Author's Note:
Thank you to everyone who has favourited/followed and reviewed!
Thanks to Andie for editing this chapter for me.
You might get two notices or alerts for this chapter as I noticed errors that didn't paste and I had to remove and go back and edit.
"The Commute"
By Millie Mae
Rated M
All Rights to Veronica Roth
The weekend seemed by to pass by so slowly and usually I would relish in that time. But my anxiety at wanting to see Tris again was more urgent. I felt so silly that I didn't ask her for her number Friday night on the train, but there was nothing I could do about that now, other than to ask when I see her next. I spent time on Saturday in the gym in my apartment building, trying to work off some of this anxiety, but it didn't help. Later that night I got a slew of drunken text messages from Tessa, so much for her losing my number, like I asked. I didn't reply and worked from my laptop on the account for Monday so I could be ahead of schedule. Sunday was much of the same, morning run and workout in the gym before stocking up on some groceries and tidying up the apartment. Monday could not come soon enough.
I'm on the platform, waiting for the morning train and it's 7:45AM. As the train pulls in, other commuters jostle me to and fro as they rush to get ahead. I just stand my ground and mull along with the flow. Tris doesn't get on for two more stops and I try to sit near one of the doors, to try to spot her when she does, but those seats are gone already. Monday is always the busiest day on the morning commute. Rather than sitting in an open seat, I stay standing so I can spot her more clearly when she does board.
As we finally reach her stop, I can't stop the grin on my face when I see her. Just like me, she's jostled to and fro as she follows the crowd. When she finally steps on, I'm a few feet away and try to make eye contact with her but she doesn't look up. I excuse myself as I try to move past other commuters who are standing, to where Tris took her seat.
"Hey," I greet looking down at her small frame. She raises her head a little in surprise.
"Hi," She returns, keeping the left side of her face hidden behind a mass of her hair.
I crouch down, holding the support bar near her shoulder so I don't lose my balance, in order to see her more clearly, and that's when I see it.
"Tris, what happened?" I ask cautiously, seeing the bruise on the underside of her eye. She just shrugs her shoulders dejectedly.
The commuter sitting beside Tris stands to get off at the next stop and I take the seat and turn to face her.
"You can trust me." I plead, placing my hand on her arm. She moves her arm and for a moment I think she's trying to shrug me off but instead she holds my hand between hers.
"Friday night, after I got home, Peter showed up at my door." She confesses sadly, running her fingers over the palm of my hand.
"He did this to you?" I cry, outraged squeezing her hand gently.
{oo^oo}
Peter was standing there and for some reason, fear spread throughout my body.
"I asked you what you're doing here!" I demand, more forcefully.
"Triss…" He slurs. I realize he's completely smashed.
"Go home Peter, you're drunk."
"Jus givme nother shot babe." He stumbles over the words.
"I don't want to, babe!" I retort sarcastically as I attempt to slam the door on him, but he forces his foot in the way.
He reaches for me and grabs the collar of my shirt with his left hand before reaching back and punching me with his right. After he releases me, I stumble slightly before kicking him in the balls, slamming the door and locking it.
Once I've gotten myself together I call down to the building security to have Peter escorted out. After a shower, I go to bed early trying to forget the events of the night, with the exception of Tobias.
Saturday and Sunday, I keep to myself. Doing the rather mundane tasks of cleaning, grocery shopping and a little baking. Putting Peter out of mind completely.
It's now Monday morning, 6:30AM, and I've been trying for twenty minutes now to use the little bit of make-up I have to cover the bruise that is a half-moonshape under my left eye. Nothing seems to be working so I give up and head to the kitchen for a quick breakfast.
As I wait on the platform for the train, I worry about what Tobias will think when he sees the bruise. Will he still find me attractive, or think I'm weak? I bite my lip in aggravation as the train pulls in. I keep my head down, not wanting him to see it just yet. That's if he is in fact watching for me.
I stumble through the doors and take the first seat I see, not even looking for him. As the train lurches on I feel a presence approach and I inhale deeply. I know it's him.
"Hey," he calls quietly.
