Oh my gosh, thank you for all the kind reviews!
You guys had so many fun, hilarious, and really cool comments, and I loved all the different ideas. I'm so happy people are enjoying this story. I was hesitant to post it, but I'm glad people are invested. Thanks for following along, and I hope everyone has a great weekend. See you next Friday!
Major thanks to Bamberlee for editing this!
I don't bring up the message.
I focus on finishing up my report before our meeting. Eric mentioned we had about an hour before Max would want to see us, and he'd want to see what the plan of action was. He was counting our drive back as time spent working on it, but we hadn't gotten much accomplished.
Eric had driven back less maniacally than Rylan, but just as fast. His grip on the steering wheel was casual, and every so often, I could feel him looking over at me.
I pretended I didn't see it.
Now, when I do look up at him, he roughly asks me to message Tori and ask if the cameras near Abnegation are working. I return to his tablet, unlocking it with his passcode. Once again, the world of Eric is right beneath my fingertips. I swipe away a few more messages, but I do respond to Quinten's. I tell him that his budget is fine, and when I see the name for his contact in Amity, I offer my brother as someone who might get things done faster. I feel a flash of guilt at this, but I know Forrest will respond much faster than Judd. He knows how to use a computer, and as of a few weeks ago, has a very old but functional phone.
I know, because he immediately emailed me after he turned it on.
I have no clue how he got my email address, because I barely knew it. It was associated with Eric's, so the name on it read EECoulter at something . I was told it was for security purposes; Eric's emails went through a software program to make sure there were no viruses attached, and this meant mine did, too. I responded immediately, telling Forest I was really happy to hear from him, and he could reach out anytime.
Which he did.
I got all kinds of messages from him, and the thought of them going to Eric sometimes made me laugh. Life in Amity had to be incredibly dull to him, so Forest's updates about May's ducks or Zander's latest death-defying feat had to make him grit his teeth.
"Ask her if she can set up something about a mile out, as well." Eric says. "In each direction from the border of Abnegation."
"Sure." I finish typing out a message to Tori, and it goes through right away. In the visitor's chairs, Jason and Harrison are arguing over the donuts, oblivious to everything else. "Are you hungry? Do you want a donut?"
"No." His gaze flicks over to me, unreadable as ever. "Can you pull up the map? I want to see something."
I scoot closer to him and tap on the map icon. It takes a second to load, and when he bends down to look, he crashes into me. He's warm and solid, and for a half second, I swear he shifts toward me.
It's my imagination.
"Do you want her to set up one over here?" I zoom in on a small area near the lake, just outside of Abnegation. I've learned how to use the technology just as well as he can. He's shown me how to read the maps, but he's also shown me how to utilize them in a strategic way. "You have it marked as a factionless camp."
"Let me see."
He looks away from the map to glare at Jason and Harrison, and his arm presses against mine. He finally nods and tells me to confirm with Tori that things are in motion. When he leans away, I catch sight of Harrison's amused expression. He smiles widely at me, then resumes arguing with Jason over which donut is the best.
Rylan does not return by seven.
At some point, he sends me a text announcing he can't get a hold of Eric, but he's made some minute progress with Andrew Prior, and now he's staying for the very bland dessert Andrew's wife is making. His message includes a whole slew of apple icons, with a single eggplant. I take this to mean he's having a grand time, and I promise to call Eric and let him know.
My only hesitation is that I know he's at dinner.
It's probably why he's not answering Rylan, but he'll answer if I call.
It's an interesting theory, one that rolls around in my head out of nowhere. I can count on one hand the number of times I've tried to call him and he hasn't answered. Even at the beginning of working for him, he always picked up. On the most embarrassing day of my life, I had to call and explain that I was stuck in the infirmary, because Arlene had accidentally given me someone else's birth control shot on top of mine, and I was too woozy to walk back to work. When I knew him slightly better, I called to say I'd be late exactly once. I woke up with horrible cramps, and though the thought of telling him was mortifying, he didn't push the issue. He uttered a very even okay, and told me to come in whenever.
The only times he didn't answer happened to be when he was in a meeting I didn't have to attend.
He always sent a text immediately, informing me that he'd call after. He picked up all the other times, and never made it seem like an issue; he was often with Jason and Rylan, and sometimes he was with Jeremy. He never declined any of my calls, but I wonder if that'll start to change.
I scroll down until I find his name, then press call.
It rings exactly twice before he picks up.
"What?" Eric sounds far away, and around him is the noise of a restaurant. I wonder if he's at Clyde's, but I don't think he'd be there. Ashley had made it explicitly clear that she loathed the bar, and found the décor and food to be offensive. "Hello?"
"Hey, it's…Everly." My words sound stupid, even to me. He knows who I am, and I've never once announced myself when I called. "Um, sorry to bother you. Are you busy?"
"No. What's wrong?" The sounds of people talking echo in my ear. I can make out someone asking if he'd like wine, followed by someone laughing. It's uptight sounding, very proper and phony. It smacks me in the face he's in Erudite, because I hear the voice of his father, and the biting snap of his mother when she asks who is interrupting their dinner.
All that's missing is Ashley, but I know she's there.
"Hello? Amity? Are you alright? Have you been kidnapped?"
"No! Sorry, it's about Rylan! He sent a message saying he can't get a hold of you. He's staying in Abnegation for dessert. I'm supposed to let you know you don't have to go get him." I sit down on my bed, and my phone dings to let me know I have a message. I pull the phone away, and Michael's text pops up. It's a very sweet one, asking if I'm free for coffee in a few days. "Do you want me to have someone on standby to go get him? Or do you think he'll spend the night?"
"Who knew they had dessert in Abnegation?" I can feel Eric smirking through the phone. His tone is exasperated, but I can tell he's amused by Rylan wanting to stay in Abnegation. "Yeah, I figured he wouldn't be back, so I didn't head out that way. Do me a favor? Can you have Jeremy ready to go? Call and tell him to be ready by ten. I don't think Rylan will last that long. If it's past ten, send whoever is in charge of the next patrol. I think it's…"
He pauses, and his next words are slick.
"Oh, you know who is up next? Michael. How fun. I'm sure he'll be happy to do whatever you ask."
"I'll let them both know." I ignore the hint of disdain in his voice, because I would bet anything he's already looked Michael up. "Are you here? I don't want to interrupt anything."
There's a moment of silence.
