A/N: Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews and your questions as well as your concrit. As always, I very much appreciate it. Have fun with the next chapter, lovelies. x
Blame it on the Christmas Tree
by
Ava LeBeau
Chapter 3 – The Extra Mile
It was dark outside when she made her way back home to Seattle. It was a two hour drive from Montesano, given the roads were clear.
Lots of time to think and ponder, time to mull things over. Anastasia turned on the radio as she pulled onto the I-5, heading north.
Today had been a long day.
She'd left early to make the most of her day with Ray.
Ray had only just gotten out of hospital yesterday.
He had asked to be discharged early, much to her dismay and against explicit medical advice.
Therefore, Ana had wanted to make sure that the man that she called her father was okay and had everything he needed.
Being his usual stubborn self no matter how much pain he was in, Ray had claimed that he was fine and that there was no need for her to worry about him.
Making a fuss about him, as he would call it, had always been something he had despised with a vengeance, always treasuring his autonomy and privacy above all.
And so Ray had repeatedly assured Anastasia throughout the day that he'd manage.
His eyes, however, told a different story. There was pain behind those eyes, a pain that Ray was trying to hide behind his usual steely veneer, always the ex-military man. But there was no use in trying to fool Ana, she could tell that he wasn't feeling well.
It was actually his former military career that was the reason for his current condition.
Years ago, and still on active duty, Ray had caught a bullet in his side. For years, it hadn't given him any trouble, up until about a week ago when said bullet had started to migrate, fragments of it putting inner organs at risk, putting his life at risk, resulting in emergency surgery a few days ago.
Anastasia had been appalled at how very gaunt Ray looked and that grayish tinge his usually tanned complexion had taken on had made her gasp involuntarily when she had first seen him again.
After she had tucked him in on the couch in front of the TV, making sure he was comfortable, Ana had hurried back and forth between the kitchen and the pantry, eager to assure that both were fully stocked for him.
When she had returned to the living room to check back in with Ray, he had dozed off, snoring gently, making Anastasia grin. But it was only so long before he had woken up with a jolt, a groan escaping him. It was obvious that he was in pain.
Having her genuinely worried for him, Anastasia had offered to return on Thursday. She had even offered to stay overnight and to spend the whole Christmas holidays with him.
But Ray had only smiled weakly, gently patting her cheek as he told her that he would give it a thought.
Both knew that all he wanted was to retreat into his man cave to lick his wounds, just like he had always done.
At least she had made him promise her that he would take it easy and rest as he still needed to heal, but to be perfectly honest, Anastasia had not been convinced that he would keep his promise.
But to know that he could always just thaw one of the 100 or so frozen casseroles that Ana had stacked in the freezer for him was comforting.
Later on his next-door neighbor, Paula, had stopped by to say hello.
Ray's face had lit up and you could tell just how proud he was of 'his Annie' as he had told Paula everything about Ana's recent graduation and the job she had landed in Seattle.
The way they'd looked at each other made Anastasia wonder if the two of them were an item.
In hindsight, Ray had brought up Paula's name quite a lot throughout the day and the prospect of Ray having found love again, made Ana smile.
Love.
Still driving north, Ana was staring straight ahead and bit her lower lip.
Such a deep and complicated feeling, she thought, wondering if the trope they called love at first sight was even possible.
Attraction perhaps, both physically and intellectually. Yes, definitely possible, but love?
Surely, one look or maybe two wasn't enough to elicit such complex feelings. Neither was fleeting small talk.
Anastasia was convinced that love took time.
Lots of time.
To flourish and grow.
Also, she thought, it was pride that was the greatest enemy of love.
Pride.
Her mind wandered to Christian and the very thought of him was making her frown.
The cheek of him, she thought, still angry.
Blame it on the Christmas tree, Anastasia whispered to herself and rolled her eyes.
Yes, she had made quite the scene last night, and to be honest she wasn't proud. This had been so very unlike her.
But something inside of her had just flipped as she was sitting beside him in that fancy car, his condescending ways all of a sudden too much for her to bear.
