Chapter 135


    I nce down at my phone and frown, there''s a missed call from Christian. He never phones me. I call


    him straight back.


    "Anastasia," he answers immediately.


    "Hi," I murmur shyly.


    "I have to return to Seattle. Something''se up. I am on my way to Hilton Head now. Please


    apologize to your mother - I can''t make dinner." He sounds very businesslike.


    "Nothing serious, I hope?"


    "I have a situation which I have to deal with. I''ll see you Friday. I''ll send Taylor to collect you from the


    airport if I can''te myself." He sounds cold. Angry even. But for the first time, I don''t immediately


    think it''s me.


    "Okay. I hope you sort out your situation. Have a safe flight."


    "You too, baby," he breathes, and with those words, my Christian is back briefly. Then he hangs up.


    Oh no. Thest ''situation'' he had was my virginity . Jeez, I hope it''s nothing like that.


    I gaze at my mom. Her earlier jubtion has metamorphosed into concern.


    "It''s Christian, he''s had to go back to Seattle. He apologizes."


    "Oh! That''s a shame, darling. We can still have our barbecue, and now we have something to celebrate


    - your new job! You have to tell me all about it."


    It''ste afternoon, and Mom and I are lying beside the pool. My mother has rxed to the point where


    she is literally horizontal now that Mr. Megabucks is noting to dinner. As I lie in the sun,


    endeavoring to lose the pale, I think about yesterday evening and breakfast today. I think about


    Christian, and my ridiculous grin refuses to subside. It keeps creeping across my face, unbidden and


    disconcerting, as I recall our various conversations and what we did... what he did.


    There seems to be tidal shift in Christian''s attitude. He denies it but - he admits he''s trying for more.


    What could have changedWhat has altered since he sent his long email and when I saw him


    yesterdayWhat has he doneI sit up suddenly, almost spilling my Dr. Pepper. He had dinner with... her.


    Elena.


    Holy Fuck!


    My scalp prickles at the realization. Did she say something to himOh... to have been a fly on the wall


    during their dinner. I could havended in her soup or on her wine ss and choked her.


    "What is it, Ana, honey?" Mom asks, startled from her torpor.


    "I''m just having a moment, Mom. What time is it?"


    "About 6:30 p.m., darling."


    Hmm... he won''t havended yet. Can I ask himShould I ask himOr perhaps she has nothing to do with


    it. I fervently hope so. What did I say in my sleep Crap... some unguarded remark while dreaming about


    him, I betWhatever it is, or was, I hope the sea of change ising from within him and not because of


    her.


    I am sweltering in this damned heat. I need another dip in the pool.


    As I get ready for bed, I switch on myputer. I have heard nothing from Christian.


    Not even a word that he''s arrived safely.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Safe Arrival?


    Date: June 2 2011 22:32 EST


    To: Christian Grey


    Dear Sir


    Please let me know that you have arrived safely. I am starting to worry. Thinking of you.


    Your Ana. x


    Three minutester, I hear the ping from my email in-box.


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: Sorry


    Date: June 2 2011 19:36


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Dear Miss Steele


    I have arrived safely, and please ept my apologies for not letting you know. I don''t want to cause


    you any worry, it''s heart warming to know that you care for me. I am thinking of you too and as ever


    looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.


    I sigh, Christian is back to formality.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: The Situation


    Date: June 2 2011 22:40 EST


    To: Christian Grey


    Dear Mr. Grey


    I think it is very evident that I care for you deeply. How could you doubt that?


    I hope your ''situation'' is in hand.


    Your Ana x


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    PS: Are you going to tell me what I said in my sleep?


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: Pleading the Fifth


    Date: June 2 2011 19:45


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Dear Miss Steele


    I like very much that you care for me. The ''situation'' here is not yet resolved.


    With regard to your PS: The answer is - No.


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Pleading Insanity


    Date: June 2 2011 22:48 EST


    To: Christian Grey


    I hope it was amusing. But you should know I cannot ept any responsibility for whates out of


    my mouth when I am unconscious. In fact - you probably misheard me.


    A man of your advanced years is surely a little deaf.


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: Pleading Guilty


    Date: June 2 2011 19:52


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Dear Miss Steele


    Sorry, could you speak upI can''t hear you.


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Pleading Insanity Again


    Date: June 2 2011 22:54 EST


    To: Christian Grey


    You are driving me crazy.


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: I hope so...


    Date: June 2 2011 19:59


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Dear Miss Steele


    I intend to do exactly that on Friday evening. Looking forward to it


    ;)


    Christian Grey


    CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.


    From: Anastasia Steele


    Subject: Grrrrrr


    Date: June 2 2011 23:02 EST


    To: Christian Grey


    I am officially pissed at you.


    Goodnight.


    Miss A. R. Steele


    From: Christian Grey


    Subject: Wild Cat


    Date: June 2 2011 20:05


    To: Anastasia Steele


    Are you growling at me Miss Steele?


    I possess a cat of my own for growlers.


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