"First and Last"
Reminder: I strongly suggest you only read this story if you're of an appropriate age. This story is definitely Rated M/MA (for language and sexual content).
-Chapter 7-
~Tris POV~
*December 2nd, continued...*
I barely make it half way to the table before I fully take a look at the man I am supposed to be greeting and potentially taking a cake order from.
It is not who I expected.
I think about turning around and avoiding him, but I know it will be of no use. He's always been the persistent type. So I decide to just get it over with.
"Eric?" I ask, as I approach the table.
He turns and smiles brightly at me, looking me up and down as if appraising how I look these days.
"Tris-" he replies as he stands. He almost seems like he's going to step forward and hug me, but seems hesitant and unsure. So to be safe, I decide to make no effort to greet him further and go straight for the chair opposite his. My hands rest in my lap and I sit with better posture than usual, instinctually not wanting to make him feel like this is a comfortable or particularly welcome surprise.
Even though we argued a lot when we broke up, we eventually sat and talked calmly with each other like two mature adults. It didn't change my decision to end things with him, just helped us to end on better terms. It helped ease the tension and hopefully helped him understand that we weren't meant to be, but that he'll find the right girl one day.
I had moved out, and as I handed over my copy of the key to the apartment we had shared, we departed with a friendly hug and wished each other well.
So this visit here to my bakery is unexpected. Especially when recalling that Lauren said this 'customer' had been here repeatedly this week in attempts to see me.
I always knew it'd be awkward if we bumped into each other. Even though he's since moved to Philadelphia, I'm sure he still spends a lot of time here in Chicago. Mutual friends have mentioned that they've bumped into him at bars and what not.
"What are you doing here?" I ask. By the slight flash of surprise that crosses his face, I know he wasn't expecting my harshness. But I can't help it. This is all just- weird, and I don't like it.
He takes a deep breath and leans forward, resting his elbows on the small table. "Well, I've been in Chicago for a few months. I recently bought a second home here in Chicago and I'm having it remodeled. So I was meeting my architect here at your bakery to go over some plans, but I didn't know you owned it. It was just a convenient meeting place. Plus, I'm able to keep an eye on my car." he says, pausing and gesturing towards the vehicle parked on the street just outside the bakery's window. I glance over and do a double-take as I see white convertible Ferrari. I have no idea what model it is, but the black and yellow horse prancing logo is unmistakable.
At first I think he's making a joke. But when I look back over at him, he sips from his coffee with a look of indifference.
"Anyway, when I was at the counter, I noticed the stack of business cards with your name on them." he says.
"Okay..." I say, not really getting an answer as to why he's here, back in my bakery, talking to me.
"I was taken aback by how great this place is. The style, the hospitality, and of course the food. I'm really proud of you Tris." he says with a small smile. I open my mouth to speak, ready to bark at him about how he never supported my dream, or encouraged me to do this. But he holds his hand up and gives me a look that pleads for me to allow him to continue. So I shut my mouth and sigh, waiting for him to finish. "And it was busy. Like, really hustling. You had a near constant line throughout my meeting." he says, emphasizing how impressed he seems to have been. "I came back a few times later in the week, not only to grab a snack, but to just say hello and congratulate you on this place. But I found myself noticing how consistently busy it was each time I visited."
"Yeah, business has been really good." I say, not offering any more than that though. What is he getting at?
"I think you made the right call, opening this place. It's obviously well-loved, and I know it wasn't easy financially to get this place up and running. So what I'm trying to say is- I'd like to invest in you, in your business. I'd like to offer to open another Sweet Pea's, maybe several." he says.
"What?" I ask, complete surprised.
"I don't know how you are these days financially, and that's none of my business. But I know it'd be tough to consider expanding when you haven't even had this one open a year. However, business is booming, and I think it might be the time to swoop in and expand. And well, my business partner and I could help. We already have experience- we expanded upon his sister's restaurant. She had opened her first one in Philly, and we helped her open one in Pittsburgh, as well as one here in Chicago. They're all doing fantastic, and she's making more money with no extra effort. We're looking into other locations now too." he adds.
"So, you're here to congratulate me on my successful business, and ask me if I want to partner up to expand."
"Yes." he replies simply.
