Happy Friday!
Major major thanks to Bamberlee for editing this chapter :)
Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the story! I know there are a lot of questions about Eric's motives, Ashley's general existence, how Everly handles all this, and Harrison's part, and I promise it'll all be answered as the story unfolds.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
"Is she hot?"
"I heard she's hot."
"I heard she's not hot."
I close my eyes.
In my brilliant plan to stay in Dauntless, I had forgotten one very important part of living here, and that was having friends who weren't male. While eternally grateful for Karl and the others –CJ and Kevin were great, and so were Jackson and Bear –I was starting to wish I had someone to confide in, especially someone who isn't fixated on whether or not Eric's fiancée is hot.
Rumors of him and Ashley have swirled for a while, but things are coming to a head now. She's been seen around the faction, and though her general air of disdain hinted that she didn't think highly of Dauntless, she was thrilled that people here knew her. She'd probably enjoy this discussion, even more so knowing that it came from my friends.
"It doesn't matter if she's hot. She's wretched," I add, hoping one of them will take my side.
They won't.
Karl and his friends are nice, but they are clearly here for a good time. Since becoming soldiers in the Dauntless army, they have changed from the young guys I stood beside on the roof, to ideal members of the Dauntless faction.
Physically, they are impressive. They worked hard to become strong, and they are determined to stay strong. Their uniforms shifted from the ones given to fledgling soldiers, to the more routine, heavy duty black jackets and pants that were designed with battle in mind. The other changes were subtle, but just as noticeable. Their confidence grew, a well-deserved perk of facing your fears and pushing yourself to the limit, and their self-assurance of who they are in the faction was solidified.
They are funny, charming, and loyal.
But they are on the hunt for anything with a pulse, as though joining the Dauntless faction evoked a sense of mortality, leaving them desperate to be partnered up since any day could be their last.
"I heard she's not happy Eric has you for an assistant," Karl immediately leans in, and so do CJ and Kevin. "Bear said he saw Eric the other day with Jeremy, and he was not happy. Something about him being on the phone while Jeremy counted the guns, and Eric kept telling Ashley to stop whatever she was doing. It didn't sound great."
"It was not good," Bear confirms with a grin. He scoots over, and I remember the time I was paired up to fight against him in class. He lived up to his name, tall and broad, but he was shockingly kind. He couldn't bring himself to really punch me, and we spent most of our time laughing until Four yelled at us. "He kept pacing back and forth. Peter told us not to look directly at him. I guess, when he gets upset, he gets violent."
"Sometimes," I nod, having seen this happen once. On a particularly rough day, he threw an entire training manual at Four's head, but I understood his reasoning. "Did you hear what he was saying?"
"I tried. I figured you'd want to know. He kept saying something about her not answering his calls, and he didn't like her reasoning why. At least, that's what I think. Peter kept asking me questions so it would look like we were working. The gist of what I got is she's busy, and she can't always answer the phone."
"She doesn't answer her phone? Interesting." I make a mental note of this because every time she calls, she is furious over Eric not picking up. "She's not a fan of me. She keeps telling Eric to find a new assistant. If he does fire me, maybe I can work with you guys."
"Peter will hire you. But it's rough out there. The first week left me so tired I went to bed at six every night." Jackson grins. "You might have fun, though. It's nice to be outside. I don't know how you stay in an office all day."
"We leave sometimes. I visit the factions if Eric needs to." I hesitate to say more, because it'll probably come to an end soon. "Hey, did you find a date for tomorrow? I know you said you were going to ask the girl you met."
Jackson smiles even harder. "I did. Her name is Lexy. We're meeting as soon as she's off work tonight."
"I'm going out on a date, too!" Bear interrupts, not wanting to be left out. "We met in line for burritos. I let her cut in front of me because it was crazy long."
"I don't have a date," Karl frowns. "But I might. She said if she's not working, she'll call me."
"Bro, Charlotte will call. Don't worry," Kevin reassures him. "You're a handsome guy. She knows it."
There is a round of murmured agreement. Their support for one another is endearingly sweet, but I'm left on the outskirts. They forget about Ashley and spend the next twenty minutes alternating between agreeing that Karl and Charlotte will most definitely hook up and talking about who would win a punching competition amongst themselves. I mentally check out when they move on to discussing something that happened in the gym, and survey the bar for someone, anyone, close to my age.
