Seventeen
Brenda spent the next few months traveling.
She spent a lot of that time in New York and LA.
She was busy completing photo shoots for Jax Cosmetics, as well as attending meetings, and getting ready to interview with a few of the top beauty magazines.
She was only spending a few days out of the week away from Seattle.
So, she and Christian still spent plenty of time together.
She was a little nervous about the interviews because she did not want to let the company or Jax down.
This was a huge opportunity and she wanted to do great.
Christian was being so supportive and encouraging.
He had even chilled out on the whole Jax thing which made life easier.
She wasn't naive, she knew if there was any sign of disrespect he wouldn't hesitate in speaking up about it.
She had seen Jax quite a few times while she was in New York and LA.
He would visit the shoots and also any meeting that she had.
They actually ended up spending a lot of time together.
Every time she was around him, she liked him more and more.
She decided it was best that she did not bring him up to Christian.
She would just share how the shoots and meetings went but that's it.
She knew how Christian felt about him, so she just left him out of the conversation.
He didn't mention Jax and she didn't either…..
Brenda is in New York.
She has an interview with Glamour.
It was a web interview.
She was in her hotel room having her hair and makeup done, when she heard a knock at her door.
Her assistant for the day, Kayla, rushed over and answered it
It was Jax.
He walked in. "Hello, ladies."
They all returned his greetings.
Brenda's room was huge.
It had a separate bedroom and living area.
She was having her makeup done in the living area so there was plenty of seating.
Jax sat down on the sofa. "Are you ready?"
"No, I'm nervous, that's what I am."
"You are going to do great. Just be your wonderful self. That's all you need to do."
"I'm happy you decided to stop by, I am having trouble deciding on what to wear. I'm not sure if I should wear a suit, or wear something a little more casual. It is Glamour."
"You're right, it is Glamour, casual is the way to go. I've looked at a few of their web interviews, they were more on the laid back side."
"Ok, well, I know which way to go now."
They continued prepping for the interview while her hair and makeup wrapped up.
After Brenda got dressed, they headed to the interview.
Jax cleared his schedule because Brenda really wanted him to come with her.
She ended up canceling her car and riding with him.
The assistant, makeup artist, and hair stylist drove their own cars.
They all had other things lined up and would be leaving as soon as the interview was over.
They have all arrived at the Glamour offices which was a short drive from her hotel.
It was all planned that way, so there wouldn't be any rushing, or having to worry about traffic.
Brenda is in her dressing room waiting.
Hair and makeup have applied their final touches and they both headed down to the interview set.
Her assistant followed, giving Brenda time to gather her thoughts.
Jax is in Brenda's dressing room sitting on the sofa while she is looking in the mirror fidgeting with her shirt.
"Brenda, you look great."
And she did.
She wore a pale blue suit with a tank underneath and nude heels. Although it was a suit, it was more on the casual side. They decided at the last minute that it looked best.
She turned. "I can't stop touching this stupid shirt."
"It is just nerves, relax because I know you are going to kill it."
He stood up. "We need to calm you down."
He walked over to her. "Give me your hands."
She placed her hands in his.
She looked up at him. "Jax, how tall are you?"
"I'm six two, why?"
"Because you tower over me."
"Brenda, almost everyone towers over you."
She laughed. "True. It sucks being so short."
"You're perfect, now let's concentrate, we need to calm you down. Close your eyes."
She closed her eyes.
Jax continued. "Just focus on breathing. In and out. Slow and controlled. Just focus on breathing and nothing else."
They did that exercise for a few minutes.
"Now, open your eyes."
She opened her eyes.
"So, how do you feel?"
"I feel better."
He released her hands. "You are going to be just fine. Just be you. Trust me, that's more than enough."
A few minutes later there was a knock at her door and off she went….
Jax stood up when she opened the door and walked back in.
He was able to watch the interview in her dressing room.
She ran over and hugged him. "I don't know what happened, but I relaxed as soon as I sat down."
"Brenda, you killed it. And they were in love with you. You turned what probably was just another boring interview for them, into a highlight. They didn't want you to go. You were a pro and you looked stunning."
They hugged again.
He lifted her off her feet. "I knew you would kill it!"
He placed her back down.
"Jax, thanks for coming with me."
"No problem. Let's get out of here."
After leaving the interview, they ended up going to lunch to celebrate.