"I appreciate the offer, but-" I begin, but he cuts me off.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tobias, Jack and Christina emerge from the back.
"You don't have to make a decision right now." he says, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out his business card and hands it to me. "Just think about it." he says, his hands begin to cradle mine for a moment, but I quickly pull them away.
I had assumed Eric moved on, but that near attempt at hand-holding didn't seem to necessarily suggest that. Or maybe I'm just over reacting. Either way, I don't want to take any chances. So I decide I should introduce him to Tobias. I don't want to imply to Eric in any way that I'm available. And what better way than introducing him to my boyfriend?
But I also don't want to make Tobias uncomfortable. So as Eric tells me to check out his website to see the pictures of the restaurants, I steel a glance over at them, where they stand huddled up by the counter. Tobias appears to be giving us space and privacy by remaining over there, attempting to randomly flip through the cake picture book with Jack. But his eyes flit over to me, and we lock eyes. So I subtly cock my head, in obvious suggestion that I'd like him to come over here to join me.
I'm still half-listening to Eric prattle on as I watch Tobias say something to Christina, then leans down and whispers something to Jack, probably telling him to stay with Christina for a minute.
Tobias releases the hand that he was holding of Jack's, and leaves him with Christina as he makes his way over to me.
Behind him, I see Christina usher Jack to a table and they sit to wait patiently. But I can tell she is still watching all of this go down with rapt attention.
As Tobias nears us, I stand up. Eric follows suit, as if unsure as to why I suddenly stood.
"Eric, this is my boyfriend- Tobias." I say once Tobias has reached the table.
Eric offers his hand to shake his in greeting, but I see his eyes quickly roam Tobias as if cautiously sizing him up. But then he quickly smiles and gives Tobias a hearty pat on the back.
"Good to meet you Tobias." he says as if they're new buddies.
If Eric is upset or effected by any of this, he doesn't show it. So I'm thankful for that. I'm hoping he's moved on, just like I have.
"Eric." Tobias replies in simple greeting with a curt nod, returning the firm hand shake.
This is so weird to see them meet each other.
"Alright, well I've got to get back to work. I'll check out the website and will call you if I decide I'm interested." I tell Eric as I place an arm around Tobias' waist. His arm goes around my shoulder and pulls me against him as he rubs his hand up and down my outer arm.
"Okay, sounds good. I really do hope you consider my offer." he replies, grabbing his suit coat off the back of his chair and puts it on. "And listen, I know it might be weird since I'm your Ex or whatever, but this would be strictly business, and you're more than welcome to deal primarily with my business partner, Phillip, if you'd prefer." he says, and without waiting for a reply, he gives us a courtesy nod and heads out the front door, pulling his coat collar up as he goes.
Even though that whole conversation wasn't all that unpleasant, and it really did just seem business related as he had mentioned, a wave of relief still washes over me once he's gone.
I feel Christina stand beside us as we watch Eric walk past the windows and get into the Ferrari, before driving off. Once he's officially gone, I turn in Tobias' arms so that I'm facing him. I look up into his deep blue eyes and try to read his expression. It almost looks unreadable, he's always mastered the blank unexpressive look. But I know him better than anyone. So I can tell he's curious, as well as annoyed.
"Not who I was expecting to find out here." I say.
"Me either." he replies with a humorless chuckle.
"So, what did he want?" Christina asks, and I can see Tobias' brows furrow slightly as he awaits my answer.
"He basically explained how he was impressed by this bakery, without even knowing it was mine. And then proceeded to tell me about how he'd like to help expand the business, like he did with a Philly based restaurant." I explain. "From the gist I got, this past year has been good to him. He's been quite successful, and wants to continue investing in businesses like this. Says it will make us both easy money." I explain.
"He wants to expand? Sweet Pea's?" Christina exclaims, a smile forming on her lips.
"Chris, wipe that grin off your face. It isn't going to happen." I say and I swear Tobias seems relieved.
"Tris, he's obviously rich. And Sweet Pea's is doing great. Expanding may not be a terrible idea. Especially if he's willing to fork in the money." Christina says and I'm baffled that she's actually asking me to consider this.
I look to Tobias, but he remains silent.
