Fifty Shades of Pulp

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Night in the City

Walking out of the lobby into the awaiting cab I dial the Fairmont hoping for availability. Checking in I'm feeling rather high-maintenance asking that when the Health Club opens in the morning if they would drop off a one piece Speedo, ex-small, a set of goggles, a pair of sandals sized 6.5 and to leave it hanging on the door-knob. Also leaving a note that Ms. Kavanagh has access to my room. Feeling terrible for asking so much I slide Janice a $20, she didn't want to accept the tip, forcing it down her throat. Sending Kate a couple of texts while making my way to the room.

CPOV

I can't believe Anastasia walked out. Yes I was pushing her buttons acting like an insufferable ass...Then Ana told me her story I was taken aback. Watching as she looked at her arm and hand, embracing her past. Thinking she would turn the other cheek when it came to my attitude, I knew she was not going to let it slide, hell I wouldn't have. In my own form of apology, showing her my scars, I was left standing.

I keep staring at the elevator door not knowing how much time has passed, waiting to hear a ping with Ana coming back. You fuckhead, stop kidding yourself she's wiped her hands of you.

Making my way to the office, grabbing my laptop I walk toward the security station where I see Sawyer manning the helm. Before saying anything "Sir, I've been tracking Ms Steele's phone, she's at the Fairmont." Taylor trained him well

nodding "Load the software" handing over my laptop " give me a quick tutorial." After 20 minutes or so I head off for bed.

APOV

I wake up feeling like a zombie, knowing I'm not capable of many laps this morning, I mostly float on my back while gathering my strength. Dunking my head, my legs pressed against the pool's wall launching myself I start my laps. I'm hating myself in how I treated Christian. I should have not walked out. Normally proactive rather than reactive, I behaved poorly, leaving him in a lurch. His look, so pained, very real. All I could so was sympathize with the pain yet found I couldn't stand to be in the same room with him. Steele you should have stayed, if only to show compassion to another soul... Making a promise that I'll call him later today, apologizing. The last thing I want is for him to think he can't trust people. Yep it was a bone-head move saying that Christian would sue me, it's apparent that he went above and beyond trying to earn my trust, at least on some level. Yet it took him being backed against the wall before even showing a small amount of empathy.

By the time I get back from my morning laps Kate's in the room waiting.

Running and hugging tightly "Steele, thanks for the texts. I had no problem finding your spare key hidden in the Cafe Bustelo tin. So, I kinda raided your closet, brought up a few things, thinking we might stay overnight and drive back to Vancouver tomorrow. We can stay at my parents house. I also noticed that Christian had sent you a few days worth of flowers, not one."

The thought of staying with Kate's parents... No fucking way, I can't stand her father... ignoring her comment as the one also directed about Christian, changing the subject "How was the drive?"

"Smooth, must have timed it right there wasn't much traffic."sounding bitchy. "It must of not have went well with Moneybags if you're staying here and not in his bed. Told you he was an asshole."

Ten minutes here and I'm already sick of Kate's comments "Jesus Kate, I don't know what your issue is with Grey and don't care but after your meltdown last night the only thing I'm willing to discuss with you is why you've been acting like a bitch."

"Ana" watching as Kate's eyes spring with tears "You were right about the Q&A I did with Grey. You questioned the validity when I asked if Grey was gay and said it didn't fit within the scope of the article, that you found it catty and low-brow? Well I submitted the article to Lorraine, the editor of the Seattle Times. She personally called telling me that I was not the caliber of journalist they they were looking for and that I should lend my talents to the Nooze."