In Amity, I never had an issue making friends.
I had plenty of them, and right now, I'd give anything to have Sophia and Courtney here.
"Hey uh, Everly, do you want to go with us? We're going to sit on the roof. Bear said it's supposed to rain and we can watch the lightning from there," Karl breaks my train of thought, elbowing me when I don't look at him.
"Earth to Everly? Are you okay? Are you…hey, are you really okay? The shit with Eric and Ashley isn't getting to you, is it?" His concern is genuine. He tells Jackson to shut up, and everyone turns to look at me with serious stares. "I heard Eric yelled at you. That wasn't cool."
"No, it wasn't," I smile, but it's not very happy. "He has a lot going on. I don't think it was personal."
"It is personal," Bear disagrees. Jackson punches his arm, and even Karl gasps. "Okay, don't say anything, but…okay…well…"
"Any day now," Jackson snickers. "What happened? Did Eric talk to you about Everly?"
"No, but Harrison came by to talk to Peter. They're sending a bunch of patrols to Amity, and he was asking if any of us know who your dad is. Harrison knows we're friends. He asked me if I knew anything about your family. After he left, Eric came back and demanded to know every single person Harrison is sending there. He said he wants the reports to come directly to him." Bear looks at me, and his expression is so earnest that I hope he finds the woman of his dreams soon. "I think Eric is worried about your family."
"Well, his fiancée threatened them," I confess, and his eyes widen. "He probably doesn't want the liability."
"I don't know. He didn't look…. like he normally does. He looked tired." Bear says, but our conversation comes to a grinding halt when the girl he met in line for burritos shows up with her friends. "No way. That's her!"
I turn in the direction of his stare to see a very small, brown-haired girl blinking at him. When she realizes he's here, her face turns bright red. Her friends whisper something, then she slowly heads toward us. After a brief introduction, where I learn her name is Harper, they sit down with us. They join the group like they've always been a part of it, and I learn they are all Dauntless born, and she was in Lauren's class last year.
Harper and her friends are a pleasant distraction. It's nice to be around people who aren't hyper focused on lifting weights or who can eat the most pretzels. I listen to their happy chatter, the giggles and whispering when she sits by Bear and touches his arm, but ultimately, I'm woefully jealous.
I need to find some new friends here, ones who aren't Karl and his crew.
I return to work Friday, feeling refreshed and optimistic.
My time off has given me some perspective, as did the very few select messages Eric sent. They arrived at the same time each day, ten thirty in the morning, when I knew he usually took a quick break. On one hand, I was relieved to hear from him; the messages hinted he was thinking of me, even if it was work related. On the other hand, it meant that since he was actively working, things had not slowed down.
Do you know where the file on Marcus is? I started one Tuesday, before Harrison sent you home.
I love how he was ignoring the fact that he, himself, sent me home in a fit of rage. I responded no, and his next text was less happy.
Fine.
The others –can you grab my jacket on Friday? Christian said he has it ready, along with be prepared to head out on Saturday. Don't expect the day off -weren't quite as cheerful, but they were necessary.
So, when I walk in on Friday, I'm surprised to find the office empty.
I put my stuff down, along with Eric's brand-new jacket, and figure I'll use the time to see if Rylan is in his office. I make it a single step into the hallway before I realize Eric is in the breakroom, but he's not alone.
He's in a heated argument with Ashley.
My heart sinks because I haven't forgotten her threat against my father. Her voice becomes shrill as she demands that Eric listen to her, and when he turns, he doesn't look happy. He's not completely facing me, but his posture tells me he's over it. Eric's stare is at the wall, and his expression is blank.
"Explain it to me again. Why does she still work for you? Why is she still here? Jeanine finds it rather suspicious that a girl from Amity somehow survived initiation and is now glued to your side." She crosses her arms. Her white blouse is wrinkle free, and her blue skirt is fitted perfectly. "Have you ever asked yourself what she wants? What her motives are? Or are you aligning yourself with the Amity faction now?"
"I told you to let it go," Eric grits out, his tone laced with thinly veiled venom. "If you keep bringing this up, you'll be leaving."
"You said she was no one," Ashley presses, and her stare is lethal. She's dressed like she's heading back to Erudite, and I hope she's on her way there now. "And yet, she has your card. Isn't that funny? You wouldn't even give me your card."
