Chapters of Trust
by
Ava LeBeau
Thirteen
Anastasia plopped onto the couch beside him, eyeing him as she took her first bite. The flavors exploded in her mouth, rich and savory, and she closed her eyes in delight. "Oh wow. This… is incredible. The fruit adds such a nice tang. What is this? Mango?"
Christian watched her with a grin. "Glad you like it," he said, taking a bite of his own slice. "It's passionfruit. My absolute favorite. You know, chocolate cake is one of those desserts that always feels special."
Ana nodded, savoring another forkful. "Definitely." She glanced at him. "I didn't imagine you being a chocolate cake kind of guy."
Christian laughed huskily.
"So, tell me, do you always have this much dessert on hand for your guests?"
"Only when I'm trying to impress someone," he replied smoothly, his pewter gaze locking onto hers for a moment before he looked away, feigning nonchalance.
Ana felt her cheeks warm at his words but played it cool. "Well, mission accomplished."
Christian took another bite of his cake and leaned back into the couch, a grin on his face.
"You know, it's nice to see this side of you… the charming dessert connoisseur."
Christian raised an eyebrow. "You calling me charming, huh? I'll have to remember that."
As they finished their desserts, Ana couldn't help but steal glances at him when he wasn't looking. His usual cold demeanor had softened into a reassuring calm, and she found it undeniably charming how he tried to impress her without going overboard. Yet, something still felt off. She settled into the cozy sofa while Christian lounged beside her, swirling his glass of wine. When she glanced at him again, she noticed the faint lines of tension on his forehead and the dark circles under his eyes, revealing just how tired he really looked.
"Hey," she said gently, taking a sip of her drink. "Listen, I hope it's okay to ask, but you look pretty… uhm… wiped out. Everything good?"
Christian flashed her a quick smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's nothing major. Just another long week at work."
"Long week? You're not secretly taking on extra projects, are you?" Ana teased lightly, hoping to coax him into opening up.
He chuckled softly but quickly waved it off. "Nah, just your average businessman working more than nine to five."
Anastasia studied him for a moment longer before setting her wine glass down on the coffee table. "You know, you should really try some tea. Black tea can be invigorating. It might help take the edge off."
He grimaced playfully at the suggestion. "Tea? Isn't that what you drink when you're sick? I'd rather stick with my wine, thanks."
"I thought a nice Earl Grey was your favorite?" Ana tilted her head slightly, her gaze still wandering over his features.
"You remembered," a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth while he shifted in his seat beside her.
"Mhmm," Anastasia smiled softly.
"Well, favorite might be quite an overstatement," he eyed her over the rim of his wine glass as he took yet another sip.
"Oh come on. Tea is for all occasions, especially when you need to unwind." With a mischievous grin, Ana reached over and gently booped his nose with her fingertip.
For a brief moment, Christian was taken aback by her playful demeanor and fought the urge to grab her wrist to stop her from doing it again. But there was something disarming about her charm that made him feel lighter inside. He couldn't help but admire how effortlessly she brought a joviality into the room that was both comforting and surprising.
Grey was used to people being polite or formal around him but Anastasia's genuine care and playful attitude were refreshing. It was as if she had peeled back some of his armor without even trying. Christian felt a spark of something… Was it excitement? Curiosity? Whatever it was, it left him wanting more.
"Seriously," Anastasia continued, her tone softening slightly as she reached for her own glass. "I know we don't know each other well yet, but if something's bothering you… I'm here to listen."
Christian met her ocean-blue gaze, holding it for a heartbeat longer than necessary before looking away, an unexpected flutter stirring in his chest at her genuine concern. "Thanks, Ana," he said quietly, a slight quiver in his voice betraying him. "I appreciate that."
She smiled, there seemed to be an unusual connection that appeared to bridge the gap between their unfamiliarity and something deeper. But obviously, he wasn't ready to elaborate further, so Ana let the moment pass.
Still a little giddy from the sugar rush, Anastasia glanced at the TV, where a movie was still paused, then turned back to Christian.
"Ready for the movie?" she asked, her voice teasingly casual.
"Only if you promise not to judge my taste in films," he replied with mock seriousness, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees while he side-glanced at her.
"I make no promises," Anastasia said playfully and snatched the remote from him, her demeanor shifting slightly as she focused on the screen for a moment. When she turned to face him again, she caught him watching her with an expression that was both amused and curious. "Romantic comedy?" she suggested innocently, her lips curling into a sweet smile.