"Hi," I reply, looking up, trying to keep my hair over my face. My efforts are useless as he kneels in front of me, getting a closer look.
"Tris, what happened?" He asks. I just shrug my shoulders dejectedly.
The commuter sitting beside me stands to get off at the next stop and he takes the seat and turns to face me.
"You can trust me." He pleads, placing his hand on my arm. I move my arm to hold his hand between mine, as a sign to show that I do trust him.
"Friday night, after I got home, Peter showed up at my door." I confess sadly.
"He did this to you?" He cries, outraged, squeezing my hand gently.
I nod mutely before meeting his eyes. Concern written all over his face.
"Are you okay?" He whispers, squeezing my hand again.
"Yeah, I called security and they escorted him out, but not before I gave his future children their first ass kicking." I laugh lightly.
"Fuck, that's hilarious." He laughs, moving his hand from mine to wrap his arm around my shoulders. I know he's just comforting me but I can't help relishing in his embrace.
I sigh quietly to myself in happiness.
"He was drunk, I don't even know if he remembers it."
"Well, he might feel it still even if he doesn't remember the action! You need to know how to protect yourself."He adds, squeezing me against his side.
"What am I supposed to do, carry mace?" I jest.
"Have you ever learned any self-defence?"
"No."
"I could teach you." He offers. My head snaps up to his in surprise.
"Really?" I ask hopefully. Although I'm grateful for the offer, I'm more interested in seeing him a little sweaty.
"Yes, really." He confirms with a smile.
{oo^oo}
I have to admit my motives for offering her a few lessons in self-defence are a little selfish. Not only to just get a little closer to her, but to get to know her too. Of course, I'm concerned and want her to be able to protect herself.
"What about after work tomorrow? We can meet at the train or at the gym, up to you, what time do you get off work?" I add, a hint of excitement in my voice.
"I work until 5:00PM, what time are you off?" She replies.
"I'm not off until 6:00PM, that must be why I haven't seen you on my rides home from work!" I surmise.
"Well, I could go home, get my work out clothes and meet you at the gym?" She offers, a flirtatious smile on her face.
"That sounds great, why don't you give me your number, and we can confirm the details later? Our stop is next." I offer.
We exchange numbers and I save her info before we walk off the train together. Once off of the platform, we bid each other our farewells.
"Thank you, Tobias." She smiles, squeezing my arm once again.
"You're welcome Tris." I return. Without thought I reach out and hug her. She brings her arms up around my mid-section and squeezes lightly before we let go. I wave as she crosses the street and goes into a Starbucks before I head up the block to work.
I'm not looking forward to finding out which assistant will be assigned to me today though. I hope they're competent enough. It's not that I'm difficult, but I like routine. On my first week, Nita was more concerned about catching up on gossip around the office, rather than doing the tasks assigned to her. As well as flirting with me non-stop. She was under the impression that she would be my PA until a permanent one was assigned, she's going to have a bitch fit, I can feel it.
I'm early for work, and always am, I like to get ahead on what the day will bring by checking my calendar for meetings, getting a coffee the way I like it. Nita would bring me lattes and cappuccinos when all I wanted was a plain black, strong coffee. Heading into my office, I turn on the lights and head to my desk to log in and transfer the work I did on the weekend onto the main servers. Sipping my coffee in the process. I pull my phone from my pocket and decide to send Tris a quick message.
Tobias: Hope you have a good day. ;)
I lean back in my chair and stretch a little as the login screen appears on my computer.
{oo^oo}
'Mmmmm…' I think to myself as I take the first sip of my Americano. I like my coffee strong and black, and Starbucks knows how to do that. I venture up the block and head into the building. I wait with a crowd for the elevator and then step on; it finally arrives on the 10th floor, the PA department. I see Johanna at front reception when I walk in.
"Hi Johanna!" I greet happily.
"Tris, hi! My goodness what happened to your face dear?" She questions worriedly.
"Drunken asshole hit me Friday night, but I'm okay, I kicked him in the balls!" I reply honestly and that gets a loud guffaw from Johanna.
