Fsog Girls in the garden
Anna's folly. Two days before New Year's.
I just wanted a book, a new unread book. It all started out so good. Driving down the snow dusted road, radio KTKE blaring hits from decades past. Singing badly with the old tunes. Remembering, Ray's road trip sing-a-longs. The worst singer, best days of my life. Just the two of us; cruising down the road. happy day indeed.
Doing my best Britney Spears and Mandy Moore lip sync. Like Ray and I used to do all the time. I'm happy and free. At least for the moment. Driving into snow sprinkled Truckee California.
Putting on oversize sunglasses, scarves covered hair in a Ram truck older than Ray's. Parking next to the train station platform fence. A herd of snow bound, wait for the train, ski bags risen to the blue gray sky; Happy chatter fills the air.
Paid the meter, and walked across the road into the small book store in the historic part of town. I slipped away, needing alone time, and feeling the need to rebel. Ray and Christian were jogging the fence trail. Gail was sleeping off Jason's late-night romp. Jason was snoring softly in the living room, not watching a soccer game.
Needing to be me. Word After Word Books is just the tonic for my nerves and mind. Here in the loving embrace of the written word, lost in author's fantasy. The quiet, loving cocoon of the bookstore. I browse the current fiction choices. Heavenly.
It's not till the window starts strobing do I realize my covers blown. Great how did they find me? The owner sweetly lets me hide in the office while the police try to get control. I'm horrified at the ruckus I'm causing. Why am I a ruckus at all?
Looking up, seeing my prince walk in; all hot in his business suit, clean shaved. Looking at me like I'm in so much trouble. "HI?" A mouse would sound braver. I squirm under his gaze.
"Anastasia? What were you thinking?"
"I wanted a book and some time alone to browse for it." I pout at him. He just tis-tic me. I feel thirteen again, caught skipping school to read in the library. My only offense, my only teenage criminal behavior. At least before today.
"Come? The Police have a corridor out of here. We need to get going. The ranches blown. The name was on the truck. Ray was hoping for a repeat of Christmas's sex-capades over New Year's. He's not happy either." He speaks with a smirking grin. I'll miss our private hot spring, our quiet secluded nudism in the snow cover Serra hills.
Standing I look at the manager. Buying my book and apologizing for the twentieth time. We head out. Silk head scarf over my head and huge thick sunglass, shades me from the camera flashes. The shouts and language would shame a marine drill segreant. The noise and questions piss me off. Like I'm some super skank actress or pop princess, gold digging loser, not a simple English major. Christian's arm around me, protecting me, feeling his love and warmth. Steadies my quaking nerves.
I stop and scream at them "WOULD YOUR MOTHER OR GRANDMOTHER APPROVE OF YOUR GROSS LANGUAGE!" Before Christian hustle me into the car.
We slowly motorcade away. Arriving at the Reno Airport; a private jet. Sitting, avoiding Gail scowl at my folly. Blushing in embarrassment for ruining our idyllic snow holiday. I read my book and avoid everyone's stare. Christian sitting next to me; works his laptop.
Slowly the stress and day fade into a nap. The simple trip to the bookstore has sapped my energy and scoured my nerves; Sleeping cuddled into Chris is just what the doctor ordered.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"Anna? Anna? Wakee-upeee?" I shake awake as Christian peppers my face with kisses. Kissing his lips, I open my eyes to sexy grey iris. "HI?" I say against his lips.
"Where here?" He pulls back, pulling me upright. Looking out the window? Where are we. Stepping out of the plane into a generic aircraft hangar. The warmth is very different from the Serra cold. Boarding a tinted window limo; heading outside into gray stormy landscape. "Where are we?"
"Well, a friend let us have his private compound for New Year's. Welcome to Sarasota Florida. We're headed to Siesta Key. The house is on Sarasota Point. Nap it's going to take a while." I nap.
The beach house is large, beautiful, and crowded together. This will be a press nightmare. We walk into the house and out the back door, stepping on to a power boat; Sleepily, we are speeding down the coast. Numbed from the travel and stresses. I shake awake in the brisk ocean spray.
