Happy reading everyone! Thank you all for the love and support for this new story! Leave your comments below let me know what you think of this next chapter
I own nothing of the Divergent series or books.
Chapter 2
Tris P.O.V
I sit at the bar with my rose on the counter. Just like Shauna told me to. I took the last seat at the end of the bar, so I can have a better view of the large crowded room. I cant remember the last time I was on a date. To be honest my first and only boyfriend was Eric. In all honesty I don't even know how to date. What are the rules? Do I pay, does he? Do I have to kiss him at the end of the night? What if he doesn't kiss me? Did I mention, I hate dating? With Eric there was no real dating, there was no need. We just kind of met at school and our relationship just developed from there. We were so comfortable with each other, many never understood us. But we didn't care, we enjoyed each other's company and that all that mattered. May be this was a bad idea after all!
I continue sitting nursing my drink. I cant help but look around for a man I don't know, a man that I know I won't recognize. What if this guy takes one look at me turns and runs away, I would never know. Oh what am I thinking, who could blame him for running away. I would runaway. At least it's nice to get out and breath in some much needed fresh air.
Shauna didn't tell me much about this guy. I know they work together in the bank. Supposedly he is nice and funny. Even if he isn't the "one" he might still give me a good time or so Shauna said. She did tell me that his name is Fernando, and he is 5'8, well built, and very nice looking. There are a lot of good looking guys here, but all seem to be with their partners or here with friends. It is after all a Friday night.
I take another sip of my drink. I cant help but feel slightly rejected. The guy is already twenty minutes late. At the corner of my eye I see a man take a seat two bar stools down. He too appears to be looking for someone. I decide to be bold and look up. He is very good looking, I was never good with estimating height but he is really really tall. Than again every one is tall when compared to me. I take in his form, I can see his well defined muscular chest, arms, wow even his shoulders is sexy as hell.
I wonder is there a rule about having sex on the first date? At least fool around a little. Calm down Tris, don't think like a slut! Even though it has been four years. Four lonely years with a vibrator, may I add. Damn those hands look huge and strong. Stop it, Tris!
He must feel my eyes on him because he looks at my direction and allow our eyes to meet. He has the most intense ocean blue eyes I have ever seen. After what feels like a minute he smiles at me. I swear my panties just got wet. I'm beyond shocked. No man, not even Eric, had this kind of power over me.
"Meeting someone?" He says glancing at the rose that still sits on the bar. His deep husky voice makes the sensations that is already running through my body even more intense. DAMN.
"A blind date. Which sad to say I'm being stood up for." I say. A guy like him have to have a girlfriend.
"What is a beautiful woman like you need a blind date for?" He says leaning on his elbows that rests on the bar.
"I guess not every one had your vision. Maybe you need to see a eye doctor." I say with a wide smile.
"My vision 20/20, sweet heart. I'm seeing perfectly clear." He says still smiling.
"So are you meeting your girlfriend?" I can't help it I had to ask.
"No. A work buddy." He says. He glances down at his phones has it rings. I watch as his lips are pressed together into a straight line.
"Bad news?" I ask.
"Yea turns out he isn't coming, got held up at work." He says placing his phone down next to his beer. Turning back to me.
"Well you are more than welcome to keep me company, if you'd like." I say hoping he says yes. He takes the moment to think about it. Maybe he was just being nice, maybe he doesn't want my company. But than he smiles returns back at me, than he moves to the bar stool directly right next to me.
"My name is Tobias Eaton." He says offering his hand to shake.
"Tris Prior." I say slipping my hand in his and giving it a firm shake. I'm shocked at the sudden jolts of electricity that is spread through out my body, starting from my hand.
"So Tris, would you like to get a table... maybe a bite to eat?" He asks.
"Sure sounds great."
"No. Come on, you have to be joking!" Tobias asks laughing.
"Swear to God. He thought the best way to tell his father he is coming out of the closet was to throw the biggest party with all their friends and family, with a big banner and all that says he was gay." I say laughing along with him.
"Wow. How long have you been a event planner?" Tobias ask before taking another bite of his burger.
"Um. I started in the business fresh out of college, I worked for someone for a few years and than I decided to open my own company. I just got tired of someone else taking the credit that I worked so hard for. I also didn't agree with some of the standards she had." I explain, placing a bite of my chicken in my mouth.
"Yea, I get that. You have morals, nothing wrong with that." He says, between mouth full.
"What about you... EMT? Now I'm sure you have some crazy stories under your belt. I have a few EMT friends and they are always filled with crazy stories." I say.
"Yea, I guess you can say that... you know nothing like celebrating someone coming out but when you get stuck having sex because your partner decided to pierce the tip of their dick and it gets stuck in her-" Tobias says but I cut him off. My own womanly area hurts from the thought.
