fifty-shades-of-grey

tell him that, and I’m sure he’s not ready to hear it, if he ever wants to hear it. I scowl atmy computer and decide that whatever I cook, I will make bread.My mom has decided on gazpacho soup and a barbecue with steaks marinated in oliveoil, garlic, and lemon. Christian likes meat, and it’s simple to do. Bob has volunteeredto man the BBQ grill. What is it about men and fire, I ponder as I trail after my motherthrough the supermarket with the shopping cart?As we browse the raw meat cabinet, my phone rings. I scramble for it, thinking it maybe Christian. I don’t recognize the number.“Hello?” I answer breathlessly.“Anastasia Steele?”“Yes.”“It’s Elizabeth Morgan from SIP.”“Oh – hi.”“I’m calling to offer you the job of assistant to Mr. Jack Hyde. We’d like you to starton Monday.”“Wow. That’s great. Thank you!”“You know the salary details?”“Yes. Yes… that’s – I mean, I accept your offer. I’d love to come and work for you.”“Excellent. We’ll see you Monday at 8:30 a.m.?”“See you then. Goodbye. And thank you.”I beam at my mom.“You have a job?”I nod gleefully, and she squeals and hugs me in the middle of Publix supermarket.“Congratulations, darling! We have to buy some champagne!” She’s clapping herhands and jumping up and down. Is she forty-two or twelve?I glance down at my phone and frown, there’s a missed call from Christian. He neverphones me. I call him straight back.“Anastasia,” he answers immediately.“Hi,” I murmur shyly.“I have to return to Seattle. Something’s come up. I am on my way to Hilton Headnow. 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 tocollect you from the airport if I can’t come myself.” He sounds cold. Angry even. But forthe 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. Thenhe hangs up.Oh no. The last ‘situation’ he had was my virginity. Jeez, I hope it’s nothing like that.I gaze at my mom. Her earlier jubilation has metamorphosed into concern.“It’s Christian, he’s had to go back to Seattle. He apologizes.”