I hear his father mention some surgery, and there's a polite amount of praise from someone. Then I hear the voice of Ashley, snidely informing the waiter she's still waiting for her drink. Eric doesn't answer, not until Ashley realizes he's on the phone, and snaps for him to hang up.
"No, I'm not in Dauntless. If anything else comes up, you can call."
There's the hiss of Ashley that he's being rude, and I swear I can hear him grinding his teeth together. He coldly tells her it's work related, and she better get used to it.
"Okay, bye Eric."
He's silent. It takes him a second to answer, and beside him, Ashley demands he hang up.
"Thanks, Amity."
He waits until I hang up first, presumably to piss Ashley off, and I feel the smallest speck of satisfaction that, for once, Ashley didn't get her way.
My satisfaction dies the next morning.
Eric shows up late to the meeting, by a whole two minutes. It's shocking, considering he's never late. He glares at Rylan, sitting next to me, and Jason, sitting on the other side of me. When neither move, he throws them a dirty look and sits down in the only open seat beside Harrison. Harrison doesn't move over, and in fact, in a power move, puts his coffee and his breakfast directly in front of Eric and tells him to move out of his way.
"Nice of you to show up, Coulter," Rylan throws out. His tone is scathing, and I know something is off. "Why are you so sweaty? What were you doing?"
Eric smirks.
His hair isn't quite as perfect, and his jacket is unbuttoned. For once, he looks like he got dressed in a hurry, and when he leans back in the chair, there's a very faint scratch along the side of his throat.
Rylan sees it at the same time I do.
"Actually, never mind. Stay over there in your…grossness." He scoots his chair closer to me and crosses his arms over his chest. "Everly, would you like to get lunch after this? I'd like to discuss your new boyfriend, who presumably isn't a horrible human being."
"Um, sure." I stare in confusion, since it's only eight thirty in the morning. "And who are you talking about? I don't have a boyfriend."
"Michael." Jason interrupts. He scoots his chair closer as well, only after he makes sure Eric is watching. "I'd like to join you for lunch. I find Michael to be a very acceptable and morally appropriate partner."
"I don't," Harrison interjects. "He reminds me of that guy who was a serial killer and no one knew it but everyone suspected him. The shady guy."
"Who are you talking about? Four?" Rylan guesses, and I can't help but laugh.
Everyone does.
The only one not laughing is Eric.
His smug look is gone. It's replaced with pure disapproval, aimed directly at me. I'd dare say he looks insulted, but it might just be because Rylan called him gross.
"Before you ask how I know about Michael, he came and picked me up from Abnegation. He talked about you the entire drive back. I swear to God, if I had to hear how nice your hair is for a minute longer, I was going to strangle him. I know you have nice hair. I've mentioned it before. But mine is nice, too, and he didn't say anything about me." Rylan leans in, whispering loudly while staring at Eric. "Also, in case you missed it, Ashley is still here, and we need to talk about her at lunch. I'd also like to form an alliance. As soon as possible."
"Me too." Jason whispers. "I want to join if Everly is in."
"Sure. We can talk at lunch," I whisper back. Eric's gaze turns lethal. He jerks his head, implying I should move, but he doesn't get the chance to demand I sit by him.
Max clears his throat, and the meeting kicks off to the rousing discussion of how many initiates have already quit.
The second the meeting is over, Eric grabs me by the arm.
His fingers curl around my bicep, and he pulls me away from Rylan and into the hallway. My yelp of surprise comes when I step back to avoid running into Linda, and crash right into his chest.
"Come with me."
"I'm supposed to be having lunch," I point out, but I'm not brave enough to look up at his face. "Rylan invited me."
"It's nine thirty in the morning. You can wait until ten to eat," Eric hisses. From the side, Rylan scowls. He loudly informs Eric that he invited me first, and Eric loudly reminds him I'm his assistant. "Get your own assistant, Rylan. This one is mine."
"She has a name," Rylan retorts angrily. It's very obvious something happened last night that's left them on opposing sides, and it's personal.
Which is why I'm in the middle.
"You could use her name, you know. You say Ashley's name all the time," Rylan casually throws out. Eric's grip tightens so much that I have to jerk away from him. "Everly always says our names."
His fingers tense, and I fear my arm might snap off. "Eric, that hurts!"
He lets go immediately.
"Sorry," he mutters, and when I look up, his expression is surprised. "I didn't mean…"
He stops talking when we reach his office. He throws the door open, and Rylan watches, sulking from afar. He mouths ten am before Eric shuts the door and turns on his heel, only to nearly knock me over. He catches me by the same arm, and once we're both steady, he exhales heavily.
"Do not join any alliance with Rylan. He's off his rocker." Eric stares down at me, and his eyes flash with impatience. "Amity, tell me you aren't going to get yourself involved in one of his schemes."
"I don't know what you're talking about. All he said was that he'd tell me at lunch," I say, watching him go from murderous to more murderous. "Eric, are you alright? Did something happen?"
"I'm fine." Eric's jaw tenses. "I went to work out before the meeting and lost track of time. I meant to meet you before and tell you to be careful what Rylan asks you to do. He has lots of ideas these days, and not all of them are great. His little stunt in Abnegation might have cost us the entire operation."
"Are you two fighting?" I doubt he'll answer me. He doesn't like to be questioned about anything, and his friends are no exception. "Did something happen between you guys? You and Jason seem annoyed at each other, too."
Eric's eyes narrow.
Displeasure is all over his face, especially around his eyes.
It takes him a while to answer. I get the impression he doesn't want to tell me anything, but he doesn't really have a choice. His two biggest allies in Dauntless aren't happy with him, and if I side with Jason and Rylan, he'll have no one other than maybe Max.
And that was a stretch. Max never picked sides.
"We're fine. They're overreacting. Neither he nor Rylan get along with Ashley. She hasn't exactly been cordial to them, so I get it. I've told her she'll have to get used to them, or this won't go well." He pauses, and this is the most personal conversation we've ever had. "I have my suspicions that she won't enjoy it here, but she's not listening. I also have the suspicion that Rylan is going to recruit you into hating her."
"Why doesn't she get along with your friends? They're very nice." I stop when he makes an unpleasant sound. "And you're a Leader here. Shouldn't she be trying to acclimate to Dauntless?"
"One would think," Eric retorts. "I know she hasn't been great to you, either, but it'll get better. What's going on is far bigger than her deciding she wants to live here. I've explained that as my assistant, you're owed the same amount of respect that the members have towards me. She understands. She's willing to work on it."
I don't answer him.
I can't.
I'm too afraid I'll start laughing.
