Пятьдесят оттенков серого
Chapter 19
Theroomisspacious,tastefullyfurnishedincreams,browns,andpaleblues—comfortable,understated,andverystylish.KateandElliotarecuddledtogetheronacouch,clutchingchampagneflutes.Katebouncesuptoembraceme,andMiafinallyreleasesmyhand.
“Hi,Ana!”Shebeams.“Christian.”Shenodscurtlytohim.
“Kate.”Heisequallyformalwithher.
Ifrownattheirexchange.Elliotgraspsmeinanall-embracinghug.Whatisthis,HugAnaWeek?Thisdazzlingdisplayofaffection—I’mjustnotusedtoit.Christianstandsatmyside,wrappinghisarmaroundme.Placinghishandonmyhip,hespreadsouthisfingersandpullsmeclose.Everyoneisstaringatus.It’sunnerving.
“Drinks?”Mr.Greyseemstorecoverhimself.“Prosecco?”
“Please,”ChristianandIspeakinunison.
Oh…thisisbeyondweird.Miaclapsherhands.
“You’reevensayingthesamethings.I’llgetthem.”Shescootsoutoftheroom.
Iflushscarlet,andseeingKatesittingwithElliot,itoccurstomesuddenlythattheonlyreasonChristianinvitedmewasbecauseKateishere.ElliotprobablyfreelyandhappilyaskedKatetomeethisparents.Christianwastrapped—knowingthatIwouldhavefoundoutviaKate.Ifrownatthethought.He’sbeenforcedintotheinvitation.Therealizationisbleakanddepressing.Mysubconsciousnodssagely,ayou’ve-finally-worked-it-out-stupidlookonherface.
“Dinner’salmostready,”GracesaysasshefollowsMiaoutoftheroom.
Christianfrownsashegazesatme.
