Christian Grey (heartsnflowers) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2014-03-08 19:46:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, alyssa hamilton, christian grey |
Who: Christian Grey and Alyssa Hamilton, with various NPCs
What: Going to a friend's wedding!
Where: Christian's workplace, then Catalina Island
When: 3/6, Part 1 of 2
Rating: PG
Status: Complete
Christian normally tried not to slam the phone down, but it was hard. His friend Martin was getting married on Catalina Island, about an hour from Los Angeles. He’d agreed to go - Martin was a mate from university, after all. But now Martin was bothering him, teasing him about coming alone, telling him all the bridesmaids were either married already, dating people, or not for him. He’d managed to get the man off the phone by pleading work, but not until Martin had had a bit more of a laugh about ‘Grey the confirmed bachelor.’
This was getting irritating, but the only thing he could think of to get round Martin’s mockery would be just as awkward. Sighing, he figured he’d best get it over with, and rang Alyssa.
Alyssa was cooling down from a jog, stretching and drinking some milk in the kitchen when her mobile went off. Christian usually didn’t call during the day at work, so she immediately answered. “Christian? Is everything all right?”
“Oh, yes.” Christian sighed. “Just ... was wondering. What you might be doing Wednesday.” Damn. There was no way out of feeling like a twat on this one.
“Nothing really, why do you ask? Are you sure you’re all right? You sound sad, somehow.” Alyssa stopped stretching, sitting up and blinking.
“I promise, nothing’s really wrong. Just in a minor bind.” Christian figured he’d best just spit it out. “Promised to go to a mate’s wedding on Catalina Island, but he won’t stop hounding me about needing a date.”
“Oh, shit, do you need help getting a suit in time?” He’d find a date at work, or so she assumed.
“No.” Christian stared at the phone. “I just said, I need a date.”
“I ... oh. Wait, do you mean me?” She blinked. “I never thought I’d hear you ask about ... dates.”
“It’s a date for a bloody wedding, not a date date.” Christian damn near blushed - thankfully no one was in his presence. “I can ask a coworker or two, but the lady who’d be most likely to say yes would need to bring her wife along.”
“I never thought you’d ask even about that. When do we leave, and how long do I have to shop for a dress?” Alyssa hoped he heard her eyes rolling.
He did, though she had no right to roll her eyes. “Day after tomorrow, but it’s on Catalina Island, which is about an hour by ferry from here, so not far.”
“Perfect! And we can just teleport back to your place afterward.” She tapped her fingers lightly on the counter. “Do you know what the colors for the wedding are? Have you gotten them a gift yet?”
“Colors?” Christian stared blankly. What the hell were colors? “I did get a gift, yes, but Alyssa, I’m a bloke. I put on a light grey suit and call it a day.”
“Can you ask your mate what his colors are? He’ll know, or she’ll know, I promise.” She’d probably just settle on something beige. Beige was safe. Or grey, she could do grey.
“Half a mo.” Christian texted Martin, asking the colours, and luckily, his friend was at his phone. “Navy blue and cream,” he told Alyssa. “Maybe I’ll wear a navy suit instead of light grey.”
“Right, I already have a dress that’ll suit, then. Let me pop over to Velma’s and borrow some shoes and then get packed. When are you off work?” She was already going to her closet to find the dress.
“Two hours, thank God. I set my suit aside this morning. I think, on second thought, I’ll do grey with a navy pocket square.” Easy and simple. “I admit, I’ll owe you for this. M’mate can stop calling me a poofter if I show up with you.” Martin thought he was hilarious, but honestly, Christian had gotten tired of the joke a while back.
“Oh my god, being single doesn’t make you gay. What is he, twelve?” Alyssa rolled her eyes, already packing. “How long will we be gone, a day?” That meant she could just bring her makeup bag and rollers and be fine.
“Was going to get there day after tomorrow, stuff Wednesday, come back Thursday morning. They’re paying the room rates at a Catalina resort, after all.” Christian smirked a little.
