When I was a little girl, I longed to be an actress on Broadway. The dream that I, Anastasia Steele, would be would be a fixture on the Great White Way was a constant. My youth was spent on my family's horse farm in Logan New Mexico, but I wanted more. "One day, somehow, I'm getting out of here", is what I would tell myself. That dream was crushed when I turned fifteen. My mother decided she wanted to "find herself." At least that's the excuse she gave my dad in the letter she left him. In my opinion, she was a selfish woman who wanted to be with Bob from the grocery store more. Apparently, in addition to bagging her groceries, he was also bagging her. They took off early on a Saturday morning. I remember the day because I was standing at the window as she hurried to his pickup. Not even a glance back. Like I said, she was a selfish woman. After her departure from our lives, my father and I continued living the best way we could. While my friends were shopping at the mall or on dates, I was cooking, cleaning, or helping my father with the horses. There were many times where I wanted to throw my hands up and say screw it, but I kept going because our horse farm is my father's passion. After I graduated high school, I took some online college classes just so I could say I was a college student. It still hurt seeing all of my friends go away to their dream schools.

Three months ago, I told my father my life long dream of getting out of this god forsaken town, and he whole heartedly supported it. Things were falling into place, and I was ready for my new journey. It seems that stupid thing called cancer had other plans. My father hadn't been feeling well for a while, but he was too stubborn to go to the doctor. I finally convinced him to go or I would drag him there myself. After seeing one doctor and then another and yet another, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. I knew there was no way I was going to leave my dad when he needed me. My dreams were put on hold once, so why not do it again. I knew my father wasn't going to be able to carry on with his daily work like he used to, but there was no way I was going to the farm slip away. So, I decided to put an ad in the paper for help. Yesterday, I got a call about the ad.

Now, here I am waiting at Karen's Cafe for the guy who called about the job. My father wanted to come, but he is having a bad day from the chemo. Where is the guy? He was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago. Tardiness is one of the things I dislike, and this guy is off to a bad start. As I look at the door, my eyes catch sight of a copper haired, gray eyed man walking in. I know pretty much everyone in this town, and I would know if I had seen him before. He glances around the café and realizes that no one else is here except me. A smirk crosses his face as he strides over to my table. Is he the guy who called about the job?

"Miss Steele?", he asks as I nod nervously. Why am I nervous when he is the one wanting the job?

"Yes, are you the gentleman that I spoke to on the phone about the job?"

"That was me. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Christian Trevelyan." He shakes me hand slowly as his touch makes me quiver. What the hell? Why does a complete stranger have this effect on me.

"Please sit down.", I motion to the chair across from me. "I want you to know that my father and I are looking for someone who will show up on time for work. Being late in inexcusable."

"I'm sorry that I was late. I'm still new in town and got lost. Miss Steele, I want you to know that I am a hard worker and very reliable."

"Why did you decide to answer the ad ?" He sits in his spot for a few minutes as if he is trying to find the right words.

"Like I said, I'm new in town, and I need employment. When I was younger, I enjoyed riding. Horses are beautiful creatures who are captivating. There is something about riding that is liberating. In those moments, all of life's worries are out the door." His words echo what my father has always said about horses.

"Where are you from?" Who knows this guy could be some serial killer or freak, but he seems like a genuine good guy who is troubled.

"Everywhere. I've traveled here and there. So, do I have the job?"

"Ok, you can start tomorrow. Don't be late." I may regret this decision, but my father taught me that everyone needs to be given a chance. Christian Trevelyan, you better not make me regret this.