Love Is For Fools - Fifty Shades Of Grey: Elena's Story #Explicit [Fifty Shades]

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"Hello, Mrs. Lincoln. Go straight through to the family room. Dr. Grace is waiting for you."
I nod politely at the housekeeper and wander along to the large living room. Grace is sat on one of the large cream sofas, but she immediately rises and comes to greet me.
"Hello, Elena," she begins warmly. "Please take a seat. Would you like to join me in an iced tea?" She indicates to the large crystal jug and glasses on a small table beside her.
I nod and sit down. Nervously, I begin to absentmindedly twist my ring round my finger. I have much to say...I just don't know how Grace is going to react.
"You wanted to talk to me about Christian, dear? I do hope he's not misbehaving." She hands me a glass and I take a welcome cold gulp before answering.
"No, no. His behaviour is exemplary. He does everything I ask of him..."
Especially when he's trussed up on my bed and about to come...
I clear my throat. "I was just having a chat to him...during his lunch break," I continue, bending the truth slightly. "He seemed upset and said it was to do with not getting on with his shrink..."
Grace lets out a loud sigh. "Oh Elena, is this why you've come here? Don't listen to him, he's been trying to get out of seeing Dr. Michaels for the past six months. Carrick and I are tired of hearing it..."
"But he doesn't think he's helping him," I interrupt.
Grace runs her hand through her hair in annoyance. " I cannot believe he's trying to get to us via you! He needs to continue seeing a shrink to help with his many psychological issues." She shakes her head. "Just when I think he's finally turning a corner..."
"HE IS!" I cry, startling her. "Sorry, Grace," I murmur my apology. "He doesn't want to stop seeing a shrink...he just wants to stop seeing THAT one." I fish in my purse for the piece of paper. "I bumped into Audrey Lewis at Tennis Club today. Do you remember she had all that trouble with Callum when Martin left them them for his secretary? Well, she was telling me Callum took it really badly, but luckily she found this psychiatrist that really helped Callum through it. She said if it wasn't for Dr. Flynn, Callum would probably have ended up in some street gang peddling drugs." I stand and walk across to Grace, handing her the piece of paper with the phone number and web address. Grace takes it from me and frowns at it. "I don't think Christian is trying to get to you by getting me onside." I say softly. "Maybe he sees me as a neutral party, I don't know. Either way, he is desperate to get away from Dr. Michaels and make a fresh start. I've checked Dr. Flynn's website and the testimonies from his clients are pretty impressive. He's young, British, getting great results by deploying a lot of new approaches...Seriously Grace, what do you have to lose by just making an appointment with him?"
Grace looks up at me, her large hazel eyes misting over. "All this time," she whispers hoarsely. "Christian's been trying to tell us Dr. Michaels wasn't helping and we thought...we just thought he was being difficult again." He hand moves to her mouth. "My poor, troubled boy. I...I've failed him..." she bites down on her lip and shakes her head miserably.
I hurriedly sit down next to her and put my hand gently on hers. "You haven't failed him, Grace. Christian adores you and Carrick, despite everything that's happened and he just idolises little Mia." I dodge the landmine that is Elliot.
Grace turns her watery eyes towards me. "Thank you, Elena. Christian talks very highly of you too. Working at your place has really helped turn his life around. He seems so much happier and...focused. He even said yesterday that he couldn't wait to start his new school! He's NEVER said that before!"
I smile benevolently and squeeze her hand. "So you'll try giving Christian the benefit of the doubt and give this Dr. Flynn a call?"
Grace nods. "I'll discuss it with Cary tonight and if he's in agreement, I'll call him in the morning and make an appointment." She squeezes my hand. "Believe me, Elena we only did what we thought was best for him. The only thing any of us wants is for Christian to find some kind of happiness."
"Of course, I understand. But I do genuinely believe he's trying really hard to turn his life around and I'll do anything I can to help too..."
Especially when it involves him being naked before me...

**********

A week later I'm looking over the blueprints for the extension when my cell begins to ring. Glancing at the screen I see it's Dr. Peach and I answer it immediately.
"Christian? Is everything okay?"
"Are you free at the moment? I really need to talk to you. I won't stay long." He says breathlessly.
"Well, yes I am free. Linc's working late so won't be home for hours. When are you coming over?" The doorbell rings suddenly making me jump. "Hang on, Christian someone's at the damn door." I flounce across and swing it open.