On my drive in to work, I debate whether or not to tell Christian I found his photographs.
No, screams my subconscious, her Edvard Munch face on. I decide she's probably right.
As I sit down at my desk, my Blackberry buzzes.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Surfaces
Date: June 17, 2011 08:59
To: Anastasia Steele
I calculate that there are at least 30 surfaces to go. I am looking forward to each and every one of them. Then there's the floors, the walls - and let's not forget the balcony.
After that there's my office...
Miss you. x
Christian Grey
Priapic CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
His e-mail makes me smile, and all my earlier reservations evaporate. It's me he wants now, and memories of last night's sexcapades flood my mind... the elevator, the foyer, the bed. Priapic is right. I wonder idly what the female equivalent might be?
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Romance?
Date: June 17, 2011 09:03
To: Christian Grey
Mr. GreyYou have a one-track mind.
I missed you at breakfast
But Mrs. Jones was very accommodating.
Ax
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Intrigued
Date: June 17, 2011 09:07
To: Anastasia Steele
What was Mrs. Jones accommodating about?
What are you up to Miss Steele?
Christian Grey
Curious CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
How does he know?
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Tapping Nose
Date: June 17, 2011 09:10
To: Christian Grey
Wait and see - it's a surprise.
I need to work... let me be.
Love you.
A x
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Frustrated
Date: June 17, 2011 09:12
To: Anastasia Steele
I hate it when you keep things from me.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I stare at the small screen of my Blackberry. The vehemence implicit in his e-mail takes me by surprise. Why does he feel like this? It's not like I'm hiding erotic photographs of my exes.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Indulging you
Date: June 17, 2011 09:14
To: Christian Grey
It's for your birthday.
Another surprise.
Don't be so petulant.
A x
He doesn't reply immediately, and I'm called into a meeting so I can't dwell on it for too long.
When I next glance at my Blackberry, to my horror I realize it's four in the afternoon.
Where has the day gone? Still no message from Christian. I decide to e-mail him again.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Hello
Date: June 17, 2011 16:03
To: Christian Grey
Are you not talking to me?
Don't forget I am going for a drink with Jose, and that he's staying with us tonight.
Please rethink about joining us.
A x
He doesn't reply, and I feel a frisson of unease. I hope he's okay. Calling his mobile, I get his voicemail. The announcement simply says Grey, leave a message in his most clipped tone."Hi... um... it's me. Ana. Are you okay? Call me," I stutter through my message.
I've never had to leave one for him before. I flush as I hang up. Of course he'll know it's you, idiot! My subconscious rolls her eyes at me. I am tempted to ring his PA Andrea but decide that's a step too far. Reluctantly I continue my work.
My phone rings unexpectedly and my heart jumps. Christian! But no - it's Kate, my best friend finally!
"Ana!" she shouts from wherever she is.
"Kate! Are you back? I've missed you."
"Me, too. I have so much to tell you. We're at Sea-Tac - me and my man." She giggles in a most un-Kate-like way.
"Cool. I have so much to tell you, too."
"See you back at the apartment?"
"I'm having drinks with Jose. Join us."
"Jose's in town? Sure! Text me where."
"Okay." I beam. My best friend is home. After all this time!
"You good, Ana?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Still with Christian?"
"Yes."
"Good. Laters!"
Oh, not her as well. Elliot's influence knows no bounds.
"Yeah - laters, baby." I grin and she hangs up.
Wow. Kate is home. How am I going to tell her all that has happened? I should write it down so I don't forget anything.
An hour later my office phone rings - Christian? No, it's Claire.
"You should see the guy asking for you in reception. How come you know all these hot guys, Ana?"
Jose must be here. I glance at the clock - it's five fifty-five, and a small thrill of excitement pulses through me. I haven't seen him in ages.
"Ana, wow! You look great. So grown up." He grins at me.
Just because I'm wearing a smart dress... jeez!
He hugs me hard. "And tall," he mutters in amazement.
"It's just the shoes, Jose. You don't look so bad yourself."
He's wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black and white check flannel shirt.
"I'll grab my things and we can go."
"Cool. I'll wait here."
I pick up two Rolling Rocks from the crowded bar and head over to the table where Jose is seated.
"You found Christian's place okay?"
"Yeah. I haven't been inside. I just delivered the photos to the service elevator. Some guy named Taylor took them up. Looks like quite a place."
"It is. You should see inside."
"Can't wait. Salud, Ana. Seattle agrees with you."
I flush as we clink bottles. It's Christian that agrees with me. "Salud. Tell me about your show and how it went."
He beams and launches into the story. He sold all but three of his photos, which has taken care of his student loans and left him some cash to spare.