Christian grimaced, feigning horror. "You really want to watch a rom-com."
"Why not? I hear they're good for the soul," she said with a straight face.
"Not going to make me watch some intense documentary about the life cycle of a snail then? Shame."
"Please," Ana scoffed, rolling her eyes with a smirk. "I wouldn't subject you to that kind of torture. I'm thinking more along the lines of 'When Harry Met Sally' or '10 Things I Hate About You.' You know, classics."
"Ah yes, because nothing screams 'relaxing evening' like watching two people bicker their way into love," he replied with a chuckle. "What's next? A deep dive into my feelings while we watch?"
"Actually, that sounds perfect," she said, leaning in closer with a playful glint in her eye. "I'll be sure to have tissues on hand for your inevitable emotional breakdown. I can already picture it: 'Oh no, Christian! Don't cry. It's just a movie.'"
He laughed, shaking his head. "You really think I'm that soft?"
"Oh, I know you are," Ana said. "Underneath all those business suits and late-night meetings is a big ol' romantic just waiting to be unleashed by the right film."
Christian relaxed back into the cushions, crossing his arms with playful seriousness. "Well, if that's true, then I must be doing something wrong in my life choices. Maybe I should quit my job."
"Now that would be quite the spectacle," Anastasia bit her lip.
Christian shook his head in disbelief but couldn't hide his grin. "You've really got me all figured out, don't you?"
"Absolutely," Ana said, her voice laced with confidence. "I'm like a rom-com detective, and you're my prime suspect in the case of the 'Secret Softie.' But don't worry; I won't let it tarnish your image as the suave businessman."
"Exactly," he said dryly. "I can't have my investors finding out that I'm actually a hopeless romantic who cries at movies."
"Too late," she grinned. "Your secret is safe with me… for now. But just wait until we watch our first rom-com together. I'll be taking notes."
"Notes?" he asked incredulously. "You're ruthless, Ms. Steele."
"I prefer to think of myself as strategically charming, Mr. Grey," she replied with a wink.
"Strategically charming? Oh, really?"
"Absolutely. It's all part of my master plan to get you hooked on love stories," she said with a dramatic flourish of her hand.
"Well, if this is your master plan," Christian said with a grin, leaning closer, "then consider me intrigued."
Ana leaned in too, lowering her voice. "Just wait until I introduce you to the world of love triangles and fallen heroes. You won't know what hit you."
Grey laughed huskily, shaking his head as he sat back against the couch. "I can already feel my dignity slipping away," he said with a mock sigh, running his fingers through his tousled hair.
"Oh come on. You know you'd secretly love it," she said playfully.
He smiled at her enthusiasm, feeling more at ease than he had in ages. "Alright, you win this round. Just promise me one thing... if I do end up crying during one of these movies, you won't post it on social media."
A brief pause hung between them, leaving Ana puzzled by his mention of social media after their movie night. However, she quickly regained her composure, and they settled back into the couch.
"You know," he said, glancing at Anastasia with a playful seriousness, "I never thought I'd find myself looking forward to watching rom-coms. But here we are."
"See?" she beamed at him. "I knew there was a softie hiding under that cold business façade."
"Now that's a terrifying thought," he replied, shaking his head in mock horror. "But I guess if it means more evenings like this, I might just have to embrace my inner romantic."
"Good. Because I'm not letting you off the hook that easily," she teased, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "Prepare yourself for an avalanche of love stories and cheesy dialogue."
"Bring it on. Let's get this rom-com marathon started. What's first on your list?"
Anastasia smiled. "Oh, you're going to love it… or at least pretend to while I mock you mercilessly."
Christian laughed again. "I think I can live with that."
"Good. Now let's see what I've got for you." She began scrolling through the movie options while Christian shifted closer on the couch, his shoulder brushing against hers in a casual yet intentional way.
"Only if it means I get to sit next to you while we watch."
Ana couldn't help but smile at his subtle approach. "Oh, so now you're using us watching rom-coms as an excuse to get cozy? How very clever of you."
"Just trying to make the experience more enjoyable," he said smoothly and grinned, obviously very pleased with himself.
"Right," she gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow. "Next thing I know, you'll be asking me to hold your hand during the scary parts."
Christian chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I think I can handle a few jump scares without needing your hand for support."
"Is that so?" she said, her tone light but knowing. "Mr. Tough Guy, huh? Just remember: if you do scream, I'll have to bring it up later."