"But this is Eric we're talking about." I say. "He didn't even believe in me when I talked about wanting to open this place. He didn't support my decision on it at all. And I haven't talked to him since we broke up."
"That may be true. But you've obviously proved him wrong about the bakery. And he doesn't seem upset by it. He's finally coming to his senses and sees the potential of this place." Christina replies.
"I don't know..." I say, remaining looking at her as I lay my head on Tobias' chest. He rests his chin on my head and keeps his arms wrapped around me.
"Well, you know I'll support your decision either way. But I don't think you should completely ignore the idea. This may be your golden opportunity. You and I both know we'd have a hell of a time expanding this business on our own anytime soon. We'd need an investor. And he's offering. So at least think about it."
I look back up at Tobias and he gives me a tight smile as he nods and shrugs his shoulders, as if he has no other choice but to agree with her.
*December 3rd*
I smooth down my dress as I make my way down Tobias' stairs and I hear a knock on the door.
Tobias is already nearing it to answer it and as he pulls it open, I see Caleb, Susan and Aaron standing there with a bottle of wine.
I bound down the rest of the way and throw my arms around him.
"Hey, I didn't know you were coming tonight!" I say to my brother who I haven't seen in weeks. He lives outside the city with his wife Susan and their 4 year old son Aaron. He's a high school science teacher, and she's the school nurse.
"Tobias called and invited us. Congratulations by the way, I can't believe it's already been a year since Sweet Pea's opened." he says as I hug Susan and my adorable nephew.
They greet Tobias as well and I smile at him, silently thanking him for making this party great already.
He knows it means a lot to have some of my family here.
Not long after he and I started seeing each other again, I had told him about losing my parents. They passed away in a car accident a couple years ago. That's how I had come into some money. Or at least enough to get the bakery on its feet.
It was a really tough time for me, but opening it with the money helped me through it all. I knew they wanted me to follow my dream, and knew it's what they'd have wanted for me.
We continue to catch up as we enter the living room, which I just now realize Tobias has decorated a bit while I was getting ready. There are helium balloons scattered around, and then I notice Tori setting a cake down on the counter, that says "To Many More".
An hour later, the party is in full swing. Evelyn and Doug have joined us, as well as all our friends. Aaron, Steven and Jack play together, happy to have kids their own age to entertain themselves with.
It's fun to have everyone together. And in Tobias' house no less.
It's when we sit around the living room talking after dinner, that the Eric thing comes up.
"So, I hear you got an investor interested in helping to expand the bakery." Zeke says, obviously curious if I've decided anything further with that.
"Wow Tris, really? Why didn't you mention that before?" Caleb asks.
"Because, it's Eric." I say, and Caleb's face immediately turns sour.
"Oh." he replies.
"Yeah, kind of a deal breaker, huh?" I reply.
"Have you considered the offer at all? I mean, you guys left on good terms, right?" Susan chimes in. "It's just- you have mentioned in the past, how it'd be nice to have another shop across town."
"I know, it's just- weird. He said we could do most of the work through his business partner. So that wouldn't be as bad. But still..." I say, still torn about this whole prospect. Everyone's opinions and suggestions are tugging me back and forth.
"Personally, I'd be hesitant to get involved with Eric again in anyway." Caleb says, being the usual over protective big brother.
I think out of the corner of my eye I see Tobias offer a small smile in his direction, but it's not there by the time my eyes flit over to him.
"She agreed to at least hear him out in more detail though." Christina speaks up.
"Yeah, I've arranged a meeting for him and Phillip to meet up with Christina, Tobias, and I." I explain, referring to the meeting we have arranged next week at his office. I figured it wouldn't hurt to go and hear them out. But I'm extremely relieved that they agreed to join me for the meeting.
"Well, whatever you decide, know that mom and dad would be really proud of you." Caleb replies, clinking my wine glass with his. I swallow thickly and offer him a sad smile.
"To Tris, and the success of Sweet Pea's" Tobias says, raising his glass. Everyone does and continues with the cheers. I look up at him from where I sit on the floor between his legs, with mine outstretched and crossed at the ankle.
"And to you guys, for helping me every step of the way." I add, and swallow down the rest of the burgundy colored liquid.
