Sir
If you recall I was going through this list, when I was distracted and bedded by a passing
control freak.
Goodnight.
Ana
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Stop Burning the midnight oil
Date:May 24 2011 00:12
To:Anastasia Steele
GO TO BED ANASTASIA.
Christian Grey
CEO & Control Freak, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Oh… shouty capitals!I switch off. How can he intimidate me when he’s six miles away?
I shake my head. My heart still heavy, I climb into bed and fall instantly into a deep but
troubled sleep.
The following day, I call my mom when I’m home from work. It’s been a relatively peace-
ful day at the Clayton’s, allowing me far too much time to think. I’m restless, nervous
about my showdown with Mr. Control Freak tomorrow, and at the back of my mind, I’m
worried that perhaps I’ve been too negative in my response to the contract. Perhaps he’ll
call the whole thing off.
My mom is oozing contrition, desperately sorry not to make my graduation. Bob has
twisted some ligament which means he’s hobbling all over the place. Honestly, he’s as
accident-prone as I am. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but it means he’s resting
up, and my mother has to wait on him hand and sore foot.
“Ana honey, I’m so sorry,” my mom whines down the phone.
“Mom, it’s fine. Ray will be there.”
“Ana, you sound distracted – are you okay, baby?”
“Yes, Mom,” Oh if only you knew.There’s an obscenely rich guy I’ve met and he
wants some kind of strange kinky sexual relationship, in which I don’t get a say in things.
“Have you met someone?”
“No, Mom.” I am so not going there right now.
“Well, darling, I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. I love you… you know that hon-
ey?”I close my eyes, her precious words give me a warm glow inside.
“Love you too, Mom. Say hi to Bob, and I hope he gets better fast.”
“Will do, honey. Bye.”
“Bye.”
I have strayed into my bedroom with the phone. Idly, I switch the mean machine on
and fire up the email program. There’s an email from Christian from late last night or very
early this morning, depending on your point of view. My heart rate spikes instantly, and I
hear the blood pumping in my ears. Holy crap… perhaps he’s said no – that’s it – maybe
he’s canceling dinner. The thought is so painful. I dismiss it quickly and open the email.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Your Issues
Date:May 24 2011 01:27
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
Following my more thorough examination of your issues, may I bring to your attention the
definition of submissive.
submissive[s uhb- mis-iv] – adjective
1.inclined or ready to submit; unresistingly or humbly obedient: submissive servants.
2.marked by or indicating submission: a submissive reply.
Origin:1580–90; submiss + -ive
Synonyms: 1. tractable, compliant, pliant, amenable. 2.passive, resigned, patient, docile, tame, subdued. Antonyms: 1.rebellious, disobedient.
Please bear this in mind for our meeting on Wednesday.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
My initial feeling is one of relief. He’s willing to discuss my issues at least, and he still
wants to meet tomorrow. After some thought, I reply.
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-pr uh-mahyz] - noun
1.a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjust-
ment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of de-
mands. 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 compro-
mise of one’s integrity.
Ana
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.
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
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Stubborn Young Women
Date:May 24 2011 18:43
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
I refer to my email 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.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Intractable Men
Date:May 24 2011 18:49
To:Christian Grey
Mr. Grey
I would like to drive.
Please.
Ana
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.
He’s even grumpy by email. Doesn’t he understand that I may need to make a quick get-
away? Not that my Beetle is quick… but still – I need a means of escape.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Not So Intractable Men
Date:May 24 2011 18:55
To:Christian Grey
Thank you.
Ana x
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Exasperating Women
Date:May 24 2011 18:59
To:Anastasia Steele
You’re welcome.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
I call Ray, who is just about to watch the Sounders play some soccer team from Salt Lake
City, so our conversation is mercifully brief. He’s driving down on Thursday for gradua-
tion. He wants to take me out afterward for a meal. My heart swells talking to Ray, and a
huge lump knots in my throat. He has been my constant through all mom’s romantic ups
and downs. We have a special bond that I treasure. Even though he’s my stepdad, he’s