"You don't need it."
"And she does?" Ashley's voice raises several octaves. I try to see this from her point of view; if I found out my fiancé let his assistant use his personal card, I would be upset, too. But then I remember this is Ashley, and she'll stoop to any level to destroy me. "Why on Earth does she need you to pay for her things?"
"She pays for my things. She works for me. If I have her pick up lunch, I don't expect her to pay for it." He keeps his tone even, but the annoyance is all over him. "I made this perfectly clear, that if you were to come here, nothing changes. This isn't what you think it is."
"You're an asshole," she snaps, and for a moment, there's a flicker of hope that rushes through me. "I was promised –"
"I know what you were promised," Eric cocks his head at her, and she closes the distance between them. The anger on his face lessens when she takes hold of his hand, and her head tilts when he doesn't immediately give in. "I wasn't involved in that deal. If you're unhappy, take it up with Jeanine. Or get the fuck out. Either one."
Ashley flinches.
It's quick, but hard to miss.
Realizing her mistake, that Eric never backs down and certainly never gives up, she softens the look on her face, batting her eyes while slinking closer.
"Eric, I know you better than anyone. I'm just having a hard time figuring out why you're so defensive over someone who means nothing to you."
"I said, drop it." Eric wrenches himself away from her, and when she persists, he shakes his head. "I have work to do, and so do you."
"Fine. I'll call you tonight, after I tell Jeanine that you're hell bent on fighting this." Ashley smiles threateningly. "You might have the upper hand here, but you won't for long."
"Get the fuck away from me before I have you escorted out," Eric's posture changes, like he'll beat her into the ground if she doesn't move. "You can tell Jeanine whatever you want. My agreement has nothing to do with Everly, and neither does yours. If you want to risk wasting Jeanine's time, then by all means, go ahead."
Ashley stills.
Her eyes flick to him, and she looks amused.
"Are you in love with her?" Ashley asks slowly, but her tone is mocking. "Is that why you won't fire her? You love your dumb little assistant who brings you your coffee? Is the big, bad Eric Coulter thinking of some idiot from Amity to get him off? Is that why –"
"I said, GO."
This time, he shoves her.
The act is surprising, but not. He's backed into a corner, and Ashley won't let up. I'm taken back by how relentless she is, but this must be worth it to her. Despite crashing into the wall, she recovers immediately. Ashley smooths her hair back and throws him a nasty grin.
"There's the asshole I know. I knew you had it in you."
She turns on her heel and exits the breakroom with a triumphant smirk on her lips. She misses me standing to the side, and she also misses Harrison, watching from the hallway. He waits until she reaches the elevators, then he pulls out his phone.
He disappears before I can figure out what he's doing, but not before I hear him call in a request to have her followed back to Erudite.
The rest of my afternoon is spent with Eric.
He doesn't say a word about Ashley, but he does sit close to me. His leg presses against mine, and his arm bumps me when he reaches for his files. The two of us work quietly, both reading the same report from Max. According to him, Marcus did cover the missing children in his meeting, but that's it. He's asked for Dauntless to keep their distance, along with a request for Rylan to not return anytime soon, or if possible, ever. I would find this funny, except Eric says nothing. He sighs as he signs the bottom of it and instructs me to do the same.
"We have to be downstairs in a few hours. Are you hungry?" He tosses the pen aside and rubs his temples. He's been lost in his own thoughts all morning. He drank his coffee wordlessly and spent most of his time working on emails. The ones I received were nothing interesting; a few from Jack Kang, asking if there was a good time to come by, and several from Arlene, telling him the infirmary was about to run out of painkillers. "I want to eat before we meet Harrison."
"Sure. Do you want to go to Clyde's or somewhere else?" I lean back in my chair, and when I look at him, he's staring at me. "What?"
"Clyde's is fine," Eric shrugs, and were I a braver person, I'd ask if he was mad over what Ashley said. It shouldn't bother him, because it was me she was making fun of. The implication that I was too hideous for him to ever be attracted to, and the teasing way she accused him of it, was all to remind him that Ashley had some power over him. "Did you make your dinner plans?"
"What dinner plans?" I look up in confusion, then it hits me what he's talking about. "Oh, with Michael? No, I haven't. You made him work all week, remember?"
