From: Christian Grey
Subject: Publishing and You?
Date: May 30 2011 19:10
To: Anastasia Steele
Anastasia,
“Weirding” is not a verb and should not be used by anyone who wants to go into publishing. Impeccable? Compared to what, pray tell? And what do you need to ask about Mrs. Jones? I’m intrigued.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: You and Mrs. Jones
Date: May 30 2011 19:17
To: Christian Grey
Dear Sir,
Language evolves and moves on. It is an organic thing. It is not stuck in an ivory tower, hung with expensive works of art and overlooking most of Seattle with a helipad stuck on its roof.
Impeccable—compared to the other times we have…what’s your word…oh yes…fucked. Actually, the fucking has been pretty impeccable, period, in my humble opinion—but then, as you know, I have very limited experience.
Is Mrs. Jones an ex-sub of yours?
Ana
Her response makes me laugh out loud, then shocks me.
Mrs. Jones! Submissive?
No way.
Ana. Are you jealous? And speaking of language…watch yours!
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Language. Watch Your Mouth!
Date: May 30 2011 19:22
To: Anastasia Steele
Anastasia,
Mrs. Jones is a valued employee. I have never had any relationship with her beyond our professional one. I do not employ anyone I’ve had any sexual relations with. I am shocked that you would think so. The only person I would make an exception to this rule is you—because you are a bright young woman with remarkable negotiating skills. Though, if you continue to use such language, I may have to reconsider taking you on here. I am glad you have limited experience. Your experience will continue to be limited—just to me. I shall take “impeccable” as a compliment—though with you, I’m never sure if that’s what you mean or if your sense of irony is getting the better of you—as usual.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc., from His Ivory Tower
Though perhaps it might not be a good idea for Ana to work for me.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Not for All the Tea in China
Date: May 30 2011 19:27
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey,
I think I have already expressed my reservations about working for your company. My views on this have not changed, are not changing, and will not change, ever. I must leave you now, as Kate has returned with food. My sense of irony and I bid you good night.
I will contact you once I’m in Georgia.
Ana
For some reason I’m mildly irritated to hear that she wouldn’t want to work for me. She has an impressive GPA. She’s bright, charming, funny; she’d be an asset to any company. She’s also wise to say no.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: Even Twinings English Breakfast Tea?
Date: May 30 2011 19:29
To: Anastasia Steele
Good night, Anastasia.
I hope you and your sense of irony have a safe flight.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I put all thoughts of Miss Steele aside and start on a response to Elena.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 19:47
To: Elena Lincoln
Hello, Elena.
My mother has a big mouth. What can I say?
I met a girl. Brought her to dinner.
It’s not a big deal.
How goes it with you?
Best,
Christian
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
* * *
From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 19:50
To: Christian Grey
Christian, that’s bullshit.
Let’s do dinner.
Tomorrow?
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™
Fuck!
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:01
To: Elena Lincoln
Sure.
Best,
Christian
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
* * *
From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:05
To: Christian Grey
Do you want to meet the girl I mentioned?
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™
Not at the moment.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 20:11
To: Elena Lincoln
I think I’ll let the arrangement I have now run its course.
See you tomorrow.
C.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
I sit down to read Fred’s draft proposal for Eamon Kavanagh, then move on to Marco’s summary of the publishing houses in Seattle.
JUST BEFORE 10:00 I’M distracted by a ping from my computer. It’s late. I assume it’s a message from Ana.
* * *
From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Over-Extravagant Gestures
Date: May 30 2011 21:53
To: Christian Grey
Dear Mr. Grey,
What really alarms me is how you knew which flight I was on.
Your stalking knows no bounds. Let’s hope that Dr. Flynn is back from vacation.
I have had a manicure, a back massage, and two glasses of champagne—a very nice start to my vacation.
Thank you.
Ana
She’s been upgraded. Well done, Andrea.
* * *
From: Christian Grey
Subject: You’re Most Welcome
Date: May 30 2011 21:59
To: Anastasia Steele
Dear Miss Steele,
Dr. Flynn is back, and I have an appointment next week.