“Then I should bring a swimsuit too, right. Your friend thinks you’re gay, let me pack the bikini. Okay, I’m going to go borrow shoes from Velma. I’ll pop into your office five after you’re off. See you soon.” She grinned and hung up, knowing that he was wondering what just happened.
By the time Christian had anything to say, she’d rung off. He just shook his head, amused and worried, not sure what he’d gotten himself into.
Work passed with the pace of an arthritic snail, so when it was finally time to leave, he’d all but forgotten about Alyssa. He was gathering his things when his door glowed yellow, and he couldn’t restrain a yelp.
Only hearing the tail end of the yelp, Alyssa chuckled. “Heya, how was work?” She had a small bag with her on wheels, toting it carefully.
“Boring. Until now.” Christian had a hand to his chest. “Bloody Nora, woman.”
“I’m sorry, but you know this is the easiest way to travel. Speaking of, you should rent a car for the trip there, then we can just portal back to your place afterward. It’ll likely be the cheapest,” she beamed. She loved when she was clever.
“That is rather clever. I’ll do that.” Christian sat back down at his desk once his heart had stopped thudding. “Something lovely. Two-seater.” Convertible. He was fond of his older Mercedes, but it wasn’t quite California, so to speak.
“You’re so flash,” Alyssa beamed. She couldn’t help but sit on the edge of his desk, waving cheerily at his bitchy secretary.
“Shh.” Christian closed the door. “She has no idea how you got in here, you know; she’ll think I’ve had you under my desk.”
“That’ll solve that everyone thinking you’re gay thing,” Alyssa quipped.
“It’ll also make her hate me.” Christian sighed, though if he said he wasn’t at least a bit amused, he would have been lying. “Should I just expect to see you like normal on Tuesday? We can just leave for Catalina from my flat, then.”
“Nah. She’ll probably think that she’s going to save you from me. And sure, we can do that.” She smiled at him, making a mental note to pack a scarf for the trip in the convertible. He’d probably find it funny, or maybe even require it of her. Prat. “See you then?”
“Save me from you?” Christian echoed, amused. “I’ll never understand women. But yes, I’ll see you then.”
“Nor I, but that’s how some people work.” She disappeared through the lit up door, waving as she walked.
Christian just shook his head. At least he’d settled the important things.
He was able to relax up until Wednesday morning, when they were getting ready to go. Christian had gotten up to make sure he had all his things, letting Alyssa sleep. He was making sure his pomade was closed tight and wouldn’t explode when he heard rustling. “Alyssa?”
“In the living room.” She was wearing a pair of black trousers that stopped just above her ankles, a white men’s button down (that she’d stolen from Christian, but he didn’t need to know that), and her long red hair was tucked into a Hermes scarf she’d gotten for her sixteenth birthday. She also wore black flats, to save her feet until she shoved them into five inch heels for the day of the wedding.
Christian couldn’t help but stare appreciatively. “You look brilliant.” Really ... elegant. Womanly, even - not like a uni girl. Not that looking like a uni girl was a bad thing.
“Oh, thanks!” She smiled and pulled her sunglasses out of her handbag. She’d only needed to pack one suitcase, figuring that the hotel would have an iron. IF they didn’t, then she’d have to buy one, but that wasn’t a big deal either. “Are you ready?”
“I think so. Had to close up all the bottles.” Christian held up his smaller bag. He’d packed a valise with his clothes. “Shall we?”
“Let’s.” She was pretty excited, she had to admit. She reached out to squeeze his hand, letting go after a moment because she didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable. “I can’t wait to go swimming.”
“It’ll be enjoyable.” Christian was looking forward to the car, honestly. “I’m just grateful you were able to come along.” He’d at least have someone there to talk to who knew him now - he would be glad to see some of his mates, but he’d been a different person at university than he was now.
“Do they really make such fun of you?” She wrinkled her nose. “That’s wretched.”
