“Mom?”
“Hello, darling. How are you?”
“Fine. I’m about to go into a meeting.”
“Your PA said you were in Portland.” Her voice is full of hope.
Damn. She thinks I’m with Ana.
“Yeah, on business.”
“How’s Anastasia?” There it is!
“Fine as far as I know, Grace. What do you want?”
Oh, Good Lord. My mother is someone else whose expectations I have to manage.
“Mia’s coming home a week early, on Saturday. I’m on call that day and your father is away at a legal conference presenting a panel on philanthropy and aid,” she says.
“You want me to meet her?”
“Will you?”
“Sure. Ask her to send me her flight details.”
“Thank you, darling. Say hi to Anastasia for me.”
“I have to go. Good-bye, Mom.” I hang up before she can ask any more awkward questions. Taylor opens the car door.
“I should be out of here by three.”
“Yes, Mr. Grey.”
“Will you be able to see your daughter tomorrow, Taylor?”
“Yes, sir.” His expression is warm and full of paternal pride.
“Great.”
“I’ll be here at three,” he confirms.
I head into the university’s administration building…This is going to be a long lunch.
I HAVE MANAGED TO keep Anastasia Steele out of every waking thought today. Almost. During lunch there were times when I found myself imagining us in my playroom…What did she call it? The Red Room of Pain. I shake my head, smiling, and check my e-mail. That woman has a way with words, but so far there are no words from her today.
I change from my suit to my sweats to get ready for the hotel gym. As I’m about to leave my room, I hear a ping. It’s her.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: My Issues…What about Your Issues?
Date: May 24 2011 18:29
To: Christian Grey
Sir,
Please note the date of origin: 1580–90. I would respectfully remind Sir that the year is 2011. We have come a long way since then.
May I offer a definition for you to consider for our meeting:
compromise [kom-pruh-mahyz]—noun
1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands. 2. the result of such a settlement. 3. something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house. 4. an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one’s integrity.
Ana
What a surprise, a provocative e-mail from Miss Steele, but our meeting is still happening. Well, that’s a relief.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: What about My Issues?
Date: May 24 2011 18:32
To: Anastasia Steele
Good point, well made, as ever, Miss Steele. I will collect you from your apartment at 7:00 tomorrow.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
My phone buzzes. It’s Elliot.
“Hey, hotshot. Kate’s asked me to hassle you about the move.”
“The move?”
“Kate and Ana, help moving, you dipshit.”
I give him an exaggerated sigh. He really is a crude asshole. “I can’t help. I’m meeting Mia at the airport.”
“What? Can’t Mom do that, or Dad?”
“No. Mom called me this morning.”
“Then I guess that settles it. You never told me how you got on with Ana? Did you f—”
“Good-bye, Elliot.” I hang up. It’s none of his business and there’s an e-mail waiting for me.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: 2011—Women Can Drive
Date: May 24 2011 18:40
To: Christian Grey
Sir,
I have a car. I can drive.
I would prefer to meet you somewhere.
Where shall I meet you?
At your hotel at 7:00?
Ana
How irritating. I write back immediately.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Stubborn Young Women
Date: May 24 2011 18:43
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele,
I refer to my e-mail dated May 24, 2011, sent at 1:27, and the definition contained therein.
Do you ever think you’ll be able to do what you’re told?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Her response is slow, which does nothing for my mood.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Intractable Men
Date: May 24 2011 18:49
To: Christian Grey
Mr. Grey,
I would like to drive.
Please.
Ana
Intractable? Me? Fuck. If our meeting goes as planned, her contrary behavior will be a thing of the past. With that in mind, I agree.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Exasperated Men
Date: May 24 2011 18:52
To: Anastasia Steele
Fine.
My hotel at 7:00.
I’ll meet you in the Marble Bar.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Not So Intractable Men
Date: May 24 2011 18:55
To: Christian Grey
Thank you.
Ana x
And I’m rewarded with a kiss. Ignoring how that makes me feel, I let her know that she’s welcome. My mood has lifted as I head to the hotel gym.
She sent me a kiss…
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011
* * *
I order a glass of Sancerre and stand at the bar. I’ve been waiting for this moment all day and look repeatedly at my watch. This feels like a first date, and in a way it is. I’ve never taken a prospect out to dinner. I’ve sat through interminable meetings today, bought a business, and fired three people. Nothing I’ve done today, including running—twice—and a quick circuit in the gym, has dispelled the anxiety I’ve wrestled with all day. That power is in the hands of Anastasia Steele. I want her submission.