"Christian?"
"I don't know: only Jason." He says, we look at Jason looking grim and tired. We chase the noon sun along the coast. We cruise by a large city, turning into a channel to another large expense house. Walking thru the house to another tinted SUV.
I see the airfield sign, we're back at the airport? We board another jet and cruise away into the late afternoon.
We land in Aspen near dusk. Bundle up: whisked into Christian house. The body double did their job till I screwed everything up. Sitting tired in our bed. I let the shadows calm my nerves. "Well, this is not the day I thought it would be."
"The body doubles are at the House in Florida. They arrived back on a boat, hour after we left. The Press thought we were getting away. No one knows we are here yet. The body doubles won't last but a day or two. But we cleared the press horde here and bought up large blocks of hotel suites. The closes they can find are down road about an hour, in Glenwood Springs. Let's take a relaxing bath and forget today?"
"Carry me into the bathroom, my limbs are too tired to move." He leans to pick me up. I grab his neck, pull him in to bed, rolling him under me: tripping my waiting femme fatale trap.
Laying on top. I pepper his face with soft kisses and licks. While undoing the belt and buttons hiding my play-toy. Getting him uncovered. "I have a terrible addiction to sweets. I want to see how many licks and sucks it take to get to the center of mountain Christian." Sliding down I fulfill my words. Although I lost count. I'm sure it was somewhere around a hundred or two.
We never do get into the tub that night. At least we get a happy new year watching the fireworks over Aspen.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January four. Aspen Anna-pov
Christian laughs at my antics with the housekeeper dog in the snow just beyond the patio. The old guy, a mixed menagerie of noble breeds valiantly whoofs an dance with me. Old Tom main sire seems to be Bouvier des Flandres with Retriever and German Shephard and Collie in there somewhere. Millie, the housekeeper, laughs telling me he's around twelve years old. I worried the play was too much; but he relishes the fun.
Even seeking me out to play. Dragging my sleeve outside for merriment. Laughing as we make snow angels and dog butterflies (dog rolls from side to side with paws outstretched) in the freshly falling powder. I can't remember a time when I felt so free and loved. I see a shadow cover my face. Hulking form hidden in the shadows. "Anna, time to come in." Daddy says between laugher. "no"
"Anna, Drinking Chocolate and cinnamon rolls?" Ray bribes me. Ok he's got my numbers. Sticking a hand up, he hauls me to my feet. Looking for Christian. He's not here, panic rises up. "Anna. ANNA! He had a call"
"OH? Yes?" Saying unsure. He's had more calls since the holidays fled. Sign that soon I must return to school and him Seattle. Old Tom nudges my leg, I lean down and scratch his ear, a sweet spot he loves.
"Anna? Talk to me?" Daddy hugs me to him.
"What is our future when we return to our lives. He's healed and will find a more worthy mate. One to his social caste, his looks."
"Anastasia Steele? You are more than worthy of him; You are all he seeks, and will always be. The question is? He's worthy of you? Can he deal with a woman of equal mind, and will? My little daughter you are more than a match for any society hag. More than a match for any corporate dweebe. You're my daughter! Iron willed and raised to see the reality over the illusions. Don't think this is the illusions! This is reality. Christian has and will move the world to have you in his arms and by his side. Go now; the drink grows cold; Christian needs his mate, not a doormat. Believe my words, little one. I've never lied to you!" Dad kisses my nose. It tickles. OK? I'm letting my inner fears rule my mind. Illusions are not what we have had these past weeks.
Inside I find Christian lounging on the couch, sipping the drinking Chocolate a frown mars his face, talking on the phone. I take my cup and cuddle into him, watching his face. "Ok ROZ! I will deal with it." Hanging up, he looks lost and afraid.
"Chris?" I whisper feeling the fear rise in me, as his mood deepens into darkness.
"The Taiwan deal needs me to fly out tomorrow. I'm Sorry." He's leaving me. I sip and don't taste anything but worry and doubts.
"Christian? Anna has a passport. Why don't you two; go together. She could be your PA." Ray speaks with Gail and Jason beside him nodding.