"Um…"
He catches on right away. Eric's stare turns thunderous, and the scratch on his neck looks even redder up close. "I said she's willing to work on it. It won't be instantaneous. She doesn't trust many people, and she showed up with a few ideas in her head. I told her I trust you, and that's all she needs to know."
There's a flash of pride that he trusts me, but it wavers when I remember she shoved me into his desk.
"I know you trust me, but she won't. She doesn't like me, and I doubt she ever will. She told you to fire me," I remind him, keeping my voice as unbothered as I can. It's hard, because the walls of his office feel closer than I remember. "Eric –"
"I told her to leave you alone or she and I would be having a very different conversation." His stare locks onto mine. "And you know better than anyone, I don't go back on my word."
He's not lying.
Eric might be manipulative and cunning, but he's always been very up front with me. He's kept his promise on lots of things –the bonus I received, my job with him, the way he tolerated no bullshit when it came to my position of his assistant, so I have no reason to doubt him. But Ashley isn't just some random member of the faction. She's his fiancée, no matter how he words it.
"Yes, but Eric…" I trail off when he frowns. He's not going to budge on this and defending myself will likely push him over the edge. "Fine. I will give her a chance. I'm willing to see if she can come around."
He nods.
His shoulders drop, but his sigh is weary. "Do me a favor. Reschedule with Rylan. Tell him you have actual work to do. He'll understand."
"Are you sure about that?" He's going to know you told me not to go." I point out. "What if I go with him and listen to what he has to say? If I tell him I'm giving Ashley a chance, maybe he will too."
Shockingly, he goes along with it.
"Fine," he spits out, petulant as ever. "I'll just work by myself today. Go have fun at your lunch, Amity."
"Thanks, Coulter." I risk my life by calling him by his last name, and it's too far.
His eyes widen, so I dash past him, and I have a feeling he won't be very happy when I get back.
"You might be wondering why I've asked you here. But I have a good reason. A very good reason."
Across the table, Rylan sits looking pissed off. Gone is his normal jovial expression, and in its place is a sour, unhappy scowl that doesn't suit him. Since the day I met him –a cold one in November when he showed up in the store I worked at to buy a pair of very fitted pants –I've always found him to be very fun. He got his work done, always, but he spent most of his time doing other things.
Mostly figuring out ways to not work.
Once I started as Eric's assistant, I got to know him on a whole other level. As one of Eric's closest friends, and fellow Leader, Rylan and I worked together quite a bit. He attended the same meetings, often ate lunch with Eric, and oversaw the same projects. He wasn't on quite as good terms with Erudite as Eric was, and it was amusing to watch whoever Jeanine sent deal with him. He questioned everything, listened to nothing, and usually sent Jeanine's assistants to the wrong part of the faction so he could take a nap.
It didn't shock me that he didn't get along with Ashley, because she stood for everything Rylan didn't. He had once confessed that Erudite did not have anyone's best interests at heart, and they often partnered with Dauntless in order to have the manpower they were lacking. It didn't take a genius to figure out none of them were equipped for battle, and since they spent all their time studying or working, they weren't particularly strong. Having grown up there, Rylan disliked almost anyone from Erudite, but he especially disliked the woman Eric is marrying.
"I want you to help me break up Ashley and Eric." Rylan barely looks up when Lucy drops off his drink, and the frothy beer is a vibrant color. "I think you can seduce him. Easily. He has a thing for very small girls who work in his office."
I choke on my water.
Next to me, Jason snickers into his own drink.
"Subtle, Rylan." Jason laughs. "Please tell me that's not your plan. You said you were working on it all weekend."
"I was!" Rylan answers defensively. "It'll work. Trust me. Everly just needs to show up dressed for bed. Eric enjoys sleeping."
"Um, Rylan…" I start, not even sure how to approach this. "I know you don't like Ashley, but–"
"I hate her," he interrupts. "More than I hate when Harrison makes me organize the armory."
"Which is a lot, I know," I agree. "But I don't think I could seduce him if I tried. He seems…" I wrack my brain for the right word, because while Eric didn't seem enthused to marry Ashley, he wasn't doing anything that would hint he opposed the idea. "They obviously have some connection. She's here all the time, and he asked if I would give her the chance to get used to everyone."
"Don't do it," Rylan warns. "She's not nice. And she's not marrying him because she's in love with him. Well, she might be. I know she likes him, but she likes who he is more. She wants to be married to a Leader. She doesn't care who it is. Just that she has the same power he does."
"She's not going to have any authority here," Jason shakes his head. "I get it, man. She sucks. Really. She's an absolute bitch if you catch her alone, and she's ruined every birthday I've had here. But there are other Leaders who will shut her down. She's not going to be able to boss anyone around. Harrison won't put up with her bullshit, and neither will Tori. Max might, but only if she catches him in a decent mood."
"Do you know who she is? Who she really is?" Rylan demands. "Because I grew up with her. I know exactly who she is."
"No." I look at Jason, and he sighs.
"I don't, either. I didn't grow up in Erudite."
"She's Jeanine's assistant. Jeanine is Eric's aunt. This is a political marriage. A strategic move to integrate Erudite in Dauntless, and Ashley is just the start. She'll get an office here, then her own staff. It won't be long before they move their technology base here, claiming it's safer or more protected. They won't give up their faction, because it's nice and fancy, but they'll slowly take over our army. You watch. The patrols will go where Erudite needs them, not where there's danger." Rylan says angrily. "I've been around Blythe long enough to know that this is a way to have control. Jeanine will have two factions instead of one, and the rest will follow. If it works with us, why wouldn't it work everywhere else?"
He sits back with a huff, and Lucy returns to ask if he wants a breakfast menu or lunch menu.
"A lunch menu. I already ate breakfast," he looks at her like she's nuts, and she looks back at him like he's nuts. "I'd also like to order some nachos to start."
"We don't…it's not even ten…" Lucy begins, then she gives up. "You know what? I'll just tell the cooks they're for you. They'll understand. Everly, would you like anything?"
"I'll have pancakes. If you have them." I throw her a grateful smile, knowing Clyde's has a decent breakfast. "Jason, do you want anything?"
"Can I share with you? I'm not that hungry," he asks. When I nod, he seems relieved. "Lucy, will you bring me coffee, too?"
"Sure."
"Do you think that maybe, just maybe, Everly could start by trying to get Eric to admit that Ashley is horrible? Maybe if she shows him how terrible she is, Eric will finally get it," Rylan insists. "I'm not giving up on this. I swear, if she actually marries him, say goodbye to life as you know it. Everything will change."
