Fifty Shades of Grey, Chp. 2

Chapter 2 opens with Ana a wreck after meeting Christian. He's affected her deeply but she's not sure why.  She finds him strikingly attractive, commanding and confident... but also arrogant, autocratic and cold.   She feels utterly foolish and internally cringes each time she recalls asking him Kate's question on his sexual preference.

Ana scolds Kate for not prepping her better for the interview and, when questioned, describes her subject as "focused and intense; courteous, formal, slightly stuffy -- like he's old before his time."  Suspecting an attraction, Kate's  inquisitive nature tires to dig deeper and discern Ana's true feelings but she's fairly unsuccessful, learning only that Ana finds  Mr. Grey "fascinating."

They spend the evening in, Kate working her story, Ana, an essay on Tess of the d'Urbervilles. That night she dreams of gray eyes.

The week is filled with school and work.  We get a bit of back story on Ana's family. Her father's deceased and her mother's remarried to husband no. 3.  Her mother's second husband, Ray (Steele), is the man Ana thinks of as her father and who she remains close with even after the divorce.  We also meet Jose.  (Why do I picture him to look like Taylor Lautner?) He's a dear friend and aspiring photographer who attends WSU with Ana and Kate.

That Saturday, Ana is once again working her part-time job at the local hardware store.  Looking up from her computer screen she finds herself staring into the 'bold gray gaze' of none other than Christian Grey.  He's looking much more casual in his sweater and jeans -- simply jaw-dropping gorgeous to Ana.  He's "in the area" visiting WSU and wishes to stock up on a few things. Can she help him?

He goes through his list...cable ties, masking tape, rope... All the while Ana is a nervous wreck feeling the Grey effect on her senses.  They banter a bit back and forth, innuendo in the air when Christian teasingly asks if she was ever in the Girl Scouts.

"Organized group activities aren't really my thing, Mr. Grey."
He arches a brow
"What is your thing, Anastasia?" he asks, his voice soft and his secret smile is back.  Ana's subconscious makes one of her first appearances here and it's when Ana answers "Books" that she is inwardly screaming YOU! You are my thing!    But Ana ignores her, filling him in on her love of British literature.

Mr. Grey offers to make himself available for a photo session so Kate can have picture to accompany her story. It also gives him an opportunity to give Ana his card.

A Co-worker, Paul, interrupts their conversation leaving Mr. Grey rather unhappy.  He's changed from the weirdly attentive customer to someone else -- someone cold and distant.  Ana finally returns to him and rings up his items but as he turns to leave he stops and pauses. "Oh - and Anastasia, I'm glad Miss Kavanagh couldn't do the interview." He smiles, then strides out of the store... leaving Ana a quivering mess.

###


Chapter Questions:

1. What were some of your favorite moments from this chapter and did they change after reading a 2nd, 3rd or even fourth time?

2. Was there anything you didn't like or understand?

3. What particular chapter moment you're just dying to see on screen?