"You mean the three of us?" Christian says, guarded.
"No, I mean just the two of you, with Jason and security. I need to visit Gray Harbor and see how Jose's' going. Maybe counsel Elliott some. Get Carrick and Eammon out of the dog house." Ray laughs.
"Would you? Baby?" Chris asks in a whisper.
"Well, I don't have any business attire?"
"Carol has a completed wardrobe at the penthouse: Kyle, the penthouses temp housekeeper, can have it on the plane when you stop to refuel and pick up the rest of the staff; besides you going frees up CPO and Staff from dealing with unhappy pouting Christian Grey!" Gail smiles, stilling the laughter that Ray and Jason cannot.
"Why do I feel they have planned this sand-bagging attack" I quip.
"HHAAAA; I would think you'd jump at the chance to be rid of parental oversight. I guess Chris isn't such a big reward?" Dad laughs sliding to his knees.
"Anna, let us retire before dinner to our room; peace and quiet from the peanut gallery." He speaks sweeping his arm to encompass the adults, rolling about the furniture. Getting us to our feet and leading me away to our shelter from parental eyes and mischief. I wonder if we'll be like them at here ancient age; God I hope so!
Xxxxxxxxx
In the bedroom, in his arms, head against his chest. "Chris?"
"Anna, please come with me." He whispers in need.
"Chris, I have school coming up rapidly. I can't go on every trip with you." I whisper in pain at the separation I know must be nearing.
"Anna it's for only four-day, six max. I know your school will take center stage in your time. But any time we can be away together; we should grab it." Chris dances me to the seat below the large picture window. Sitting down, me on his lap. Looking into needy grey eyes and know that this is where I belong and must nurture our love to overcome both are fears and worries.
"Yes, I will be your PA and girlfriend for the trip.
"NO. My fiancée and PA for the trip."
"You haven't asked and I see no ring on this digit?" I smirk at his audacity.
Smiling like a loon, all trace of fear and worry gone. He lifts a red box to my nose. "With this token of my heart and soul. Will you make me whole?" He says between kisses.
Taking the box, looking into his eyes. "Yes, YES! YES! YES!" Straddling him on the seat and dropping the box: I kiss him like the world is ending, an we must alone repopulate the world. Anyone seeing us on the window seat will swear triple x is two wanting; maybe x time eight or nine.
Later in bed, he opens the box to a beautifully ancient ring with red, green, brown gems surrounding a blue diamond held in sapphire clasps. This is a ring to command respect and loves.
"It's an Art Deco from the 1920's France. I found the original in a Paris flea market when I was seventeen. I had Tiffany remake a copy of the ring with real stones the night: We fought in the garden alcove. I've always known that ring belonged on a lady's hand. I suspect God, made me save it for my soulmate. Now, I know it belongs no place else but here on your hand, Keeper of heart and soul."
"I love you and the ring. But a true token of our bond should be a little cuddly?" I giggle at the horror on his face thinking I mean to start our brood so soon.
"Puppy!" I laugh into his chest at the flooded relieve.
"Puppy? Not KIDS?"
"Kids will follow at fates pace, but not before I trod the stage with mortar board and gown. Soon the cruel world will invade our idyllic glen and thrusts us unclothed into the maelstrom of adulthood. So, for now let us play the rebellious children in love and mischievous. A puppy will help us learn to be parents and drive away our churlish kin!" I speak as if Elizabeth the First is hearing his pleas.
Laughing hard; Chris is actually giggle like a school boy of six. "Ray warned me English majors are strangely wordy and have mannered airs to humble us poor knaves and jesters."
"Well knave; We have but ten minutes till we dress to sup with our heathen kin." I roll on my stomach spread my legs wide. "WELL?" I shudder in need and giggles.
"Ten minutes, HUMM. A spanking; I think for humbling my words." Moving behind me, straddling my legs. Rubbing my ass. "Nine minutes!"
"Spank!" "OH"
"spank" "Ah"
"spank" to the heart of my sex. "HELL YES!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ray-pov: Seattle.
