WARNING: Graphic depiction of sexual abuse
Chapter 9 –Dumb Ass
Tris's POV: Tuesday
It's so strange. I feel like my life, not my whole life, but the part that warms my soul has changed in one weekend. I had always hoped I would have that feeling that everyone talks about: warmth, butterflies, excitement, need, want. I never felt that with Eric. I thought I had, but it was not like this.
It's Tuesday morning. I'm thinking to myself how strange it is to miss someone you just met four days ago. I smile to myself thinking about Sunday.
I felt guilty for not going to visit Caleb. Apparently I wasn't feeling guilty enough. Four and I spent the day together on Sunday; just lazing around with Christina and Will. He and Will left the apartment after drinking three bottles of water and taking four Ibuprofen, and came back with coffee and cheeseburgers: the perfect hangover food.
Four didn't have a change of clothes so I offered to wash his, really hoping he would stay. He paused and looked at me, a smirk playing on his lips, "Do you really want me to stay or are just trying to get me in my underwear as paybacks?"
"Well, I do want you to stay and I certainly don't mind that you will be in your underwear. What kind of underwear are we talking about anyway?" I said looking into his eyes and unzipping his jeans. I looked down briefly and could see his growing erection. Although, unconfirmed, I think he is definitely well endowed.
"Hmm…boxers? Not my favorite, but at least you can walk around the apartment in them."
"His mouth hangs open…not your favorite?! I didn't say that when I saw your underwear….three times…"
"What do you mean three-?"
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask you…Do you always shower in your bra and panties?"
It was my turn for my mouth to hang open. I knew that happened…but I did not know that he saw it.
"You know I pretty much hate that you saw me like that," I said in all seriousness. "I would have liked for the first time you see me partially naked to be under different circumstances."
He pulled me in for a hug. "Does that mean there may be those kinds of circumstances in the future?"
"We'll see," I said pushing him away trying to be flirty, which I'm pretty sure I sucked at.
I pulled a men's T-shirt out of my drawer and tossed it to him. It was my brother Caleb's and somehow it ended up with my stuff when I moved to Chicago.
"I'll put your clothes in the washer whenever you're ready."
I had only seen his shirtless back…not his shirtless front. He just kind of stood there, holding the T-shirt. Apparently that was my cue to exit. Damn!
We watched all of the X-men movies. He was pretty much in his boxers and Caleb's T-shirt all day. It was driving me crazy. We were curled up on the couch under a blanket, teasing each other the whole time. I was wearing sleep shorts and he would trail his fingers up my inner thighs side to side, each time getting higher and higher but making no actual contact. He knew he was driving me crazy. My cheeks were on fire and he reached over to put his hand on my racing heart in confirmation of my excitement. The smug look on his face was slightly infuriating. Cocky bastard. No pun intended. I figured two could play at that game so I slid my hand under the elastic of his boxers and rested it there, my fingers playing with the trail of course hair that resides there. I could feel the subtle movement of him twitching and pulsing based on the movement of the fabric of his boxers so I knew I achieved my goal. I moved my fingers closer and closer until they just about ghosted over his shaft and then I would pull away quickly, smiling equally as smugly I'm sure.
Throughout the day on Monday we texted back and forth. He usually works from 7:00-5:00. But he said his job is project-driven so as long as he gets his work done and is present at all meetings, he can come and go as he pleases. But, right now he is working on designing an addition to The Museum of Science and Industry so he is working longer hours.
Monday
(8:00) Four: Hi.
(9:30) Me: Lol. Hi.
(9:40) Four: Thought you reconsidered "us." It took you a whole hour and a half to text me back.
(9:45) Me: Wow! Impatient. I went for a run! Then took a shower thinking about "us" the whole time.
(9:47) Four: Speechless…thanks for the boner BTW….and I have a meeting in 5 minutes.
(9:50) Me: Oops. :)
When did I get so bold? This is so unlike me! Maybe this is the new me? I like the new me.
"Trissy! I'm heading to class. Wish me luck!...Hey…someone left…are you fucking kidding me!?"
"What are you screeching about?" I say pulling on my robe and meeting her at the door.