"I think this party will have to be an annual thing, what do ya say?" Tobias suggests and everyone agrees.
I look over my shoulder and smile at him. He returns it and kisses my cheek.
"I love you." he whispers in my ear.
"I love you too." I whisper back.
And I love that he's already making assumptions that not only will my bakery still be running successful in a year's time, but that we'll all be together then still too. He's confident about our relationship, and that we have a long future together. And I'm more than happy with the sound of that.
*December 11th*
"So, what did you think of that meeting today?" Tobias asks as he pulls back the covers to his bed.
"It went well I guess. Phillip seems nice, and seems knowledgeable. They're definitely smart business men. But still, I don't know." I say, kicking off my slippers and sliding under the sheets. He follows and we snuggle up to one another immediately.
"What are you most apprehensive about?" he asks.
"I don't know exactly." I say, pondering his question.
"Okay, look at it this way- do you think you would you do it if it were someone else, instead of Eric? Does the deal itself seem appealing after they explained the potential plan today?"
"I guess, kind of." I say, looking up at the ceiling as all the details of what they went over run through my mind. "Actually- maybe not." I add.
He stays silent, knowing I'm thinking further before continuing. He just runs his hand soothingly through my hair.
"I don't want to do it." I say finally.
"Okay." he says.
"At first, I thought I didn't want to do it because it was Eric. But the whole idea of expanding and growing the business, honestly sounded pretty appealing. But ever since Eric started regularly visiting the bakery for a coffee and muffin, he truly seems to just talk to me like a friend or acquaintance. So that parts not really as awkward anymore. In fact, he's been pretty flirty with Lauren, which she doesn't seem to mind at all. So that kind of takes the pressure off me."
I say, and he watches me as I continue to explain all my thoughts and conclusions that I've come to in the past few minutes.
"And like I said, Phillip was nice and professional as well. But now that I think back to that meeting and all their plans, they definitely seemed to have things set a certain way. I feel like their design, promoting campaign, the new companies they'd do their buying from to save money- none of it seems right. They'd be completely ignoring the whole 'all natural' thing that I strive to stick to, and who know's if they'd even keep my recipes the same. And now that I think about it, do I really even want to fork over my recipes? It just, doesn't seem like the essence of Sweet Pea's, ya know? That's my brand, my name behind that. And I don't think I want someone else taking over and making it something it's not."
"I agree. I was going to say something after the meeting, but I had a feeling you'd come to the conclusion on your own first." he says, smiling at me.
"Plus, they mentioned immediately opening THREE locations. Then in a year, if they're doing well, opening a few more. That's a lot. I like having it feel like an independent unique bakery, with a homey welcome feel. I want it to remain family owned and operated, not taken over by the big-wigs. So I think if I decide to expand, it will be on my own terms, if and when I feel it's right."
"I think that's a great idea."
I turn on my side to face him. "You do? I'm not being stupid, right?" I ask him, knowing he'll be honest with me.
"No, you're being smart. You're staying true to yourself, and what you want your business to be. If you let anyone else get involved like that, who knows what they'll turn it into. I know that if you decide to expand on your own one day, it will work out just fine. And me, Christina and the rest of your crew would be there to help you every step of the way." he says, placing a delicate kiss to the tip of my nose.
"Thank you for listening, and for talking it out with me." I say.
"Of course. I'll always be here to listen and talk things out with you."
"You've even dealt with the fact that this has all been involving my ex-fiance." I say with an apologetic but somewhat amused smile, thinking about the times Eric and he have interacted, and how I could often see Tobias bite back a comment or withhold an eye roll.
Even though Eric has been well-behaved and friendly, he's still got an underlying air of cockiness that I know Tobias notices as much as I do. "Most boyfriends wouldn't quite be so level-headed about it." I add.
"Oh, it hasn't been easy. Honestly, something about him just always pisses me off, even though I guess he's technically been cool about all this. But I didn't want my emotions or insecurities get in the way if you really decided you wanted to do this. I wanted you to make the decision on your own, and not be part of the deciding factor. I told myself I'd respect your decision either way."
"You'll always be a part of the deciding factor, Tobias. You and Jack." I whisper. "And I'll always value your opinions."
He smiles and kisses me. Then his kisses travel south as he lifts my nightshirt.