"I'm glad you're okay and got a hit in on him." She winks in support.
"Have you got the new assignments yet?" I question, sipping from my coffee again.
"Yes, I was just getting Molly here to send out the emails." She replies signalling to her personal assistant.
"Okay, thanks, I'll go put my stuff away and check in a few."
When assigned to work for one of the executives, they always have their own offices and a desk situated across from their office door for their assistant. So really, I have two workstations. The one I use in the PA department and the assigned one. Although I wouldn't have a PA station if I get a permanent placement. I take a seat at my desk and turn on my computer. As it loads, I notice the rest of the PA's entering the work area and making their way to their desks. After entering my login information, I check my email for this week's assignment, when my iPhone beeps. I pull it out to find a message from Tobias.
Tobias: Hope you have a good day. ;)
I smile to myself at the sweet gesture.
Tris: You too handsome. ;)
The smile on my face is wider than ever and I'm making no attempts to hide it.
Tobias: So, you think I'm handsome?
Tris: Absolutely.
Tobias: I think you're beautiful, black eye and all.
The laugh that erupts from me in giddiness at this is a little loud and I clamp my hand over my mouth to stifle it.
Tris: Thank you, handsome.
Tobias: You're welcome beautiful.
Tris: Time to start work.
Tobias: I think it's going to be a long day. Talk to you soon, though not soon enough.
The smile is still firmly planted on my face and I swear my cheeks are starting to hurt. I turn my attention back to my computer and my new email message, courtesy of Johanna's assistant.
TO: Tris Prior
FROM: Molly Atwood
SUBJECT: Executive Assignments
Please find your name in the list attached below and report to that executive for this week of March 13th – March 17th.
Attachment
Regards,
Molly Atwood
Personal Assistant to Johanna Reyes
Diverging Enterprises Incorporated
I click the attached DOCX file and scroll through the list of PA's until I find my name. Seems I'll be assisting a Mr. Eaton this week. His office is on the 20th floor, according to the attached information. The clock reads 8:45AM and as I toss my empty coffee cup, I take the elevator up to the 20th floor.
Heading to the break room to fix a new cup of coffee for myself, and one for Mr. Eaton, I notice the stares I'm getting from people. I had completely forgotten about the fact that I have a black eye. I shake it off and realize I don't know how he takes his coffee. I get one of the small serving trays and put a few creamers on it, some sugar packets and a spoon before heading down to office 224. I grab a notebook and pen from my newly assigned desk outside his office and tuck it under my arm before turning to the door. I knock tentatively and wait until I hear the approval to enter.
"Come in," I hear muffled through the door. I open it cautiously and almost drop the coffee when I see who's sitting behind the desk.
"Tobias!", "Tris!", we both call at the same time before laughing at our surprise.
"Hi, what…what are you doing here?" He questions in a confused tone as he comes out from behind the desk.
"Ummm…I brought coffee and I'm your assigned assistant for the week." I explain as I put the tray down on the corner of his desk.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, seriously." I laugh, pointing to the coffee. "I didn't know how you take it, so I brought the essentials." I add, removing one of the cups for myself, and sitting in one of the two proffered chairs in front of his desk.
"This is fantastic, and I like my coffee black, so thank you." He praises.
"You're welcome handsome." I flirt, but I realize we're at work and shouldn't talk to him like that. "Sorry, we're at work, I should be more professional." I admit.
He moves to close the door before turning back to me.
"We're behind a closed door, you can call me whatever you want beautiful." He flirts in reply. "How's the eye doing?" he adds, sitting in the seat beside me rather than behind his desk. The blush in my cheeks is fierce at his teasing but I love every minute of it.
{oo^oo}
When I saw Tris enter my office, to say I was surprised was an understatement. I was ecstatic. She even had coffee, just the way I like it. It was nice to see her flirty attitude but, she reprimanded herself for it.
"So how do you like to start your day?" She questioned as she pulled out a notebook and flipped it open, a pen at the ready.
"You're prepared, I like that."
"It's my job." She replies flirtatiously.