She is holding a drink carrier with two cups of coffee. I recognize the generic 2-go cup, as it is the same one Four hand-delivered to me last Saturday. It has my name on it in perfect all caps penmanship: an architect's handwriting. There is another cup of coffee with Christina's name on it, in a Styrofoam cup with the Mobil gas station logo on it. Also, there is a single scone…with my name on the bag.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Christina practically yells….again.
I try so hard to stifle a laugh that I actually end up choking.
"Hey. At least he brought you coffee this time! That's a step up, right?" I quickly grab my delicious beverage out of the holder before she can. But the bitch takes the scone and runs down the stairs laughing hysterically. She's out the door before I can even yell after her. I lock the door behind her and text Four a picture of the coffee along with a message.
Me: I feel cheated.
Four: Why? Wow. That was quick.
Me: Because I didn't get to see your handsome face. Is it weird that I miss you? Sorry if it is.
Four: I was hoping you would say that.
Then I hear a quiet knock on the door. Of course Christina leaves her keys again. I open the door and before I can even get a word out a strong pair of arms lifts me by the backs of my thighs. How this didn't cause a massive panic attack, I cannot explain. As if by some reflexive action, I wrap my legs around his waist as he crashes his lips to mine. He practically runs with me clinging to him and sets me on the counter while ravaging my neck, then across my collar bone and back up to claim my lips. With his strong hands he unwraps my legs from around his waist and places them gently on the counter, spreading them so he can fit himself closer to me. I grab his ass with both of my hands and grind myself against him. Before I can do anything else he abruptly pulls away.
"I really needed that!" He says over his shoulder as he sprints out the door. "Nice panties by the way!" And then he is gone…and I am alone, legs spread, on the counter…in my underwear.
My phone vibrates on the counter. Breathing heavily I look at the screen.
Four: I missed you too. This man is going to be the death of me.
Four's POV:
Leaving Tris, on the counter, panting, legs spread, in black panties…was excruciating. I was just planning on giving her a sweet good morning kiss, just so I could see her beautiful face and then be on my way. My lifting her up was a split second decision, but when she wrapped her small firm legs around me I was a goner. That woman has no idea what she does to me. Thank God I got the hell out of there.
I'm pretty sure that if I wasn't walking down a busy street, I would be skipping to work. I was so friggin' happy to read the text that said she missed me. I thought that I was crazy: missing someone after only knowing them for a short amount of time. It doesn't feel like a short amount of time, however.
Sunday was one of the best days I've had in a long time, aside from the fact that she handed me some random dude's shirt. That took me awhile to get past and I'm not sure I'm totally past it yet. But apart from that, it was a perfect day. It felt so good to just spend time with someone, no pretenses. I spent the day in my boxers (and some random fucker's T-shirt) with Tris being a cock tease under the blanket for God's sake! I realize I wasn't helping matters on my end. It really did take every ounce of restraint to not bury my fingers in her. I could practically feel the humid dampness seeping through her panties.
"Sir? Are you getting on?"
"Oh….yeah." Thank you random stranger trying to get on the bus behind me.
When I get to work I head into the high-rise office building, waving to Bud who is sitting outside in the company car.
"You going for another run today?" He asks smiling sarcastically.
"If I do, I'll let you know." I wouldn't mind "getting lost" again if it means I can catch Tris at The Studio. Actually, I don't need "to get lost" to accidentally run into Tris. All I have to do is shoot her a text or call, and I can find out exactly where she is or what her plans are. How fucking cool is that?
Before I know it, literally before I know it, I am getting off the elevator. I stand there in shock for a minute. I was thinking so intently about Tris that the fact that I was going up to the 85th floor in a small box didn't even cross my mind.
Soon enough I find myself in my office and I sit at the round table I use to review blueprints. I spread out the long list of requests that the museum board had wanted included in the new addition.
When I told Tris about the project she seemed really excited: she seemed to be was soaking in every detail of what I was saying. Even when I started to ramble on, forgetting that I was talking to someone who isn't in the field of architecture, she would stop and ask me questions.
