Disclaimer:

The original characters and plot are the property of E.L. James. I'm just having a lil' fun. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 11 | Open Invite

STEELE

"Luke, will you please stop at the deli on Fourth, before you take me home? I'm not in a cooking mood tonight."

He looks at me funny, then nods. I think nothing of it. When we get in the car and are on our way, I realize it really is something, "Ana, I don't mean to intrude. Is everything ok between you and Ms Kavanagh? You've been staying in the office later, as well as venturing to the library a few times last week. I'm not complaining, and I don't want you to think I'm keeping tabs…"

I put my hand up to stop his rambling, "Luke, you and I are friends. Thank you for noticing. No," I shake my head for emphasis, "things between Kate and I aren't ok. She keeps bashing Christian, and I'm tired of it. I get home as late as I can, trying to avoid her. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes I'm not. Over the weekend, she decided to kick my name around in the mud a bit, too." His eyes shoot to the rearview mirror and flash red, but he doesn't say anything.

As we get to my favorite deli, my stomach starts growling like crazy. We go inside together, give our orders at the counter, then sit on a nearby bench and wait for our names to be called. I knew something was on his mind, but I never realized it was this deep. Right outta the blue he turns to me and asks, "Ana, when are you gonna get away from Kate?" He's looking me straight in my eyes. "I'm not digging, and I'm not reporting anything to anyone, under strict instructions, actually." My questioning look causes him to nod. "Would you like to go back to Escala? At least for the night? You can get some rest and peace of mind, if nothing else." It's so tempting, but I dunno how I feel about being there without Christian.

"I'll keep it in mind Luke, I'm not saying no. It feels drastic and weird to be there without Christian." We both almost sprint to the counter when we hear our names called and practically get into a shoving match trying to pay for our meals. I let Luke win, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Mr. Cockstrut and I find a cubbyhole to squeeze in, "Ana." He stops himself again, then raises his eyes to me. I know he wants to unload, but he doesn't wanna cross Christian's Employer-Employee line.

I'll make it easy for him, "Luke, I'm not your boss, you can say whatever's on your mind. Kate's an acquired taste, I…" He sputters into his Pepsi, making me giggle.

After cleaning up his chin and dress shirt, he lets loose, "Acquired taste?!" He whisper yells. "She's a battle-ax, Ana. She's selfish, spoiled, and inconsiderate as hell. I know opposites attract, but damn. The two of you are diametrically opposed." He shakes his head and I drop mine. Kate's all that and more. Why I haven't acknowledge it long before now, I dunno. She's been this way since we met freshman year. It never bothered me. It was just her way.

The soft, concerned sound in his voice makes me raise my head, "Ana, she's gonna say the wrong thing one time too many, then you'll have to choose." What does he mean choose? Choose what? He nods again, then answers my unasked question, "Choose between your happiness or Kate. You can't have both, and Kate only wants one."

Eloquently said Mr. Sawyer. Mayhaps she'll listen to you.

It's my turn to nod. For half a second I think about this past weekend. Accepting his offer is on the tip of my tongue when he says, "Come on, it's getting late. You have more than enough to deal with between Kate, at all, and SIP eight hours a day. No need to inject exhaustion in the mix. If you insist on staying at the apartment, I wanna get you back at a decent hour. You need to sleep." We clear our trays in the trashcan, then move toward the door, "Think about moving to Escala or even staying the weekend. The door's always open and "we'll leave the light on for you."

Giggling, I look up at him, "You're dating yourself, Lukey."

He stops in his tracks, blocking the doorway, then turns his head and raises an eyebrow at me. I'm about to apologize when he says, "Yet you know what I'm talking about." I giggle some more.

By the time we get back to the apartment, my mood is a little lighter. The Audi SUV comes to a halt in front of my building, and I take a deep breath. As I'm girding myself to get out, Luke turns in his seat and looks at me,"Remember Ana, just Just because Gail and Jason aren't back yet, they'll be home soon. Ever since Taylor realized Mr. Grey was overseas without security, J's been on the warpath and Gail hasn't stopped worrying about both of you." I'm not surprised by Jason's reaction to Christian's absconding, but Gail has no reason to worry about me.