"I'll take my chances," he said confidently, though there was an undeniable warmth in his gaze as he settled in closer.
When Ana finally found a movie that had long been on her must-watch-list and pressed play, she felt the comfortable weight of Christian's presence beside her. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and couldn't resist one last jab. "Just don't get too comfortable over there; I might start thinking you actually enjoy my company."
Christian turned slightly toward her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I might just enjoy it more than I'd like to admit."
"Gosh, careful now," she warned playfully, nudging him again. "You're going to ruin your cool reputation if you keep this up."
"Well, let's just say, I've done my due diligence," he shrugged nonchalantly but didn't pull away. "And, reputation aside, I think I can manage that risk for an evening with you."
Anastasia shook her head with mock exasperation but felt a flutter of excitement at his words, realizing that beneath his bravado lay a genuine interest that intrigued her even more.
"Alright, here we go… 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' It's got everything: humor, romance, and Ryan Gosling looking ridiculously hot," she sighed at the mention of Gosling.
Christian raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. "Ryan Gosling? Really? I thought you were above the whole 'hot guy' trope."
"Please," she said with a grin. "Even the most discerning movie critic can appreciate a little eye candy now and then. Plus, it's a classic."
"Alright, alright," he relented with a chuckle. "I'll give it a shot. But don't expect me to swoon over any of the characters."
As the opening credits rolled, the soft glow of the screen cast a cozy light over their faces.
Anastasia adjusted the throw blanket over her lap, feeling surprisingly at home amid the opulence. Engrossed in the movie, she occasionally glanced at Christian, who was fighting off sleep despite his best efforts. His usually sharp gray eyes were heavy with fatigue as he rubbed his temple, clearly struggling against exhaustion.
For a brief moment, he surrendered to sleep, his head tilting slightly, lips parting with a soft sigh, and Anastasia found him utterly adorable. It was endearing to see this powerful man, who commanded boardrooms, succumb to such unguarded vulnerability. Yet even in sleep, his brow furrowed as if work still haunted his dreams.
"Hey," her fingers brushing against his arm. "Don't fall asleep on me, Mister. We're supposed to be having fun here."
"Mmm…," he blinked slowly, shaking his head as if to clear the fog. "I'm wide awake," he insisted with a half-hearted smile.
"Sure you are," she replied skeptically.
"Sorry," he mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I didn't mean to doze off."
"It's okay," Anastasia replied softly, a small smile playing on her lips as she took in how cute he looked all disheveled and sleepy. "You've had a long day."
He let out a light, amused breath, raking his fingers through his hair. "I guess I'm not as tough as I thought." Catching Ana's gaze, he offered her a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck as she leaned closer.
"You're tough in all the right ways," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Christian's expression softened. "Thanks for being here," he said sincerely.
It wasn't long before he dozed off again, and Anastasia couldn't help but smile at the sight. She reached for her glass, taking a sip as she watched him. The movie played on in the background, but her focus was entirely on Christian: the way his lips curled into a faint smile even in slumber, how his brow furrowed slightly when he stirred in dreams.
Resting her chin on her hand, she studied him; this was a side of the notorious Christian Grey one rarely got to see: unguarded and free from the weight of expectations.
As if sensing her gaze, he stirred and opened one eye lazily. "What are you looking at?" His voice was thick with sleep yet tinged with amusement.
"Just admiring Seattle's whizz kid," she replied with a teasing grin. "It's not every day I get to see you like this."
He chuckled softly, shaking off the remnants of sleep as he straightened up. "Well, don't get used to it," he said playfully, though warmth underlined his tone, suggesting he didn't mind sharing this moment with her.
"Too late," she shot back with mock defiance before turning her attention back to the screen.
As laughter filled the room and the film progressed, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her.
Eventually, Christian succumbed to exhaustion once more, his breathing evening out beside her. She glanced at him one last time, his peaceful expression made him look almost boyish, a stark contrast to the powerful businessman she knew him to be.
But then she returned her gaze to the flickering images on the screen, feeling grateful for this evening and the rare glimpse into his world.
When the film reached a particularly sweet moment where the characters shared a heartfelt confession, Anastasia turned to Christian again, her eyes sparkling with delight. "See? This is what it's all about," she murmured softly. He stirred slightly but remained asleep, merely shifting into a more comfortable position. Unable to resist, she brushed his coppery hair back from his brow with tender fingers, a small gesture that felt both intimate and surprisingly natural.
