fifty-shades-of-grey

I have never left continental US. Kate is off to Barbados with her parents and herbrother Ethan for two whole weeks. I’ll be Kateless in our new apartment. That will beweird. Ethan has been traveling the world since he graduated last year. I wonder briefly ifI’ll see him before they go on vacation. He’s such a lovely guy. The phone rings, joltingme from my reverie.“That’ll be José.”I sigh. I know I have to talk to him. I grab the phone.“Hi.”“Ana, you’re back!” José shouts his relief at me.“Obviously.” Sarcasm drips from my voice, and I roll my eyes at the phone.He’s silent for a moment.“Can I see you? I’m sorry about Friday night. I was drunk… and you… well. Ana –please forgive me.”“Of course, I forgive you José. Just don’t do it again. You know I don’t feel like thatabout you.”He sighs heavily, sadly.“I know, Ana. I just thought, if I kissed you, it might change how you feel.”“José, I love you dearly, you mean so much to me. You’re like the brother I never had.That’s not going to change. You know that.” I hate to let him down, but it’s the truth.“So you’re with him now?” His tone is full of disdain.“José, I’m not with anybody.”“But you spent the night with him.”“That’s none of your business!”“Is it the money?”“José! How dare you!” I shout, staggered by his audacity.“Ana,” he whines and apologizes simultaneously. I cannot deal with his petty jealousynow. I know he’s hurt, but my plate is overflowing dealing with Christian Grey.“Maybe we can have a coffee or something tomorrow. I’ll call you.” I am conciliatory.He is my friend, and I’m very fond of him. But right now, I don’t need this.“Tomorrow then. You’ll call?” The hope in his voice twists my heart.“Yes… goodnight, José.” I hang up, not waiting for his response.“What was that all about?” Katherine demands, her hands on her hips. I decide honestyis the policy. She’s looking more intractable than ever.“He made a pass at me on Friday.”“José? And Christian Grey? Ana, your pheromones must be working overtime. Whatwas the stupid fool thinking?” She shakes her head in disgust and returns to packing crates.Forty-five minutes later, we pause our packing for the house specialty, my lasagna.Kate opens a bottle of wine, and we sit amongst the boxes eating, quaffing cheap red wine,and watching crap TV. This is normality. It’s so grounding and welcome after the lastforty-eight hours of… madness. I eat my first unhurried, no nagging, peaceful meal in thattime. What is it about him and food? Kate clears the dishes, and I finish packing up theliving room. We are left with the couch, the TV, and the dining table. What more couldwe need? Just the kitchen and our bedrooms left to pack up, and we have the rest of theweek. Result!