"J called an immediate staff meeting, while on vacation mind you. Gail was PISSED! Taylor was on fire, trying to pin Me. Grey's Great Escape on one of us. When we got the meeting alert, Alex included, we knew to keep our mouths shut."

"Whadaya mean? It wasn't anyone's fault, except Christian Copperfield."

"No, the guys knew what he was doing. Everyone had an assignment, other than being his detail. We thought Taylor was traveling with him and Taylor thought one of us was traveling with him. J and Gail went on vacation, but the assignments stayed the same. I'm with you, Ryan's at Escala and Reynolds floats around. In this case, he should've floated overseas, pun intended, rather than between Grey House and Escala."

Christian wasn't elaborate in his disappearing act. He casually assigned everyone everywhere else. Best hiding place is in plain sight, right. No Big Bang Theory, he's just flying solo.

"It was funny. Taylor was yelling about 'loosing' Mr. Grey in plain sight. Reynolds was bold enough to say, or too stupid not to say, 'Didn't you give the assignments Top?' I but my tongue, hard. Alex laughed out loud and shook his head. Ryan acted like the light fixture on the ceiling was the most interesting object he'd ever seen." I'm in stitches hearing about Jason's reaction to Christian running away from home.

"There'll be hell to pay when J gets back, I'm sure. As long as it's not coming outta my ass, I'm good. Now missy, I've definitely kept you up past your bedtime. Don't forget. You know my number, and you know the address."

I wipe the laughing tears from my eyes and look into his concerned ones. This man is the older brother I'm now realizing I need, "I won't forget. Good night Luke."

"Good night, Miss Steele," and I'm giggling, again.

The apartment is dark when I open the door. I half expected to hear Kate and Elliott swinging from the rafters.

Nope. Coast appears to be clear.

I move toward my room, intent on a nice hot bath, when she appears from nowhere.

You spoke too soon, dear.

So I see.

"THERE YOU ARE! I've been waiting for you. Have you seen the headlines? The conceited bastard's whizzing around Taiwan dressed like a teenager." Kate shoves a newspaper in my face. First, she scared the shit outta me. I'm about to ask what the fuck she's talking about when she blurts out, "An editor over the Society section brought their article to Daddy's office and gave me a copy, since he knows we're friends.

Daddy, huh? I wonder how well that goes over in staff meetings.

Does she even go to staff meetings? I mean, she's the boss's brat, it's not like she's working.

Please, not tonight. It's bad enough listening to her yammer on. Too bad the library isn't open twenty-four hours. Luke could've dropped me off there, but then he'd have to stay, that's not fair to him. When I come back to the conversation, her mouth is moving a mile a minute "…he looks ridiculous. Is this some kinda fashion statement of what not to wear? What's with all the baby blue? Really, Grey?"

She stuffs the pages in my hand, then crosses her arms, waiting feedback I guess. "Kate, don't come at me from outta nowhere ever again. Do you understand? It's an act of aggression, and I'll retaliate accordingly next time," I hiss, with one hand on my hip, the other pointing the newspaper in her face. She backs up a couple paces.

My eyes have the same fire in them as my voice does, I know they do. One thing Daddy taught me was to watch your back. I see I've gotten lazy because I have Luke. Not anymore. I take my glare off a stunned Kate Kavanagh and look at the newspaper that was slammed into my chest.

Taipei Eyez — Baby Blue Bachelor

Multibillionaire Christian Grey, pictured above, wearing an unassuming outfit of baby blue jeans, hoodie and Chucks, was spotted racing out of Taipei International Airport in next year's Audi R8 Spyder performance sports car. Be on the lookout ladies. We certainly will."