Eric smirks.
He looks happier for a moment, shrugging while he pretends he's innocent. "He has a job here, Amity, one that doesn't involve romancing you. If he wants to keep being promoted, he should focus on his work."
"Sure." I decide not to argue with him. There's no point in reminding him that his fiancée is here frequently, nor is there any point in drawing any more attention to Michael. "Do you want to go to lunch now?"
"Yes."
Eric stands, waiting for me to grab my things. It doesn't take long, and on the walk out, I text Michael. I'm fast enough now that Eric doesn't notice, and for once, he's focused on ignoring Linda saying goodbye to us.
Would you want to have dinner tomorrow? Maybe around five? I can be ready whenever you are.
I send it before I can talk myself out of it. It's not that the thought of Michael isn't appealing. He's handsome, polite, and very respectful. He seems patient, and while I certainly didn't see fireworks when he kissed me, having dinner with him will be better than knowing Eric is going home to Ashley, regardless of who he thought of at night.
YES! Five is fine with me. I'll take you to the haunted flower place. Harrison says it's out of this world!
Michael's enthusiasm makes me smile. My mood brightens, even if just at the thought of going to the new restaurant. I confirm that I'll see him there, and when he asks what color dress I'm wearing, I nearly stop in my tracks.
I type back 'pink', and when I look up, Eric is watching.
He looks suspicious; his head is cocked to the side, so I click the phone off, and smile up at him.
"Did you ever figure out what you think Marcus is doing with the kids?" I step into the elevator, and his stare drops to my phone. "Do you think he's making some sort of child army? Maybe he's training them for something."
"Maybe." Eric repeats. His jaw has tensed again, and when he speaks, it's flat. "Or maybe he just enjoys luring small children into the woods."
"I don't know which of those options is worse," I stand close to him, and despite the elevator being empty, he moves over so that his arm hits my side. "Will you go back?"
"I'm going tomorrow. Harrison and I are going to walk through later in the evening. We haven't seen anything on the cameras, and Tori thinks Marcus might have done something to them." He inches closer. The elevator stops a floor above and opens to Four waiting with Lauren, and Eric immediately pushes the button to close the doors. Four swears as they shut, and I struggle not to laugh. "He can take the stairs. It'll do him some good."
"Have you been watching his initiation class?" I ask curiously. I can hear Four swearing as the elevator rises, promising he'll report Eric. I can't imagine what he'd report him for. "Is it going well?"
One of Eric's favorite pastimes is to spy on Four, regardless of what he's doing. Rylan told me Eric likes to check in and see how the training classes are progressing, but he is rarely impressed. I haven't seen him watch them this time around, but it wouldn't shock me if he was.
"I've been busy. But I will. I've seen a few of them and I have my doubts that any will make decent members." Eric moves his hand to my lower back, coaxing me along with him when the doors open. "We'll see how many make it through."
"I wonder if he's tired of training them," I don't often see Four, but when I do, he always looks like he needs to sleep for a week. "He looks exhausted."
"Well, wallowing in one's own self-pity will do that to you," Eric snickers. His mood improves considerably when we get to Clyde's and his favorite booth is open. "You didn't enjoy your time with him? I didn't watch your initiation."
"Not really," I tilt my head when he slides into the booth beside me, far closer than normal. He settles against the worn cushion and throws Lucy a disinterested smile when she drops off menus. "He didn't like me very much. I didn't care, I just didn't want to fail."
"Don't take it personally. He doesn't like anyone."
Eric slings his arm along the back of the booth. The bar isn't crowded, but enough members start to pour in that it becomes noisy. He and I sit quietly, reading the menu as though we never eat here, neither of us moving. When I flip the menu over, his fingers unconsciously skim the back of my shoulders. I look up right as Eric realizes what he's doing, he doesn't move his fingers, instead, they still, but he leans in closer.
"What are you getting?" Eric bends his head, and he's so much taller that I wind up against his chest. Once again, I'm hit with the sensation that this feels absolutely fine. It's like his fiancée was never here, talking about me and threatening him. "Chicken nuggets?"
"I'm not Rylan," I smile, enjoying the way his lips turn up. They turn down when I ask if he's talked to Rylan, and I know he hasn't. "Really? Are you going to stay mad at him and Jason forever?"
