fifty-shades-of-grey

“I’ve been driving it for over three years. I’m sorry you were worried. Why didn’t youcall?” Jeez, he’s completely over-reacting.He takes a deep breath.“Anastasia, I need an answer from you. This waiting around is driving me crazy.”“Christian, I… look, I’ve left my stepdad on his own.”“Tomorrow. I want an answer by tomorrow.”“Okay. Tomorrow, I’ll tell you then.” I blink at him.He steps back, regarding me coolly, and his shoulders relax.“Are you staying for drinks?” he asks.“I don’t know what Ray wants to do.”“Your stepfather? I’d like to meet him.”Oh no… why?“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”Christian unlocks the door, his mouth in a grim line.“Are you ashamed of me?”“No!” It’s my turn to sound exasperated. “Introduce you to my dad as what? ‘This isthe man who deflowered me and wants us to start a BDSM relationship’. You’re not wearingrunning shoes.”Christian glares down at me, and then his lips twitch up in a smile. And in spite of thefact I’m mad at him, my face is unwillingly pulled into an answering grin.“Just so you know, I can run quite fast. Just tell him I’m your friend, Anastasia.”He opens the door, and I head out. My mind is whirling. The Chancellor, the threeVice Chancellors, four professors, and Kate stare at me as I walk hastily past them. Holycrap. Leaving Christian with the faculty I go in search of Ray.Tell him I’m your friend. Friend with benefits, my subconscious scowls. I know, Iknow. I shake the unpleasant thought away. How will I introduce him to Ray? The hall isstill at least half full, and Ray has not moved from his spot. He sees me, waves, and makeshis way down.“Hey, Annie. Congratulations.” He puts his arm around me.“Would you like to come and have a drink in the marquee?”“Sure. It’s your day. Lead the way.”“We don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Please say no…“Annie, I’ve just sat for two and half hours listening to all kinds of jabbering. I needa drink.”I put my arm through his, and we stroll out with the throng into the warmth of the earlyafternoon. We pass the line for the official photographer.“Oh, that reminds me.” Ray drags a digital camera out of his pocket. “One for thealbum, Annie.” I roll my eyes at him as he snaps a picture of me.“Can I take the cap and gown off now? I feel kind of dorky.”You look kinda dorky… my subconscious is at her snarky best. So are you going tointroduce Ray to the man you’re fucking? She is glaring at me over her wing-shaped spectacles.He’d be so proud. God, I hate her sometimes.