Christian's Yearning

CH 10

~ Now what? ~

Christian decides to skip the dinner at the gala.

Taylor is waiting with the car door open when Christian asks him the most unexpected question – and that is saying something - “Have you eaten tonight, Taylor?”

“I was planning on doing that later, Sir” – WTF?

“Do you like sushi?”

“Sir?” – Double fuck!

“You heard me… Do you enjoy eating sushi?”

“Yes, Sir” – However, I do not get paid enough to hear you sulking over Ana.

“Good, to the Koi in Soho, then.”

“Very well, Sir.” – He better do try to talk me into arraigning any of his rent-a-sub playdates.

Once they arrive, Christian takes his jacket and bow tie off and walks into the restaurant closely followed by Taylor. The entrance is decorated with oriental statues and the indoors is decorated with browns and oranges; there is bamboo, white orchids, oriental decorations, and plants to soften the dining rooms. A sushi bar is in the middle of the restaurant and round tables are scattered about creating separate dining areas; the walls, though, are lined with booths.

Christian requests for them to be seated at the sushi bar. As they pull on the soft orange barstools, it is obvious that Taylor is unsettled at the turn of events tonight. Once settled, Christian breaks the silence…

“You are not on the clock, have a beer”

“Sir?” – The boss has fucking lost it!

Christian smirks a little; “Taylor, you have worked for me for five years.” It is a statement rather than a question.

They give the order for the drinks and Christian looks over the sushi he wants. Then, he instructs Taylor to do so as well. Taylor selects a few things, orders Saki, and plays with the pencil in his hand. He is waiting for the next shoe to drop.  Finally, Christian continues the conversation. “If I had accepted your resignation; what would you be doing?”

- Is that what this is? Am I getting fired?

“Sir?” – I thought he needed a shoulder to cry over Ms. Steele; she really is doing a good job on moving on without him.

Christian lifts his beer indicating he is waiting for an answer.

“I would have taken some time off… then personal security, hopefully in Seattle where I can see Sophie once in a while… What are we talking about here, Sir?”

“I did not expect you to resign…”

Taylor takes another swallow of his Saki and he realizes his palms are sweating. He really does not want to find another job; for some reason he likes the fucked up bastard. “I fucked up, Sir. Ms. Steele had a gun pointed at her for fucks sake!” Christian winces at the memory, “... and you out of state with no protection –“

Christian interrupts him, “… nothing happened on that trip. Whatever you are thinking; I went rowing in the ocean” – why am I explaining myself here!