"Will we get weekends off?" Jason asks, shrugging slightly. "Or at least a Friday night?"
"No, Jason, you will not get any days off. You will work for Ashley, going wherever she demands, and doing whatever Jeanine wants. You will never be off work. Ever."
"Is this why you're really upset? Because you don't want to work?" Jason jokes, but even his expression isn't as cheerful as normal. "I mean, I'm on your side. I don't like her, either. Maybe Eric will listen if Everly talks to him."
They both look at me, and I can see it now.
Eric's nasty expression when I tell him that his fiancée hates everyone here and no one likes her, followed by an even more malicious expression when I suggest they break up.
"He's not going to listen to me. I think he might actually like her," I answer glumly. "He could easily tell her to leave him alone, and he's…he seems good with their relationship. He never turns her down."
"He's not as happy as he lets on. Well, he actually never reveals how he feels, but he's not happy. He liked having her around because it was convenient, but it's not convenient anymore. She's already asked for his point card and the passcode to his phone and he lost his shit. But…" Rylan pauses, and a smile creeps onto his face. "Everly has both of those things."
"You have Eric's point card?" Jason asks curiously.
"I do. I think I have an extra one. He gave it to me so I didn't have to bother him when I need to pay for his things. I never really looked at it." I confess, and I wonder why I've never looked closely at the heavy black card. "I just assumed all Leader's had them for their assistants."
"Uh no. No one has given me an assistant or an extra card," Rylan scowls. "I'm going to ask Harrison about this."
"Can I see your card?" Jason asks. "I want to see if it's his name on it, or yours."
"Sure."
I rifle through my bag and find the card Eric had given me. The day he pressed it into my hand wasn't that long ago; he wanted me to pick up lunch for him and me, and he told me to use his card. He never asked for it back, and on several occasions, reminded me to pay for things with it. I always assumed it was some sort of perk of being a Leader, but from what Rylan is saying, it's not.
I hand it over to Jason, and his eyes light up.
"I knew it. It's Eric's card. She's on there as an additional approved card holder," Jason announces. He shows Rylan the back of the card, then hands it back and points to the name. "See, Everly Carlen is on there. Just wait until Ashley discovers he's sharing his account with her."
Rylan's eyes gleam. "This is good. What else does he share? Have you ever spent the night in his apartment?"
"No!" I try not to laugh, because though I've been to Eric's apartment, it was always quick. I've gone by to drop things off to him, and never stayed long. "Has Ashley stayed?"
"I don't think she's actually slept there," Jason admits, glancing at Rylan. "I know she's been there. I know he's had her there for other reasons, but I don't think she's ever stayed the night. He doesn't like people in his space. He doesn't even let us crash there."
"Really?"
I can't figure out how I feel about this.
On one hand, it's pretty telling that he didn't want her sleeping there. On the other, he's clearly slept with her, and will continue to do so. I try to remind myself that they want me to break up Eric and Ashley purely because they don't like her, and nothing more.
"Hey, isn't that…Michael?" Rylan's gaze skips across the bar, to one of the far booths. It is Michael, and he waves when he sees us looking at him. I feel a pang of guilt at seeing him; I've been busy with work, so I haven't had a chance to make plans with him. "You'll have to put your relationship on hold until you've won Eric's heart."
"That'll never happen. Ever," I laugh. "I'll be right back. I'm going to say hi."
"Fine, but remember your ultimate mission here, Everly." Rylan narrows his eyes. "Two minutes, tops. Eyes on the prize, and that prize is Eric, lovingly glaring at you from across the room."
"Funny."
"I'm not joking!" Rylan insists, and by the time I reach Michael's table, I realize he's not lying.
"Hi, Michael!"
"Hi, Everly!" Michael greets me happily. "I was just about to text you. I'm working the next few days, but I thought maybe you'd like to try dinner again. Or coffee. Whatever is easier for you. Your schedule is busier than mine."
"I'm so sorry. I didn't get a chance to get back to you. I'd love to do dinner. Actually, I was going to ask, would you like to go –"
The words die in my throat before I can finish my sentence. I was about to invite him to Harrison's restaurant, but I can't.
There, heading right toward his table, is Eric.
His smile is slick when he sees me, and he purposely knocks into me as he slides into the booth opposite Michael.
"Sorry for the delay, Lucy is slammed. There's apparently an issue in the kitchen since someone ordered off the lunch menu." Eric feigns faux innocence when he looks up at me, and his smile makes me nervous. "Oh, Michael, I think you know my assistant, Everly. I think you two have met."
"We have," Michael misses the fleeting, unimpressed sneer Eric throws him. "A few times now. Hey, Everly, have you been to Fluers Hantees? I have an in with the owner, and I can get us a table anytime. I'd love to take you to dinner. I can move my shifts around to match yours."
I blink in surprise.
"Really? You want to eat there? I've been wanting to go. I was going to ask Karl because no one else wanted to try it. I would love to join you." I forget all about Rylan's mission, until I see the look on Eric's face.
It's beyond irritated.
His head is tilted the same way as when he's about to drag someone in for questioning, and his hands are clenched into fists. Were he anyone else, I'd assume he's jealous, except I know he's not.
"Good." Michael's eyes lock on mine, kind and not at all grey. "I'll send you a message and we'll pick a date. Eric, you've been there, right? I assume all Leaders have."
"I have," Eric grits out, and his stare is glued to me. He's no longer smiling, and if anything, he looks ready to punch someone. "I'm sure you and Everly will have a lovely time."
"I'm sure." Michael's answer is thrilled, like everything he's ever wanted is coming true. "Enjoy your, uh, lunch. Let me guess. It was Rylan. I heard him yelling about nachos when I got here."
"It was Rylan," I grin, doing my best to ignore the heated stare of Eric. I can't imagine why he's so riled up, considering he has a fiancée. "I'll look at my schedule. And Eric, I'll see you after lunch?"
"As soon as you're done eating," he snaps. "We have work to do, Amity. A lot of work. You'll be busy for the rest of the week."
"Okay." I smile, because I'm pretty sure he's saying that for Michael's benefit. "See you in an hour."
"Mhm." He doesn't say anything else.
Eric leans back in the booth, and his eyes stay on me. I can feel him watching as I walk back to the table, and he narrows them when I sit down. He spends the rest of his time with Michael eating nothing, and listening to whatever Michael is showing him. From a distance, it looks like patrol routes and several maps, and Eric looks beyond bored.
