Fifty Shades Trilogy 01 - Fifty Shades of Grey

work. It’s been a relatively peaceful day at Clayton’s, allowing me far too much time to think. I’m restless, nervous about my showdown with Mr. Control Freak tomorrow, and at the back of my mind, I’m worried that perhaps I’ve been too negative in my response to the contract. Perhaps he’ll call the whole thing off.
    My mom is oozing contrition, desperately sorry not to make my graduation. Bob has twisted some ligament which means he’s hobbling all over the place. Honestly, he’s as accident-prone as I am. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but it means he’s resting up, and my mother has to wait on him hand and sore foot.
    “Ana, honey, I’m so sorry,” my mom whines down the phone.
    “Mom, it’s fine. Ray will be there.”
    “Ana, you sound distracted – are you okay, baby?”
    “Yes, Mom,” Oh if only you knew. There’s an obscenely rich guy I’ve met and he wants some kind of strange kinky sexual relationship, in which I don’t get a say in things.
    “Have you met someone?”
    “No, Mom.” I am so not going there right now.
    “Well, darling, I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. I love you… you know that, honey?”
    I close my eyes. Her precious words give me a warm glow inside.
    “Love you too, Mom. Say hi to Bob, and I hope he gets better fast.”
    “Will do, honey. Bye.”
    “Bye.”
    I have strayed into my bedroom with the phone. Idly, I switch the mean machine on and fire up the e-mail program. There’s an e-mail from Christian from late last night or very early this morning, depending on your point of view. My heart rate spikes instantly, and I hear the blood pumping in my ears. Holy crap… perhaps he’s said no – that’s it – maybe he’s canceling dinner. The thought is so painful. I dismiss it quickly and open the e-mail.

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: Your Issues
    Date: May 24 2011 01:27
    To: Anastasia Steele
    Dear Miss Steele
Following my more thorough examination of your issues, may I bring to your attention the definition of submissive. submissive [s uh b- mis -iv] – adjective 1. inclined or ready to submit; unresistingly or humbly obedient: submissive servants. 2. marked by or indicating submission: a submissive reply. Origin: 1580–90; submiss + -ive Synonyms: 1. tractable, compliant, pliant, amenable. 2. passive, resigned, patient, docile, tame, subdued. Antonyms: 1. rebellious, disobedient.
Please bear this in mind for our meeting on Wednesday.
    Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.
    My initial feeling is one of relief. He’s willing to discuss my issues at least, and he still wants to meet tomorrow. After some thought, I reply.

    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: My Issues… What about Your Issues?
    Date: May 24 2011 18:29
    To: Christian Grey
    Sir
Please note the date of origin: 1580-90. I would respectfully remind Sir that the year is 2011. We have come a long way since then.
May I offer a definition for you to consider for our meeting: compromise [ kom -pr uh -mahyz] – noun
1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands. 2. the result of such a settlement. 3. something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house. 4. an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one’s integrity. Ana

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: What about My Issues?
    Date: May 24 2011 18:32
    To: Anastasia Steele
    Good point, well made, as ever, Miss Steele. I will collect you from your apartment at 7:00 tomorrow.
    Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: 2011 – Women can drive
    Date: May 24 2011 18:40
    To: Christian Grey
    Sir
I have a car. I can drive.
I would prefer to meet you somewhere.
Where shall I meet you?
At your hotel at 7:00?
Ana

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: Stubborn Young Women
    Date: May 24 2011 18:43
    To: Anastasia Steele
    Dear Miss Steele
I refer to my e-mail dated May 24, 2011 sent at 1:27 and the definition contained therein.
Do you ever think you’ll be able to do what you’re told?
    Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc.

    From: Anastasia Steele
    Subject: Intractable Men
    Date: May 24 2011 18:49
    To: Christian Grey
    Mr. Grey
I would like to drive.
Please.
Ana

    From: Christian Grey
    Subject: Exasperated Men
    Date: May 24