Flashback to Sunday:
"My problem is, I can't decide if I should include ashlar on the façade—"
"What's ashlar?"
"Shit sorry. It's a masonry term. It basically means large concrete blocks."
"Don't be sorry. I like to learn. And it's what you love to do, so I'm interested. Now continue."
End Flashback
The biggest challenge with this project is going to be their requests for energy efficiency. Although over 100 years old, The Museum of Science and Industry is continuously reinventing itself. It has a highly efficient central cooling plant and ventilation system which preserves the integrity of the museum. The age, structure and daily function of the building make the design of a new addition particularly daunting. Hopefully, with careful planning and analysis, my team and I can come up with an excellent design.
I pour over the requests for two hours and have some extremely preliminary ideas, but enough to satisfy me for now. It's 10:00. I decide I need a cup of coffee so I head to the breakout room and order an Americano from our coffee barista.
"Mr. Eaton?" God, don't call me that.
"Just call me Four."
"Really? Your name is…Four?"
I don't say anything. It's usually better that I don't.
"I saw you at Hangar's the other night. Do you go there often? I've just…never seen you there before so—"
"I will probably be spending a lot of time there in the future. Thanks for the coffee." I check the cup to make sure her number isn't on it. Thank God. Then I nod my head once and walk away.
My phone vibrates. A text from Tris. Yes! It's a picture of a blurry red flower, a plant maybe, sitting on a table. Behind it, I recognize exposed brick.
Tris: My latest masterpiece.
Me: I would love to comment, but you wouldn't show me any of your work, so I don't know what the hell you are going to do with that.
Tris: Just wait…..
Me: How long are you going to make me wait?
Tris: Not sure. How long are you willing to wait? I kind of like to tease you...so, it could be awhile. God.
Me: Stop it.
Tris: What? You asked! Gotta go, bye!
Me: Not…cool.
This girl is going to be the death of me.
Tris's POV: Thursday
I'm so tired. Well at least I have some excuse, it is 12:00 am on Thursday, which technically means it's Friday. This week has been crawling by at a snail's pace. My weeks usually go by fairly fast. I'm good at keeping myself busy. It's a skill I have perfected over the last two years: the art of distraction. I can't ever sleep-in late because my torturous mind doesn't allow it, (except when I woke up passed out on top of Four), so I immediately get up to work out in the mornings. Often times I'll go to The Studio in the afternoons, or I'll work on my photos. Sometimes I visit Caleb. I should probably free up more time for that.
The words "time flies" often frequent my lips. What the hell is different about this week? That is exactly what I need to keep in mind. This week is no different! Except for the fact that I have barely heard from Four since Tuesday morning.
After our last text, I heard nothing at all from him for the rest of the day on Tuesday. Maybe he was busy? He is starting a new project, which his awesome. The Museum of Science and Industry! They have the best photography exhibits.
Although he was incredibly modest, I can tell he is kind of a big deal. How did George describe him? "Very up and coming?" Fuck, he's gorgeous, smart, modest and sweet (well, he is to me.) Why does he like me? Does he still?
Maybe I've been too bold with my innuendos? Because, honestly, I'm all talk. I have minimal experience.
There was my first boyfriend, Robert. I had known him since we were kids. I was friends with his sister Susan and our parents were friends also. We "dated" for seven months my senior year in high school. But we were more like friends who had awkward make-out sessions. It never really progressed beyond some over the clothes action until prom night when we had "sorta" sex. It didn't hurt like other girls said it would and he was so nervous that he came after about one minute. I don't even think he actually popped my cherry. What kind of an expression is that anyway? The next week I broke it off with him and I think he was relieved although he felt so guilty because he didn't want me to think he used me for sex. I just kept thinking: "Dude, I'm breaking it off with you…not the other way around!" But, that's just Robert. He was such a nice guy. He even sent me post break-up flowers.
Then, there was Eric. It was very painful our first time, for many reasons. I bled like crazy and he was super pissed about it because I stained his couch.