"NO! Omg. That sounds so painful!" I say.
"I can't imagine it would be pleasant." He says smiling.
"So I take it that you are not pierced?" I ask lifting my left eye brow."
"Huh. Yea. No, Thank you. I'm good with out additional help." He says. I can tell he said that not thinking his answers through. He is pitched red, I imagine I match his tone just has bad. "I mean... So I'm told... I mean... Not that I need to be told. Arg. Never mind." He lets out a small chuckle. I can't help it, I throw my head back and bust out laughing.
"Tobias, it's ok. Really. Um, I can imagine you don't need any additional help." I say placing my hand on his hand that sits on the table. Once again I feel the thousands of jolts running through our touch. I wonder if he feels it too. He lets out a nervous laugh, that I can help but join in.
"So what made you want to be a EMT?" I ask.
"Um. I just... I guess its a mixture of rebellion and wanting to do something more with my life than just being behind some desk. My father is a CEO of one of the finest trading business in Chicago, he wanted me to follow his footsteps. I don't know. I guess I wanted something more fulfilling with my life. Something that at the end of the day gives me purpose in life." He explains and I can see the honesty, the bravery, even the selfless in that answer and in him.
"I respect that... Your very brave and selfless, Tobias. You should be very proud of your self. You parents must be very very proud of you." I say, in awe of him.
Even though every bite has been eaten we don't move a muscle, both of us enjoying the other's company. We talk about likes and dislikes, and even our childhood. I admit he got me laughing harder than ever. It feels nice, I haven't laughed, like really laughed, since Eric passed away. Many have tried but failed verses Tobias doesn't even try. Which says a lot, especially when your best friend's husband is a good ball and cant make you laugh.
It's been hours, somehow I don't want this night to end. I don't want to let him go. I haven't felt this way in so long. But I know the staff is getting restless, seeing that we are the last table still here. We leave after a small argument on why he shouldn't be paying for my meal as well as his.
"This was fun." He says opening the door for me as we exited the building.
"Yea it was. I had a great time." I say.
"Glad you got stood up." He smiles.
"Me too." I say.
"Did you drive here, let me walk you to your car?" He asks.
"Oh no I took a cab." I say. Getting my phone out to call for a cab. But he stops me.
"Here let me drive you home. Its late, only psychos are out and about at this time." He says pointing towards the parking lot.
"Says the stranger that I just met hours ago." I say laughing. He joins in realizing the truth to that.
"True. But I really would feel better driving you home." He says his eyes pleading me.
"How do I know you are not a ax murder?" I ask trying to make my voice tone lighter.
"You got me EMT is just a cover story." He smiles showing all his teeth. Damn that smile.
"You know I can take care of myself." I say hoping he doesn't think I'm weak.
"Undoubtedly. I just... I want to make sure you get home and safe." He says his eyes intense with more pleading.
"Ok." I agree. He instantly places his hand on the small of my back to guide me to the car.
Although the minute I see his truck, I quickly rethink my answer. How will I ever claim a Ford F150? Not to mention I am not realizing I am wearing a skirt. Damn you, Shauna! Tobias must read my mind, or my facial expression because once he has the passenger door open for me he moves behind me places his hand on my waist and boosts me up into the truck. He drops his hands from me instantly but allowing one finger to slowly graze the exposed skin on my thigh before closing the door. I can still feel his ghostly touch on my thigh. I watch him make his way around the truck and claim in effortlessly into the drivers side.
"Where to?" He asks as he turns the key and fastens his seat belt.
I give him the easiest route to my apartment. At this time of the night there isn't much traffic at all. I know at this rate we will be back at my apartment with in the mater of ten minutes. With every minute that we get closer, anticipation within me strengthens. Should I ask him in for coffee? Is that what you would do on a first date? But this isn't a first date. This isn't any date. Would he expect me to deliver? No. What if I never see him again? Can I have sex with him? The only man I ever slept with was Eric, its been Four years. But is it weird to have another man in my bed. The bed I shared with my dead fiance. Tris get a grip of yourself, there is no way Tobias would ever be interested in someone like me!
"You ok over there?" He asks taking a quick glance at me.
"Yea. Sorry, I'm fine."
"You sure you can tell me you know." He says with a wide innocent smile.
"I'm just little nervous." I say, mentally slapping myself. Did I just say that out loud?
"Nervous about what?" He asks.
"It's nothing." I say shocking my head.
"Hey, don't tell me its nothing." He says turning the wheel. I notice we have just turned on my street. I decide to be bold.
"I just wonder..whats in it for you. This... whatever it is."I say confessing.