He's wearing baby blue? Be still my beating heart. He's not wearing black or grey or even a fucking suit. Every woman wants to see her man sporting pastel colors, and making them look this good? Bonus! My baby pulled off both. I smile and sigh softly, like he's a dreamy pop idol, and I'm his star-struck fan. He seems carefree. Like the weight of the world is off his shoulders. I'd like to frame this one, he looks so handsome.

She was quiet for so long, I forgot Kate was in the room. "Ana?" I look up from the paper when I hear the motherly, there-there sound in her voice. It makes me wanna scream.

I wave the paper in her face, "Do you want this, Kate?" She steps back again, and scrunches her face. "I'll take that as a 'no'. Thank you for the article." I continue the short walk to my room, and shut the door behind me. Locking it isn't necessary. Once she hears the shower running, she'll back off.

Before bed, as usual, I email my fiancé.

November 07, 2011 9:12 PM PDT

To: Christian Grey

From: Ana Steele

Subject: You Look…

…Fabulous in pastels, baby. Did Carolyn Acton go shopping for you? I can't picture you buying anything lighter than stone grey.

I miss you and I love you. Please let me know you're ok. And don't work too hard.

Ana

P.S. I may go stay at Escala when Gail and Jason get back. I hope that's ok.

I hit Send and pray for a response.

This morning is already turning out bad. My eyes are red, and my head is pounding. I couldn't stop my mind from racing last night. Between Christian, my job and Kate, I couldn't relax. I felt myself drifting off, as the alarm clock came alive. Now, even my trusty tea isn't helping. As I'm rummaging though the cupboards looking for Excedrine, she starts her shit, "Ana, are you ok? I know it's gotta be rough seeing that bastard in the paper. If Elliott ever…"

My psyche snaps. "KATE! STOP!"

Good morning to you.

When I look over at the coffee maker, her green eyes are wide, and she's gaping at me. "I'm not gonna tell you again. Leave. Christian. Alone. He's done nothing to you…"

She regains her composure at the sound of his name, "…except hurt my best friend." She actually sounds indignant.

"Kate, either you stop your shit or I'm leaving." Her eyes immediately glaze over and threaten tears. I take a moment to look at her. Why is she so insufferable about Christian? Thinking back to the other night, she and her friends picking apart my life, her constant search for problems in my relationship and even bitching about Elliott, she's unhappy, period. I dunno when it happened or how it happened, but it's making my life miserable.

"Save the waterworks for Elliott, Kate," with that said, her tears dry up like the Sahara Desert.

Finding the holy grail of headache relief, I pop a couple Excedrine in my mouth with a large gulp of orange juice. I know I'll feel better once I'm in the car. I almost knock Kate over when I brush pass her to get my notebooks, laptop, purse, and messenger bag. With my hand on the doorknob I say, "Here's hoping we don't have this discussion again." I put my messenger bag on my shoulder, then march out the door heading downstairs to meet Luke.

If it weren't for the fact we live together, I'd beat the shit outta her in the dark and let her figure it out on her own when she came to. I promised myself not to run from my own home, but she's making it damn near imposs…

OOOF!

"OH SHIT! I'm sorry." Is all I hear. I ran straight into this "teenager"? I guess he is. They're making them bigger and bigger every year. Luckily for *me, he caught me, right around my waist, or I'd be on the ground. Unluckily for *him, he caught me, right around my waist. The kid has enough time to stand me up, like his picking up his little sister, before Luke bodyslams him against the wall next to us.

When my sight clears, the vision in front of me is ghastly. "LUKE STOP!" He's holding the kid against the wall by the throat. Now, the boy is a good size bigger than me, but he's no match for an angry Luke Sawyer.

Luke is in pure security detail mode when he snarls, "Are you alright, Miss Steele?"

At the sound of my name the boy's eyes widen. He mumbles something that sounds like, "Miss Who?" Hmmm, someone in Seattle who doesn't know my face? Cool.