Christian Grey sure had a talent to make her lose her composure and she didn't like the fact that he had such an effect on her. Actually it scared her to know that she felt so out of control when she was with him.
But then again, didn't that sound a little over-dramatic? Out of control.
Without doubt, if she didn't let him, there was no way he would ever have control over her and her life.
Humming along to the music that was blaring out of Wanda's speakers, she drove past the outskirts of Seattle.
No, she would never see Christian again.
Never.
And knowing that let a wave of relief wash over her.
That was at least what Ana told herself, that she should be relieved that she was rid of him.
But there was also that twinge on the inside again, a painful longing.
Yet, Anastasia was sure that what she was longing for was out of the question.
Christian Grey was, above all, just too self-absorbed, too arrogant, too rich, too out of her league, probably very hard to please and definitely way too married for her liking.
Anastasia knew that she could go on with that list forever and a grin tugged at the corner of her mouth.
'...All I want for Christmas is youuuuuu...' Mariah Carey chimed.
Anastasia turned off the radio.
Ana had slept in today and was now in the bathroom, taking her sweet time to get ready for the office Christmas party.
As usual, she was struggling with her hair.
Updo or not? Tousled or rather sleek?
She was unable to ever tame that mane and she wondered if she should even bother, poking out her tongue at her reflection in the mirror.
A lick of mascara and lipstick would have to do as, confirmed by a fleeting glance at her watch, she was already running late.
Taking one final glimpse at her outfit in the mirror and content with what she saw Anastasia hurried towards the kitchen, grabbing the cookie jar.
Next on her list was their gift for Jack.
Last night she had been too tired to wrap it, so the paper bag would have to do. It was a Dirty Santa gift after all and nothing too fancy was expected anyway.
Wrapping her scarf around her neck to keep warm, Anastasia walked over to the in the meantime dramatically diminished pile of boxes and bags on the sofa.
But soon it became all too clear that the hideous neon-green sweater was not there.
At a loss, Ana hurried to the kitchen to check. Nothing.
The small table by the front door? Negative.
Her heart started pounding in her chest.
Think, Ana! Think!
Monday evening.
The SUV, that look on Taylor's face when she had barked orders and her most embarrassing departure were very vivid before her inner eye.
She must have lost the bag on her frantic take-off.
Perhaps she had left it behind in the car?
Sure as hell there hadn't been enough time to check if she had all her bags with her when she had stormed off.
Cursing under her breath and now without a gift for their new boss, Ana grabbed her purse.
No time to lose anymore or else she'd miss her bus.
Also, she would also have to get another gift now and Jack had warned them to be there on time for the official part of the party.
Blame it on the damn Christmas tree, Anastasia cursed under her breath as she pulled the front door shut, hurrying outside to catch her bus.
"A bottle of Jack? Wrapped in today's newspaper?" Hannah cast her a bewildered glance, "What happened to the sweater, Ana? It was perfect, you know."
Ana looked contrite, chewing on her lower lip.
"Gone, must've lost it," she mumbled, her face crimson, "I'm so sorry, Hannah."
"There you are!" A familiar voice came from somewhere behind and Anastasia rolled her eyes, shoving the gift back into the bag she had brought along, hiding it under her desk.
"Hi Jack," Hannah and Anastasia piped in unison as they turned to face him.
"Ready for the best office party of the year?" Jack boasted, Ana bit back a groan, trying to smile sweetly instead.
Hannah and Anastasia moved to follow him into the large conference room, both new at SIP and definitely eager to please.
The room was already packed and staff was chatting animatedly while Mr Roach tested the microphone.
Apparently he was preparing for his Christmas speech.
Anastasia shifted from one foot to the other.
"Nervous?" Jack asked and smiled as he handed her a glass of champagne.
"Thank you," Ana replied, taking the glass and a sip from it, glancing at Hannah who gave a shrug.
"He-hello everyone," Roach's microphone blasted all of a sudden.