"Good, so, usually I like to start things off with a morning meeting, just like this, getting coffee was a smart move, then I like to go over my schedule for the day, if I have meetings, when…" I pause as I see her scribbling furiously in her note pad. I give her a moment to catch up before continuing.
"Then…" I continue, "Sometimes I need to bounce ideas off of someone or get opinions on slogans, images I've created so, we might be huddled around my desk at times."
"That could be fun." I hear her mumble and I smile to myself.
"It will definitely be fun with you." I flirt in smiles, a blush flooding her cheeks adorably.
"What about lunch? What do you like?"
"Well usually I get it myself. We have breaks for a reason."
"Part of an assistant's job is to get those things for you though." She adds, a look of confusion on her face.
"What if I want to have lunch with you?" I encourage, leaning closer to her.
"I'd like that. But I'm only your assistant for this week."
I question her about her goals within the company and am pleased to learn she's still waiting to be assigned to an executive as a permanent assistant. Smiling at this I think of the form I need to fill out for Amar to make Tris mine, in more ways than just within this company.
We finish our morning meeting and she heads back out to her desk to start on the calls and emails that are likely to come in. It's mere minutes when I hear raised voices outside the door.
{oo^oo}
The morning meeting with Tobias was short but he definitely made his intentions known. I really hope he requests me as his permanent assistant. I bite my lip in anxiety as I start replying to the emails in regards to his accounts and notice he only has one meeting this afternoon with Amar. While in my own world, I'm interrupted by a snotty voice.
"What are you doing at my desk?" I look up to see Nita Navedo standing in front of me.
"Excuse me?" I reply, confused, noting it's now 9:15AM and she's late.
"I think you're in the wrong place, honey, I'm Mr. Eaton's assistant, and will likely be his PA soon!" She states assuredly while placing two lattes on the desk.
"I think you're the one confused, honey." I reply back with extreme sarcasm and an eyebrow raised. She stands there with her hands on her hips.
"What did you just say to me?" She shouts in annoyance.
"Check the new assignments email. You're not his assistant this week, I am." I add a little louder than necessary. Feeling like I'm staking a claim on more than just his desk.
We're interrupted when Tobias' office door opens and he stands there in confusion looking between myself and Nita. I realize we were being louder than we thought.
"Nita? What are you doing here?"
"I'm your assistant silly!" She flirts as she rubs his forearm suggestively. He pulls away slightly and looks at her in annoyance.
"Not anymore, I requested a new assistant the minute you left on Friday." He clarifies turning to me. "Tris, grab your notebook and join me in my office." He adds.
I follow him into his office, his hand at my lower back. I chance a glance back at Nita and she looks like she's about ready to spit nails.
"That was your assistant last week?" I ask weakly. I never take note of who's assigned to who when I read the email, just who I'm assigned to.
"Unfortunately for me, yes." He admits, smiling at me sweetly.
"I feel sorry for you." I whisper.
"Thank you, it was not something I thought I would survive," He jokes.
"What did you need?" I ask flipping open my notepad.
"Nothing actually, just wanted to get you away from her."
"Oh-,"
"Don't look so surprised, that girl is trouble." He states, flipping through some papers on his desk.
"I think the coast is clear now." I state as I go to leave.
"Wait, Tris, there is one thing…"
"Of course, anything."
{oo^oo}
To say I was shocked was putting it mildly. He wanted to clarify plans for the gym tomorrow evening. He mentioned going to a gym that seemed to be between both of our apartments and between the train platforms we took in the morning. Meeting in the middle so to speak.
"That sounds doable, what's the gym?" I stand there in front of him, my notebook clutched to my chest.
Being this close to him is maddening, 'smells so good', I think to myself and I want to get just a little closer. 'You're at work, be professional' my thoughts admonish. I smile politely when I notice him staring at me a huge smile on his face.
"What?"
"I think your inner thoughts just became your outer thoughts." He teases.
"No, shit, what did I say?"
"Something about smelling me and being professional." He confirms.
"Fuck my life, shit I'm sorry I swore, crap!" I fumble over my words. He's all out laughing now and to be honest I can't hide my smile either.