"It was my fault, Luke, you saw it. The kid saved me from having gravel on my butt." Luke ignores me long enough for the boy's eyes to begin drooping. It's a sleeper hold and totally unnecessary. "Lucas!" He hates that name. "Put. Him. Down.". Luke finally lets the kid go and turns to face me. I point to the car, "Wait for me please."

"Miss Steele…"

"It was an accident! He didn't run into me, I ran into him. They happen to normal people all the time. Please wait in the car."

The kid slid down the wall when Luke released him. Bright, deep blue eyes look up at me in wonder. "I didn't know it was you."

He's not making any sense. "Sweetie, are you alright? Do you need help getting up?" His breathing is back to normal and the color has returned to his face, so I'm not calling an ambulance. "Do you need a ride somewhere? Shouldn't you be in school?" My last question shakes him out of his stupor.

"Um, no ma'am, I mean yes, ma'am, I mean…" I put my hand on his shoulder to cease his stuttering.

I see Luke, in my periphery, beginning to get out of the car, "Get back in the car, Frank." When I turn my head to look at him, his face is still red. He nods once, then returns to his seat. I'll get him some Hershey Kisses at lunchtime. He'll be fine.

Looking back at my victim and I ask an easy question, "What's your name cutie?" The big guy blushes. It goes beautifully with his blue eyes.

"My name's Christopher. Yes, I was on my way to school. I'm running late today. Thanks, Mom." He said the last part in a softer voice, so I know I wasn't supposed to hear him. It causes me to giggle, then he looks up at me again, grinning from ear to ear. His expression lightens my dreary morning.

"Come on, youngster, get up." He rises from the floor in one smooth motion, almost like a ballerina. "Do you want a ride to school, kiddo?" He shakes his head, still spellbound. "Maybe we should get you home instead. I apologize for the gorilla over there." I point at an obviously heated Luke Sawyer.

"Pff," Christopher scoffs. "He caught me off guard. He's a pro, I can tell, but he ain't got shit on my dad and my uncles. My granddad would eat him for lunch." His hutzpah causes me to giggle. When he looks down at me, I see a familiar sparkle in his eyes. "I'll be fine, Miss Steele. I'm gonna get going." He turns to go on his merry way, as if he wasn't just accosted by a six-foot five-inche retired Army Military Policeman. "Enjoy your day…" He stops abruptly, there's more he wants to say, but catches himself.

"Enjoy your day too, Chris." The men his family must be monsters because the kid smirked at Luke, still in the driver's seat, as he walked by the SUV. I go over to the car, and glance in the direction Chris went. My day was just brightened by a ginger haired, twinkling blue-eyed teenage smile.

Our ride to SIP is silent. I don't know if Luke is waiting for me to light into him, but I'm sure waiting for him to light into me. I can't stand awkward silences or acting like all's well when it's not. Guess I'll have to rip off the band-aid. "Go ahead Luke, tell me what I did wrong."

He quickly glances at me in the rearview mirror, "You didn't do anything wrong, Ana. Yeah, I was kinda rough with him. I saw you run smack-dab into him and all he did was catch you. He even looked a little star struck when he heard your name, so I don't believe he was a stalker. You still need to let me do my job. I need you to stay out of a potentially volatile situation. All of that said, you didn't do anything wrong. I should've handled it differently."

"I get it, and I'll do better too. Thanks, Frank." I'm trying to lighten his mood.

I knew I succeeded when he replies, "Sure thing, Rachel."

"Is he here yet?" I look up from my iPad to the door, where Hanna standing, and shake my head, then go back to reviewing the notes for my 'real' author's meeting this afternoon. "What time was he supposed to be here?"

I look at my watch, "He was due at 10:30," I say in a blasé tone. The shit he wrote sucks. If he's a no-show, I don't hafta crush his hopes and dreams. Plus, I've finished all the other garbage reading I was assigned. Now, I can focus on my real author, in peace and quiet. I count it as a win.

"I saw Marcus going into Mr. Roach's office a few minutes ago. Marcus looked more annoyed than usual."

