And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 28

I was jolted awake as Ana hurtled toward the bathroom, making it in time to hang her head over the toilet as she vomited. It was still early on Friday morning, not long past six, yet I climbed out of bed, walking into the bathroom behind her.

"Get out," she groaned before hurling again. "You do not need to see this!"

"Let me look after you," I begged. I hated the idea of Ana unwell and me not able to help her.

"Can you please get me some Advil and a cup of tea?" she groaned, still dry retching over the toilet bowl.

"Do you want something to eat?" I checked, only to be answered by another groan.

"No. Just tea. Please!"

I walked out into the kitchen, wearing nothing but my pajama pants, only to find Mrs. Jones already there. Our eyes met. I was surprised to see her here so early, and she was obviously startled to see me, particularly in a state of semi-undress.

"Good morning, Mrs. Jones," I finally got out, my good manners winning out over my surprise. "Miss Steele is not well. She's in our bathroom, but asked me to fetch her a cup of tea."

"Of course, Mr. Grey," she responded, always the consummate professional. "I'll make her a cup of tea and something bland to settle her stomach."

"Thank you." I stood at the counter, waiting for the kettle to boil, and watching as Mrs. Jones made some dry buckwheat toast. "I'll take Miss Steele through her breakfast," Gail said, indicating for me to sit at the counter.

"No, I'll take it," I objected.

Gail paused, and for perhaps the first time, she disagreed with something I'd requested.

"Mr. Grey, I very much doubt Miss Steele wants you to see her unwell. Please let me take her through a tray. Perhaps you'd like to run with Taylor - when you're back, I'll make you your omelet here."

I should argue, but as if on cue Taylor appeared wearing his running outfit, so I let myself be railroaded by my staff.

"I'll bring you your running gear Mr. Grey," Gail said, picking up the tray and disappearing in the direction of the bedroom I now shared with Ana. She was gone less than five minutes when she returned without the tray but with everything needed for my morning run.

"Miss Steele asked me to tell you she's still not feeling well. She's going to have her breakfast and then nap if she can. I'll have your breakfast ready here at 7:30."

"Is Miss Steele going to work?" I asked, wanting to ask Ana myself, but not wanting to disturb her.

"She said she'll see how she feels. I suspect once she's had food and a nap she'll probably feel fine."

But by the time I got back, Ana wasn't fine. She was asleep. Out to the count, and looking absolutely adorable, despite her pallor. I showered in the guest room bathroom before sneaking through our room and into the closet, blindly choosing a suit, shirt, and tie because I dared not turn on the light lest I wake her. I stood in the doorway, changing silently as I watched sleeping beauty. With the empty tray on her bedside, and curled up against my pillow, it was torture not being able to crawl into bed beside Ana. But I collected the tray and tiptoed out of our room, meeting Mrs. Jones in the kitchen.

"How is Miss Steele?" she asked, genuinely concerned.

"Asleep. Please don't wake her. I'll call SIP and let them know she is unwell today. I know it's outside your job description, but can take care of her today? I hate to leave her when she's not a hundred percent."