And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 9

I was so disappointed. I'd returned to work after lunch out with Casey to find an email from Christian. He wasn't going to be back in time for our midweek date. Since his email last week, I'd been hanging out waiting for our get together. I understood he had business elsewhere – I just wanted to resolve things between us. If I was honest with myself, I wanted to see if we could try again. Nine days without Christian were enough to show me I still wanted him. I still loved him. And I was beginning to believe he loved me, too – despite his declaration he had no heart.

Trying to find the silver lining, I was thrilled he'd written that he missed me. I'd missed Christian so much it was unbelievable. Every night I fell asleep thinking about him, and I woke with him on my mind, too. But as his emails became increasingly fonder, at least my crying had mostly stopped. But I was horribly lonely.

It hadn't helped that Kate had messaged that she had extended her vacation with her parents and Elliot. She'd been due back this coming Monday, but now it was to be the Monday after. Hoping that Christian would be back by the weekend, I resolved to just get through the week, so I could spend every second over the weekend with Christian if he'd have me.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Re: Dinner

Date: June 14, 2011 1:39

To: Christian Grey

Christian

I'm sorry your trip is taking longer than expected. Of course you can make it up to me on the weekend. Will you be back in time for dinner on Friday? I could cook at my place if you'd like?

I'm glad to hear you miss me. I'm missing you very much, too.

Anastasia Steele
Assistant to Jack Hyde, Commissioning Editor, SIP

I was grinning as I pressed send. Christian's email hadn't been a declaration of love, but knowing what I did of Christian, I was willing to bet I was the first lover he'd told he missed them – and that counted for something. I knew he was trying. Still.

"You're looking happy," Jack observed, coming out of his office and over to my desk, glancing casually at the screen of my computer. Happily I'd minimized the email application as soon as he'd approached, so there was nothing on the screen other than the notes I'd prepared for a manuscript I was reading.

"Just starting to feel I am getting into the swing of things," I replied innocuously, some sixth sense warning me not to divulge anything about my situation with Christian. It was none of Jack's business – besides which, Christian and I still had a lot to work out; I didn't know whether it was going to be possible to resolve what we wanted and needed from each other. I didn't want to discuss my boyfriend with anyone until I was sure that's what he was.

"Yes. I read the notes on those three manuscripts, and I completely agree with your recommendations. You have a good eye for this."

I smiled, trying not to edge away from him. Jack always sat or stood just a smidgeon too close. At first it was unnerving, but he seemed to do it with everyone, which made it annoying but not alarming.

"Now I'm afraid I'm going to need you to stay back tomorrow and Thursday night. Not too late – maybe 6:30 or 7:00? I hope that doesn't interfere with any plans?"

"No that's fine. You warned me last week, so I've arranged my schedule accordingly."

"And is your flatmate back yet? You said she was in Barbados?"

"Not yet. But our friend José is staying while she's away. He's moving here, too, and is crashing with us until he finds an apartment," I lied, not wanting Jack to know that no one was waiting for me at home. I don't know why I said José, other than the fact he was on my mind as I'd been ignoring his calls and messages since our disagreement at the exhibition on Saturday. I wasn't prepared to deal with his bullshit, yet – I had more important things on my mind.