I've never even truly experienced foreplay with anyone, at least not for my own pleasure. Robert didn't know what the hell he was doing and Eric only ever probed me to see if I was ready for him…half the time I wasn't. However, Eric had no problem holding my hand around his dick to get him off. He said my soft hands were amazing but other than that I "didn't know what the fuck I was doing." Same with oral sex, I have never experienced it on my end but Eric had no problem forcing me.
Flashback:
It's late and I'm sitting by myself at Eric's watching the Hawk's game. My parent's aren't keen on sports and Eric had asked very nicely if I would be there when he got home from the grain elevator. He came barreling into the house reeking of beer and practically staggering his way to the couch.
"Hi baby. I missed you so much today," he says giving me a sloppy kiss. "Did you miss me? Tell me you missed me."
"I missed you."
"Jesus…can you be a little more….fucking….convincing?" He is so drunk that he is pausing between words, as if he is losing track of his thoughts.
I didn't really miss him. Lately I've just missed companionship, since Susan left for college.
Assist by Kane, Hossa sinks it! 3-2 Hawks!
"What the fuck, Beatrice!"
"Oh sorry, I've just been really into the game and it's triple—"
His mouth collides with mine. "Well then let me provide…..a….uh….an appropriate distraction." He grabs me by my shoulders and pushes me onto my knees on the floor while he stays seated on the couch.
"Wh...what are you doing?"
"Trying something new."
I push his hands off me and stand up but he leans up and quickly but gently puts his hands on my hips. This causes me to pause because of the gentle nature of it.
"Sorry baby…I'm sorry. I just…your so sexy…I want your mouth on my cock so bad!"
"Not tonight…and way to use your words by the way."
"What? You can't handle dirty talk?"
"Not when you're like this!" I hiss at him.
"Ha! Like what?…What? Your pissed because I want my girlfriend?" His voice is rising.
"You don't want me! You want me to….to…."
"Suck me off, yes! You can say it Beatrice!...Say it." He cuffs my hips with his hands, hard and pulls me to my knees again now holding me down by my shoulders. "Say it…now!"
I shake my head no and he boxes my right ear. I completely lose my equilibrium and a wave of nausea hits me.
"Fucking say it!" he screams in fury. "Say, 'I want to suck you off baby'!"
I'm sobbing, but I know there is no stopping him at this point.
"I…..want….to…..", and I shake my head again out of stubbornness but also out of humiliation.
He boxes my left ear. Then he grabs my face and pushes it down to where he is hard through his jeans.
"Talk to it….say, 'I want to suck you off baby'." This time he doesn't scream it. He says it with evil intention.
"I want to suck you off…baby."
"Now do it."
I stay still.
"Fucking do it!"
I still don't move.
"Fine, let me…..a…a…assist you." He says this while he rubs my face on the outside of his pants. Then he grabs me by my hair and forces his pants down, pulling his shaft out from the peek hole in his boxers.
It makes me sick how aroused he gets whenever I'm under duress. His tip is already wet from excitement.
"Open your mouth…don't you…don't you…bite me," he says through excited breaths. "I will throw your brother in the corn elevator….everyone will think it's an accident." He shoves himself into my mouth all they way to the back of my throat and I gag, swallowing down the vomit.
He lifts his hips and holds my head into his groin. "Oh…fuck, baby. Now let's slow down…I need to last. God…."
Tears are streaming down my face but I just need this to be over with so I do my best to please him.
"Slow down…Slow down…Beatrice…fuck….slow down…argh….argh, argh, argh, argh." I go to pull away because I know what's about to happen but he holds my head to him and he spurts his liquid down the back of my throat. I have no choice but to swallow it, but half of it drips down my face.
He finally lets go of my hair and buries his face in the crook of his elbow and groans. "I fucking told you to slow down….."
All I can think about is Caleb at the bottom of the grain elevator.
End Flashback
Reliving those horrendous memories is the worst kind of torture. For the first year I was in Chicago, I couldn't even think about anything to do with sex without having a breakdown. I couldn't, and still can't, afford therapy because my HMO insurance plan only covers four sessions and the rest would be out of pocket with only a 10% discount.
So I made the decision to tell Christina. She cried almost the whole time. Then, being the good strong friend she is, she said, "If your bullshit insurance won't cover therapy we have to do something." I loved that she said we. Suddenly I wasn't alone. She suggested I write down my experiences.