He kisses down my neck, down over the swell of my breasts, lingering over my puckered nipples, and then works his way down my stomach. I giggle as he dips his tongue in my belly button briefly, before he licks along the edge of my panties. He shuffles his way down under the covers, pulling them up over his head. But he leaves it open enough so that I can see him hovering over me down there, and he looks up at me as he begins kissing and licking me outside my white cotton underwear. He knows he's being a tease, and it's not long before I'm practically begging him to remove them already. I need his mouth on me.
As I wriggle in anxiousness beneath him, he smiles up at me, looking at me with those deep hooded eyes that could probably get me off just at the way he looks at me.
He slowly kisses my hip bones as he drags the underwear down my legs and tosses them on the floor.
He kisses closer and closer to where I crave him, and I let out a low moan when he finally makes contact. His mouth is on me, softly at first. His warm breath and wet tongue just gliding up and down gracefully, before he adds more force and movements with that magical tongue of his.
I toss my arm over my mouth to muffle my moans as he brings me to my peak. He laps up my desire until my legs slump down in exhaustion.
After he crawls back up and hovers over me, and rests on his elbows, I reach up and run my fingers through his hair. He looks down at me lovingly as he nips little kisses on various areas of my face.
It starts out playful, but at some point I feel his erection brush against me and I'm heady with desire for more of him. I buck my hips and we both suck in a breath when we feel it again.
So I reach down and take him in my hand, causing him to grunt deeply just inches from my ear. The noise seems to rumble through me and stimulates me even more.
As I feel him move his hips in a suggestive motion, I aim it at my entrance. But he lifts his head and looks down at me. His eyes are dark and aroused, but he has a questioning look upon his face.
"I've been on the pill for a couple weeks now, if you want to do it bare." I offer shyly.
He continues to look at me for a moment, as if trying to make sure I'm really sure. "If you'd like." I add.
His mouth slowly rises up to smile at my words, but his expression turns concentrated, serious, yet full of passion. He looks back an forrth between my eyes as he slowly sinks in, sans barrier.
I've never had sex without a condom, and according to him, neither has he. Well, with an exception to the one that broke with Myra.
But this is different.
This is us, deeply in love with one another, and sharing this intimacy that could only come from him and me together as one. This full true connection, skin on skin, feels exhilarating and beyond pleasurable.
My hands rake up his back and I pull him down to kiss me. I feel him slide one arm beneath my neck to hold me close. Between our exploring kisses, he whispers sweet things in my ear. Like how beautiful I am, how much he loves me, how good I feel. As if those words wouldn't make a girl come undone beneath this Greek God anyway, the timber of his deep throaty voice and the feel of him burying himself so deep, definitely does the trick.
At the first flutters of my inner walls, I feel him increase his pace. I know he's nearing the brink as well, but he keeps his deep measured movements.
His mouth claims mine again, just in time to capture my cries of pleasure as he rocks my body to what feels like the moon and back. I feel, as much as I hear, him moaning back into my mouth as he spills inside me.
When I lay on his chest afterwards, and his arm is around me holding me close, I look up at him to find him already looking down at me. He has that loving, yet sexy sated smile on his face, the one that I know he saves just for me. I kiss his chest where my face rests and close my eyes, still resting my chin on him as we both daze off to sleep.
*December 24th*
"Oh, hey." I say casually, although I'm somewhat surprised to be greeting Eric as he enters the bakery. It's just me here left, as I've sent the rest of my staff home to enjoy the rest of their Christmas Eve. It's nearly 3pm, so I'll be closing up soon anyway. We had a crazy busy morning, as you can imagine. But as expected, business died out about an hour ago. So we're closing up early.
"Hey Tris." he replies back, as he approaches me at the front counter.
A moment later, another customer comes in. The man approaches the counter behind him, seemingly in a hurry, but courteously waits for Eric who is currently looking over the holiday drink menu.
But after noticing the customer's urgency, he steps aside.
"Go ahead and help him first Tris, I wanted to steal a few minutes of your time anyway." he says with a wink.