He is more annoyed than usual. We sat here together, each finishing our respective work, then discussing my notes about this wannabe's writing. Marcus was bloodred when we finished talking. "Did you hear raised voices?" I ask, without looking away from my notes.

"No. No raised voices. It's actually too quiet for my liking." Hanna grew up in a large family where a general conversation was a shouting match. No one was mad, they just all wanted to be heard, at once. Peace and quiet are the lull before the storm for her.

I smile and look up at her, "Marcus showed up early today, after working late yesterday. He's been trying to catch Jerry and find out why I was assigned a prospective author meeting, alone. Jerry blew him off, saying it was impossible and 'Ana must've been confused by the calendar.' I deepen my voice, in a poor imitation of Roach. Hanna's eyes widened and I nod my head. "Yep, I must be a ditz. Marcus got even more upset at the comment and followed Jerry into his office, with a physical printout of the schedule. I'm waiting for the verdict." I shrug one shoulder, then look back at my iPad.

Whoever this putz is, he's got another fifteen minutes of my time. "Hanna?" She's a million miles away, chewing on her pen cap. When she looks over at me I ask, "Would you please grab…" I'm interrupted by none other than Courtney Beckner and…*MY AUTHOR*!

I jump up at the sight of him. Mr. Furuya immediately reaches out to shake my hand. Courtney puts her hand on the man's shoulder and practically yanks him man away from me. I continue, as if she wasn't in the room, "Mr. Furuya. It's always wonderful to see you." I stress the word always because he's never seen Courtney before.

"Hello Anastasia. I must admit, I was surprised when you rescheduled our meeting. We agreed on 2 PM."

I frown, deeply, then look at Hanna, who's frowning as well. Before either of us can speak, Courtney jumps in, "I changed your appointment time, Mr.… Um…" She's quiet for a moment, then looks at some piece of paper. You can tell she's trying to sound out the man's name. How fucking embarrassing. She doesn't know him, and I just said his name when we tried to shake hands.

Mr. Furuya is not impressed. "Furuya. My name is Yasu Furuya. I've been working with Anastasia for weeks. Who are you?" He raises an eyebrow at her. Mr. Furuya's not new to the publishing game. Getting a foot in the door has been almost impossible for him. His collection of short stories and his fiction novels have been ignored for years. He was actually surprised, and grateful when I recommended him to Jerry.

Yasu and I are working on the second book in his sequel. The first novel was already finished, his issue was no one would publish it. I wasted no time sprucing up a few things, then get it on the shelves. Yasu Furuya has been on the New York Times Bestseller list going on four weeks now.

"I will only work with Anastasia. Whoever you are, you should speak with the Editor-In-Chief to verify our agreement." He crosses his arms over his chest and waits for her response.

Being Courtney, she says the wrong thing, "Well, Mr. Um… I mean, sir…" I'm turning red for her. Mr. Furuya promptly turns on his heels and marches to the door.

"Whoa! Hello Mr. Furuya, what's your hurry, sir?" Marcus to the rescue. I wonder if he was eavesdropping again.

Mr. Furuya turns his eyes to Courtney, "This. THIS!" He waves his hand, as if he was swatting away a mosquito, "is posing as an editor or assistant editor or something." When I look at Marcus, I see Mr. Roach standing behind him in the doorway. So does Mr. Furuya, who's now eyeing Jerry suspiciously. "My agreement was to work with Anastasia. No one else. I've never met this…" he won't even say her name. I wonder if she bothered introducing herself. "Not to mention how excruciatingly rude it is to not know someone's name, when it's been said in front of and directly to you more than once."

The cow has the nerve to turn her eyes my direction and to glare at Hanna too. I stare back at her, dumbfounded. Hanna looks like she wants to slap Courtney in the face.

Do it! Do it!

Not now!

Aw, I never getta have any fun.