He leaves before us, storming by without saying goodbye to Jason or Rylan.
After lunch, I meet Eric downstairs.
The air is cold and brisk, and the further I descend into Dauntless, the chillier it becomes. I take a small spiral staircase down another level, and I'm careful not to slip. It's so far underground that the railing is frozen, and I have no choice but to risk my life by taking one step at a time. I reach the hallway I'm looking for once the sun begins to peek through. I hesitate only to stare at the view, and I have to admit, Christian might have secured himself the best spot in Dauntless.
What feels like miles below the ground level, is what Rylan affectionally refers to as Christian's lair. It's far back in the compound, and the hallway leading toward his shop opens to a cliff without a railing, and the stunning view of the underground river. It runs through the Dauntless faction and into the woods, but this section has generously deep pools of crystal clear water. In the hotter months, members will brave the trek down here to swim. Rylan cheerfully told me Christian occasionally emerges to see what everyone is doing, then he retreats inside his own world of uniform making to bring out swimsuits.
I've never once been swimming, but it looks enticing.
I follow the walkway to Christian's store, wondering how on Earth no one else wanted to be down here. My guess is that no one wanted to walk this far, but it gives Christian total privacy. There is a large storefront filled with his own designs, and a smaller shop next door, offering coffee, tea, and designer boots. Dozens of cafe tables are set up outside the coffee shop, and in the hotter months, Christian must make a killing when everyone comes this way to cool off.
I head inside the store after a quick glimpse at the formal wear he's been designing, then make my way to the back.
I've been here a few times.
Once, to be fitted for an official unform after Eric discovered mine didn't fit properly. As his assistant, I had to look presentable. While he rarely cared what I wore, it was expected I'd wear black, have a uniform that fit me, and show up dressed like him when it was required.
The other times were on Eric's orders, to pick up his own uniforms, or order new ones for him.
After he left, and while I was still eating, he sent a message for me to meet him down here for a fitting. I figured this had something to do with the blue stripes that keep appearing on the jackets. It seems like sometimes, Erudite demands we show our alliance to them. On certain days, every Leader's jacket had them, and other times, none did. I prefer the ones without the stripe, but it's not my decision.
"Oh, Everly! It's so good to see you. Go to room three. Eric is waiting for you," Christian pops into sight like a magician. He waves toward the fitting rooms, and his arms are full of dark clothes. "He's indecisive today. I don't think he likes anything I've made."
"Really?"
All things considered, Eric normally has a high regard for Christian. He singlehandedly designs the uniforms, then a large team sews them. He uses recyclable materials, along with newer fabrics from Erudite, and is always making adjustments to suit the soldiers. More pockets, less pockets, loops for holsters and secret snaps that conceal things. My own uniform is a slimmer version than Eric's, one designed for combat, and less heavy than Eric's.
"Yeah, Ashley couldn't make it to help him pick. She doesn't like what I have to offer, so she's buying her dress…elsewhere. In Erudite, I suppose." The look of sheer offense is all over his face. "I made several gowns, and apparently, none were good enough. So, she refused to come along today."
"Oh, well…I'll um, I'll help. I'm sure what you've made is great." I ignore the warning bells going off in my head, and step past a mannequin wearing camouflage gear. "Does he know I'm here?"
"I told him." Christian skips away, still visibly annoyed over Ashley's refusal to wear his dress.
I get it.
If she really wanted to be a part of the Dauntless faction, choosing a dress from our head designer would have been a great start. It's telling that she's gone back to Erudite to purchase a dress, but I don't think anyone but me will care.
"Eric, are you here? I came as soon as lunch was done." I call out, not sure where he is. I open the door slowly, and the room is empty. "Eric? Hello?"
"Don't call me unless you have better news," Eric snaps. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him heading toward me, with his phone pressed to his ear and a seething sneer on his face. "I don't need to know that you haven't found them. That means nothing to me."
"Oh! Are you –"
He shakes his head violently, then pushes me into the room with him. While still on the phone, he shrugs off his uniform jacket and tosses it to me. His t-shirt beneath it is dark, and while the poor soul on the phone protests that they're doing their best, he reaches for the collar. I stand still while he pulls it over his head, then his eyes meet mine as he hands it to me.
"Two minutes. I don't have time for this today, but it has to be done. You can tell me about Rylan when we leave." He mutters the words while he covers the phone, then turns to grab the button-down shirt hanging up. "Did you enjoy your lunch, Amity?"
I stand there, too stunned to speak.
I've seen him in varying states of undress before, but not like this. Sometimes, he'd swap jackets or coats depending on where he was going. Other times, I'd meet him at the gym to drop off paperwork, or grab a real signature on something he was interested in. He never seemed bothered by how I saw him, but it was the result of the long hours we spent together.
But in the small room, he's much larger than I ever imagined, and brutally fit. The muscle he's built here isn't just for show. I know he's strong. I've seen him in action. But there's something mesmerizing about the way his back looks, along with the flex and tensing of his shoulders. When he turns to shrug on the shirt, I avert my stare so it doesn't look like I'm checking him out, and he smirks.
"Did you enjoy dining with Rylan? He's very enthused about his breakfast." Eric hangs up on the poor soul after barking for them to not call unless they have better news. "How's your alliance, by the way?"
"It's fine." I look up at him, watching while he buttons down the black fabric. "Why didn't you eat? Were you not hungry?"
"No."
He doesn't look away, and I feel like I'm being interrogated.
"Why were you with Michael? Is everything okay?" I hold his jacket tighter, jumping when his phone rings. He hands it to me, and nods, silently commanding me to answer it. "Hello?"
"Why do you have his phone?"
Ashley's voice is like a knife scraping across a glass plate. I wince at the shrill sound, and I wonder how on Earth Eric listens to her. Maybe she sounds different when she's not screeching at me, or maybe he enjoys it.
"Listen to me, you little piece of –"
"I'm sorry, hold on. You're breaking up." I step to the side, while Eric watches. He reaches for the suit jacket, cocking his head curiously. "Can you say that again?"
My fingers slip, and I accidentally on purpose hit the button for the speaker. Her voice fills the small room, nasty and cold as she hisses for me to hand over the phone.
"I said, listen here you little piece of shit. Why do you have my fiancé's phone? Why is he not answering? What is going on that is so important that he has you, some lowlife from Amity, screening his calls?"
