A/N: Life has been crazy! With the little week of free time I have, I figured I should get back in the saddle. I definitely recommend reading a few chapters before to refresh your memory. As always, sorry for the hiatus now read away!

Chapter 17: One Way Street

Point of View: Tiara Grey

A load of relief floods over me as I send off the last of the paperwork to amend Joseph's birth certificate. Luckily only one signature is needed to do so but I still tread lightly trying to maneuver under the radar in the world of Christian Grey. Once I get word of the approval and have the new birth certificate in my hands, I'll finally get to truly start my life with Ian.

As I'm packing up for the day, surprisingly unbothered, Ana walks in with a V between her eyebrows. "What's wrong?"

"Things at home have been feeling off… late night calls in the study, worse mood than normal, and completely shutting me out. I think Christian might be suspecting something."

I whisper, "Like birth certificate something or?"

"I don't think he's thought that far. I overheard him talking to what sounded like security detail. I think he's amping up the tabs he's keeping on Ian. I figured you should calm down on the meetings and warn him to act more uh like himself before you guys rekindled the flame."

I plop down back in my chair and run my fingers through my hair, "Yeah you're right. We are so close to getting things on track so there's no need to risk it all now." I dial my personal assistant Lena, "Hey can you bring a burner phone over ASAP… yeah… use cash though I'll give it back when you get there… okay bye."

"Good thinking."

"Sadly, I've learned from the best. Thanks for the heads-up Ana you're a lifesaver."

We hug and walk out my office together to the elevator just in time for Christian to join us. "Good evening my favorite ladies. How's everything?"

I feel as if that question is more directed to me as I stare at the inside of the elevator door, "Great it was an easy Friday. I just want to get home and relax a bit."

"I was actually thinking you could join Ana and I at this fancy dinner nothing extravagant. It's more of a mingling of the rich at this hotel downtown I think the Fairmont."

"Oh, uh I-"

"Great! I'll have something sent over for you to wear since it's such short notice. I'll also send over the usual babysitter."

The elevator opens and he strides away effortlessly with his hand intertwined with Ana's. He's definitely curter.

[X]

After Lena leaves, conveniently bringing up Christian's delivery, I dial Ian as I start to get ready.

"Hello?"

"Ian! I'm so glad you answered. It's Tiara I'm calling from a burner."

"What? Why? Are you okay? Is Joseph okay?"

"Yes, we're both fine. Ana came to warn me earlier that Christian is becoming suspicious. He doesn't know about the birth certificate and I don't think he knows we've reconnected."

"Oh, okay good. I'm assuming we can't see each other right now?"

"No and I honestly shouldn't call you often from this number because I'm sure he will try to track it. If anything, you need to act as if we still aren't talking."

"That might be a problem. I wasn't exactly-"

"I know you were seeing other women. Christian made it his duty to tell me. If anything, invite one over for dinner… just dinner."

Ian chuckles, "That I can do. How long will we keep this up?"

"Just until Monday. I should know something by then. If it's good news, then we can do whatever we please."

"Okay sounds like a plan beautiful."

"I should go. I'm being forced to some dinner by Christian. I love you and I can't wait to see you soon."

"I love you too be safe."

I hang up and finally slip into a silky evening gown that clings to every curve. Time to get this show on the road.

[X]

Sawyer of course picks me up and whisks me away to the Fairmont. After maneuvering through photo ops I'm led to a large room with huge floor to ceiling windows. My heart sinks a bit realizing I'd enjoy the view much more in different company. I plaster a smile to my face as Christian walks up to me with Ana by his side.

"You look beautiful," Christian leads with before they take turns hugging me.

"You both look stunning but that's nothing new. What exactly is this event?"

"It's a mixer for the high and mighty of Seattle. Maybe you'll meet someone tonight," Ana explains which I know means Christian has something up his sleeve.

"Yeah maybe. It has been awhile I'm getting tired of the single life actually."

Christian raises his eyebrows, "I'm glad to hear. I have someone I want you to meet. Once he arrives, I'll send him to the bar for you."

"You know me so well," I kiss them both on the cheek and make my way to the extravagant bar. "Tequila on the rocks," I scoot onto a stool just as a flowy blonde-haired woman sits beside me.

The bartender returns with my drink just as she introduces herself, "Nikki Arquette I'm a fashion designer."

I shake her hand, "Tiara Grey nice to meet you Ms. Arquette."

"Oh please, call me Nikki I've just barely made it to my thirties."

We both chuckle, "Met anyone interesting yet tonight Nikki?"

"No this isn't my typical scene. I've tried to do it the matchmaker style or through friends to avoid putting myself out there after a divorce. It was kind of public in Europe, so I figured I'd come to America and try my luck."

"Oh wow, I'm so sorry I'm sure it makes it worse having to deal with heartbreak with all eyes on you."

"It was doomed from the start the more I think about it. It was a Parisian summer fling that should've stayed that way. That's why you don't mix business with pleasure but lucky for him he got to start over in this country. Honestly though, I don't know what I would do if I saw those piercing blue eyes again."

I feel my chest cave a bit but noticing Christian in my line of sight, I don't show it. This is Nicole. This is a fucking test. I recover quickly, "Hopefully you get your new beginning here, but Paris is much more lavish than Seattle."

She laughs, "I said the same thing until your dad, Christian, talked me into it. Being in the same city as my ex is weird but I don't think he will ever cross my path. Being here with a good friend makes up for it though." Nikki gets up and smooths her dress out with one hand while holding her martini with the other. "I just had to introduce myself to someone I hope will become a good friend, but I won't talk your ear off any further. When I start on Ian it's hard to stop. It was nice to meet you Tiara."

We shake hands again, "Nice to meet you as well Nikki." She sashays away like a Victoria Secret model but just tasteful enough to catch the eye of almost everyone in the room.

I notice Christian now deep in conversation with who I'm sure is the potential suitor he had in mind. I take it as a chance to slip away to the bathroom knowing if I left all together it would be too suspicious and tip Christian right off.

[X]

After a weekend of nonsense playing mental cat and mouse with Christian, all too soon I'm back at my desk looking over mergers and acquisitions. I lean back in my chair realizing that the days seem so much slower without being able to talk to Ian especially knowing he had to go back to his bachelor ways. I pop back up when my door opens to Andrea.

"A certified letter came for you Tiara before the usual mail haul."

"Thank you so much." She nods and disappears after placing it on my desk.

Here's the moment of truth.

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