As the credits rolled, Ana knew it was time to go. Not wanting to disturb his peaceful sleep, marked by the soft rise and fall of his chest, she felt an impulse to make him more comfortable. Carefully getting up, she took the soft throw blanket and draped it over him, making sure he stayed warm without waking him.
"Sweet dreams," she whispered as she took one last look at him nestled comfortably on the couch. It seemed like he had shed all his worries for just a moment.
As she stepped into the elevator and as the mirror doors closed Anastasia felt a mix of contentment wash over her. The evening had been unexpectedly perfect, and she couldn't help but wonder what it meant for them moving forward.
The morning light filtered through the large windows, bathing the living room in a soft light. Christian stirred awake, blinking against the brightness. As he propped up on his elbow, a wave of confusion washed over him. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings only to realize he was still on the couch, a soft blanket draped over him.
A pang of embarrassment seared through him.
"Oh shit," he muttered under his breath, his voice raspy as he recalled snippets of the previous night: Anastasia's laughter, her teasing remarks, and how he had fallen asleep during some cheesy rom-com. He took a deep breath, raking his fingers through his tousled hair as warmth flooded his cheeks. This was not how he'd envisioned waking up after returning from his business trip.
Christian glanced at his phone on the coffee table and found that it was already late morning.
There were a gazillion missed calls and emails but it was a text from Ana that caught his eye:
Hope you enjoyed your beauty sleep, Mr. Tough Guy?
He chuckled softly but felt a pang of guilt and quickly typed back,
Sorry, didn't mean to fall asleep. Can I make it up to you?
As he sat up, he could hear soft clatter of plates, surely Gail was bustling around in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Mr. Grey," she called out, glancing over her shoulder as she finished cleaning up the remnants of last night. "Would you like me to make some coffee for you?"
"Thanks, Gail. I think I'll take a shower first," he replied, trying to shake off the lingering drowsiness.
Gail grinned slightly but maintained her professional demeanor. "Very well, sir. I'll have it ready when you're done."
As he headed toward the bathroom, he glanced back at his phone again, still no reply from Ana, and sighed, determined to make things right once he was more presentable.
Stood in front of the mirror, Christian adjusted his tie with a precision that belied the frustration brewing inside him. The morning had slipped away in a flurry as a consequence of his poor self-control: he'd surrendered to exhaustion and dozed off on the couch after an evening filled with distractions, leaving him with no time for breakfast. Christian could feel the familiar knot of stress tightening in his stomach as he mentally reviewed the agenda for his first meeting of the day.
"Fuck this," he muttered to himself, forcing a stoic expression onto his chiseled face.
He stepped out of his bedroom and headed downstairs, his irritation mounting further when he heard Gail's cheerful voice from the kitchen.
"Would you still like coffee, sir? And will you be home for dinner?" she asked.
"I don't have time for coffee anymore, Gail," he said sharply, struggling to keep his tone in check. "I'll have Andrea reach out to you about dinner tonight," he added, quickening his pace as he moved past her, waving his hand dismissively, a fleeting motion that spoke volumes of his impatience, leaving little room for further conversation.
"Of course, sir. Have a good day, sir," Gail called after him, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and forced cheerfulness as she watched him hurry toward the elevator.
On his way to the R8 Christian whipped his phone out, hoping to reach Ana. His fingers hovered over her name for a moment before he pressed call. The phone rang once, twice… then went straight to voicemail.
"Figures," he sighed, frustration mingling with irritation. He tried again but got the same result.
"Ana," he said into the voicemail after a moment of hesitation, "it's me… uhm… I just wanted to say… uh… good morning." He winced at how awkward that sounded but pressed on anyway. "I'm sorry about last night… falling asleep like that on the couch… I didn't mean to be rude or anything."
Christian paused for a moment, cursing himself internally for sounding so flustered, glancing at his Hublot… Good morning, yeah, right, it was well past ten.
"Anyway," he continued. "...if you're free today, maybe we could grab lunch or something? Just let me know."
As he ended the call, Christian got into the car and tossed his phone onto the passenger seat in frustration.
"What is wrong with you?" he groaned to himself as he started the Audi, the motor roaring to life. "You sound like a complete douche."
Anastasia sank into her couch, phone pressed to her ear as she braced herself for Hannah's relentless curiosity.
"So spill. What happened last night?" Hannah's voice was a mix of excitement and mischief.
"Uhm, it was just a movie night," Ana replied, trying to keep it casual.
