Chapter 110 (1/2)
“Coffee?” she chirps.
“Please.”
“With or without milk?”
Good girl.
“With. Steamed milk.”
“Yes, Mr. Grey.”
“Try Caroline Acton. I’d like to speak to her right away.”
“Of course.”
“And make an appointment for me to see Flynn, next week.” She nods and sits down to work. At my desk, I switch on my computer.
The first e-mail in my inbox is from Elena.
* * *
From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 10:15
To: Christian Grey
Christian, what gives?
Your mother told me you took a young woman to dinner yesterday.
I’m intrigued. It’s so not your style.
You’ve found a new submissive?
Call me.
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™
That’s all I need. I close her e-mail, resolving to ignore it for now. Olivia knocks and enters with my coffee as Andrea buzzes my phone.
“I have Welch for you, and I’ve left a message for Ms. Acton,” Andrea announces.
“Good. Put him through.”
Olivia places the latte on my desk and exits flustered. I do my best to ignore her.
“Welch.”
“No airline tickets purchased as yet, Mr. Grey. But I’ll monitor the situation and inform you, should that change.”
“Please do.”
He hangs up. I take a sip of coffee and dial Ros.
JUST BEFORE LUNCH ANDREA puts Caroline Acton through. “Mr. Grey, how lovely to hear from you. What can I do for you?”
“Hello, Ms. Acton. I’d like the usual.”
“The capsule wardrobe? Do you have a color palette in mind?”
“Blues and greens. Silver maybe, for a formal event.” The Chamber of Commerce dinner springs to mind. “Gem colors, I think.”
“Nice,” Ms. Acton responds with her usual enthusiasm.
“And satin and silk underwear and nightwear. Something glamorous.”
“Yes, sir. Do you have a budget in mind?”
“No budget. Go all-out. I want everything high-end.”
“Shoes, too?”
“Please.”
“Great. Sizes?”
“I’ll e-mail you. I have your address from last time.”
“When would you like delivery?”
“This Friday.”
“I’m sure I can do that. Would you like to see photographs of my choices?”
“Please.”