"Geez, who gave the man a mic?" Jack groaned, standing behind Hannah and Ana, watching the whole scene with his arms folded in front of his broad chest. Someone snickered.
"... I wanted to extend a quick welcome to all employees. And our guests. Welcome to SIP's annual Holiday celebration."
Ana took another sip from the champagne.
"A successful year for SIP is coming to an end while some of you are currently already planning next year's kick-off meetings."
Jack chuckled.
"But, as we all know, this year hasn't been without challenges and I am happy to announce that we've come through this as one would expect – stronger, more resilient and full of new ideas for our years ahead."
Anastasia could hear Jack utter "Cheers!" and glasses clinking. Anderson from marketing had joined him.
"There are many people in the crowd tonight that deserve a lot of credit for our success this year. My management team and I want you to know that your dedication to SIP and its customers is recognized and much appreciated. Rest assured that we do not take it for granted. Thank you. All of you."
Jack let out a snort, Ana could hear him take another sip from his drink.
"Next week the management team will present our plans for next year to our new Board for the first time. In accordance with the strategy of our new investor for almost four months now, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc., SIP's goal is to make next year even more successful and our portfolio even more creative than last year."
"There you have it, Anderson. It's all about expansion next year," Jack drawled.
"I am very delighted also that we can welcome you here via video call today, Mr Grey, despite your very busy schedule."
Anastasia froze when the video display in the front lit up and Christian's smiling face appeared on screen while a wave of applause roared through the room.
"Busy schedule, ha! I bet Grey's busy fucking around with an armada of lingerie models in St. Barths or the Fijis. Bollinger flowing like water, of course." Both Anderson and Jack laughed and clinked their glasses again.
"Thank you, Mr Roach, and thank you SIP for having me tonight," Christian said.
Anastasia held her breath, folding her arms in front of her chest, staring at the video wall.
She gasped when Jack leaned in, she could feel his hot breath on her skin when he whispered, "Once in a lifetime chance to see your boss's bosses' boss live and in color, Ana... take a good long look."
Anastasia nodded quietly, hoping he would just go away and leave her alone with all his snide remarks. If only he knew just how wrong he was with his assumption.
"It's been almost four months since our joint venture started. And let me tell you that I'm very pleased with my decision to choose SIP. So far you have exceeded my expectations in every way possible. I have to admit that it has been a been a very... very intense as well as interesting four months for me with SIP. Thank you for showing me just how much of an impact publishing can really make in today's world. Mr Roach has already mentioned it but I would like to point it out again: this year was SIP's most successful year in its history. And it is my biggest wish that in the year to come SIP will do even better. With new creative ideas and by exploring new markets..."
"To rake in the money for you, big time," Jack drawled and Anderson snickered. "I told you Grey's ruthless, Anderson. Fuckin' ruthless."
"You okay?" Hannah, who was standing next to her, whispered, looking concerned.
Ana nodded and drained her glass, lost for words.
"You know, just because GEH is our new investor you don't have to be worried for you job, Ana," Hannah mumbled. "Anyway, I'm gonna go get us more drinks," she giggled and left.
Christian. Her boss's bosses' boss?!
Anastasia's mind wouldn't stop racing, she was still staring at his face on the video wall.
"Some of you might already know that more than 250 million people around the world will face hunger this Christmas... 250 million," he paused for effect, "... A number that has confirmed my resolution to eliminate world's hunger and further my family's tradition of feeding the world's hungry at this time of the year. I would like to thank you for all your support and compassion so far. I'm deeply touched by all your messages expressing your gratitude and hope for the new year, also making propositions regarding this matter that is so close to my heart..."
"Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse...," Jack groaned again, "A hungry man has no conscience, Grey. Don't you know?"
Somebody whispered, "Preachy."
"Speaking of gratitude," Mr Roach added, "I want you all to know that all the bonuses our employees are going to receive this year are the result of Mr Grey's generosity and I personally as well as in the name of SIP want to thank you, Mr Grey, for your generous and ongoing support when it comes to running this publishing house."