I press my lips together. "Um…"
To his credit, Eric steels himself. A few hours ago, he'd asked me to give Ashley the opportunity to get to know us. It's hard, considering what she's just said.
"He's trying on a suit for your wedding. Can he call you back, or is this an emergency?" I answer dully, trying not to look like I'm insulted. I know not everyone adores the Amity faction, but I left there, and that has to say something. "Ashley?"
"I expect him to answer when I call. Not you," she snarls, and I imagine her in a stunning wedding dress, hissing in the middle of an Erudite dress shop. "He might find you tolerable, but I do not."
"Thanks. I'll tell him you called," I shake my head at him, and his mouth becomes a fine line. "Have a nice day."
"Fuck off, you little—"
I hang up the phone, then reach for the door. "I'll be outside. I think she'd like you to call her when you're done."
"Amity…" Eric pauses, and our relationship is not this. Standing in the fitting room with him suddenly feels inappropriate, and after hearing what she just said, anything he says to defend her is a slap across the face. "Don't go. I have one more to try on. Just stay here and I'll…we'll get coffee on the walk back. I'll pay."
"I don't want coffee," I lie. "And you pay every time. How long before your wife has an issue with that?"
It's a daring statement, but my frustration with the situation is starting to build. He can tell her to respect me until he's blue in the face, but she's not going to listen.
"Knock it off, Amity." He closes the distance between us, and the stress is all over him. His shoulders rise and his jaw is so tight it must hurt. "I told you, I'll take care of her. I talked to her last night. She said –"
"I'm not a piece of shit," I defend myself. I bravely step toward him, still holding his belongings. He looks strange wearing a suit jacket and button-down shirt, but his uniform pants, and the expression on his face is even stranger. He looks upset, because he's not getting what he wants. "Do you think I am?"
"Hardly," he snaps. "Have I ever made you think that?"
"No, so I don't know why she's allowed to say it," I answer softly. I know I have to diffuse this situation, because it's not going to get any better. If I piss him off enough, he will fire me. I'll be back to stocking shelves or working anywhere that will hire me, and my time with him will be for nothing. "I just don't want her to be mean. I don't think you realize how she acts."
"I'm well aware of how she acts," Eric says hotly. He looks up, sighing heavily as Christian asks if everything is okay. "It's fine. Fuck off, Christian."
"Will do!"
"It's fine. Here, let me fix your jacket. I'll wait while you try the other one on." I give in first. He never gives in, so unless I want to stay here and risk him losing what little patience he has left, I might as well get him back on track. "Do you like this one?"
"No."
He stands there while I put his jacket and shirt on the bench. I return to him, staring at the dark fabric and the way it doesn't fit. It's too small, even when he adjusts the arms and unbuttons it.
"How about the other one?" I wait for him to swap the jackets, and the second one is much better. "That looks like it fits."
"It's alright." Eric looks directly at me, unmoving as I help adjust the collar of his shirt. I pull the tags out, with the bold and glittery logo of Christian's name, and before I can stand back, he grabs my arm. His fingers press much more gently than this morning, and his words are muttered. "I told you, I'll handle her. I just need time."
I suddenly realize he doesn't owe me anything.
Not an apology, not this moment between us, not even the coffee.
He's my boss, not my friend, and certainly not my fiancé.
Their arrangement is something he wants, and it's not my place to interject. I make the snap decision to let it go, because I know he doesn't think poorly of me. Maybe after some time here, she will relax. Maybe Erudite has her all worked up, and she doesn't actually want to live here.
Either way, she's missing out on this. Eric, in a dark suit and dark shirt, with his head tilted downward. The thick, dark blocks on his throat blend into his suit collar, and the dark gauges in his ears match. He manages to exude an elegance, along with his aura of violence and impatience.
There's more to him than that, but it's not for me to find out.
We sit in the coffee shop on the fourth floor.
It's Eric's least favorite place here, and not just because it reminds him of Four. The coffee shop is always busy, and the members flock here all day long. The caffeine is just enough to get them through whatever patrol they are going on, long days in the kitchens, or mind numbing shifts in the control room. You can find members from every part of the faction here, gathered around as they wait for their drinks, and it gives everyone a chance to socialize.
It makes sense Eric dislikes it.
Sitting here puts him right out in the open.
He's unapproachable, but in his office, no one dares bother him. It takes guts to go and actively seek him out, and no one really wants his attention on them. Even the girl behind the counter looked nervous when I ordered. She recognized me, and once she realized who the other drink was for, her face paled.
He said nothing.
He stood next to me, his arm hitting mine every few minutes, and took in the surroundings like he'd never been here. He was beyond annoyed when I picked a table on the "outside" patio, which consists of tables in front of the café. The ceiling is higher here, a roof made of sharp, jagged rocks and sketchily hung lights, and I like it. It gives off a sense of controlled chaos, and a sense of danger.
Eric does not share my feelings.
"You really want to sit here?" He demands, his tone cranky as ever since we left Christian's store. He hasn't called Ashley back, though she's called multiple times. I know, because I have his phone. "It's very…visible."
"I think it's nice." I settle back against the chair, taking in the view.
There are other stores here. Some sell clothing, some sell weapons, others sell shoes and boots. There's a small general store with a wide variety of items for sale, an electronics shop, and multiple tattoo parlors. The neon glow over one announces they're open, while the one beside it is closed. The piercing shop is open, and there's a small line outside, waiting their turn.
It's busy, but it feels neat to be a part of this.
"I guess," Eric rolls his eyes. He takes a sip of his coffee, then chews on his cheek when his boots hit mine. This table is not big enough for him, and he looks comical sitting amongst the members of the faction that he never interacts with. "Do you have my phone?"
"I do." I wait for him to ask for it, but he doesn't. "Can I ask what happened in Abnegation? You said Rylan almost ruined the mission."
Eric exhales sharply.
"It's not great. I'm sure they found his day long presence suspicious. We think Marcus is handing children over to the factionless. I can't figure out why they'd want them, though. Life in Abnegation can't be that bad that kids would rather be factionless. Plus, they lose out when it comes time to choose a faction. It doesn't make sense." He shrugs, watching someone over my shoulder. "Rylan spent all day there because he enjoys torturing Four. He knows Tris' mother is there, and it makes Four uncomfortable when Rylan gloats about hanging out with her."
"I forgot about Four and Tris," I take another sip, trying to remember the last time I saw her.
"Everyone did." Eric laughs meanly. "She's been on some outpost for a month now. I'm sure he's very lonely without his only friend."