"He's refusing to speak to me. There's nothing I can do to make him forget about Ashley," Eric mutters. The moment shatters when he says her name, but he doesn't move. His fingers press firmly against my shoulder when my feet hit his shin. "He'll never like her, and she'll never like him. He's chosen this hill to die on."
"Does it have to be? Maybe you could find some middle ground?" I toy with a very dangerous idea, wondering if perhaps Rylan's plan had some merit. I can't outright seduce Eric, but maybe I can get close enough that he'll see what Ashley is doing. "What if you push the wedding back? Maybe if you show him that you're listening to what he says, he'll give her a chance."
We lock eyes, and were I anyone else, he'd shove me away or laugh in my face. But since I have worked with him for months, he barely blinks. He stares as I reach up to fix the collar of his jacket. I smooth it back down, just like the suit jacket, and wait for him to answer.
He doesn't.
"You could move it back a few weeks. If you give him enough time, Rylan might come around," I don't move my fingers. They touch his neck, pressing gently against the dark blocks on his skin. Every Leader has the same tattoo, but the placement is up to them. "Or maybe she'll ease up."
"Doubtful," Eric murmurs. "They have a history together. He grew up with her. He knows…"
He stops speaking when my fingers press lower, following the blocks down to his collarbone. Eric watches, but he makes no effort to stop me.
"He knows what?" Bravery rushes through my blood at a dizzying speed. His skin is warm, softer than I would imagine. He lets me touch him, like this has happened before. "Did they ever get along?"
"No, never." Eric's gaze falls to my mouth, but it jerks right back up when Lucy reappears. "What do you want?"
"Oh, um, would you two like…some free chips? Courtesy of Paul." She stumbles over her words, and her eyes are glued to my fingers on Eric. I move my hand away slowly and throw her a bright smile. She has the decency to look embarrassed, and she nearly trips trying to back away. "I'll be back soon. Here."
She tosses a basket of chips onto the table then sprints to her next table.
I return my attention to Eric, who still hasn't moved away. If anything, he's leaned back, spreading his legs wider.
"How old is Ashley?" I use his position to my advantage. He narrows his eyes, but his shoulders relax. "Is she the same age as you?"
"Yes," he eventually answers. "Why?"
"I was just curious. Does she know how old I am?" I'm still against his chest, and if anyone were looking at us, this would be an interesting sight to see. "Is that why she hates me?"
"She knows you're younger than her," he presses his lips together, then shakes his head. "You really want to spend all lunch talking about Ashley?"
"No, we can talk about something else. What do you want to talk about?" I shrug, and his arm tenses. He inches it closer, until his fingers touch the ends of my hair. "Your dad? How is he?"
"I don't want to talk about Daniel, either. He's been miserable since he wasn't chosen as Chief of Staff. They picked some young kid who doesn't adore Daniel the way everyone else does," Eric rolls his eyes. "But if you must know, he's fine. I'm sure he's in surgery or planning a way to perform surgery on some unsuspecting victim."
"Don't you mean his patients?" I can't help but laugh, and even Eric's lips turn up slightly. "How was the rest of your week without me? Did you survive, or do I have a ton of paperwork to catch up on?"
"It wasn't enjoyable," Eric mutters. He exhales sharply as Lucy returns nearby, and he pulls on the ends of my hair. "I ate lunch alone, so I hope you feel bad."
"That must have been very rough for you," I joke. "I don't know, Eric. I kinda like being sent home. I got to sleep in."
"Don't get used to it, Amity. Once I figure out what Marcus is doing, you're in for months of paperwork."
Eric's tone is dry, but he's content. I can feel the change as he relaxes, still refusing to put any space between us. This isn't how we usually sit; while he does frequently take up all the space around me, he's very careful to never come across as inappropriate. He pushes the very boundaries he himself put up, but only when he knows he can. I never minded him close, and I certainly don't mind it now.
I settle back against him to read the menu, knowing that any minute, Lucy will return, and he'll have to scoot over. He won't want to explain why I'm sitting against his chest, or how she's presumably waited on him with Ashley. I let myself enjoy the feeling of Eric behind me, all while I pretend I can't see the very intense, wide eyed, triumphant smile of Rylan.
He sits across Clyde's, in a booth just off to the side, watching.