"No. No way," I said.
"Tris, it doesn't have to be a play-by-play. Just, write down what you told me. No need to relive every detail."
So I did it. I cried when I was done because the fucking thing took up 20 pages of notebook paper. What the hell was wrong with me? Who allows that? Why did I stay? These were questions I screamed at Christina between sobs.
She grabbed me by my shoulders and shook me back to reality. "Stop torturing yourself! Who knows why anybody does anything? You're here now. That is what matters. You got dealt a shitty hand but you are here and you are strong and you know this will never happen again." Then she pushed me back a little. "Now let's go shopping." I love that girl.
Recently, I feel myself healing even more: opening up and being ready for new experiences.
I wish I knew why I haven't heard from Four. I know he's busy and I worked 5:00-close on Tuesday. When I close during the week I don't get home until around 1:30 am. But, not even a quick text? Maybe I should have texted him?
It took every ounce of me to do just that on Wednesday afternoon.
(2:00) Me: Hope you are having a good day.
(5:05) Four: U 2 That's it? And three hours later? Couldn't even spell the words?
I heard not a peep from him during the day today. The rational side of me is saying that it's not a big deal. So you haven't heard from him in 2 days? So what? This whole situation is still new, right? Breathe in breathe out Tris.
I really want to get out of here at 1:00, so I start getting my closing work done early: refilling napkins, mixers, switching out bottles if necessary, wiping everything down.
Thursdays are the best and worst days to work. We definitely make the most in tips. The clientele is mainly men who love to flash their money. Dealing with jerks all night really sucks. They seem to want one last hurrah before they have to go and spend the weekend with their families. Women don't tip other women very well so that's why Fridays and Saturdays, monetarily, aren't as great.
But time wise Thursdays are great. The realization that there is indeed another work day left in the week seems to hit the customers at about 12:00. By 12:30 the bar tends to clear out and I can get out of here at a decent time. That is not the case for Fridays and Saturdays.
I see Al at the end of the bar eating Jimmy John's. I'm starving. God what I wouldn't give for-
"Sorry Tris. I would have gotten you one, but it was kind of last minute. I know it's your favorite," Al says while looking at me amused.
"Oh no Al, it's fine." It's totally not fine.
He starts laughing at himself. "Al, are you drunk? What the hell are you laughing at?"
"Oh nothin'….just thinkin'…" He pauses before he stands up, crumpling up the wrapper and leaving it on the bar. Thanks a lot dick. "Nothing you need to worry about, Tris…." Then he walks to the lounge. Okay weirdo.
I sigh deeply and then turn around to switch out some Captain Morgan and Dewar's. Scotch…..hmmmmm.
"You know," says a deep velvety voice. "If you didn't want to see me anymore you could have just told me."
Four's POV: Thursday
What the hell? I feel like an arrogant dickhead even thinking this, but I have never had a woman ignore me. At least not since high school. I have wanted women to ignore me…but it hasn't actually happened. Is this Karma?
I have barely heard from Tris since Tuesday morning. I've been wracking my brain on what I did wrong. I know I was crazy busy for the rest of Tuesday. I was in meetings with our drafters to wrap up a couple other projects we were on the tail-end of.
I also spent a lot of time bouncing ideas off of Amar about the museum. He got so excited about it that we ended up working straight through until 6:00. He says he really misses working on the creative end of projects and has been getting tired of the management side of things. He needs a partner.
We also spent a good amount of time talking about Tris. Of course George just had to tell him the whole story of what went on at the gym: self-defense with Nita, Tris taking off and then hiding behind a plant. She's so cute! She can literally fit behind a plant.
I tend to get lost in my work, which I thought Tris would understand seeing how wrapped up she told me she gets when she is working with her photos. I was really disappointed that she wouldn't show me her work. She said she keeps it hidden in a secret location. What? And she used my own words against me saying that I hadn't "earned it" yet. Maybe I should take her to Gertie's. If she still even likes me. The fact that I may have to woo her with coffee makes me nauseous.
