It's only been a week since I last saw him, and I have been a complete mess ever since. I don't understand how being away from someone could make you hurt this much, especially when you were the one that initiated the being-apart part. I haven't eaten a proper meal since the last one I had with him (I can imagine what he would think about that)...god just stop thinking about him. I tell myself that over and over, but every time I try not to think about Christian, I do just that. These Christian infused thoughts then spiral into doubts about my decision to leave him. I know that he isn't good for me, but how can I still love him despite all the pain he has caused me, and why am I disappointed every time the phone rings, or I get an email and its not from him...I honestly don't know what to think any more. All I know is that keeping myself busy might keep the other thoughts about Christian away...shit have I really been lying in my bed for four hours thinking about...stop right there Steele, honestly get a grip, get up, get showered because you stink, and today is your first day at SIP.
After finally dragging my ass out of bed, and almost flying head first into the bathroom after stumbling on a stair, I swear never existed before, I try to get down a Granola bar and some English Twinnings Breakfast tea, before heading out. Outside it is pouring, and each drop hits me hard as I make my way to the side of the street to get a cab. My poor baby Wanda VW beattle has officially been sold for an over the top price of 25.000 dollars, which mysteriously appeared in my bank account a few days ago, and since I am definitely not keeping the Audi submissive special, it was either walk in this apocalyptic weather, or get a cab and hope for little traffic. It would not exactly leave the best of impressions if I showed up late on my first day.
When I thankfully pull up to the SIP building after just 15 minutes of driving, I quickly pay the cab driver, and run into the building actually quite excited to finally be starting my career at a publishing house, just as I had always dreamed. I am greeted at the front desk by a lovely young girl called Olivia, who's name tag I caught, just before her long black hair covered it up again.
"Hello, umm I'm Anastasia Steele" I say reaching out my hand to shake hers.
"Hi Ms. Steele I'm Olivia, its nice to meet you. Ms. Steele, right...Assistant to Jack Hyde. Here you go" she says to me with a kind smile as she hands me a card with my face and name on it.
"Ms. Steele, that's your personal ID which allows you to access certain parts of the building, Mr. Hyde's office is just up on the 13th floor, where he will give you instructions... and that's actually pretty much it, good luck on your first day and tell me how it's been when your off for your lunch break" she says giving me a wink.
I already like her, if everyone is as nice as Olivia, I doubt I'll have any trouble fitting in. I give her a bright smile "Thanks I will, oh and please call me Ana"
Stepping out of the elevator, when the door opens on the 13th floor is magical, my excitement is now tangible, and when I see a potted plant near my desk with a welcome card from my new boss, I feel like I could really be at home here. As I examine my new work space, Jack comes out of his office with a large stack of folders, his eyes automatically lighting up like a young boys would at Christmas, when he lays his eyes on me.
"Hello Ana, I'm so glad you're here! I know it's your first day, but I already have a ton of work for you to do, which my last PA sadly did not complete" he says, his eyes suddenly darkening.
He drops the large stack onto my desk while continuing to talk "I need you to sort these alphabetically, and then create reports on about the first five. Please make sure you have sent me the written reports by one o'clock, as I will be needing them for a meeting this afternoon. Oh and also if you could reschedule my four o'clock to five tomorrow, I would be very greatful".
Wow I guess this guy does not waste any time "I will have these filed, ready and sent by one, and consider the meeting tomorrow already rescheduled! Is there anything else you need?"
"Perhaps a coffee" he smiling as he turns away..."sure no problem I'll get right on that" I say as I also turn to leave..."oh and Ana, thank you, you are a life saver".
It is now 12:30 and I have been working non stop. The folders are neatly filed, and I am currently finishing the last report. The meeting has been moved to five, and as I finally attach the last report to the email meant for Jack, my own Inbox *BLINGS*, and I open it with curiosity as it says it is from Elliot Grey.
From: Elliot Grey
Subject: How are you?
Date: 5th June 2011 12:33
To: Anastasia Steele
Hi Ana, I'm sorry to hear about you and Christian I don't know what the Idiot did, and I am not writing to apologize for him, I was actually wondering if you might want to get a drink or a bite to eat after work tonight. (IF your don't have other plans already) I could pick you up at round six, and I know a great little place just around the corner. I was also wondering if you had heard from Kate lately, because she has not been answering any of my emails, and I am starting to worry that she is avoiding me. Have a great first day at work
Laters xx
After reading the email again, I am slightly dumbfounded as to why he would actually want to meet me, but on the other hand I have always liked him and it would be nice to go out and maybe even get a little tipsy. I do feel slightly guilty though as I type my reply, because I know that Kate was planning on breaking up with him before going to Barbados with her brother Ethan, but chickend out in the last minute.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Drinks sound...
Date: 5th June 12:40
To: Elliot Grey
Amazing right about now, I'll meet you down at the reception at six, or just give me a call when you are here. I'm sorry, I actually haven't heard form Kate either. I guess she is just enjoying herself so much she forgot about us all :P
Laters xx
"Laters" wow that really does catch on fast. Two minutes later I get a reply.
From: Elliot Grey
Subject: See you...
Date: 5th June 2011 12:42
To: Anastasia Steele
at six then ;) and thanks I really though I was the only one she was avoiding.
Laters xx
Just as I get up to leave for my lunch break, I notice Jack eyeing me with a look that sends shivers down my spine, before quickly turning around to enter the elevator. My email then *BLINGS* again, this time however it is not from Elliot, but from none other than Christian Grey CEO, Grey Enterprise Holdings, Inc. ...shit what does he want now?