He gives me a thumbs up when Eric turns to ask me if I'm ready to order, then he's gone before I can blink.
The rest of my day is the same.
Pacified by our lunch together, Eric and I accomplish more than I expect. We walk down to the armory to visit Peter, and the two of them discuss arming the soldiers for their patrols through Abnegation. We visit the docking bay, where Harrison appears to be irritated by everything Eric says, and Eric appears irritated that Harrison is irritated. We stop by to get coffee, and I pay with Eric's card, while he stands beside me, irritably commenting how the line is too long and they need more staff.
On the walk upstairs, he stops by one of the shops to pick up more black shirts.
I sip my drink while he picks out a few things, then wander away to look at a few new dresses Christian has put out. They are pretty, less structured and more revealing than what he normally makes, and short. I try to pull down one of them, but I can't reach it. I rise on my toes, but still miss by a mile. With a snicker, Eric reaches up to grab the hanger. My head hits his chest, and he pulls the hanger down with a sneer.
"It's hideous."
"No, it isn't," I shake my head at him, ignoring his smirk. "How much is it?"
"There's no price. But if I had to guess, I'd say too much for a dress that makes it look like you live in the forest," Eric answers flatly.
"Well, I did live in the forest," I remind him. "And I like it. I'm going to buy it."
"Why?" Eric rolls his eyes. "You don't live in a forest anymore." There is a silent standoff, until he shakes his head. "You really want to look like you live in Amity, Amity?"
"Yes."
I smile, because the dress is not at all like anything I wore before coming here, nor does it look like anything anyone in Amity would wear. But according to Eric, anything that isn't black loudly announces I transferred to Dauntless from his least favorite faction in the world.
"Don't wear it when Jack comes by. Unless you want to explain your life story to him." Eric doesn't hand me the dress, and I half expect him to throw it to the side. "Or to Abnegation. They might find your bare shoulders too much to handle."
"I'll only wear it in the office. Promise." I wait for him to make a smart remark, but my phone rings. "Hold on, it's Max."
Eric nods. He waits for a moment, then heads down the aisle to peruse more shirts while I say hello. I'm anticipating Max asking if we're in the office, because his tone is stressed, even more so when the phone reception cuts out.
"Everly….is Eric ….. you?"
"He is. We just spoke with Harrison. Do you need us upstairs?" I turn to find Eric, but he's nowhere to be found. "Is everything okay? I can barely hear you."
"Hold..on…"
Max moves to somewhere else. There's the faint muttering of people behind him, along with some static, then the signal improves.
"Sorry about that. I was in the basement. It's not an emergency, but I need this handled. I tried to call Eric, but I can't get ahold of him. I wanted his thoughts on sending out a few of the newer squads to shadow Harrison and his team. I don't know who they are, but I'm assuming he does," Max says. "Abnegation might respond better if they don't feel threatened, and the newer soldiers tend to be less aggressive. I don't trust anything Marcus is saying, and I need the Abnegation faction to trust us."
"He just stepped away, but I'll grab him. Do you want us in your office?" I ask, turning to the side. I find Eric at the register, looking bored. The clerk watches him with rapt fascination. She stares with wide eyes as he hands her his card, and he stares back with enough malice that I wonder if the girl will quit.
"That's not necessary. Have him look at his email and if he thinks the squads are fine, he can approve them. If not, there's a backup list that Harrison suggested."
"Sure. Give him a few minutes." I step outside the store when the reception on the phone drops, and I can't hear what Max says. "Sorry, you're breaking up."
"…have him send….along with Four….by six thirty…..seventy people…"
"Max?" I head further outside, but I only catch the end of what he's saying.
"Thanks, Everly."
The call disconnects. I figure I'll just tell Eric he should check his email before I call back, because whatever Max was asking is probably in there. I head into the store as Eric walks out. He has a bag in his hands, a black one with the Dauntless logo on it, and he looks like he'd rather die than spend another second inside.
"What did Max want?" He stops beside me, frowning when someone dares walk too close to him. "Did something happen with Marcus?"
"He wants you to look at a list of soldiers he sent to your email. He thinks if the newer ones go to Abnegation, they won't be as threatening." I crane my head up to look at him, and his shrug is slight. "He said if you don't like the ones selected, let him know and he'll send the backups."