"Just a movie night? Come on, you can't drop that bomb and expect me not to ask for all the juicy details," Hannah laughed. "Did he make a move? Oh, I'm sure he did. He's Christian Grey after all."
Ana felt her cheeks heat up. "Well, we watched the movie, and then… he… uhm… kind of fell asleep on me."
"Fell asleep? Like, after you two—," Hannah chuckled, her tone shifting to playful disbelief. "You mean after you had your… you know… 'private screening'?"
"Christ, no. No private screening," Anastasia rolled her eyes, cringing at the thought. "He just dozed off during the film. I swear."
Hannah snorted. "Right, because nothing says 'I'm totally into you' like falling asleep right after the credits roll."
"Geez, aren't you supposed to be my best friend? You're supposed to believe me, Hannah," Ana protested, half-laughing.
"Believe what? That he invited you over for a movie and then took a nap? Sounds like someone was too comfy to get up," Hannah teased.
She rolled her eyes again even though she knew her friend couldn't see her. "It wasn't like that, Hannah. We didn't—"
"Sure, sure," Hannah interrupted with a smirk in her voice. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Anastasia glanced at her phone battery… ten percent. "Listen, I've got to go; my battery's dying."
"Oh no. Don't leave me hanging here. You have to tell me everything later."
"I will. Promise," Ana said quickly before hanging up, shaking her head with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
The APEX buzzed with the chatter of well-dressed patrons, the clinking of glasses and the aroma of gourmet dishes wafting through the air. Christian sat at a corner table, his posture rigid and his expression coolly aloof as he glanced down at his phone for the umteenth time in the last thirty minutes. Still no call from Anastasia and his frustration was on the verge of spilling over. Across from him, Jack Hyde leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing his buddy with an easy grin.
"Come on, Chris," Jack drawled, swirling the Merlot in his glass. "You can't tell me you're still buried in work. You need to loosen up a bit."
Christian glanced up, arching an eyebrow. "Loosen up? Is that your solution to everything?" He toyed with the stem of his water glass. "Because I'm pretty sure my project won't fix itself while I'm out 'loosening up.'"
Jack chuckled, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're missing the point, man. You've been too fuckin' serious lately. What you need is a little distraction… I'm thinking sexy pastime to take your mind off all this regulation bullshit, bro."
"Right," Christian replied dryly, tapping his phone's screen dismissively before he pushed it further toward the edge of the table; still no message from her. "Because chasing after women I don't give a flyin' fuck about when there are deadlines looming is what a responsible businessman would do, right?"
"Hey, it's not just about chasing women," Jack shot back, unabashedly confident. "It's about enjoying life. You know, last week alone, I had dinner with like… three different models. For the new marketing campaign, of course. And what can I say? Each one more stunning than the last," he winked playfully. "And let me tell you, they know how to have fun."
"Marketing campaign… of course," Christian rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a slight smirk. "Models? Really? How original of you."
Jack leaned back again, arms crossed behind his head as he pushed out his broad chest and reveled in his own charm. "Well, it's clear as day: they love a man who knows what he wants… and I know exactly what I want." He paused for effect before adding with a cocky grin, "And it's usually right across the table from me." Hyde pierced a broccoli floret with his fork.
"Must be nice to live in your world," Christian replied coolly, though there was an undercurrent of amusement in his voice while he gave the sleek, black pepper mill a gentle twist over the Wagyu steak on his plate, allowing the freshly cracked pepper to fall evenly across the surface before he placed the mill back on the table. "But some of us have actual responsibilities."
"My world? It's yours as well. And responsibilities?" Jack scoffed playfully. "You mean like making sure Elliot's darling missus doesn't screw up your project? Come on, man. You can't let the woman get under your skin like this."
The weight of Jack's words hanging heavy in the air, Christian took a sip of his wine, savoring the rich flavor as he considered his friend's perspective. "It's not that I'm averse to having fun, Jack," he said, his voice steady but edged with tension. "But as I said, I just have a lot on my plate right now. The project is behind schedule because of missed regulations, and I can't afford any more setbacks."
Jack waved a dismissive hand, his confidence unwavering. "You're telling me you've got time to worry about every little fucking detail? You're Christian Grey, man. You could have anyone you want… models, actresses, whoever. Just take a night off and let loose. You'll come back refreshed and ready to tackle those regulations like the alpha you are."
Christian couldn't help but let out a sardonic chuckle, his thoughts however wandering back to last night. "Right, because nothing's gonna loosen me up like wasting my evenings with chicks who are more interested in my bank account than my business acumen."