I struggle not to smile, because every so often, Eric's pettiness can't be controlled. He loves to take it out on Four, and every so often, I agree with him. Four isn't my favorite person here, not by a long shot. "Is he coming to your wedding?"
Eric's posture stiffens. He shakes his head, then touches the coffee cup in front of him. "No."
"He's going to feel left out," I start to smile, but it dies on my lips when Eric doesn't answer me. He takes a very slow sip of coffee, then looks back over my head. "Do you want to go upstairs? I have to finish going through your emails. Jack wants to see you before next week. I can tell him whatever day is fine with you."
"Thursday." Eric mutters, but he's wildly distracted. He's watching someone, at least until he realizes I'm looking at him. "Give me a second. I'll be right back. If anyone calls or texts, answer and tell them I'm busy."
"Sure…" I watch him stand up, then storm over inside the coffee shop. His phone beeps again, and I unlock it to answer Max's message. "What the…"
My name is all over it.
Eric. I've received a dozen complaints about Everly's behavior over the past week. While I found them to hold no merit, I will ask you to investigate whatever is going on. They were sent anonymously, and Harrison received the same ones. Can you get back to me after you speak to Everly? I have time this afternoon, so we can go over things then. You'll also need to prepare her for the possibility of shared duty with Harrison. He's requesting his own assistant, and I thought you'd be open to having her branch out. Let me know.
There's another below it, from Ashley.
Eric, I don't want to bring this up again, but Blythe and I both agree that your assistant is causing some issues when it comes to the wedding. You've been dragging your feet for weeks now, and it's time to face the reality that she can't stay on. Your part in this is more than the Leader of Dauntless. The Amity faction can have no involvement, and she'll run her mouth to the first farmer she crosses.
I know you're with her but quit pacifying the waste of space and call me back. Your mother and Jeanine are waiting.
Eric, are you reading these?
Is she deleting your messages?
You better respond, now.
Since you think it's funny to not listen to me, I'm looking into her family. If she's not gone in a week, I'll destroy them. I'll have their farms burned to the ground.
This goes back for weeks.
I scroll through an endless list of insults, all aimed at me. According to Ashley, I am not smart enough, pretty enough, or worthy of working with him. Some of the messages grow explicit, detailing exactly what she's willing to do for him if he fires me that very day, while others are vicious rants about my general existence.
When I go back to the most recent one, with my father's name written on it, I realize Eric is right beside me.
"What are you doing? Are you going through my messages?" Eric asks incredulously, like he's never once had me go through his phone and respond when he's too busy. "Seriously, Amity?"
"No! You got one from Max, and I went to respond for you. Ashley's message came at the same time. I was just going to tell her you'd be—"
He yanks the phone from my hand. I can see the exact moment he realizes what I'm reading. His mouth tenses, his eyes darken, and he looks downright violent. "I said tell them I'll call them back. Not read through everything. You can go home for the day. We're done here."
"I have to finish that report you wanted. And Max said –"
"I don't give a shit what Max said. Go home. You can take tomorrow off as well, unpaid." When he looks at me, his expression is one I haven't seen before. "I told you –"
"To answer whoever reaches out. I was doing my job," I protest, but he doesn't care. "What is wrong with you? You were fine a second ago. I didn't go through your phone."
"I said go home. Are you suddenly not capable of understanding what I'm saying?" Eric roars, and for the first time in forever, I am afraid of him. My expression must be horrified, because he immediately clamps his mouth shut, and steps back. He looks uneasy, glancing left and right at the members staring at him. One woman stands up, but not to run.
She looks ready to come grab me away from him.
"I wasn't –"
"I said, go home." Eric snarls. "Now."
"Everly, come with me."
The woman to the side relaxes, because the interruption comes from Harrison. Eric and I look up at the same time, and Eric looks like he's been caught red handed. Harrison is rarely mad, but today, his expression is that of a disapproving father. He practically knocks Eric out of the way to stand by my side, then he puts his hands on his hips.
"Knock it off, Coulter. I know you're under a lot of pressure, but we don't treat anyone on our team like that." Harrison radiates a disappointment so strong that even Eric doesn't answer. His lips part, but nothing comes out. "Everly will spend the next three days with me. You can have her for your meeting tomorrow, which she is required to attend, and nothing more. On Friday, if she's willing, she'll return to you. And you'll pay her out of your own salary, double her normal pay. Are we clear?"
Harrison reaches down, carefully touching my elbow.
"Handle your fiancée as you see fit, and if I ever catch you yelling at your assistant again, we'll be having this discussion outside the compound. Are we clear?"
"You can't –" Eric starts, and his eyes blaze with contempt at being told what to do. A few of the members at the tables murmur amongst themselves, and one tries very hard to cover up their snicker. "You have no right to tell me what I can and can't do."
"I can, and I will. I outrank you, and I'll outrank you until the day I die. You can spend the rest of the day with Jeremy, away from the offices. If I see you upstairs, I will personally see to it that you are appropriately disciplined." Harrison's words are firm, and the look on Eric's face is funny.
It's defeat.
I assume once he became a leader, absolutely no one dared talk to him like Harrison just did.
He handles it poorly, of course.
"Fine. We'll discuss this later." He throws Harrison a nasty look, then storms off without looking back. I'm left sitting in the café chair, and eventually, Harrison sits down across from me.
We sit in heavy silence, and I force myself to ignore the burning feeling behind my eyes.
"Don't let him get to you. You know he's not mad at you, right?" He picks up Eric's coffee, and hands it to someone walking by. They stare in confusion, then carry on, tossing it in the trash a few feet away. "He's having a very rough time these days, and I feared he would eventually wind up taking it out on you. So, I've been watching him. His little stunt with Ashley is getting old, but if I need to, I'll interfere."
"He's never yelled at me. I saw the messages and I…I was going to tell them he'd call back. I don't know why he thought I'd go through his phone. I had breakfast with Rylan and Jason, and they're trying to break them up," I confess, still off kilter from Eric's attitude. "They said it's a political marriage, and even they don't want her here. I know I'm not anyone to him, but she's horrible. She said she's going to go after my father."
"She might," Harrison agrees. His dark hair is longer than most of the soldiers here, combed back messily. His uniform is not the one Eric has, but one that is worn and comfortable looking. "I'll send a squad out that way. So, don't worry. I'll make sure Hank is fine."
