“What does he say?”
Oh triple crap.I frantically try to think of something acceptable from that email I can
tell my mother. I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear about Doms and bondage and gagging,
but then I can’t tell her because there’s the NDA.
“He’s told me to enjoy myself, but not too much.”
“Sounds reasonable. I’ll leave you to get ready, honey.” Leaning over, she kisses my
forehead. “I’m so glad you’re here, Ana. It’s wonderful to see you.” And with that loving
statement, she leaves.
Hmm, Christian and reasonable… two concepts that I thought were mutually exclu-
sive, but after his email, maybe all things are possible. I shake my head. I will need time
to digest his words. Probably after dinner – and I can reply to him then. I climb out of bed
and quickly slip out of my t-shirt and shorts, and head to the shower.
I have brought Kate’s gray halter-neck dress that I wore for my graduation. It’s the
only dressy item I have. One good thing about the heat is that the creases have dropped
out, so I think it will do for the golf club. As I dress, I wake the laptop up. There is nothing
new from Christian, and I feel a stab of disappointment. Very quickly, I type him an email.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Verbose?
Date:May 31 2011 19:08 EST
To:Christian Grey
Sir, you are quite the loquacious writer. I have to go to dinner at Bob’s golf club, and just
so you know, I am rolling my eyes at the thought. But you and your twitchy palm are a
long way from me so my behind is safe, for now. I loved your email. Will respond when I
can. I miss you already.
Enjoy your afternoon.
Your Ana
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Your behind
Date:May 31 2011 16:10
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
I am distracted by the title of this email. Needless to say it is safe – for now.
Enjoy your dinner, and I miss you too, especially your behind and your smart mouth.
My afternoon will be dull, brightened only by thoughts of you and your eye rolling. I think
it was you who so judiciously pointed out to me that I too suffer from that nasty habit.
Christian Grey
CEO & Eye Roller, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Eye Rolling
Date:May 31 2011 19:14 EST
To:Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey
Stop emailing me. I am trying to get ready for dinner. You are very distracting, even
when you are on the other side of the continent. And yes – who spanks you when you
roll your eyes?
Your Ana
I press send, and immediately the image of that evil witch Mrs. Robinson comes into my
mind. I just can’t picture it. Christian being beaten by someone as old as my mother, it’s
just so wrong. Again I wonder what damage she’s wrought. My mouth sets in a hard grim
line. I need a doll to stick pins in, maybe that way I can vent some of the anger I feel at
this stranger.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Your behind
Date:May 31 2011 16:18
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
I still prefer my title to yours, in so many different ways. It is lucky that I am master of my
own destiny and no one castigates me. Except my mother occasionally and Dr. Flynn, of
course. And you.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Chastising… Me?
Date:May 31 2011 19:22 EST
To:Christian Grey
Dear Sir
When have I ever plucked up the nerve to chastise you, Mr. Grey? I think you are mixing
me up with someone else… which is very worrying. I really do have to get ready.
Your Ana
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Your behind
Date:May 31 2011 16:25
To:Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele
You do it all the time in print. Can I zip up your dress?
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
For some unknown reason, his words leap out of the page and make me gasp. Oh… he
wants to play games.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:NC-17
Date:May 31 2011 19:28 EST
To:Christian Grey
I would rather you unzipped it.
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Careful what you wish for…
Date:May 31 2011 16:31
To:Anastasia Steele
SO WOULD I.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Panting
Date:May 31 2011 19:33 EST
To:Christian Grey
Slowly…
From:Christian Grey
Subject:Groaning
Date:May 31 2011 16:35
To:Anastasia Steele
Wish I was there.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Moaning
Date:May 31 2011 19:37 EST
To:Christian Grey
SO DO I
“Ana!” My mother calls me, making me jump. Shit.Why do I feel so guilty?
“Just coming, Mom.”
From:Anastasia Steele
Subject:Moaning
Date:May 31 2011 19:39 EST
To:Christian Grey
Gotta go.
Laters, baby.
I dash into the hall where Bob and my mother are waiting. My mother frowns.
“Darling - are you feeling ok? You look at bit flushed.”
“Mom, I’m fine.”
“You look lovely, dear.”
“Oh, this is Kate’s dress. You like it?”
Her frown deepens.
“Why are you wearing Kate’s dress?”
Oh… no.
“Well I like this one and she doesn’t,” I improvise quickly.
She regards me shrewdly while Bob oozes impatience with his hangdog, hungry look.
“I’ll take you shopping tomorrow,” she says.
“Oh, Mom, you don’t need to do that. I have plenty of clothes.”
“Can’t I do something for my own daughter? Come on, Bob’s starving.”
“Too right,” moans Bob, rubbing his stomach and assuming a fake pained expression.
I giggle as he rolls his eyes, and we head out the door.
Later when I’m in the shower, cooling under the lukewarm water, I reflect on how much
my mother has changed. Seeing her at dinner, she was in her element, funny and flirty
and amongst many friends at the golf club. Bob was warm and attentive… they seem so
good for each other. I’m really pleased for her. It means I can stop worrying about her and