Fifty Shades of Grey (55 page)

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 goodnight.

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 hoping 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 forgive Christian and his intervention. I open up my MacBook, hoping to test the theory that it works anywhere on the planet.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Over-Extravagant Gestures

Date:
May 30 2011 21:53

To:
Christian Grey

Dear Mr. Grey

What really alarms me is how you knew which flight I was on.

Your stalking knows no bounds. Let’s hope that Dr. Flynn is back from vacation.

I have had a manicure, a back massage, and two glasses of champagne – a very nice start to my vacation.

Thank you.

Ana

From:
Christian Grey

Subject:
You’re Most Welcome

Date:
May 30 2011 21:59

To:
Anastasia Steele

Dear Miss Steele

Dr. Flynn is back, and I have an appointment this week.

Who was massaging your back?

Christian Grey

CEO with friends in the right places, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

Aha! Pay back time. Our flight has been called so I shall email him from the plane. It will be safer. I almost hug myself with mischievous glee.

There is so much room in first class. Champagne cocktail in hand, I settle myself into the sumptuous leather window seat as the cabin slowly fills. I call Ray to tell him where I am

– a mercifully brief call, as it’s so late for him.

“Love you, Dad,” I murmur.

“You too, Annie. Say hi to your mom. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” I hang up.

Ray is in good form. I stare at my Mac and with the same childish glee building.

Opening my laptop, I log into the email program.

From:
Anastasia Steele

Subject:
Strong Able Hands

Date:
May 30 2011 22:22

To:
Christian Grey

Dear Sir

A very pleasant young man massaged my back. Yes. Very pleasant indeed. I wouldn’t have encountered Jean-Paul in the ordinary departure lounge – so thank you again for that treat. I’m not sure if I’ll be allowed to email once we take off, and I need my beauty sleep since I’ve not been sleeping so well recently.

Pleasant dreams Mr. Grey… thinking of you.

Ana

Oh, he’s going to flip out – and I shall be airborne and out of reach. Serves him right.

If I’d been in the ordinary departure lounge then Jean-Paul wouldn’t have gotten his hands on me. He was a very nice young man, in a blonde, perma-tanned way – honestly, who has a tan in Seattle? It’s just so wrong. I think he was gay – but I’ll just keep that detail to myself. I stare at my email. Kate is right. It is like shooting fish in a barrel with him. My subconscious stares at me with an ugly twist to her mouth –
do you really want to wind him
up?
What he’s done is sweet, you know! He cares about you and wants you to travel in