fifty-shades-of-grey

“Hey, are we doing coffee?” He sounds like the old José. José my friend, not a – whatdid Christian call him? Suitor. Ugh.“Sure. I’m at work. Can you make it here for say twelve?”“See you then.”He hangs up, and I go back to restocking the paintbrushes and thinking about ChristianGrey and his contract.José is punctual. He comes bounding into the shop like a gamboling dark-eyed puppy.“Ana,” he smiles his dazzling toothy all-Hispanic-American smile, and I can’t be angrywith him anymore.“Hi José.” I hug him. “I’m starving. I’ll just let Mrs. Clayton know I’m going forlunch.”As we stroll to the local coffee shop, I slip my arm through José’s. I’m so grateful for his– normality. Someone I know and understand.“Hey Ana,” he murmurs. “You’ve really forgiven me?”“José, you know I can never stay mad at you for long.”He grins.I can’t wait to get home. The lure of emailing Christian, and maybe I can begin my researchproject. Kate is out somewhere, so I fire up the new laptop and open my email. Sureenough, there’s an email from Christian sitting in the inbox. I’m practically bouncing outof my seat with glee.From: Christian GreySubject: Working for a livingDate: May 23 2011 17:24To: Anastasia SteeleDear Miss SteeleI do hope you had a good day at work.Christian GreyCEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.I hit reply.From: Anastasia SteeleSubject: Working for livingDate: May 23 2011 17:48