I know Tori makes the employees keep their phones in the back so they don't "fuck with them when they're on the clock." So I shot her a quick text figuring she'll get it later.
(6:01) Me: I know you're at work. Just saying hi. Sorry I didn't text you earlier. Crazy busy day.
Me: Forgot to ask. How was your day?
Me: As if you can respond…. God I'm dumb.
(10:00) Me: When you get off work, call or text me.
Me: If you want.
No response. I figured she probably got home from work late and didn't want to wake me.
Romantic gestures have eluded me my whole life yet somehow with Tris they seem to be making up for lost time because the first thing I did Wednesday morning is call a florist in Bucktown and have a bouquet of tiger lilies delivered to her. I know she got them because I asked the florist to call me if there was a confirmed signature; there was. They were received at 9:00 am. I was surprised I didn't get a text or an immediate call judging by how she texted me the minute she got the coffee I dropped off (before our fucking amazing yet totally sexually frustrating make out session.)
Finally I get the most generic text anyone can possibly send.
Tris: Hope you're having a good day. Thanks for the flowers? I can't believe you remembered they are my favorite? I miss you like crazy even though it's only been a day?
I was actually kind of pissed. I DON'T SEND FLOWERS….EVER. So I decide to be me and be stubborn: I don't respond. However the guilt of not responding was eating at me so by 5:00 I send back a semi-passive aggressive response.
(5:00) Me: U 2
I didn't even spell it. And that was probably the worst thing to do because then the guilt of my response was eating at me.
(7:00) Me: Sorry for the rude text. Did you get the flowers? :)
I didn't really expect her to respond right away. But I know she does randomly check her phone when Tori isn't looking so I still hold out on hope; too no avail. Maybe text messages annoy her? Maybe she wants an actual phone call? If I don't hear from her by 11:00, I will call.
I called her at 11:00. I really didn't want her to answer for some dumb fucking reason. I wanted to leave a message and then have the ball be officially in her court.
Voicemail: "Uh hey. This is Four…in case you didn't know it was me. Just calling to check in and…that's it…..uh….gimme a call. See ya. Thanks. Bye."
Check in? See ya. Thanks. Bye….?
So here I am, sitting in my office, staring at the lights on the boats. It is exactly 24 hours after I left that message. Still no word.
Earlier tonight Will stopped by my office to check on how the preliminaries are going for the museum. He just wouldn't shut the fuck up about Christina.
"I just really think she's fun! She's easy going albeit a little dramatic—"
"Did she mention flowers?"
"Flowers?"
"Yes, flowers." I pause and sigh. "I sent Tris flowers yesterday and haven't heard from her about them…I've barely heard from her at all." I say sounding defeated and probably slightly pathetic.
"No she didn't. But I saw some flowers on their kitchen table when I dropped Christina off last night. They were orange and—"
"Tiger lilies. Tris's favorite." Will must sense my desire to speak no more on this topic because he quickly bids me goodnight and gets the fuck out.
Having skipped dinner I'm completely starving. Jimmy Johns sounds fantastic so I order it figuring I will take it off the delivery person's hands on my way out of the building.
Flashback:
Tris and I were asking each other random "get to know you" questions at the diner. I had suggested, for the purpose of efficiency, to get the who-gives-a-crap questions out of the way. She was on board. After several "What's your favorite color? Actor? Pie flavor? Holiday?" I ask her what her favorite sandwich is.
"Sandwich?"
"Sandwich."
"Didn't see that one coming…ok…Jimmy John's, #5 with mayo."
"The Vito," I say grinning.
"Very good. You know your Jimmy John's!"
"It happens to be my favorite as well."
Her eyes twinkled a little as she smiled slightly at this commonality. She's gorgeous.
End Flashback
"Yeah I need to place an order…"
"One #5 with mayo delivered to the ALG building on Randolph….I'll just meet the delivery person out front."
"Four."
"Yes, like the number."
"I also need the same order but can you deliver it to Hangar's Bar? It's on—yes."
"Tris Prior."
"Shit. I think it's P-r-i-o-r."
"Can you write something on the wrapper?"
"You heard me."
"Just write 'Love, Four.' Please spell out the number."