"Tris, you're so adorable!" He adds hugging me to him. I felt so embarrassed and just stood there, arms still clasped to my chest.
"Right, so what gym?" I ask trying to get us back on equal footing.
"Right, um, the Dauntless gym, you heard of it?"
The look on my face must give it away and he has a look of concern on his face now.
"Can't go there." I confirm for him.
"We don't have to go there, but can you tell me why?" He comforts, his hands on my shoulders.
"Peter goes there." He nods at my answer.
"Okay we're definitely not going there, the other option is for you to come to my place, there is a gym in my building."
"That I can do." I smile in return.
The rest of the morning flies by and before I know it,it's lunch time. I knock on Tobias' door before I hear him grant me entry. He's hunched over his desk, writing notes and then clicking at something on the computer. He informs me that because of his meeting with Amar this afternoon, he's going to have to work through lunch. Amar wants to see the progress on his account. I go grab us both some sandwiches from the deli across the street and fresh coffee. I don't bother knocking this time and when I enter he's rubbing his face in irritation.
"What's wrong?" I query as I pull out his lunch and hand it to him.
"Nothing, just need more coffee."
After taking a huge bite from his sandwich, he praises, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Fuck this is good. None of the cafeteria food was this good last week!"
"I don't eat that cafeteria shit. I went to the deli across the street." I clarify, handing him one of the coffee's as well.
"I knew putting in that transfer this morning was a great idea."
"What do you mean?"
"I filled out the paper work for you to be transferred to me as my permanent personal assistant."
"Thank you." I add smiling happily.
He takes another bite from his sandwich. I can't help the laugh that escapes when I see the dollop of mayonnaise on the corner of his mouth.
"What?" He mumbles over his stuffed mouth of food.
"You have a little…" I point to my lip indicating food on his face. He smiles as I hand him a napkin.
"Thank you."
We laugh a little more over lunch and he thanks me again for the fresh coffee as well.
The afternoon seems to go by rather quickly when I notice it's 2:45PM. Tobias is supposed to meet Amar in his office at 3:00PM. I head to his door and knock gently before opening the door.
"Hey!" He smiles as he tidies up his desk.
"Hi, just wanted to give you the fifteen-minute warning." I state pointing to my wrist, where there is actually no watch to be found.
"Thanks, yeah finished what I needed so I'm heading up there now."
"Do you need me to take notes for you in the meeting?"
"No, it's more about me showing what I have so far." He confirms leading me from his office, his hand at my lower back. I can't help but lean into him a little more.
We leave the office and notice Johanna headed our way.
"Johanna, is there something wrong?" I question when she approaches. She typically doesn't meet with us in person unless there is an issue or question about something.
"Not really no, but I do need to steal you for a few minutes if you don't mind Mr. Eaton."
{oo^oo}
The fact that I like Tris, a lot, was making it difficult to not just crush my body to hers and kiss her senseless. Working close with her in the office now made those urges more prominent. I noticed small quirks about her that I'm starting to really love. Like when she chews a little on her bottom lip when on a call and the person is being rude to her. She's professional through and through regardless of who is speaking to her and how. I want to kiss that swollen lip where her teeth almost draw blood. The way she locks her gaze with mine while we sip our coffee, both smiling like idiots. It's a wonder we haven't both dripped coffee on ourselves while doing that too.
Tessa's still been sending me text messages. She obviously noticed her drunken messages from Saturday and wanted to apologize. But for her, this apology included me meeting with her. I didn't even reply.
My mind was rushing with thoughts about what Amar told me in my meeting with him. I was walking back to my office and Tris wasn't at her desk. It was 4:15PM and I really needed to talk to her. I walked into my office to see a fresh steaming cup of coffee on my desk and a scone. I couldn't help the silly grin that crossed my face. I could so fall in love with this girl.
As I'm sitting down at my desk, leaving my office door open, I notice Tris return and sit at her desk, her own cup of coffee in hand.