“Most of it’s all in good fun. We tease each other horribly about uni stuff. Just, Martin is so happy with his lady and he can’t fathom that some of us don’t actually want the marriage-and-two-point-five-kids. He’s become a bit of a twat about it.”
“You’re only twenty-five!” Alyssa snorted. “You don’t have to have them right now, if you ever want them. Good lord.” She sighed, looking down at her nails, buffed and painted a pretty pale pink. “I don’t think I ever want children, you know. I’d get my tubes tied tomorrow if I could.”
“Really?” Christian cocked his head, gesturing out the door so he could lock it. “So young?” He didn’t want to judge, just be curious.
“They have reversible methods,” Alyssa shrugged. “I just ... don’t want to inflict upon a child what my mum did to me. And if I change my mind, I’d rather adopt anyway.”
“Makes sense to me, I suppose, just never thought about it.” Christian locked the door, beckoning Alyssa toward the elevator.
“Course you haven’t,” Alyssa teased. She stepped into the elevator, holding the door open for him and beaming. “I admit, I’m kind of excited about this trip.”
“Oh? Wanted to visit Catalina?” Christian stepped in and pressed the button. “I do hear it’s lovely. Though I’m sure we’re going to burn our fool skins off.” The elevator pinged and he led Alyssa out to the car park, where a white Aston Martin convertible sat waiting for them. “What do you think?”
“I always have, yeah. Don’t worry about burning, I packed two bottles of SPF one fifty holy shit.” Her chatter was interrupted by the Aston Martin convertible as her jaw had dropped. “I - are - this is flash as all get out, Christian. May I marry your car?”
He’d wanted her to gasp, and it got a laugh out of him when she did. “For the half day we have it, yes.” He shrugged. “Dunno. I can afford it, and I wanted t’make the drive in style. I may not be Bond, but his car’s brilliant.” Pierce Brosnan had been one of the better Bonds, anyway.
“Oh, you’re Bond today,” Alyssa grinned. “You look as handsome as Pierce Brosnan ever did.” Winking at him she moved to put her bag in the boot.
“Don’t patronize me.” But his tone was good natured. “That scarf suits you. You’re looking the vintage part yourself today.”
“I’m not, I’m being honest!” She smiled and got into the passenger seat, smiling at him as she pulled on her sunglasses. “Thanks. I was going for Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. If you’ve seen it.” He didn’t seem the musical sort.
“With all due respect, no one compares to Audrey Hepburn. But you look lovely.” Christian put his bag in the boot, then went to sit in the driver’s seat. “Shall we?”
That made Alyssa laugh in a gleeful sort of way. “Is Audrey Hepburn your old timey film crush?” She’d always fancied Jimmy Stewart herself. Cary Grant was handsome, but far too posh for her. Jimmy Stewart seemed like a guy she could get a drink with. “Did you ever see Charade? I love that film. That’s one of the ones where Cary Grant’s the best.” Then again, Cary was all right when he was silly. When he was in North by Northwest, he was too serious for her tastes.
“Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn? One of my aunt’s favourite films is Roman Holiday.” He’d idly, boredly started watching it with her one night when Mum had told him to get out of the house, and he’d been damn near stunned by Princess Ann. “I did see Charade, with a mate of mine. She pined over Cary Grant; I just stared at Audrey.” Christian started the car, sighing contentedly at the purr of the engine.
“I only like Cary Grant when he’s a goof. Otherwise he’s too posh and precious for me.” She smiled as she watched him moon over the car, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. “You continue to surprise me.”
“Whyever?” Christian pulled the car - carefully - out of the car park and onto the road. “We are officially en route.”
“I don’t know, I never took you for someone who’d like a musical.” Alyssa leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of moving without knowing it. The ride was ridiculously smooth.
“Blame my auntie. I knew every word to My Fair Lady as a boy. She’d sing Eliza’s part and I’d do that talking thing Rex Harrison does.” Christian shrugged. He probably still knew most of it, in truth.
