Fifty Shades of Grey(89)

Jose phones at eleven.

"Hey, are we doing coffee?" He sounds like the old Jose. Jose my friend, not a - what did Christian call himSuitor. 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 Christian Grey and his contract.

Jose 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 angry with him anymore.

"Hi Jose." I hug him. "I'm starving. I'll just let Mrs. Clayton know I'm going for lunch."

As we stroll to the local coffee shop, I slip my arm through Jose's. I'm so grateful for his

- normality. Someone I know and understand.

"Hey Ana," he murmurs. "You've really forgiven me?"

"Jose, 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 research project. Kate is out somewhere, so I fire up the new laptop and open my email. Sure enough, there's an email from Christian sitting in the inbox. I'm practically bouncing out of my seat with glee.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Working for a living

Date: May 23 2011 17:24

To: Anastasia Steele

Dear Miss Steele

I do hope you had a good day at work.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

I hit reply.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Working for living

Date: May 23 2011 17:48

To: Christian Grey

Sir... I had a very good day at work.

Thank you.

Ana

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Do The Work!

Date: May 23 2011 17:50

To: Anastasia Steele

Miss Steele

Delighted you had a good day.

While you are emailing, you are not researching.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Nuisance

Date: May 23 2011 17:53

To: Christian Grey

Mr. Grey, stop emailing me, and I can start my assignment.

I'd like another A.

Ana

I hug myself.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Impatient

Date: May 23 2011 17:55

To: Anastasia Steele

Miss Steele

Stop emailing me - and do your assignment.

I'd like to award another A.

The first one was so well deserved. ;)

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

Christian Grey just sent me a winking smiley... Oh my. I fire up Google.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Internet Research

Date: May 23 2011 17:59

To: Christian Grey

Mr. Grey

What would you suggest I put into a search engine?

Ana

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Internet Research

Date: May 23 2011 18:02

To: Anastasia Steele

Miss Steele

Always start with Wikipedia.

No more emails unless you have questions. Understood?

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Bossy!

Date: May 23 2011 18:04

To: Christian Grey

Yes... Sir.

You are so bossy.