"Hey." I call from behind my desk. She looks up and I nod for her to join me. "You don't need your notepad." I confirm as she walks in with her coffee. That's when I notice the dark stain on her shirt.
"What happened?" I wonder, standing to come around the desk to her.
"Accidentally got my first cup of coffee all over me." She states looking down, purposefully avoiding my gaze. I realize her dismissal means that it wasn't an accident and someone was behind it.
"Tris…Look at me please." She slowly raises her eyes at me.
"What really happened?" I close the door for privacy.
"I met with Johanna down in the PA department. Seems I have a choice to make."
"What do you mean?"
"You're not the only one to put in the transfer request for my PA services." She states. I feel my chest tighten at this.
"Don't frown." She adds teasingly.
"I don't want to lose you to someone else." I admit sadly.
"You're not. It's my choice in who I want to work for." She clarifies.
"Oh. So?"
"I'm yours Tobias." She smiles.
"Does that include outside the office too, Beautiful?" I flirt, squeezing her nose affectionately.
"We're working on that, aren't we?" She smiles back.
"So, who was the other request from?" I question, sipping from my coffee. I smile when I see her smiling at me over her coffee cup as well.
"Robert Black. I worked for him the week before last."
"Okay, but that still doesn't explain the stain on your shirt."
"I was collecting my things from my desk in the PA department and Nita saw me. Johanna confirmed for her that I was now your permanent assistant and when I returned to this floor, I swear she followed me. Nita 'accidentally', bumped into me." She states, annoyed.
"You didn't get burned, did you?" I worry.
She nods mutely before lifting the edge of her shirt to show a small reddish blemish on her abdomen.
"Does it hurt?"
"No, just a little itchy. It will be fine." I feel like she's the one comforting me. After hearing about Peter hitting her, I hate that she seems to be a target for jealous and petty people.
"How did your meeting go?" She inquires. Her coffee cup now empty, she places it on the corner of my desk while we sit in the two chairs in front of it.
"Really well, and Amar had some news for me, looks like you and I will be heading to New York Thursday." I state excitedly.
"Okay explain?" She teases, sitting back and crossing her legs.
"Amar explained to me in our meeting that a client, Jack Kang, that was under David Warner's company, "The Bureau", which is where I worked before here, was unhappy with how they were being handled. I handled Jack's account when I worked for them and after finding out where I went, he contacted Amar to ask about me taking on his account."
"That's fantastic Tobias!" She states gleefully.
"The issue is…Jack is sort of old school when it comes to business and worries because he's in New York and we're here, in Chicago, that I won't be able to devote the time necessary to him."
"Oh-,"
"So, the point of this trip is to meet with him and show him that through conference calls, Skype and Facetime, that we can manage his account as if I was in the room next to him."
"And you need your assistant with you?"
"Yes. In order to show him that you can be in the other room and Facetime me or Skype me from your iPhone or iPad so he can see how it works." I state assuredly. "I also thought that this would be a great way for us to get to know each other more too. We've got Thursday and Friday to meet with Jack and can come home on Sunday. Maybe do some sight-seeing?" I add hopefully.
"I would love that." She smiles in reply.
"Also, Jack would feel more comfortable meeting you also because he's likely going to be fielding calls through his assistant to you and might even talk to you himself."
"I can understand that, it's more personable if you know who you're talking to."
We finish our coffee and as the clock strikes 5:00PM I realize that it's time for Tris to leave and I won't see her again until tomorrow morning on our commute.
"Thank you so much for today Tris and for agreeing to be my PA." I state hugging her to me.
"You're welcome. I really like you…I mean working with you." She fumbles and I laugh at her cuteness.
"I like you too." I whisper back conspiratorially.
"Hmmm…" She hums. I feel her snuggle against my chest and I hold on a little longer than necessary.
"Please text me or call if you have any trouble with Peter or anyone else tonight?" I plead with her.
"What about texting just because?" She flirts back, her hands resting on my hips.
"Well of course, that's a given."
She smiles shyly and as I watch her leave I take the time to really check out her ass in the jeans she's wearing. "Fantastic," I mumble to myself biting my lip.