"Thank you." I grasp my coffee with both hands, holding still until it burns from the cold. I miss the moment of realization that he knows who my father is, but I can't think straight. "I told him I'd give her a chance, but I don't want this. I knew who he was when I started working for him, but I thought things were different now."
"They are. Trust me. For once in his life, he doesn't know what to do. Or he does, but he's being pulled in the opposite direction." Harrison smiles, and I feel marginally better. "Anyway, I'm off today, so you can go home. I just happened to be here, in case things got out of hand."
"You were just…nearby?" I glance around, wondering if he just really enjoyed strolling through the shops, dressed in his uniform, on his day off. "Really?"
"I'm checking on my restaurants today. I have some deliveries coming, and I enjoy seeing the drivers from Amity. It gives me a chance to check in."
"Do you really own the flower one?" I ask, completely intrigued. I've spent very little time with Harrison, but he might be more interesting than I originally thought. "I want to eat there. Eric said he went with…."
I can't bring myself to say her name.
"Ashley? Yeah, I saw them there. I would have ordered the chefs to spit in her food, but my reputation is on the line," he answers wryly. "Don't you worry about her. She'll fuck this up for herself. Guarantee."
"I'll try."
I smile, and things feel a little better.
"Are you sure you don't need anything? I can work if you want."
"Nah, I'm good. I'm going to see Max in a bit, and I'll explain what happened. If he gives you any trouble, you come find me. Attend your meeting tomorrow, then you can have the rest of the day off, too. I have a feeling you'll need it. And don't worry about Eric. He'll be fine the next time you see him. He can't sulk forever."
"Thank you."
A wave of appreciation washes over me. Harrison nods, then watches me gather up my things. I take my coffee and walk home, and by the time I get there, I am optimistic things will turn around.
In the morning, the meeting is crowded.
Rylan and Jason sit near the front, frantically typing away on matching, sticker covered laptops. Occasionally, one will look in my direction, and they don't look away until I smile. I have no doubts they heard about Eric yelling at me, because when he walks in, they immediately go back to typing.
It doesn't go unnoticed.
Eric stands at the back of the room, surveying everyone with a lack of interest.
It brings me some satisfaction that he looks unkempt. The collar of Eric's jacket is messed up on one side, and his hair looks like he forced it into place and lost. He doesn't look directly at anyone, until he finally walks over and takes the empty chair beside me. No one says anything to him; not Jeremy, busy filling out a form someone has given him, or Linda, cheerfully telling Harrison everyone is here.
Up front, Harrison and Max are looking at a map, pointing to an area by a lake.
Eric clears his throat, and while I don't think he cares that anyone isn't happy to see him, I figure I might as well get this over with. Not seeing him was incredibly awkward, but hearing Harrison yell at him was even more awkward. It wasn't like we could pretend it never happened, and sooner or later, he'd mention it.
So, I turn, and smile sweetly.
"Good morning." I greet him politely, and when we lock eyes, I should feel smug.
He looks awful, like he's been awake all night.
"Hello."
He leans back in the chair, and the lights dim as Tori's presentation begins. I listen as best I can, because it sounds like they're on board with Eric's theory that Marcus is stealing children for the factionless. She shows several slides of the area, including a few photos of Marcus near the woods. All are grainy security photos, but they are clear enough to see it's him. I sit up straighter when she says she believes Marcus has gone to Amity, and Eric stealthily kicks my leg.
Harder than necessary, but with less force than he'd use were I anyone else.
"What?" I whisper, not wanting to interrupt Tori. "Do you want me to move over?"
"No," he leans his head in, so close he might as well rest it against my own. "Before this meeting drags on forever, I wanted to tell you that I was out of line yesterday. I know you weren't going through my phone."
His words are so low I can barely hear them. I don't answer him, but I do jump when his hand touches mine. His fingers take hold of my wrist, and he doesn't let go.
"Everly—"
I turn when he says my real name, and I hit my forehead right on his.
"Ow!"
"Shit!"
"Eric, do you have something you'd like to add?" Harrison demands. Jason and Rylan snicker as I rub my forehead and Eric sits up straight. "Or are you just here to bother Everly?"
Eric smiles tightly, ignoring Harrison's dig at him.
"Have you reached out to anyone in Amity?" Eric slips right into Leader mode. He does his best not to look at me, but I can feel him glancing out of the corner of his eye. "Do we have any connections there?"
"None." Tori answers tightly. "They don't enjoy our presence there and have asked that we not patrol through anymore."
"Who gives a shit what they want. Send a few patrol squads through there. See if they can find anything. It's worth a shot to ask the farmers rather than Johanna herself." Eric throws out. He still doesn't look at me, but I can feel everyone else staring in my direction. "If Johanna refuses, tell her she'll be arrested for impeding an investigation."
"She'll listen if you tell her it's about the children," I say, and it's the first time I've ever had anything to add to these meetings. "The factionless children come to eat there all the time. So, she might talk if she's worried you'll put a stop to that. Or people start nosing around."
Up front, Harrison nods. "She's right. Johanna has a soft spot for the kids. If there are new ones popping up who don't appear factionless, she'll notice."
"Fine. We'll send someone today." Max agrees, and the meeting resumes as Tori clicks to another slide, this one of someone in Erudite. "Adding onto the factionless issue…"
"Did you hear me?" Eric turns his focus to me, murmuring the words once no one is looking at us. "I said, I was out of line. Harrison was right."
"You didn't have to yell at me. I wouldn't go through your phone, and I'm certainly not stupid," I lean back toward Eric, and this time, my foot hits his leg. He turns his body toward me, and the dark provides us some privacy.
No one is really sitting near me, mostly because they're actively involved in this investigation.
"I've never thought you were stupid," Eric grits out. "I know the shit Ashley sent. It wasn't for you to read because none of its true. It's not happening."
"How do you know?" I end up leaning against him further, so my shoulder touches his arm. "She doesn't listen to you."
My words hit a nerve. I can feel him tense beside me, then his hand drops. His fingers graze mine, and he leaves them there. To anyone who might glance back, it looks like he's merely having a discussion with me, but he's not.
This is not Eric.
He rarely touches anyone.
His fingers find mine, like he's about to slide them through, then he shakes his head.
"Look, just…give me a week. I'll fix this. I promise."
I glance up at him, his hair dark and damp, and his mouth turned downward, and I nod. He relaxes once I agree, falling silent and listening to Harrison talk about setting up a silent border around Abnegation. Eric stays there, not participating anymore, with his fingers resting against mine.
When the meeting is over, he leaves without saying a single word.