Alyssa’s smile was enchanted, and she found herself wishing she had memories like those. It was enough to make her stomach twist. “You’re lucky you’ve got her,” she murmured. She’d gotten close to a few teachers at her school, but by and large, she’d just stayed in her room and read.
“Fairly sure I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t.” Christian didn’t mince words. It wasn’t being Vulnerable or anything, just stating a patently obvious fact. He took the exit toward Catalina, enjoying the ride.
She ran her fingers lightly over Christian’s knee before looking out the window and enjoying the view as well. It was warm, and she leaned back and closed her eyes, sighing contentedly.
The drive was uneventful and surprisingly relaxing. After a short ferry ride, Christian could see the island come into view and tried to explain things to Alyssa. “You’ll probably meet Martin when we land. He’s a mate, and he’s a good sort, he just beats the dead horse when it comes to jokes. His fiancee is called Annemarie, and she’s American - apparently looks a little like you. Redheaded, blue eyes, but she’s quite tall, apparently - almost six feet.”
“Lucky bitch,” Alyssa joked. She smiled at him as they got closer to the island, moving to stand up on the railing for a better look. “Ugh, it even smells better out here. Someday I want to holiday here properly.”
“I hope you feel that way after we leave.” Christian rather liked the look of the place as well, even if it was too damn sunny. “Come on, we’re about to disembark.”
She moved back toward the car, smiling at Christian. “I’m sure I will. I want to see if Annemarie needs anything, though - I’m a guest, so it’s only proper to offer. I could set up tables or something.”
“It’s good of you to think of it.” He didn’t do too well with that sort of thing; then again, he was a bloke and blokes just usually didn’t ask that stuff.
The ferry landed, and Christian headed off, Alyssa in tow, the bags being delivered to their room. “I must admit, this is a nice place to have a wedding.” The hotel was very vintage, looking as if it dated from perhaps the 1930s, and he found himself liking the place’s style. As they walked into the lobby, he caught sight of a tall man with horse teeth, and chuckled. “Martin, is that you?”
“Grey!” Martin Rayburn came over to them, laughing in a way that could only be described as Irish posh. “You came! And you didn’t come alone!” His tone immediately conveyed interest, though it was at least polite interest. “Hello, miss; let me guess. Grey’s ... sister? Cousin?”
That made Alyssa laugh. “Oh, no, he’d never admit to having an English cousin. I’m ... what are we, Christian?” He hadn’t said if they were going to be dating or what, so she figured she’d ask him.
“This is Alyssa. She’s the lady friend.” Maybe it sounded a little posh, but it wasn’t a lie. She was a friend, and indeed a lady.
“Colour me astonished.” Martin said, one hand dramatically up to his chest. “Someone’s tamed Grey! I never thought I’d see it.” He reached behind him, handing a folder full of paper to the nearest person, who happened to be Alyssa. “Your room is ready - well, rooms. It’s a suite. Today is a free day, with the rehearsal dinner this evening. Tomorrow is the big day. But until the rehearsal, you’re entirely at liberty.”
Alyssa had the good sense to blush and duck her head. “I didn’t tame him, he’s not a tiger.” She poked Christian lightly in the arm. “He still bites with regularity, I assure you. Martin, do you think Annemarie will need help with anything?” She cocked her head to the side, smiling, looking invested because she truly did want to help.
“I’m not certain, as I haven’t seen her all day - she threatened me if I did.” Martin lost the annoying posture for a moment; even Christian had to admit the smile his mate had for his fiancee was rather sweet. “But she’ll be in the reception hall if she does. Down that hall, to the left, second door on the left.”
“I’m going to check and make sure that she doesn’t need anything.” Alyssa tiptoed up, taking Christian’s lapels lightly into her hands for balance, kissing him gently. “Catch up with Martin for a tic, I’ll be right back, yeah?”
“All right.” He smiled, looking after her.
“She’s lovely,” Martin commented.
“You’ve no idea,” Christian said, still watching her go.
