Ana wasn't sure, but she was sure that all this was not for her. No, she wasn't made for all this.
As if she had to convince herself, Anastasia nodded firmly.
"What? No, come on," Kate wrapped her arms around her friend, staggering back to their booth, tugging a reluctant Anastasia with her.
"Don't go, please. We could order wine, if you like. More champagne...?"
"Uhm, no, Kate, I just wanna-," Anastasia turned towards the exit, trying to slip out of Kate's sloppy embrace.
"Oops, uh-oh!" Kate giggled, letting go of her friend.
"What?" Anastasia looked back over her shoulder.
She could see Christian standing by one of the couches, raking slender fingers through his now messy hair, blowing his cheeks out when he exhaled after a seemingly deep breath that he'd drawn in.
Anastasia furrowed her brow.
"I-I don't feel so... well," she could hear him press forth faintly.
"You gonna puke?" Elliot was by his side, patting his back.
"No. No, I'm just-," Christian bent forward slightly, his hands coming to rest on his knees, Taylor grabbing his upper arm while Elliot did the same.
"Just take a break, bro," Elliot seemed unfazed and guided his younger brother to the couch where Christian sat down.
Anastasia bit her lower lip again, feeling her heart sink.
No, she didn't want to see Christian like this. Didn't want to be part of all this. Apparently he'd forgotten about her anyway, hadn't really bothered most of the last hour.
Her hands tightening into fists, Anastasia turned around and headed towards the exit. Without looking back.
Once outside she let out a harsh breath, she hadn't expected it to be freezing. But it was long after midnight, stars sparkling brightly in the night sky.
What now? She thought, cursing herself for having chosen the strappy high heels, shifting from one foot to the other, it was impossible to avoid the slush on the sidewalk.
Tears rose in Anastasia's eyes. She felt stupid, so stupid.
All her stuff was back at Christian's house. She didn't have a car and, glancing around, she came to realize that there was no cab either.
Turning right, Anastasia started walking away from the club and towards Main Street, scrolling through the contacts in her phone.
It was almost two in the morning.
Ray would be beyond alarmed if she called him right now, pleading for him to pick her up, of course detecting the teensiest hint of upset in her voice ever so expertly.
Oh, and, he would probably kill Christian with his bare hands, for being such a dick to his Annie, and most certainly his security detail, for that matter, before taking her all the way back home with him, all the while staring straight ahead, barely speaking for the whole drive, if possible, that steely demeanor of his firmly in place no matter what.
So, Anastasia decided against calling Ray, her thumb now hovering over another message button.
Surely, José would be up on a weekday at two in the morning, right?
Frowning, she wobbled on, typing, "Hi," pressing send.
"Come on," Anastasia mumbled, teeth chattering, having left her coat behind back at the club.
After two long minutes the display of her phone lit up.
"Ana?"
"José. I didn't wake you up, right?"
"No, of course not," his voice, sounding all gravelly, stating the opposite.
"Are you okay?" he continued.
"Kinda."
"Kinda?" his voice was stern now.
"It's just...," Anastasia tried to bite back a sob. Unsuccessfully.
"What has he done?" all of a sudden, José sounded wide awake.
"Nothing really, I-I was just wondering if..."
"Yeah, right," he sounded anything but convinced.
"Ms. Steele. Ms. Steele,"Anastasia froze when she heard a familiar voice.
"Ana, what-?" José asked. "Is that him?"
"No," Anastasia said, looking over her shoulder.
"Ms. Steele," Sawyer called again, looking somewhat flustered, "Anastasia."
"Ana, what's wrong?" her friend on the phone pressed for answers.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up in the middle of the night..."
"Ana? What the fuck, Ana? Where are you? Want me to come and pick you up?"
"Never mind. I'm sorry," she ended the call, feeling utterly embarrassed while Sawyer caught up.
"Ms. Steele," he said, holding out the coat for her to slip into it.
"Thank you, Mr. Sawyer," Anastasia started walking again, Sawyer hurrying alongside her.
"Ma'am? Ma'am!"
"Mr. Sawyer, I'd rather not...," she raised her chin, trying to sound calm and collected but by now she was freezing and all she wanted was a nice hot shower and her bed.