Brenda was still on this amazing high.
They are at the restaurant eating and drinking champagne.
"Jax, I think that breathing exercise worked."
"It's a technique that I used for years. There was a time when I would get nervous, especially in the very beginning of my career. It helped me a lot."
She took a sip of her champagne. "Where did you learn it?"
"Therapy. I think everyone should go."
"Do you still go?"
"Occasionally. Have you ever been?"
"When I was younger. I was a bit of a hellraiser."
"I can see that but I find it extremely helpful."
At that moment Brenda's phone rang.
She pulled it out of her purse and looked at it.
It was Christian.
"Excuse me."
Jax nodded. "It's fine."
She answered it. "Christian, hi."
"Hey, Baby. So, how did it go?"
"It went great. I was a little nervous but it ended up going better than expected."
"I told you that you would do fine. Are you back at the hotel?"
She looked across the table at Jax. "No, we went out to lunch."
"Oh, OK. Are you still coming back today? I miss that face of yours and everything else that comes along with it."
"I miss you too, and yes, I have a flight in a few hours."
"Ok, call me when you are done."
"OK, talk to you later." She disconnected the call. "I'm sorry about that."
"No, problem. How long have you two been dating?"
"Not long. It has only been since January. So, almost five months. Wow, time has flown by."
Jax continued to question her. "How did you meet?"
"I met him at a casting call that I did not get. Well, we didn't actually meet, but that was the first time we laid eyes on each other. I ended up running into him again at a restaurant that I used to waitress at. Are you seeing anyone?"
"No, nothing serious. I travel too much."
"If you ever met the one, you'd move some things around."
"Who says I haven't?"
Her eyes widened. "So you have?"
His blue eyes were on her. "Maybe?"
"So, are you pursuing it heavily?"
"In a way."
"Ok, Jax, I won't push any further. You are just giving me short answers. It is obvious you don't want to share too much. I get it."
"That's not it."
"She isn't married is she?"
He chuckled. "No, she's not. Why did you ask me that?"
"Because of the whole Lois thing."
"That was mostly to annoy her husband."
Brenda frowned. "Why would you want to do that?"
"Because it was fun. You know Ned. Lois would never cheat on him. You'd think he would know that."
"You aren't still…annoying him are you? I love Ned."
"No, I told you that day in Kelly's that I was done with that. I meant it."
She laughed. "By the way, you are so different from the person I met in Kelly's. You were kind of a flirt that day."
"I still am. I know when to switch it on and off."
"Oh really? Have you switched it off because I work for you?"
"Mostly."
"So, I'm getting professional Jax now?"
He laughed. "I guess."
They ended up finishing lunch and he took her back to her hotel.
He didn't have anything planned, so he offered to take her to the airport.
Jax is sitting in the living area, while she is in her room changing and packing.
It didn't take her long to change or to pack, maybe because she never really unpacked.
She walked out wheeling her luggage.
They still had a little time before she had to go to the airport.
She sat down in one of the chairs. "These past few months have been a whirlwind. I went from doing local jobs to being here. I wonder if I'm dreaming sometimes."
"You are not dreaming. You are here and you belong. Brenda, how in the world did you end up in Seattle? You never really told me."
"You don't really want to know."
"I really do."
"It is kind of embarrassing. Well, not kind of, it is embarrassing."
He leaned back against the sofa. "I'm listening."
"I was in love with this guy, we broke up, and he ended up marrying someone a little while later. I watched him get married. I wasn't invited of course. I watched them through the church window like an idiot. I watched the whole thing and then I packed all of my things and just started driving."
"So, heartbreak sent you to Seattle?"
"Yep, and I think it is the best decision I ever made. My life would be so different if I had stayed in Port Charles."
"Do you still love him? I know you are seeing someone else now, but that doesn't mean your feelings are gone for that other guy."
"No, I'm not in love with him anymore. I'm done with that."
"Well, everything happens for a reason. And I'm glad everything worked out for you."
"Me too, because for a while I had no idea where I would end up."
"I think you would have landed on your feet. Well, I know one thing, I'm happy you landed at Jax Cosmetics."
"You had a hand in that."
"You played a part in it too. You came to Port Charles at the right time. It was fate that we were in Kelly's at the exact same time. When I saw you, I can't lie, you took my breath away."