I watch the jet lift into the dark sky. Westward bound to foreign shores in Asia tropics. I laugh at my sorry pose. Annie's English degree is corrupting my speech. The two were talking and acting like some bad Shakespearean Tudor play. A very amusing couple of days. I will miss them. I should have gone with them, but they need time without my threatening presence in the shadows.
"Ray, they will be fine. Jason will have them safe and George the lead PA will make sure Anna's not buried. Relax. Plans for tonight?" Gail asks
"What did you have in mind?"
"Roz and Gwen would like to meet you. Gwen done up a nice Salmon and rice." Gail smirks at me.
"Lead on." I say we head into the city.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ray-pov
I watch the dawn from Roz and Gwen penthouse opposite Christians. The ladies are wild and very shrewd. I barely survived the poker game. Gwen, the innocent little card shark was miffed: I caught her bottom dealing several times. Or Roz hiding cards in the underside of her bra. Gail was marking card worse than a Reno dealer. The ladies did wheel out of me a tea cart, silver service chest and Baby Cradle. Roz and Gwen are planning to adopt a little girl to balance their son.
We did discuss after Gail headed home. Possibly being a sperm donor for their third child. I like the thought, but must check with Anna before I can commit. I sip the coffee with the dawn and wonder what the kids are doing; still airborne, I think.
I feel arms around me, soft lavender scent tickles my nose. "Gwen?"
"They just landed; Roz is snoring. Let us dress and go over to Pikes for breakfast. I feel the need for strong male arms to hold me."
"Your son?"
"The Housekeeper, Aggie will watch him. Let's go." She walks away.
Xxxxxxxxx
Walking down the hill to Pikes Market. Arm in Arm, laughing at anything and everything.
"Gwen?"
"It's been rough months; and I need to feel normal. Roz is great but I can't talk to her about my fears. She has too much on her plate already."
"Won't Grace or Gail?" I trail off at her expression.
"They are too close to the issues. You and Senior are further away to listen without being judgmental." She sighs "I'm not being clear, Sorry? I'm just not use to barring my"
"Gwen, Stop. Anything you tell me is and all ways be private. What are your fears?" I hug her, letting the closeness heal her wounds.
"The betrayals, the press, the changes."
"We cannot cure the past. Nor right the misquoted rumors of the petty minded. We can correct our manners and action tomorrow with hindsight and forethought to not continue the errors or wounds to others. We are now family; Family supports, family nurtures, family disciplines errors. Family." I speak
"Ok? I see where Anna gets her manners and speech. I think that's the longest sentence anyone heard from you in months?" Gwen laughs. Laughing, she's probably right. I'm not much for speeches. Holding the door to the café with a low bow.
"You guys stopped to look at every window display?" Roz laughs from a window table. Pointing to the photo leeches clicking away. Seating, Gwen teases, Roz she rode over. "Gwen, you wound me? I could have jogged over?"
"Yes, that possible? Like I'm a werewolf attacking Vampire during the half time show tomorrow is possible. Likely no." I laugh. Roz sticks her tongue out. I reciprocate. Gwen does too to us both. Laughing we look at the tabloid outside grinning; flipping them the international sign of distains, Flock of birds greets them.
"What's good here" I ask. Gwen orders for the table and we enjoy the meal; wander Pike market stalls and get presents for the kids and adults. Little things that have meaning and not price tags. Walking slowly back to the penthouse. It's been a great day. The ladies like my company. I know that Jose will be even better for them. All those Latin courtly manners. At least, We have ladies to escort if needed. And play poker with. Must work on my card shark techniques to stay even with the ladies.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Jose jr.
I'm breaking out of this dump. The nurses are butt ugly, sadist and all female. I called Tray, from
Elliott's crew.
With two CPO's. I'm headed to Seattle. Laurance is driving us; I'm going to enjoy the freedom till dad hunts me down and drags me back to gray harbor. I texted Anna; she hasn't gotten back to me. She would understand what is wrong with me right now; I need space; an no one is allowing me to have it.
