“So what’s he like? Is he just as hot in person like in his picture?” Ana pressed her I-Phone to her ear listening to her best friend Jose Rodriguez jabber about Christian Grey’s alluring appearance. Thankfully no one was in the elevator with her to listen in on her private conversation. Even with the Wi-Fi connection in the building, the aspiring Latino journalist’s voice began to build static on the receiver. A small cough combined with a quick sneeze convinced the SIP intern that her roommate still needed plenty of bed rest.
“Yes, Christian Grey is just as handsome in person,” she replied. “However I found him to be rude, arrogant, and full of himself. Hopefully that squashes any gay fantasies you have about him.” She switched the phone to her other ear as she fumbled for the tape recorder in her tote bag. “Speaking of which, what is all that stuff in your questions asking if he was gay or not?”
“Well is he?” Jose probed. He let out another sneeze.
“No he’s not,” Ana clucked.
“Damn.”
“Jose! That was uncalled for!” She snapped finally locating the recording device in her bag. “Do you know how humiliating it was for me to ask a question like that? You made it sound like I was on some witch hunt to out every major figure in the media.” A few sniffles echoed from her phone before another coughing attack answered back. Ana paused, allowing Jose to breath between responses before berating him over his lack of etiquette. “Perhaps catching pneumonia is karma for acting like an ass.”
“Hey, a journalist has to research the facts and ask the tough questions,” he proudly commented. “Besides, it shows the big boss that I’m willing to put myself out there to get a good story. Since we’re on the subject, has Linc Lincoln referred you to Catwalk yet? You know his wife Elena is both owner and editor and of that magazine.”
“Not just yet,” said Ana. “But I’m sure all my work will be pay off in the end. I mean when does Linc Lincoln let an intern go on an assignment for a story?”
“True so true,” Jose noted. He released another sneeze. “Okay Ana, I’m going to have to let you go. Doctor’s orders that I have to be on complete bed rest taking my antibiotics and medication. I’ll see you when you get home. Love you. Bye.”
“Bye,” she answered listening to the call end on her cell. The elevators opened at the main level of the lobby where her brown sheepskin boots padded across the linoleum tiled floor. Observing the other employees walking past her, the edge of her sole on one of her shoes suddenly melded into the shiny surface while her other foot had a mind of its own. The company’s workers heard the shrill squeal of a dark haired woman suddenly eat the pavement.
Embarrassed and ashamed of her two left feet, Ana felt the presence of a pair of strong, gentle hands gripping her shoulders helping her to stand. Cursing her clumsiness, she forced herself to glance up at her gentlemanly Samaritan. Dark wavy blond hair and a chiseled face greeted her with dark blue eyes. Her cheeks flush with heat as her savior she managed to stay on her feet.
“Are you okay?” The gorgeous stranger asks. Even through the expensive suit her hero was wearing, she could easily make out the well tone muscles of his arms and the lithe smoothness of his body beneath the layers of fabric. Her insides tingled.
“Thank…thank you,” she managed to sputter. “I’m so embarrassed.” She readjusted the shoulder strap of her tote bag making sure the contents of her parcel remained in tack.
“Don’t be,” smiled the handsome gentleman. “It’s happens to the best of us.” He let out a laugh that could only be described as mixture of masculinity and sex appeal. Sudden heat started to shoot through her skin.
“I guess I’m just accident prone,” she giggled hoping to make light of the situation.
He softly put his hand to her palm and lifted it to his lips. “Well you’re a pretty accident. I’m Elliot. Elliot Grey. And you are?”
“Ana,” she responded. “Ana Steele. Wait, you said you’re Elliot Grey. Are you related to Christian Grey?”
“He’s my younger brother,” said Elliot. “You could say he’s the more successful one between the two of us. I went into medicine and he went into business. Though I have to say that maybe I should have chosen another career path. How do know Christian?”
“The magazine I work for, Global, is doing a story about him,” she explained. “I had just finished with the interview.”
Leaning back to take a better look at her, Ana could sense the eldest Grey brother scrutinizing her. With his hands in his pockets, he displayed a wicked grin. “Well I have say that they sure know how send the most attractive reporters to cover a story about my family.”
Ana felt her cheeks turning red again. She looked away from him just as strong footsteps came from behind her. Turning her head around, she watched as Christian Grey got off the elevator into the lobby and headed toward them.
“Ahhh Elliot,” he acknowledged his eldest sibling. “I see that you met Miss Steele, one of SIP’s up and coming journalists. Linc Lincoln sure knows true talent when he sees it. I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of Miss Steele’s work in the future.”
Her eyes darted down avoiding the gorgeous entrepreneur’s watchful glance. Compliments, especially coming from one of the most eligible and handsome bachelors, were not something that she often received much less accepted. Something about being in the presence of these two men made her feel inadequate and intimidated. Sensing the redness on her face again, she extended her fingers and quickly shook both hands of the elite gentleman.
“Thank you, Mr. Grey, and to you too, Dr. Grey,” she sputtered. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you. Now if you excuse me I should be getting back to SIP.” Swinging her tote bag over her shoulder, Ana sprinted out of the Grey Holdings building to her car leaving the two men gawking at her departure. Elliot let out another giggle the moment she had left.