"Pass me the sick bucket," Anderson ground out, his voice thick with sarcasm.
When Hannah returned with two glasses of champagne, Anastasia let out a sigh she had been holding in.
"Cheers!" Both smiled and clinked glasses.
"Well, thank you, Mr Roach," a smiling Christian continued, "so, all that remains for me to say is have fun tonight. Be safe and may you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season. Thank you."
Another wave of applause and the video stopped.
"Ana," Hannah pulled her closer, beaming, "A bonus. Oh my gosh... We are going to get a bonus this year."
Mr Roach's voice filled the room again, "And now, to someone who's always committed to the customer, someone who always puts our customers first, someone who it is a pleasure to work with…"
"Come on," Jack urged, his voice was low.
"Jack Hyde and his creative team…"
The crowd cheered and Jack said, "About time," and smirked.
"Where are you Jack? Come, join me here."
"Showtime, ladies," Jack winked at Ana and Hannah, who both looked rather puzzled, and moved to join Mr Roach, flanked by applause.
Have fun tonight.
Christian's voice was still echoing in Anastasia's head.
It was really nice seeing you again …
My resolution to eliminate world's hunger...
I'd love to see you again...
… may you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season...
Jack Hyde's husky laughter dragged her out of her thoughts. He had joined Mr. Roach and took the microphone for a quick impromptu speech.
"Well, thank you, Jerry, you should've mentioned me and my team to praise our outstanding performance before Christian Grey bowed out of here," Jack quipped, grinning broadly.
The crowd laughed.
Grinning, Mr. Roach patted him on the back and Jack Hyde continued.
"Anyway, I'd like to thank my team, without them I would be nothing and without them I wouldn't have achieved all this. For SIP... I would particularly like to thank Linda and Cheryl and of course my absolutely amazing assistants, Anastasia and Hannah." Jack could be really charming when he wanted to.
"Of course, and I want to emphasize this since it seems to be so important to … uhm... Mr. Grey: we will do everything we can to give Mr. Grey's heartfelt concern full consideration when we select our portfolio next year, because his concern is also our concern and we know that SIP will do everything it can to make that concern a reality," a wry grin ghosted across his features.
"My team and I want to make SIP and its management proud and continue to move forward to remain market leader."
The crowd roared and Anastasia wondered if at least some of them had noticed Jack's subtle undertones when he was talking about Christian Grey's vision.
"I am proud to be a part of SIP and proud to work with such outstanding people like you here every day. You are the ones who make the difference. Thank you, guys!"
Jack handed the mic to Jerry Roach, who looked very pleased, and went back to his usual spot, stopping now and then to shake hands and accept congratulations.
Cheerful chatter was engulfing Anastasia and Mr Roach declared the buffet opened, but she didn't really care.
Maybe Christian Grey wasn't as self-absorbed as she had thought he would be?
What if she was all wrong when it came to her judgment about him?
She started chewing on her lower lip, not sure what to do, wishing she could turn back time. Maybe even apologize for Monday evening.
When Jack Hyde reached Anastasia, he touched her arm and said nonchalantly, "You're coming, right?"
Anastasia looked confused and Hannah raised an eyebrow.
"A little celebrating... with the management," Jack gave her one of his flawless smiles.
"Trust me, it'll get you ahead, Ana," he leaned closer and lowered his voice, "it's all about going that extra mile, you know," he winked at her.
"I- I don't know, Jack," Anastasia shifted from one foot to the other, toying with the stem of her glass.
Anderson had joined them again.
"Won't take no for an answer, Ana," Jack insisted and Anastasia nodded slowly.
"Anderson, you already know Anastasia here, right? She has a lot of talent, really a lot of talent. I was the one who discovered her," Jack boasted and pulled Ana to him once again.
Of course, she already knew Anderson.
"Anyway, let's go," Jack Hyde smiled at Anastasia and led the way out of the conference room. Anderson and his assistant followed them.
"Limo's out front, Anderson," Hyde called and moved to help Anastasia with her coat.