Seattle, is bright lights and loud music, pulsing clubs of hot bodies and freedom. At least it should be, if not for the reality dumb f ##$ing fact: its four am. And Seattle is so dead, it looks more like a scene from Zombie town. The wandering dead meander aimlessly down the dark fog shrouded streets. Walks of shame and club zombies out number the early morning denizens' rush to work.
A predawn morning drizzles threatens thru the fog. We arrive at some tower, heading in I wonder who lives here. Till the door opens and redheaded black woman is growling at me. "Get in, be quiet! And don't come out of your rooms till dawn is two hours old. Got it!"
We nod: Shown into a bedroom suite, nice. I could use a nap; the escape has taken more out of me then I thought. Dreaming of nice landscape to photography, later.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Walking out to the red head, another lady bouncing a young squire. They smile; I feel loved and accepted. How weird?
"I'm Roz, that Gwen, this is CJ our son." The red head says, with laughter in between her word.
"Food, drink or just a hug?" The smaller lady smirks.
"Sure, all three. Why am I here?"
"Well, a little bird winging her way west. Asked us to aid and bet your prison escape before your father or Ray hunts you down."
"Typical Anna. We'll have I switch prison, or do I get parole?" I ask afraid of what the question will yield. The adults are not helping my recovery, I can't crash Anna or Kates happiness. Or get sweep away in the Elliott and Kate rip tide of family currents.
"I'm the Warden, Warden Gwen I like that. Have to have tee-shirts made. You're going with Roz to work this afternoon; Then shopping with me this evening. Since tomorrow Friday, if the Doctor approves, a few hours of supervised clubbing."
"One: I don't know anything about Christian's business, nor do I care to learn. Two: Shopping despite my forays with Kate. I'm a defined shopping avoider; like Anna. Lastly? Few translate into what two, three hours?"
"One, your presents at Grey House; is to help Andre and Roz convert Christian cold sterile office and floor to more 'Friendly' (she airs quotes CJ hand; he giggles) and Anna comfortable. We need to know what Anna likes and dislikes. She is the best thing to happen to the big lug since Grace."
"Ok, I see what you you're looking at. Anna comfortable makes Christian happier and saner. I suspect 'She' (air quotes) will be needing a lot over the coming years. Although a murphy bed might be too much in the office. How comfortable is he couch?"
"Lumpy but stylish, a murphy bed might not be a bad idea. Shopping?" Roz smirks
"Lumpy you've tested that out or just guessing? I'm not a dressy kind of guy."
"Well Jose Jr. You're in our world now. Which means parties, event, and dinners. Christian's personal shopper has everything set up. An I think you'd be real guy killer in a tux or sharp suit. Plus, you need real work wear for your engineering jobs with Elliott. Cloths and I'd throw in that lens assembly Ray mentioned you lusting after." Gwen laughs. Ignoring my first question, although they both blushed, HUMM!
"OK, OK! I surrender."
"Good choice Buddy boy: That what three hours clubbing?" Roz's begs.
"If Jose doesn't annoy me shopping; maybe four or six hours; Mommy needs to unleash her dance diva. Can you Waltz?"
"Six-hour hell yes!" Roz screams, CJ shakes, scared at the loud noise.
"Language! Its ok, CJ. Mommy's just happy." Gwen calms him.
"Yes, I Waltz, why?" I ask
"Really?" Gwen smiles devilish. Roz rolls her eyes
"Mom taught me and Anna: She's a little too left foot but she try's"
"Unusual?" Roz asks.
"Mom's best friend had to take lessons; she had mom take them with her. Mom had a side hustle teaching Officers wives to dance at formal events. She hoped it would straight me out."
"From being gay?" Roz asks afraid
"No, from getting into trouble, gangs, gym rat. Between her and Anna I'm more rounded and balanced. Dad smirks I'm a renaissance man."
"I see you, Christian and Carrick getting along, your all-Renaissance Men. If you could drag Roz, it would be perfect." Gwen tilts her head in quiet thinking, dervish smirk. CJ copies mommy. Damn they are so cute.