Chapter 34


    Monday, July 11, 2011


    I read through the press release that I’ve rewritten for Sam.


    For Immediate Release


    GREY ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS INC. ACQUIRES


    SEATTLE INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING


    Seattle, WA, July 11, 2011—Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc., (GEH) announces the acquisition of


    Seattle Independent Publishing (SIP) of Seattle, WA, for $15 million.


    A spokesperson for GEH stated: “GEH is thrilled to add SIP to its portfolio of localpanies.” CEO


    Christian Grey said, “I’m eager to branch into publishing and to use GEH’s technological expertise to


    grow SIP and further develop a solid publishing tform that offers a voice to authors based in the


    Pacific Northwest.”


    Seattle Independent Publishing was founded thirty-two years ago by Jeremy Roach, who will continue


    as CEO. SIP has had considerable sess championing local authors, including three-time USA


    Today bestseller Bee Edmonston and poet and performance artist Keon Kinger, whosetest collection,


    By the Sound, was shortlisted for the prestigious Arthur Rense Prize in 2010.


    SIP will continue to function independently and will retain all thirty-two of its employees. Roach said,


    “This is a tremendous opportunity for all the staff and the authors at SIP, and we’re very excited to see


    where our partnership with GEH will take us over the next decade and beyond.”


    All inquiries to Sam Saster


    VP, Director of Publicity, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.


    Ana’s wordse back to me. Of course I’m mad at you. I mean, what kind of responsible business


    executive makes decisions based on who he is currently fucking?


    I do, Ana.


    But only because I’m fucking you.


    Memories of her tied to her little white bed, slick and sticky with ice cream, me attempting to chop


    peppers, her calling me an ass, float into my head. I nce at my glider. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t


    want to obey, because she thinks I’m an ass.


    Grey. Enough.


    Doubt is an ugly, futile feeling.


    This is my new mantra. Flynn said our dispute was a small setback. All rtionships have them. She’s


    moved in with me, and we’re getting married in less than three weeks. What more do I want?


    Damn. I wish we were married already. The wait is shredding my nerves. I don’t want her to change her


    mind. She’s been quiet this weekend. We were busy moving her stuff into the apartment, and she’s


    been knee-deep in wedding preparations.


    She’s just tired.


    Stop with the negative, Grey.


    Focus on the matter in hand.


    I pick up the phone and call Sam.


    “Christian.”


    Sometimes it really grates on my nerves when he uses my first name. In an arctic tone I inform him,


    “I’ve sent you a revised, less wordy press release. Brevity is everything. Try and remember that.”


    “As you wish, Mr. Grey.”


    Good. Point made.


    “And, Sam, delete the price and put ‘undisclosed sum.’”


    “Will do.”


    I hang up and turn to myputer. I’m hoping some e-mail banter with my fiancée will improve my


    disposition and hers.


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: The Ultimate Consumer. Consuming.


    Date: July 11 2011 08:43


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    My darling Anastasia


    I was reminiscing about the day you found out I had purchased SIP. I believe you called me an ass,


    when I was merely exercising my rights as a citizen of our fine country to purchase whatever I please.


    As the Ultimate Consumer (again, your epithet) I am informing you that the news of my most recent


    acquisition is no longer embargoed and a press release will be issued today.


    I’m so d you’ve moved in.


    I slept wellst night knowing you were there.


    I love you.


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Entrepreneur, not an ass, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Boss or Bossy


    Date: July 11 2011 08:56


    To: Christian Grey


    My dearest husband-to-be


    You were an ass (I stand by that appetion) and my boss’s boss’s boss. I remember that we enjoyed a


    thoroughly entertaining and sticky evening. Perhaps a helping of ice cream this evening? It is so warm


    out…


    I love you back. Very much.


    I’m preparing an agenda for our meeting this evening with Alondra about final preparations!


    Anyst-minute requests?


    Are you still happy for the rehearsal dinner to take ce at Esc?


    Anastasia Steele


    Acting Editor, Fiction, SIP


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: How Many Times!


    Date: July 11 2011 08:59


    To: Anastasia Steele


    My darling Anastasia


    Let’s make it a short service.


    I’m impatient for you to be mine.


    Yes, to Esc. Fewer prying eyes there.


    Oh, and BLACKBERRY!!!


    AND BEN & JERRY’S & ANA.


    My favorite dessert.


    Christian Grey


    Bossy CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Uber Bossy


    Date: July 11 2011 09:02


    To: Christian Grey


    Oh fiddle-dee-dee Mr. Grey.


    It’s my favorite dessert too.


    Ana x


    I smile. Now she’s quoting Gone with the Wind at me. She seems happy enough. I shake my head and


    summon Andrea, my disposition much improved.


    Thank you, Miss Steele.


    Mid-morning, Andrea puts Darius Jackson from the Port of Ephrata through.


    “Good morning, Christian.”


    “Darius, it’s good to hear your voice. Has she arrived?” Suddenly I’m ten years old again, and it’s


    Christmas. I can barely contain my excitement.


    “She has, Mr. Grey, and she’s a beauty.”


    “Have you put her together?”


    “Working on it now. I’ll send you some photographs when she’splete.”


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