"Interesting that he's decided to be involved in this," Eric mutters. "I'll look at my email while we walk. Does he want us to meet him?"
"He said no. Just confirm the list as soon as you can." I pause, looking back at the store. "I'll be right back. I have to check out."
"Here." He shoves the bag into my hands. "I didn't have time for two separate transactions," he informs me, smoothly. "I know Max can talk forever, so I didn't wait."
"Eric!" It dawns on me that he's bought the dress for me, and if his fiancée were here, she'd probably stab him. "You didn't have to buy it. I can pay for it."
"I'm aware."
He doesn't say anything else.
He reads Max's message while we walk, occasionally making a nasty remark about some of the soldiers. I bump into him when the hallway turns sharply, and he steadies me without looking up from his phone. He's silent as we reach the elevators, and I have the strangest feeling he still feels guilty about yelling at me.
In our last few hours of the day, I head downstairs with Eric to get his haircut.
Once he approved most of the list Max sent, he told me we had one more stop. We left right as Jeremy showed up, and his beady stare followed me as we walked by. I was happy to discover the lone salon here wasn't busy, and Eric had the foresight to make an appointment.
Two minutes after checking in, I sit beside him in one of the extra chairs, balancing his tablet on my lap. I respond to everything while a woman nervously buzzes the sides of his hair, and every so often, he demands I show him something on the screen.
While there, he gets a single message from Ashley.
It reads answer me, you fucking prick and nothing else.
When I ask how he wants me to reply, he tells me not to.
"Ignore it."
"Excuse me, is uh, your fiancée getting her hair cut, too?" A woman appears beside me, squinting at me as the stylist combs the top of Eric's hair. "We don't have her scheduled."
"No."
Eric and I answer at the same time. I look over at him, waiting for him to explain I'm not his fiancée. He doesn't. Instead, he blinks, and asks if I'm sure.
"You really don't want a haircut, Amity?"
"No, I'm alright. I don't want it any shorter, so thank you." I politely smile, knowing that the last time I had it trimmed, it took forever to grow out. They were overwhelmed by the length, and the girl who cut my hair accidentally chopped off half my bangs when Eric strolled over to see if I was almost done. "Is it okay if I sit here?"
"It's fine." Relief is all over the woman's face, and she leaves before I can change my mind.
"Are you going to tell her?" I raise an eyebrow at Eric, and he smirks.
"No."
I shake my head and go back to his messages. I confirm a time with Jack Kang, I tell Max that Eric is fine to meet him tomorrow, and I skim the message from his father.
He asks again if I will ever join Eric on a trip to Erudite, and it pains me to write back probably not.
I head home feeling like things are looking up.
True to his word, I haven't seen Ashley up close, and she hasn't gone out of her way to remind Eric how much she dislikes me. I feel optimistic that this might actually work, and maybe things won't change drastically when she moves here.
My phone dings as I reach my apartment door, and my assumption is it's Eric. I'd left him still working on the list Max sent him, but he said it was fine. I didn't know as many of the names as he did, and my only help was to suggest that Karl, Bear, CJ, or Jackson would be absolutely fine to go to Abnegation. He grunted out the barest snarl of approval, mostly because he was sick of looking at the list, and he didn't like that I knew a few people he didn't.
I open the message without looking, and unfortunately it's not Eric.
Just a reminder, if you plan on attending the wedding, there are a few things we'll need to go over beforehand. I don't care that you're his assistant, and I certainly don't care that you will go on to work for another Leader. If you insist on attending a ceremony where you aren't wanted, you're to wear no makeup. Your hair needs to be cut to your shoulders and cannot be styled. You'll wear the dress I'm sending you, and nothing else. Bare nails, no accessories, and you'll sit in the back with the help. A gift of over six thousand points is expected from you, and you aren't to speak to anyone before or after the ceremony. I'll have security remove you if I see fit.
Oh, and you can start paying Eric back for your coffees. He doesn't need to fund your pathetic addiction. The same goes for your lunches. You're to stop eating with him now, because after the wedding, you won't be. If you decide to complain to him, then your father's farming accident will fall squarely on you.
I'm sure you understand.
Ashley's message ends with a stark reminder to confirm that I've received her message, and she'll be waiting.
I close the message with a sigh, and I hate that I have absolutely no idea what to do.