I look at him in confusion, wary of his motives. Why does he want a few minutes of my time? I close in about 2 minutes anyway. And I have plans for the evening, with Tobias and Jack. I'm sure he has places to be too, right? It's Christmas Eve. Maybe he just wants to try asking me about the investment again.
He had taken my decision well when I officially declined his offer, saying he admired my honesty and respected my decision. But I was honestly a little surprised he never brought it up again. Lately I've felt like I've been expecting it to come up at some point during his almost daily visits here to the bakery. But it never does. He just orders his usual and makes brief small talk, before bidding us goodbye with a promise to see us again soon. So maybe now that I'm here alone, he thinks he can talk me into it.
I ponder all of this as I bag up the other customer's dinner rolls and last minute decision on the tray of chocolate filled croissants that he says will be perfect for his family's breakfast tomorrow.
Once he's paid for his goods and left, Eric re-approaches the counter, smiling brightly.
"So, what can I get you?" I ask, unsure if he'll want the usual since he usually gets that first thing in the morning. I can't recall him ever visiting late into the afternoon like this.
"Peppermint Mocha, please." he says.
I nod, ring him up, and turn to begin making the drink.
But when I turn around to hand it off to him, he's right behind me.
"Whoa, I almost spilled this all over you." I say, obviously startled by his stealth.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just like to watch you work." he says.
I feel myself scowl at him. What kind of comment is that? And why is he behind the counter with me, standing just a foot away from me, looking at me like that.
"Thank you, for the mocha." he says taking it, but sets it down on the counter beside us.
Then he pulls out a long box wrapped in silver wrapping paper and a red satin bow. He hands it to me with a small smile on his face.
It's small, but odd in shape, and lightweight.
"Eric-" I begin to say as I hand it back. I don't know what has compelled him to give me this. I thought it'd be safe to assume we wouldn't have any plans of exchanging presents with one another. It hadn't even crossed my mind.
"Tris, just take it. It's Christmas, accept my gift." he interrupts, nudging it back into my hands. "I like giving people unexpected gifts." he encourages.
I sigh, taking the slender box back into my hands. It crosses my mind that it's a similar shape to the fancy pen my brother had got for my dad for Father's Day one year and needed help wrapping. Maybe this is a fancy pen? It seems logical, and would be a kind business-like gesture on behalf of a wealthy business man/regular customer. One of my other customers had insisted on his gift to us, of a poinsettia plant.
So I relent and pull off the wrapping, lifting the lid of the velvet black box. But I'm hesitant to see what's inside. This doesn't necessarily look like a pen box anymore.
Still, I'm definitely not expecting to see the diamond bracelet that sits inside.
My mouth drops open and I stare down at it for a moment before looking back up at him.
"Eric-" I begin, but he interrupts me again.
"Don't over think it. I was picking out some new cuff links and saw it. Its beauty was breath taking, which reminded me of you. So, I just had to get it for you."
"I don't know what to say." I say, truly at a loss for words. I mean, what the hell is he thinking?
"Then don't say anything. Just let me put it on you." he suggests, stepping forward.
But I step back, causing my butt to bump into the counter.
"No, Eric. I don't think you understand. I can't accept this."
"You can't? Or you don't want to?" he presses.
"I don't want to." I clarify, taking a breath. "Listen, I don't know if this is because you want to sweeten the deal for the investment in my company, or what-" I say.
"It has nothing to do with that, I swear." he says, looking down at his shoes before looking back up at me. "I want you back, Tris. I have since the moment I saw you. I thought that maybe, if you saw how good you'd have it, you'd give me another shot." he explains.
"How good I'd have it?" I ask incredulously. "Meaning with jewelry and other material items that you think you could buy my love with?"
"I'm a millionaire Tris, do you even understand what I'm offering? You could have practically anything you want. You'd never have to work in this little ho-hum shop again."
"Fuck you." I say, shoving the box back in his hands.
"What?! Tris, please-"
"Is that really what you think of me? You really think that sounds appealing?" I say exasperated, but I don't wait for him to answer before I continue my rant. "Eric, even if you didn't try to impress me or win me over with your wealth, I'd turn you down. We've already had the discussion on why we didn't work together. Even if I were single, nothing has changed there. But this is a new low for you, practically trying to bribe me. And on top of that, you know I'm with Tobias. I'm in love with him. He's who I'm supposed to be with. Despite what you may have thought, your money won't change how I feel. Not to mention, I'm very happy with my life. I love working here, and I'm proud of what we've done with this place."
