seems very keen, says I’m his – but that’s just part of his I-must-own-and-have-everything-
now – control-freak dominant self, surely. I realize that while I’m away, I will have to run
through all our conversations again and see if I can pick out telltale signs.
I’ll miss you too… more than you know...
You’ve completely beguiled me…
I shake my head. I don’t want to think about it now. I am charging the BlackBerry,
so I haven’t had it with me all afternoon. I approach it with caution, and I’m disappointed
that there are no messages. I switch on the mean machine, and there are no messages there
either. Same email address Ana– my subconscious rolls her eyes at me, and for the first
time, I understand why Christian wants to spank me when I do that.
Okay. Well, I’ll write him an email.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Interviews
Date:May 30 2011 18:49
To:Christian Grey
Dear Sir
My interviews went well today.
Thought you might be interested.
How was your day?
Ana
I sit and glare at the screen. Christian’s responses are usually instantaneous. I wait… and
wait, and finally I hear the welcome ping from my inbox.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:My day
Date:May 30 2011 19:03
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
Everything you do interests me, you are the most fascinating woman I know.
I’m glad your interviews went well.
My morning was beyond all expectations.
My afternoon was very dull in comparison.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Fine Morning
Date:May 30 2011 19:05
To:Christian Grey
Dear Sir
The morning was exemplary for me too, in spite of you weirding out on me after the im-
peccable desk sex. Don’t think I didn’t notice.
Thank you for breakfast. Or thank Mrs. Jones.
I’d like to ask you questions about her – without you weirding out on me again.
Ana
My finger hovers over the send button, and I am reassured that I’ll be on the other side of
the continent this time tomorrow.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Publishing and You?
Date:May 30 2011 19:10
To:Anastasia Steele
Anastasia
‘Weirding’ is not a verb and should not be used by anyone who wants to go into publish-
ing. Impeccable? Compared to what, pray tell? And what do you need to ask about Mrs.
Jones? I’m intrigued.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:You and Mrs. Jones
Date:May 30 2011 19:17
To:Christian Grey
Dear Sir
Language evolves and moves on. It is an organic thing. It is not stuck in an ivory tower,
hung with expensive works of art and overlooking most of Seattle with a helipad stuck on
its roof.
Impeccable – compared to the other times we have… what’s your word… oh yes…
fucked. Actually the fucking has been pretty impeccable, period, in my humble opinion –
but then as you know I have very limited experience.
Is Mrs. Jones an ex-sub of yours?
Ana
My finger hovers once more over the send button, and I press it.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Language. Watch Your Mouth!
Date:May 30 2011 19:22
To:Anastasia Steele
Anastasia
Mrs. Jones is a valued employee. I have never had any relationship with her beyond
our professional one. I do not employ anyone I’ve had any sexual relations with. I am
shocked that you would think so. The only person I would make an exception to this
rule is you – because you are a bright young woman with remarkable negotiating skills.
Though, if you continue to use such language, I may have to reconsider taking you on
here. I am glad you have limited experience. Your experience will continue to be limited
– just to me. I shall take impeccable as a compliment – though with you, I’m never sure if
that’s what you mean, or if your sense of irony is getting the better of you – as usual.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. From His Ivory Tower
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Not for all the Tea in China
Date:May 30 2011 19:27
To:Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
I think I have already expressed my reservations about working for your company. My
views on this have not changed, are not changing, and will not change, ever. I must
leave you now as Kate has returned with food. My sense of irony and I, bid you good-
night.
I will contact you once I’m in Georgia.
Ana
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Even Twinings English Breakfast Tea?
Date:May 30 2011 19:29
To:Anastasia Steele
Goodnight Anastasia.
I hope you and your sense of irony have a safe flight.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
Kate and I pull up outside the drop-off area at Sea-Tac Airport terminal. Leaning across,
she hugs me.
“Enjoy Barbados, Kate. Have a wonderful holiday.”
“I’ll see you when I get back. Don’t let old moneybags grind you down.”
“I won’t.”
We hug again – and then I’m on my own. I head over to check-in and stand in line,
waiting with my carry-on luggage. I haven’t bothered with a suitcase, just a smart rucksack
that Ray gave me for my last birthday.
“Ticket please?” The bored young man behind the desk holds up his hand without
looking at me.
Mirroring his boredom, I hand over my ticket and my driver’s license as ID. I am hop-
ing for a window seat if at all possible.
“Okay, Miss Steele. You’ve been upgraded to first class.”
“What?”
“Ma’am, if you’d like to go through to the first class lounge and await your flight
there.” He seems to have woken up and is beaming at me like I’m the Christmas Fairy and
the Easter Bunny rolled into one.
“Surely there’s some mistake.”
“No, no.” He checks his computer screen again. “Anastasia Steele – upgrade.” He
simpers at me.
Ugh.I narrow my eyes. He hands me my boarding pass, and I head towards the first
class lounge muttering under my breath. Damn Christian Grey, interfering control freak –
he just can’t leave well enough alone.
I am manicured, massaged, and I’ve had two glasses of champagne. The First Class lounge
has many redeeming features. With each sip of Moet, I feel slightly more inclined to for-
give Christian and his intervention. I open up my MacBook, hoping to test the theory that
it works anywhere on the planet.
From:Anastasia Steele