“She’s a doll,” the blue eyed doctor noted. “I’m certainly intrigued.”
“I agree,” replied Christian. “There’s something about her that I find fascinating. I want to know more. My FBI contacts already e-mailed me some information about Miss Steele’s background but there’s more to her story that they are still looking into.”
“You don’t say?” Elliot remarked. “Now you have gained my interest. Do you think she is the one?”
“I do believe Elliot that she is,” answered the younger Grey. “I just want to make sure. Speaking of which, I have a bit of problem. Elizabeth.”
The older Grey rolled his eyes. “Is she still in the picture? I thought you got rid of her weeks ago?”
“I did,” sighed the handsome entrepreneur. “However she refuses to accept the fact our relationship is over. At least you had better luck ending your arrangement with Leila.”
“Yes and no,” said the dark blued doctor. “She is not taking our break up well. She is constantly sending me e-mails and voice messages begging for me to take her back. I’m at the point now where I’m going to have to change my number and get a new online account.”
“Well think of something,” his younger sibling suggested. “They both were aware and agreed to the terms of our arrangements. We’ve now parted ways. Both women will have to accept it.”
“Easier said than done,” Elliot clucked his tongue. “It doesn’t look like Leila and Elizabeth are going to leave without a fight. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
“Tell me about it,” said Christian. “Look I’ll help you deal with Leila later but right now I need for you to help me with mine. Elizabeth is upstairs.”
Elliot inhaled for a bit trying to remain cool and collective. A half smile quirked up on his lips before he peered down at his younger sibling. “What do you mean Elizabeth is upstairs?”
“In my office,” the gray eyed entrepreneur informed him. “She decided to pay me a surprise visit. I punished her, tied her up on top of my desk, and left her there.”
“Christian!”
“I know Elliot,” he said exasperated. “She’s pissed and I need to get rid of her. Help me out here!”
“Don’t I always?” asked his older sibling. He put his hands to both sides of his brother’s shoulders. “Remember this, little brother, I promised that I would always look out for you. I’ve never let you down. Now let’s figure out how to get rid of Elizabeth.”
The Grey brothers headed down to the elevators, pressed the up button, and headed inside. As the doors closed, they formulated their plan.
“You do know she’s not going to want end this relationship so easily,” said Elliot as they rode up to the top floor of Christian’s office. “You’re going to have to be direct and tell her that it’s officially over.”
“I’ve tried,” Christian responded. “She’s not taking the hint.”
“Be blunt then,” the handsome doctor commented. “Tell her we’ve found a new sub.”
“Of course! Elliot you’re a genius!” The young CEO laughed. “How could I have been so blind? We’ve replaced her with a new sub!”
“Precisely.”
Both men shot each other an evil glee. They had discovered and found their new subordinate. They had located the perfect female candidate and student to mold and teach the sinful pleasures of the flesh and discover the joys of utilizing the accoutrements of decadent wickedness.
Her name is Anastasia Steele.
Back at her apartment, Ana stayed up late to finish her article about Christian Grey. Linc Lincoln requested the copy to be on his desk by morning to which the young intern happily obliged. With her dark hair in a ponytail and wearing a simple tee, flannel pajama bottoms, and sporting bunny slippers, the blued eyed girl typed away furiously at her story. In the background, she heard her roommate Jose Rodriguez hacking, wheezing, and sneezing up a storm in his bedroom. After a couple minutes later, the dark haired Latino marched out of his room to make himself a cup of tea.
“How you feeling?” She asked concentrating on her computer.
“Let’s see I’m on Biaxin, Levaquin, Amoxicillin, Tylenol, and Doryx,” said Jose placing the teabag in his cup. “I was hoping for some Vicodine and then we can have a real party! Damn this pneumonia is kicking my ass.”
She turned her head to face him. “Well hang in there bud. You should feel better in couple weeks.”
“Yeah meanwhile my BFF is snatching up all the good stories,” he raised his eyebrows. “Man, I hate the fact that Linc gave you the Christian Grey piece. That should’ve been mine.”
“Well don’t get sick next time,” she gave him a teasing smile. “Hopefully this article for Global will help me get a chance with Catwalk.”
Jose gulped his tea as the steam helped clear up the nasal passages of his pink nose. “Oh that reminds me. Someone left a message for you on our answering machine.”
“Hmmm, I wonder who it could be?” She wondered. Lifting herself from her chair, she pressed the button on the device.
“Hello this message is for Anastasia Steele. Miss Steele, this is Elena Lincoln, editor and owner of Catwalk magazine. My husband has recommended you for a possible position for my publication. I think we should meet. I believe you are in tomorrow. Please see me at noon and do not be late. This very well might be a good opportunity for you.”
The answering machine finished the message with an ending beep. Jose nearly choked on his tea as he spun around to congratulate his best friend.
“You bitch!” He laughed. “You have all the luck! Catwalk wants to interview you for a position! Oh my God!”
Her feet covered in furry bunny slippers did a happy dance. “I know! Can you believe it? “ A thrilling euphoria shot through her body.
Jose let out another sneeze. “I would celebrate with you but I’m so out of it that I’m ready to pass out. I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Ana watched her best friend disappear into his room. She could not believe her luck. Catwalk was interested her. Relishing in the natural high of the news, she finished her article and went to bed.
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