"You're serious?" he asks, as if he really thought he had a shot.
"Yes." I say, making myself very clear. "Now please take this and leave. And to be clear, I think you should find another place for your coffee and muffin from now on."
"I'm sorry Tris, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just, I thought I'd give it a shot. I thought you'd see how much better off you'd be with me."
"Well, I'm sorry if I lead you on in any way." I say, walking past him to go escort him to the door.
He heaves a sigh and shakes his head before finally leaving.
I quickly lock the door behind him, flip the sign to read 'Closed', and take a big sigh of relief.
Fuck, what a day.
I can't wait to get home to Tobias and Jack.
-/-/-/-
Once I arrive to his house as planned, Tobias can tell something is off. Jack is in the other room playing when I pull him into the kitchen.
"What's the matter?" he asks, concerned. And as baffled and annoyed as I had been my whole way here, I immediately feel more at ease once I'm here in their presence. And the sight of Tobias in the apron I keep here, makes me smile.
His furrowed brows let up a little at the site of my smile, and his lift slightly too. "What's up? You seemed upset, now you're smiling." he says with a small chuckle.
"I had an interesting afternoon, and I'm just really happy to be home. And you look so damn cute in that apron." I say, leaning in to hug him. I realize I just said 'home', but neither of us linger on that. I guess that's because wherever they are feels like home.
He holds me close as I take a deep breath to tell him what happened. "Don't be mad, okay?"
"Okay..." he replies curiously.
"Eric stopped by at closing. He wanted to talk...he tried giving me a Christmas present, but I declined it. He was uh... hoping it would help his chances with me. He told me he wanted me back." I explain, looking up at him tentatively. I see his jaw clench as he looks down at me, looking over my face to read my feelings of what had happened.
"W-What did you tell him?" he asks thickly as he leans against the counter behind him, but he continues to hold me in his arms.
"I basically told him that money or no money, I still don't want to be with him, and that I won't be changing my mind. Even if I was single, we weren't meant to be. And I reminded him how I'm with you, and how in love I am with you."
"Yeah?" he asks, seemingly very relieved. Although he's still serious.
"Yeah. And I told him not to come back to Sweet Pea's."
He nods and kisses my forehead. "He didn't try to force you into anything, right?" he asks.
"No, he kept his distance for the most part. I'm surprised enough that it all happened. He seemed to be past all this, and I truly thought he was into Lauren." I say, but then I remember how he thought he might actually get my attention, and my face hardens again. "And I can't believe he actually thought his money is what might make me reconsider. Do I really seem that shallow?"
"No, you don't. But he obviously thinks money is the answer to everything, so he's the shallow one." Tobias says, and I nuzzle my face into his neck.
"What did he get you?" he asks after a moment of silence.
"A diamond bracelet."
His brows lift as he looks at me surprised. "I guess he really was flaunting the money."
"Yeah, it was probably the most expensive thing I've ever touched. But it didn't matter, I didn't even consider accepting it."
Then he swallows as he looks down at our entwined hand. "He thought that's how he could one-up me. He knows we're happy and in love, but that I can't afford to get you fancy jewelry like that. But what he doesn't realize, is that one can't just buy what we have." he says, looking over my face before softly bringing his lips to mine.
"Your wisdom is one of the many things I love about you." I say with a smile and kiss him again.
"Are we still going to watch Elf?" Jack says, suddenly joining us in the kitchen.
"Yes, but let's eat dinner first." Tobias says, giving me one more kiss before turning around to get something out of the oven.
And that's how we spend our Christmas Eve, just as I had hoped.
*December 29th*
As I do the last bit of clean-up, wiping down the counters, I hear my phone ping with a text.
Tobias: You still coming over?
Tris: Yep, should be out of here in 5-10 minutes
Tobias: How do fajitas sound for dinner?
Tris: Sounds amazing! Need me to grab anything?
Tobias: Nope, I just need YOU
Tris: I'll be there soon
Tobias: K, I love you
Tris: I love you too xoxo
I can't contain my smile as I text him back and forth, which causes Tori to give me a teasing swat with a towel as she walks by.
