Impeccable—compared to the other times we have…what’s your word…oh yes…fucked. Actually, the fucking has been pretty impeccable, period, in my humble opinion—but then, as you know, I have very limited experience.
Is Mrs. Jones an ex-sub of yours?
Ana
Her response makes me laugh out loud, then shocks me.
Mrs. Jones! Submissive?
No way.
Ana. Are you jealous? And speaking of language…watch yours!
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Language. Watch Your Mouth!
Date: May 30 2011 19:22
To: Anastasia Steele
Anastasia,
Mrs. Jones is a valued employee. I have never had any relationship with her beyond our professional one. I do not employ anyone I’ve had any sexual relations with. I am shocked that you would think so. The only person I would make an exception to this rule is you—because you are a bright young woman with remarkable negotiating skills. Though, if you continue to use such language, I may have to reconsider taking you on here. I am glad you have limited experience. Your experience will continue to be limited—just to me. I shall take “impeccable” as a compliment—though with you, I’m never sure if that’s what you mean or if your sense of irony is getting the better of you—as usual.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc., from His Ivory Tower
Though perhaps it might not be a good idea for Ana to work for me.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Not for All the Tea in China
Date: May 30 2011 19:27
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey,
I think I have already expressed my reservations about working for your company. My views on this have not changed, are not changing, and will not change, ever. I must leave you now, as Kate has returned with food. My sense of irony and I bid you good night.
I will contact you once I’m in Georgia.
Ana
For some reason I’m mildly irritated to hear that she wouldn’t want to work for me. She has an impressive GPA. She’s bright, charming, funny; she’d be an asset to any company. She’s also wise to say no.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Even Twinings English Breakfast Tea?
Date: May 30 2011 19:29
To: Anastasia Steele
Good night, Anastasia.
I hope you and your sense of irony have a safe flight.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I put all thoughts of Miss Steele aside and start on a response to Elena.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 19:47
To: Elena Lincoln
Hello, Elena.
My mother has a big mouth. What can I say?
I met a girl. Brought her to dinner.
It’s not a big deal.
How goes it with you?
Best,
Christian
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 19:50
To: Christian Grey
Christian, that’s bullshit.
Let’s do dinner.
Tomorrow?
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™
Fuck!
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:01
To: Elena Lincoln
Sure.
Best,
Christian
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:05
To: Christian Grey
Do you want to meet the girl I mentioned?
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™
Not at the moment.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:11
To: Elena Lincoln
I think I’ll let the arrangement I have now run its course.
See you tomorrow.
C.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I sit down to read Fred’s draft proposal for Eamon Kavanagh, then move on to Marco’s summary of the publishing houses in Seattle.
JUST BEFORE 10:00 I’M distracted by a ping from my computer. It’s late. I assume it’s a message from Ana.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Over-Extravagant Gestures
Date: May 30 2011 21:53
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey,
What really alarms me is how you knew which flight I was on.
Your stalking knows no bounds. Let’s hope that Dr. Flynn is back from vacation.
I have had a manicure, a back massage, and two glasses of champagne—a very nice start to my vacation.
Thank you.
Ana
She’s been upgraded. Well done, Andrea.
From: Christian Grey
Subject: You’re Most Welcome
Date: May 30 2011 21:59
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele,
Dr. Flynn is back, and I have an appointment next week.
Who was massaging your back?
Christian Grey
CEO with friends in the right places,
Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I check the time of her e-mail. She should be on board right now, if her plane is on time. I quickly open Google and check departures from Sea-Tac. Her flight is on schedule.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Strong Able Hands
Date: May 30 2011 22:22
To: Christian Grey
Dear Sir,
A very pleasant young man massaged my back. Yes. Very pleasant indeed. I wouldn’t have encountered Jean-Paul in the ordinary departure lounge—so thank you again for that treat.
What the hell?
I’m not sure if I’ll be allowed to e-mail once we take off, and I need my beauty sleep since I’ve not been sleeping so well recently.
Pleasant dreams, Mr. Grey…thinking of you.
Ana
Is she trying to make me jealous? Does she have any idea how mad I can get? She’s been gone for a few hours, and she’s deliberately making me angry. Why does she do this to me?
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Enjoy It While You Can
Date: May 30 2011 22:25
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele,
I know what you’re trying to do—and trust me, you’ve succeeded. Next time you’ll be in the cargo hold, bound and gagged in a crate. Believe me when I say that attending to you in that state will give me so much more pleasure than merely upgrading your ticket.
I look forward to your return.
Christian Grey
Palm-Twitching CEO,
Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
Her response is almost immediate.
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Joking?
Date: May 30 2011 22:30
To: Christian Grey
You see—I have no idea if you’re joking—and if you’re not, then I think I’ll stay in Georgia. Crates are a hard limit for me. Sorry I made you mad. Tell me you forgive me.