"Ms. Steele... Ana," she could feel his hand against her elbow, "Let me get the car for you."
"I need to go to the airport," she walked on.
"The airport. Sure, Ma'am," Anastasia could tell that he was confused, "I suppose your luggage-"
"His orders, hm?" her voice sounded harsher than she'd intended and Sawyer looked struck.
"It's my job to make sure that you are safe at all times, Ms. Steele."
"Guess you've failed, then. Like... big time. I got away after all. Without you even noticing, Mister Sawyer," Ana pointed out snidely, her eyes wide, unsure where this was supposed to lead.
A muscle in Sawyer's jaw jumped, but apart from that he kept a straight face, "Now, let's get you back to the car, Ma'am."
Anastasia nodded slowly, wishing he would just stop calling her 'Ma'am'.
His hand flat against the small of her back he guided her gently towards a black SUV, firmly gripping her arm to steady her when she nearly took a tumble on the slushy sidewalk.
Sawyer closed the door behind her, apparently in a hurry to make a call. Anastasia pulled out her phone, too, now trying to call the airport, still eager to go home and leave all this behind.
And when the security officer finally got into the car, all her hopes for a quick end to all this were crushed, she'd been told that there wouldn't be any commercial flights before noon tomorrow. Frowning, she stared outside while Sawyer pulled away.
"Is-is Hugo Zulu on standby?" she asked into the silence that engulfed them, her voice trembling ever so slightly.
Sawyer glanced back at her through the rear-view mirror, "I'm sorry?"
"The... uhm... chopper?"
"Charlie Tango? I'm afraid it isn't, Ms. Steele. I'm sorry."
"Charlie Tango. Of course," she uttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.
"How about the jet?"
"Let me check with Mr. Taylor regarding this matter, Ma'am."
Mr. Taylor?
Her heart skipped a beat and she said, "Don't bother. But thank you anyway."
Anastasia's phone rang. It was Kate.
"Ana. Where are you? We're all worried."
"I'm fine, Kate. Don't worry."
"Where are you? José called. He said you're... crying?"
"On my way home."
"Home? As in Christian's house, no?" Kate sounded less drunk than earlier.
"No. Home."
"Ana, what-"
"Kate, I'm sick and tired of all this. All the booze, the partying, the old money thing. You didn't even care when I told you I wanted to go home."
"Ana, hon. Don't be like that. Christian's so sorry, so worried."
"Yeah, I bet he is," Anastasia's voice sounded snarky.
She averted her gaze when she caught a glimpse of Sawyer's stare that was reflecting back at her through the mirror.
Anastasia sighed, "Listen, Kate... no need to worry that I'm gonna spoil your fuckin' New Year's eve party later, 'kay? I promise I'll say all the right things, be all smiles... But guess what, Kate... right now... tonight, it's not okay."
Anastasia's voice sounded choked, "...not at all. And I'm not gonna pretend it is. Now go back partying. And tell Christian I don't want to talk to him. Or see him. Or whatever...," tears were welling up in her eyes.
"Ana, wha-"
Anastasia hung up without a goodbye and moved to open the window a little, the cold air cooling her hot, reddened cheeks. She drew in several deep breaths, biting back a sob.
A/N:
Guess who's the first to roll their eyes and shout "Yeah, right!" when they read an A/N with all the excuses as to why a writer wasn't able to update up until now? Touché!
Guess who has all the right excuses... scratch that, explanations ready right now? Right, I do.
I've missed you. I've missed Ana and Christian. Their Aspen staycation. Then life got busy, extremely busy, busy as in two bosses leaving and two new bosses added to the mix, lil ole Ava in the midst of it, trying to bring both on board as smoothly as possible, all the while paralyzed by a cancer scare of a close family member. All this sapped any creative energy left... and that's why the chapter you've just read is version number 15, yes, fifteen. And, guess what? I still don't like it.
I can only beg your forgiveness for disappearing for such a long time, this is not the way I had planned it, so, I can only hope that you are still with me, thank those of you who stayed for bearing with me... even though, I suppose, we could easily call all this "Blame it on the palm tree" or something by now.
But to cut a long story short: Thank you! I'm really, really sorry.
~ Ava