"Yes. Spell…out…the…number."
"One more thing. Can you text me upon delivery?"
"You heard me."
"Thanks. I'll pay cash."
After I hang up the phone, I run both of my hands over my face and into my hair several times before sighing and getting up to put my work in order for the next day. I send Amar an email saying I worked late so I'll be in later in the morning than usual. By the time I get downstairs the Jimmy John's guy is here.
"Hey man, I thought it was a little weird that you wanted me to text you so I just delivered the other sandwich first. I gave it to some big dude and he said he'd take care of it."
"Thank you," I say as I hand him cash.
I see Bud sitting in the company car.
"Hey Bud. Why are you still here? It's 12:45."
"I have to pick my girlfriend up from work, she owns a bar but doesn't like me to hang out while they're closing. Says I'm distracting….and not the good kind. So, I figured I'd see if there were any more stragglers I could drive home…turns out—"
"What bar?"
"Oh. Hangar's."
"Of course."
"What?"
"Nothing. Can you take me there?"
"Okay. Don't do this for my benefit—"
"I'm not," I say as I get in the passenger seat. It just feels weird sitting in the back. "So Tori, huh?"
"You know her?"
"Kind of. I know George from Dauntless Gym and I actually just met Tori for the first time last weekend."
"Huh. Are you meeting anyone there?"
"Not exactly."
We ride in silence for the rest of the trip. When we get there, no one is at the door and the place is just about empty. Bud disappears immediately upon entry, probably trying to hide from Tori. I see Tris and my heart rate picks up and my throat feels dry. This was a bad idea. She has a fitted white tank top on and black skinny jeans. Her long blondish hair is braided down her back, which exposes her gorgeous neckline and flawless pale skin. I want to rush up behind her and wrap my arms around her perfect slim waist. But not being sure if she even wants to see me makes me hold back. Which is a good thing because I spot the sandwich wrapper on the bar top. Well, that just…..just sucks. But at least now I know. And she should know that I know.
I don't know how I got there but suddenly I'm standing behind her.
"You know if you didn't want to see me anymore you could have just told me."
She reels around and looks at me. Several emotions play across her face, starting with happiness and maybe relief. Then it quickly turns to anger and confusion. Not the emotions I was expecting.
"What? You didn't—"
"I didn't what? Didn't text you? Call you? Send you flowers? Have fucking dinner delivered to you?" With that last question I grab the Jimmy John's wrapper and toss it at her.
"What the hell, Four?! I received no texts, aside from your oh so eloquent U 2….I mean come on….you couldn't even take the time to spell the damned words? Calls? What calls? Flowers? Dinner?...That was Al's dinner you jack-ass!" She says loudly as she chucks the wrapper at me, which I catch swiftly and throw it back at her. Totally immature but it felt great.
"Wait." Something clicks. "Give me that wrapper."
"No."
"Just, give me the damned wrapper."
"No." Fucking stubborn woman.
I launch myself over the bar and land right next to her. She tries to pretend that it didn't shock the shit out of her. But I know it did because she jumped about 10 feet in the air. She keeps her arms crossed and is looking at me with annoyed raised eyebrows. Her crossed arms cause her cleavage to be pushed together and up making her modest shirt…well…not very modest and completely distracting.
I place my left hand on her hip. I try to play it off like I need to do that for balance as I bend down to pick up the sandwich wrapper, but it was just because I wanted to touch her. She doesn't move away. Good.
"Open it."
"No." Christ woman!
"Mmmmmmm…Please?" I say, gritting it out through my teeth.
I am awarded with a smirk that she tries to hide. I know she's remembering our texting situation from the gym.
She yanks it out of my hands in a huff and spreads it on the bar top.
Right there, in Jimmy John's employee scribble: "Love, Four"
She sucks in a breath and looks at me with guilt and happiness. Then she swiftly loops her fingers in my belt loops and pulls me to her roughly. Grrrrrrrrr.
"Why the hell are you having dinner delivered to Al?" She says with mock jealousy.
I lean down and say quietly, "I didn't. I wanted your gorgeous lips to be wrapped around that sandwich." Among other things "But we have bigger problems."