Just as I'm about to speak, Mr. Furuya puts up his hand to stop me, "No need to respond, Anastasia. I know what's going on here and I'm well aware you have nothing to do with it. Mr. Roach, you'll be hearing from my attorney." Mr. Furuya pushes pass Marcus and Jerry, making a beeline for the lobby, and the front door!

Courtney begins to go after him, when Jerry stops her and tells me, "Go." I don't say a word. I almost sprint to the door.

"Mr. Furuya! Mr. Furuya! Sir! Please WAIT!"

Much to my surprise, Luke catches Mr. Furuya, then courteously asks what the issue is and how can make it right. I say a lighting quick prayer for having Luke in my life.

After a few agonizing moments, Mr. Furuya walks over to me. I know there's a pleading look on my face because I feel like if this man leaves here today, my career will leave with him. "Anastasia. Mr. Sawyer has graciously invited me to a home cooked meal, made by you." He raises that infamous eyebrow at me, causing me to giggle. "We can then have our originally scheduled conversation in a peaceful, professional setting.

"Do you have any preferences, sir?" I guess he thought I was gonna back down. Lukey knows I love to cook and I know Lukey loves my cooking, so he wins too.

"Unless you are proficient in Asian Cuisine, anything except Asian Cuisine." I giggle again.

"No sir, I'm not and I won't experiment on you. Do you have any allergies?" He shakes his head, no. "Good, then how about stuffed pork chops, roasted carrots and candied sweet potatoes? Dessert will be a surprise. Do you have any wine preferences?" His expression has changed dramatically. Again, he just shakes his head. "Good, then we'll do a classic wine pairing. Did Luke say what day and time?"

Or location?

I know, right. No way I'm trying to save a book deal with Kate's irritating ass around.

"No he didn't. Since this sounds like Sunday dinner, how about my wife and I join you on Sunday evening at…"

"Escala." I finish immediately. Hopefully, Gail and Jason will be back so we can all get together.

Mr. Furuya agrees. "Thank you for not leaving, Mr. Furuya. I'm sure this won't happen again." Somehow, I'm the one embarrassed by this stunt.

"My dear Anastasia. You remind me so much of my daughter. As I stated, I know you had nothing to do with that fiasco. Mr. Roach should treat you better. Until Sunday my dear." I walk the rest of the way out of the building with my real author. Arranging for Luke to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Furuya early Sunday evening, trying not to sound like a broken record with my apologies.

Once we're back inside I say, "Nice save, Frank" and punch Luke, lightly on the shoulder.

"Sure thing, Rachel" he says, then goes back to his post, wherever that is today.

As I approach the conference room, I see Hanna in the hallway, chewing on her pen cap again. "What were you thinking Courtney!? All the documentation shows Ana as his only contact since he, and she, got here. You were supposed to be at their first collaboration session and, from what I understand, you didn't show up! Now, you try to outright steal her author! Why!? And don't give me some line about you didn't know." It's Jerry, and he's getting loud. Marcus turns his head to look over his shoulder. He sees me through the window and promptly waves Hanna and me away, before Jerry can turn around and see us as well.

"What happened with Mr. Furuya? Did you stop him?" Hanna whispers, as we go back into the Lair.

I only nod. Who knew about this? What, or even who, can I trust? Hanna, Noah, Marcus, Tyler, and Logan's names spring to mind. I'm gonna need to speak with Noah. Apparently my thoughts are written all over my face because Hanna declares, "Marcus grabbed Noah, as soon as you ran after Mr. Furuya. Tyler yanked me outta the conference room, telling me to wait for you, then beat it back to the Lair.

"What the fuck was she trying to prove? She almost…"

"Lost a real author," Marcus appears from nowhere. "Eavesdropping ladies. I told Jerry and Noah the same thing. Something strange is happening and while I have my suspicions, keep it under your hat. Jerry's not giving anything away, but I have a feeling there's a Dead Man Walking around here."

FOOTNOTE

Dead Man Walking

1995 film, written by Helen Prejean and directed by Tim Robbins