"Come on," Jack leaned forward, his light blue eyes still sparkling with mischief. "You know that's not true. You've got charm and charisma; use it. Besides, it's not all about them being interested in your money. Sometimes it's just about enjoying the moment." He paused for dramatic effect. "And trust me, there are plenty of women who would love to enjoy some quality time with Mr. Grey."
Christian raised an eyebrow. "Quality time…"
Jack laughed heartily, unabashed by Christian's sarcasm. "Hey, whatever floats your boat. But seriously, you need to find a balance. You can't be all work and no play… it'll eat you alive, Chrissy."
"I appreciate your concern, Jack," Christian replied dryly. "But I don't think 'finding balance' means late-night escapades when I've got deadlines dangling over me like a guillotine."
"Maybe not," Jack conceded with a smirk. "But think about it: A little distraction might actually help clear your mind. You know how they say that lots of sex is great for stress relief? It could be just what you need to get those creative juices flowing again."
"Speaking of which… how's Hannah? You're still dating her, right?"
"Of course. In fact, I've invited her on a weekend getaway," Hyde said with a wink, taking another sip of wine.
Christian raised an eyebrow. "A getaway? You're such a saint," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, she is an angel after all."
"I'm sure she is."
"Absolutely," Jack grinned widely, clearly enjoying the moment. "Get her out of the bookshop and into some fresh air. Take her somewhere nice and romantic. The whole nine yards. I mean, you know how much women love that kind of thing."
Christian glanced at his phone as Jack droned on, but there was still no call, no message. What was taking her so long? "Mhmm," he muttered absent-mindedly.
"And what about Anastasia?" Jack's question pulled Christian back to reality.
"What about her?"
"You guys should come along," Hyde smirked as he drained his glass.
Christian shifted in his seat, clearing his throat. "I don't… I mean, it's not like that between us, you know."
"Things can always change, bro," Jack said with a grin, waggling his eyebrows at him. "Plus, you need to get that whole regulations thing under control…," Hyde winked. "Now," he leaned in conspiratorially again, "let's talk about those models I mentioned earlier…"
Christian rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smirk as Jack launched into yet another exaggerated story of his latest escapades when all of a sudden his phone buzzed on the table, Ana's name flashing on the screen. His heart skipped a beat as he answered quickly.
"Hey," she greeted cheerfully on the other end.
"Hey, Ana," he replied, trying to sound casual despite feeling somewhat flustered.
Jack grinned, mouthing, 'Now, speak of the devil,' and topped up his glass whilst Christian raised his hand in order to stop him from pouring him more wine as well.
"I just got your message," Anastasia said with a hint of amusement in her voice. "Actually, I was just about to call you. I heard about this amazing food truck downtown that I've been dying to try. Want to join me?"
"A food truck?" Christian echoed, fiddling with the stem of his glass, clearly unimpressed by the idea of greasy fries and mystery meat. "Sure, that sounds great. I'm starving," he added, attempting to sound enthusiastic but knowing he was falling short. He cast a longing glance at the remnants of the $100 steak on his plate before shooting a glare at Hyde, who was doing his best to stifle a laugh.
"Where should I meet you? Do you want me to pick you up?"
"I'll text you the location," she said. "It's not far from your office, so it should be easy for you to get there."
"Perfect," Christian said. "I'll head out right after this… uhm… meeting."
Hyde dragged his hand down his face, almost unable to contain his laughter any longer.
"Great. I can't wait to see you," Ana said, her voice warm and inviting.
"Me too," Christian replied, a smile creeping onto his face as they exchanged a few more pleasantries before hanging up. Waving his hand he tried to catch the attention of their waiter—in vain.
"I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me, Jack."
"Of course. I mean, who wouldn't choose a food truck lunch all the way uptown over this," Hyde said, gesturing grandly.
"Shut up, Jack," Christian grumbled, frustration simmering beneath the surface as he still failed to catch the waiter's attention; Hyde was right… the damn food truck was far uptown.
"Hey, don't worry about it. Go ahead, Chris… enjoy that saturated fat overload with Anastasia Steele," Hyde smirked, pulling out his wallet. "I'll take care of the bill."
"Thanks, man. Talk later." In a sudden rush, Christian grabbed his phone and patted Hyde on the shoulder before heading out.
A/N:
Hey everyone! With the year coming to a close, I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for all the love - your reviews, favorites, and follows. I appreciate each and every one of you for being part of this journey and reaching out. Let's keep the magic going. x