"What in it for me?" He says, his expression first full of confusion but quickly changes when he realizes what I meant. "You're an idiot Tris." He says shocking his head, with a small smile of disbelief. We come to a full complete stop, and he places his gears into park. I look out side the window and notice we are outside my apartment building.
"I'm not an idiot." I say firmly. "Which is why I know that its a little weird that, out of all the girls in that restaurant you choose to spend the night with me. To pay for both our meals and to drive me home. So if you're just looking for... um you know... that..." I point out.
"What? Sex?" He scowls at me. "You know, if that was all I wanted, you probably wouldn't be the first person I would have gone to?" Ouch.
"I'm going to leave now." I say quietly.
"No, Tris. Wait. Please." He says reaching for my hand to stop me.
"I'm sorry I said that. What I meant was that you aren't like that. Which I knew when I met you. You're different than other girls. I just.. I wanted to spend time with you, get to know you, make sure you got home safe and in one piece." He opens the driver side door and before he exits he says, "let me help you down. Don't want you hurting yourself with your shortness." Just like that he gets out and I feel like a idiot.
When he has my feet safely on the floor, his hands release their hold on em. "Tobias, I'm really-" I try to apologize but he cuts me off.
"Tris. Its fine, really I get it." He says, as he walks with me to the door of my building. "Um. Listen I really enjoyed tonight and talking to you. Um I was wondering if I can call you sometime?"
"I would love that." I admit, at the same time I'm sure my sudden red cheeks is a dead give away.
"Great." He says and inputs my number into his phone. "Well have a good night, Tris. It was nice to meet you." He says. I can see the sadness in his eyes as they match my feelings. I didn't want this night to end. I don't know why or how but something about this man... I can feel the instant connection. The look in his eyes tell me he feels it too. He leans in letting his lips softly touch my forehead. "Good night." He says and just like that he turns and leaves me without a response. Wow.
I wake up feeling refreshed and better than I have had in years. I had such a wonderful dream about seeing Tobias again. I hope he does call since he got my number. But of course I failed to get his. Figures, right?
I dress in my normal black pants, white button down blouse that hangs just right, along with black heals. I know that today is going to be little hectic. I have two new clients to interview one after another. Drew my assistant scheduled a newly engaged couple to plan both their engagement party and wedding at nine, followed by a mother and her daughter to plan her eighteenth birthday. Not to mention I have appointment with my preexisting clients for cake tasting, and interview a few bands. Followed by a well needed gym time. I grab my purse, gym bag, and work bag, as I head out the door.
"Good morning, Drew." I say as I enter the Lobby.
Its hard to believe what this as all come to. I was fed up with taking orders from my old boss, along with always having to remain in the shadows. I took a small loan from my loving parents and started building from nothing to this. "Divergent party planning."
The name comes from the cities history tales. Back when the city was divided into five groups ABNEGATION (for those that were selfless), EURDITE (for those that were intelligent), DAUNTLESS (for those that were brave), CANDOR (For those that were honest), and AMITY (for those that were farmers). Divergence were for those that couldn't conform into just one group. Often than most they were named factionless or in our day in age would be called homeless. I love history, its how we get from one place to anther. Its a way we grow and learn from our past. There for I respect it... Seeing that my company doesn't focus on just one type of event planning, I decided to name it Divergent.
My building sits on what would have been considered Erudite land. Which I think fits us perfectly, you have to be smart to know and admit you need help planning special events. Not that there is something wrong with not getting planner some do it themselves and it comes out perfect. Some though... end in tears.
"Good morning, Beatrice. Your nine o'clock appointment is already here, they are waiting for you in your office." Drew says handing me my new client folder.
I have come to love and admit Drew. Over the years he has helped me so much with my business. He make sure I never miss a dead line, client appointment, and he is always prepared. He also isn't afraid of adding new ideas to help benefit us. Like the new client pro-folio. Its a folder that has several sheets of blank forms for me to fill as I talk to new clients. It helps keep us well informed of what the client is looking for, including their wants and needs for their special event.
"Thank you so much, Drew. Lunch at noon?" I ask before entering my office.
"Sounds great. Thank you Beatrice."
I enter the room slowly making my way around the room towards my desk. I can see the back of the soon to be bride and groom. I love watching the newly engaged couples in my office. How happy they are? How they hold hands? I remember when Eric and I were first engaged we were so happy, so in love. I shake my head of the unneeded distraction. I need to focus on their big day right now and not what it should have been for me.
"I'm so sorry I am late. My name is Beatrice Pr-" I say holding out my hand but I'm frozen in place when I recognize the groom. The groom is the same man from last night. The man that I dream all night about. The groom is Tobias.
Oh boy!