"I'm just so happy you took a chance on me. I have loved every minute of it and getting to know you has been the icing on the cake."
He stood up. "Likewise. Well, we should go before you miss your flight. Unless you want to stay longer?"
"No, I need to get back to Seattle. Thanks again, Jax."
"It's no problem."
"I know you are a busy man who doesn't have time to drop people off at airports."
He laughed. "I don't mind and remember I cleared my schedule."
"I feel so special."
He grabbed the handle on her luggage and they headed out. "It's because you are…"
Jax didn't just drop her off he walked her inside.
"Jax, you did not have to walk me inside."
"Brenda, may I please be a gentleman?"
"You always are. So, when will I see you again?"
"I don't know. Aren't you tired of seeing me at all of your shoots and interviews?"
"No, I like having you around. You always calm me down."
"I'm glad I could be of help. But I don't know. We'll see. I think I need to give you…your space to fly."
"What if I don't want to fly?"
He laughed. "You'll be fine. But good job again today, enjoy your break."
He hugged her. "Safe travels."
"Thanks for everything. Take care, Jax."
"You too."
She watched him walk off for a few seconds and then her cell phone rang.
It was Christian.
She answered and walked off.
Jax stopped, turned, and watched her until she was out of sight…..
It was after five when she made it to Seattle.
Seattle was like three hours behind New York.
So, she made it back early.
Christian was in his office working.
She walked in and waved.
He was on the phone.
He motioned for her to come closer.
She made her way over to him.
He muted the phone and kissed her hard. "I missed you, Baby."
She sat down in his lap and planted kisses all over his face. "Me too, hurry and get done. I'm going to take a shower."
"Wait for me. I'll be done soon."
He kissed her again and she left….
It's later, they have showered and had dinner.
They are in bed.
Christian's back is resting against the headboard.
Brenda is straddling him.
"I'm happy you don't have to go anywhere for a while. I miss you when you are gone."
She leaned over and kissed him. "I miss you more. It is never more than a couple of days, Baby."
"I know, I just like having you around all of the time. So tell me about your interview."
"It went great. I was nervous at first but it all worked out. They seemed to love me and Jax-"
She did not mean to mention him.
"Brenda, I'm not dumb, I know he has been coming around. I told you that he is interested in you."
"Jax has never tried anything. I promise."
"Not yet. I told you if he disrespects us, I'm going to knock him out. And I know you would tell me, because we don't lie to each other."
"Of course, I would tell you but I'm not worried. He has been extremely professional. I consider him a friend now."
"That's fine. I trust you, Brenda. I overreacted in Miami, because I don't think you would do anything to ruin us. I know you don't want anyone but me. It isn't me being cocky, I just know how we are together."
She smiled. "Exactly. I would never allow anyone to come between us. I can handle anything that needs handling."
"You won't need to, if he steps out of line."
She leaned over and kissed his neck. "I don't think you know how much I adore you, Christian Grey."
He closed his eyes. "I adore you too. I adore you so much I have something to ask you."
"Are you about to propose?"
"If I did, what would you say?"
She lifted her head and stared into his eyes. "No trial run on that question, ask and you would find out."
He laughed. "Is that right?"
"That's right."
"But seriously, I do want to run something by you."
"I'm listening."
"I actually think it is time you meet my family. What do you think about that?"
She was not expecting him to say that. "Wow…I wasn't expecting you to say that. That's huge, Grey."
"I know. This thing between us is huge."
"You don't think we are moving too fast?"
"No. I didn't meet you yesterday. We have been involved for a while now. And yes, I'm counting all the time we have spent together. I want them to meet you because you mean a lot to me. Every Thursday that I leave to go to dinner, I never feel great about leaving you. It feels like I'm hiding you. I don't like that feeling because I'm very proud of you."
"What if they hate me?"
He caressed her cheek. "Baby, they are not going to hate you. How could anyone hate you?"
She laughed. "There are several people who in fact can't stand me."
"They are more than likely jealous. Probably all women. So, they don't count. If you don't feel comfortable, we can wait until you do."
"I'm never going to feel comfortable, Grey. But you know what? Ok. I want to meet the people that love you."
He kissed her. "Great."
"So, when will this thing happen?"
"At our next family dinner."
"Tomorrow is Thursday, Grey."
"I know….."