Alyssa poked her head into the reception hall, finding a girl with curlier hair than her own, in a lighter red. “Annemarie? I’m Christian’s plus one, Alyssa. Do you need help with anything?”
The woman spun around, smiling, though there were bags under her eyes already. “Oh, hello! It’s nice to meet you; Martin won’t shut up about his “fancy friend Christian.” Honestly, I’d think he had a crush if I didn’t know better. Um.” She paused her mini monologue to think. “Really I can’t think of anything, unless my seventh bridesmaid misses the ferry!”
Smiling, the shorter redhead smiled. “Most people fancy Christian, I think. Here, let me give you my mobile number so you can ring or text me if anything happens.” She pulled out a pen and paper from her purse, jotting it down and turning the ringer on her phone. “Random shoe calamity, need me to go buy double sided tape, anything. I was in hospital recently and might have watched too many wedding shows. I’m ready for this.”
“Thank you, really, it’s sweet of you. Martin swears I’m not being a bridezilla, speaking of wedding shows - ohmygod, some of those women are scary.” Annemarie laughed. “I hope you’re okay, you look so cute! I hope you’re not wearing white tomorrow, they’ll confuse us for each other.”
Alyssa beamed. “That show’s terrifying, I really don’t ever want to be one of those women myself.” She wrinkled her nose. “No, no, I have a navy dress with gold accents, I thought it wouldn’t look too amiss with your colours.” Alyssa grinned, and leaned forward, whispering conspiratorially. “If you need to run away from any annoying relatives, I can be your twin.”
“How high can your heels be?” Annemarie winked, laughing delightedly. “But no, go, have fun with your man! Maybe we’ll have another Catalina wedding sometime, if you can tame him!”
“I packed Louboutins, so pretty high?” Alyssa laughed, then shook her head. “Oh, no, Christian’s not the marrying sort. But seriously, don’t be afraid to ring me if you need me.” She gave the bride a wave before returning to Christian and Martin.
“Is he telling awful stories about me?” She took Martin’s arm and grinned.
Christian had been nurturing a headache, so he was glad to see her. “I’ve been speaking nothing but well of you.”
“It’s true. He’s a bore.” Martin smiled. “Did Annemarie need anything, pet?”
“Not yet, but one never knows. Christian, do you want to go swimming or anything?” Alyssa smiled up at him, moving to wrap an arm around his waist.
“Yes, actually. We’ve got the sunscreen; it sounds like a capital idea.” Christian smiled at her, hoping she could see the strain. It wasn’t Martin, per se, that was wearing on him; it was the fact that he’d wanted a bit of time to not have to talk to people constantly.
“Well, I’ll let you get on, then.” Martin took Alyssa’s hand, bowing over it in an absurdly courtly fashion, at least to Christian’s mind. “A pleasure, miss. Until later, then, Grey?”
He walked away and Christian sighed. “I might take a short nap, but then I actually might like to go swimming.”
“Too much people?” Alyssa smiled and took the room key. “Let’s go look. I could use a shower, honestly.” She squeezed his hand reassuringly, walking toward the elevator.
“Brilliant.” Christian squeezed back as a thank you. He walked with her into the elevator, taking the keys from the folder to look at them. “Fifth floor. I think it’s the top one.” That would be nice.
He held the door for Alyssa, going down toward the right door. When he got there, he slid the key in. Opening the door, his eyebrows shot up at the clean white spreads and bright sunny view. “That’s beautiful.”
Alyssa beamed and set her bags down, fairly running toward the French doors that lead to the balcony. “No wonder they wanted to get married here. I want to get married here, and I don’t even know anyone I want to marry.” (Okay, it was only a teeny lie.)
“We’re both going to burn to a crisp,” Christian said, but he didn’t actually care. He’d come back tanned. “This is gorgeous.” Hell, they could sit on the balcony the whole trip and he would consider it worthwhile.
“It really is. Let me go take my makeup off and then we can go to the pool.” She beamed and went over to the bathroom, taking her bag with her. She was so excited, it felt almost silly.