"Wait. Why didn't I get any of your texts or calls?"
"That's the bigger problem. Where's Al?" I ask.
"I don't know. In back?"
"Is your phone back there?"
"Yeah. It's in my locker-Oh my God! No way! Al?" She walks away briefly and comes back. "Okay he's sitting on the bench in there. He didn't see me. Call me and let's see what happens."
"Should I leave a message?"
She looks at me weird. "If you want….?"
"I want." I say as I pull her close by the small of her back while finding her in my contacts list.
I don't like that her callback message is just the computerized voice of her phone number: I love hearing her voice.
"Hey Tris…I was just thinking about you and really wanted to hear your voice…I missed you like crazy this week…even if you didn't miss me…" Then I hang up. I have a feeling she missed me….but I really want to hear her say it.
"You just want to hear me say it don't you?" Yep! "Well then let me acquiesce to your wants—"
"Please don't word it like that—"
"I missed you," She whispers right next to my ear and then pulls away quickly to dart around the corner to confirm our suspicions. Don't go! Fuck.
But I really want to bust (a cap in) Al, so I follow her. We stand in the shadows of the hallway as her phone dings signaling that the Voicemail has gone through.
Al's POV:
He couldn't do better than Jimmy John's? What an amateur. Tris is the best thing since sliced bread and he has a sandwich delivered? Alright, it actually makes sense when I think about it like that.
Ding!
"Again? Damn!" I hate this part of myself: the sneaky mean side. It's really not me at all. I don't know what it is about Tris….I just want to take her, fold her up, and put her in my pocket for safe-keeping. I wish she could just see that!
Ding!
Shoot. A missed call and a voicemail. I sigh. It's about 1:00. It has to be Five. What kind of dumb name is that?
I need to save her from this guy. He walks into a room and it's like time stops for every woman and he just walks right by them as if they are nothing. Plus the look on his face screams I'm an a-hole.
Ok I'll admit it. The guy scares the bejesus out of me. His face alone says "I will lay you out if you look at me wrong." He is not right for her. I don't want him to hurt her.
Just get it over with Al. He's not good for her. I look right and left. No one is back here. I'm super stealthy so I open up her locker with one hand and grab the phone with the other.
Do I listen to the Voicemail? My conscience almost got the better of me.
Voicemail: "Hey Tris…I was just thinking about you and really wanted to hear your voice…I missed you like crazy this week…even if you didn't miss me…" She cannot hear this message.
Delete.
Delete from Deleted Messages.
Delete from Recent Calls.
Thank God I was in the right place at the right time because that would have really-.
"Al!"
"Tris!...I was just…I heard your phone go off so I was going to bring it to you…but then something happened and the screen went blank!" Good thinking Al!
"Al?! I saw you check my voicemail! On speaker phone you dumb-shit!" Someone just laughed in the hallway but I don't see anyone.
"Yeah Tris…I've been meaning to tell you that you should have a passcode on your—"
"Never thought I needed one Al! I thought we were friends! Why the hell would you do that? Have you been doing this all week?...Give me my fucking phone and leave me the hell alone."
"Tris….." I take her wrist so she can't walk away, but then immediately let go when I see her face. "I don't like him."
"You don't have to!"
"He's an a-hole."
"Al! Who says a-hole? If you're going to insult someone…at least commit!" I hear another laugh in the hallway behind her so I try to look over her shoulder but she moves her sweet little body in my way; now she is standing close to me. Is this my chance to prove to her that I want her?
I have wanted to do this for so long so I'm sure I'm a little over eager and unintentionally forceful but I need to put every ounce of feeling I have for her into this. She needs to feel everything. I grab her shoulders and pull her in close so she can't escape as I move my mouth quickly down to hers. I miss the first time, but then quickly go back for the second holding her more tightly.
It all happened so fast. I'm on the floor in an insane amount of pain. Where is it coming from? Tris is shaking and screaming with tears running down her face.
I hear a deep menacing voice in my ear, "If you ever touch her again. I…will…end…you."
Then Tori helping me up. "Al…..you are a total…dumb ass."
