Chapter 51 (1/2)

He sighs heavily, sadly.

”I know, Ana. I just thought, if I kissed you, it might change how you feel.”

”Jose, I love you dearly, you mean so much to me. You're like the brother I never had.

That's not going to change. You know that.” I hate to let him down, but it's the truth.

”So you're with him now?” His tone is full of disdain.

”Jose, I'm not with anybody.”

”But you spent the night with him.”

”That's none of your business!”

”Is it the money?”

”Jose! How dare you!” I shout, staggered by his audacity.

”Ana,” he whines and apologizes simultaneously. I cannot deal with his petty jealousy now. I know he's hurt, but my plate is overflowing dealing with Christian Grey.

”Maybe we can have a coffee or something tomorrow. I'll call you.” I am conciliatory.

He is my friend, and I'm very fond of him. But right now, I don't need this.

”Tomorrow then. You'll call?” The hope in his voice twists my heart.

”Yes... goodnight, Jose.” I hang up, not waiting for his response.

”What was that all about?” Katherine demands, her hands on her hips. I decide honesty is the policy. She's looking more intractable than ever.

”He made a pass at me on Friday.”

”JoseAnd Christian GreyAna, your pheromones must be working overtime. What was the stupid fool thinking?” She shakes her head in disgust and returns to packing crates.

Forty-five minutes later, we pause our packing for the house specialty, my lasagna.

Kate opens a bottle of wine, and we sit amongst the boxes eating, quaffing cheap red wine, and watching crap TV. This is normality. It's so grounding and welcome after the last forty-eight hours of... madness. I eat my first unhurried, no nagging, peaceful meal in that time. What is it about him and food Kate clears the dishes, and I finish packing up the living room. We are left with the couch, the TV, and the dining table. What more could we needJust the kitchen and our bedrooms left to pack up, and we have the rest of the week. Result!

The phone rings again. It's Elliot. Kate winks at me and skips off to her bedroom like she's fourteen. I know that she should be writing her Valedictorian speech, but it seems Elliot is more important. What is it about the Grey menWhat is it that makes them totally distracting, all-consuming, and irresistibleI take another slug of wine.

I flick through the TV channels, but deep down I know I'm procrastinating. Burning a bright red hole in the side of my purse is that contract. Do I have the strength and the wherewithal to read it tonight?

I put my head in my hands. Jose and Christian, they both want something from me.