When my work is done at the bakery, I go straight to his place.
I knock on Tobias' front door before letting myself in.
I've been doing that for a while now. As he had insisted never have to knock. That I should always just let myself in since I'm welcome any day, any time.
When I shed my coat and set my bag down, I make my way into the living room to greet Jack who is playing with legos on the floor. Then I head into the kitchen, where I find Tobias slicing up various veggies.
"Hey handsome." I say, coming up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and nuzzling my face between his shoulder blades. I love his back.
"Hey beautiful." he replies with a smile, setting the knife down to turn and greet me properly. With a nice lingering hug and a soft sweet kiss.
"I like how you say you're no good in the kitchen, yet everything you make is delicious and you're damn good with a chef's knife." I say, pointing out his perfectly sliced bell peppers and onions.
He just smiles and shrugs. "I learn a lot from you ya know. More than you'd probably think." he says and kisses me again.
But then he pulls away and he has a look of concern.
He pulls away and goes straight for the fridge.
"Shit, I forgot to get tortillas." he says, obviously frustrated with himself. "I'll have to run up to the store-" he begins saying, but becomes distracted by watching me pull over his canister of flour, then grab the salt, oil and baking powder. "What are you doing?"
"Making tortillas."
A grin slowly makes its way onto his face. "Have I told you how amazing you are?"
"You might've mentioned it." I reply with a smirk and begin measuring out the ingredients into the mixing bowl.
"You're making this look really easy." he says, watching me work.
"People are intimidated my making these, but they're simple really. Only 5 ingredients." I explain, adding warm water to the dry mixture.
"Told you, always learning from you." he says with a chuckle as he goes over to start slicing up the flank steak.
"Hey Jack, want to help me with the dough?" I call out to him.
It's only a couple of seconds later when he comes skidding into the kitchen. "What we makin'?" he asks with an excited smile.
"Flour tortillas. C'mon, let's wash our hands." I say, lifting him onto the counter next to the sink before turning on the warm water. I squirt soap onto each of our hands, then we scrub them up together.
Once I have him set up on a barstool by the counter, I sprinkle flour on the surface of the large cutting board. Then I plop the big dough ball down. I break it up into 16 pieces and show him how to help me roll them into balls. When they're all done, we place them all in a large ziplock baggy to let rest for 15 minutes.
I help him wash up again and he goes off to play. As I wipe down the counter from our mess, I feel Tobias watching me, so I glance up. He's leaning against the counter smiling at me, his arms crossed casually, which only emphasizes his nice arms.
"You are so good with him. He really loves you ya know." he tells me.
"I really love him too." I reply truthfully. "I'm really glad he doesn't mind me being around so often."
"We both love having you here. And as his father, you have no idea how wonderful it is to see him around you like that all the time. I mean, he's had my mom and Julia in his life growing up, so he's had female figures in his life. But with you...it's different. To tell you the truth, I think he perceives you more like a motherly figure." he says as his hand extends out and tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. He seems slightly nervous as he waits for me to respond.
But I don't think he realizes how much my heart swells at his words.
"I really like the sound of that." I say softly.
"Me too." he agrees with a grin and pulls me to him once again.
-/-/-/-/-
A/N-
Thank you for your patience with this chapter! I had trouble with the site when it came to getting it posted! But all seems to have worked now.
Before I forget again, a special thank you to my beta/friend Ractre1127 for being of so much help!
To the rest of you readers- thank you so much for the amazing feedback, as well as follows and favorites!
Many of you have mentioned and/or asked about Tobias' work schedule with the fire department. I'm sure many fire departments are different, depending on the state and/or county they reside. However, I just based his off of the same type of schedule as the firefighter that I'm related to. Which is 3 days on (72 hours straight), then 4 days off. That's why Tris has been so involved with watching Jack during those three days, since Tobias is at the station that whole time.
I try to keep the story consistent, and write the chapters to reflect that schedule. But I apologize if some parts don't seem to follow it so well.
The picture collage to go with this chapter (7), will be posted on my Tumblr soon. You can find me at: madisonr1129
Chapter 8 should be up in a week or so.
:-)
-Madison