I spend Saturday debating responding to Ashley.
My options are limited, and neither are great. If I do respond, she'll know she has some power and authority over me. Giving into her is what she wants, and if I agree now, I'm guaranteeing it'll happen again in the future. Ignoring her means my father's life might be at risk. She could be bluffing, but she could easily follow through with it without me knowing. I'm not in Amity, nor have I been since transferring here. I decide to call Forrest and have him check on Dad, maybe even suggest he stay inside for a few days.
He doesn't answer.
I take a second to call back, but it goes to a voicemail I doubt he knows how to check. With a sigh, I decide to call him after dinner. I start to get ready, and while I fix my hair, Michael cancels on me.
I read the text right after I finish the last section. His message is very polite, but frustrated, and I echo that sentiment. I see red by the time I respond, forcing myself not to scream.
Hi, Everly. I am so sorry, but I just got called in to work. I have to accompany Karl and a few others on their route through Abnegation. I asked how long they thought it would take, and the estimated return time is eight pm. If I'm back any earlier, I can let you know, in case you want to get dessert. Please don't be mad. I'm off Monday, if you want to go then. Just let me know. I asked if anyone else could go, but they said it would piss off Eric, and I don't want him mad at you.
I almost drop my phone.
This has Eric written all over it. He might have bought the dress and smirked at me while he got his haircut, but he's still Eric. He knew I was going to eat dinner with Michael, and he knew where we were going. His disapproval isn't totally of Michael, but that I won't be so accessible to him.
He wants the best of both worlds.
A nasty fiancée who will keep him satisfied, and an assistant to do his bidding.
I'm filled with a sudden rage, so strong that I have half a mind to quit on the spot. But I can't. That would be stupid, and odds are, Ashley would still find a way to ruin my life. I decide to tell him what she's said, and I'll have no choice but to draw a line between us. Rylan will have to come up with another plan, one that doesn't involve me.
Once I calm down, I type back that this is absolutely fine, and I'll see Michael on Monday.
"Did you do it on purpose?!"
Despite the argument that I've rehearsed in my head, my words come out much more fragile than I planned. I sound close to crying, which I'm not, especially when my voice wavers.
"Did I do what on purpose?"
"Did you call Michael in because you knew we were going to dinner? Why would you do that? I've done everything you asked!"
"What are you talking about?" To his credit, Eric appears surprised. He looks up from his desk, unenthused to be working on a Saturday. Before I left yesterday, he mentioned he had a virtual meeting with Jack that I didn't need to attend. I found him in his office by pure luck, and he certainly is not expecting to see me. "Did I call Michael in to what?"
"The patrols. He just canceled our dinner because they called him in to work. He won't be back until after eight." I stare at him, wondering at what point did I do something that would warrant this. "I know you're in charge of them. We went over the list together and Michael's name wasn't on it. You knew he invited me to Harrison's restaurant."
He blinks.
Eric sits back in his chair, and his posture is telling.
Were I anyone else in the faction, he'd order me out of his office.
But I'm not anyone else, so he finally shrugs and his eyes flick to his computer, annoyance crossing his face. "I didn't call anyone in. I've been in a meeting. I'm still in a meeting." He points to the screen, and sure enough, Jack's face is in the box in the corner. He mutes him and looks at me. "I sent the list back yesterday. Harrison is overseeing that mission. Not me. I have no clue who was called in after I approved it."
I don't believe him.
"Why are you doing this? You knew I was going to eat with him. Because you don't think I should eat there?" I should sound angry, and in my head, I do. But standing before Eric, I sound undeniably miserable. "I just wanted to try it."
"Everly, I didn't call anyone in. I didn't know you were going to dinner," Eric insists. He sounds exasperated, and his expression is especially tense. He stands, and despite the fact that Jack is still talking, he turns the computer off. "I don't care where you eat or who you eat with. I have much better things to do than pay attention to your social life."
He pauses, and his stare is not nice.
"I told you when you started working with me, this job is not nine to five, and shit occurs on the weekends. It happens to anyone, in any form of leadership. Michael is not exempt from it. If he oversees a squad that was called in tonight, then he has to go with them. You know this. How many nights have you been called in to help me?" Eric asks. "Everly, you –"
"Stop saying my name. You never call me Everly." I sound horribly rude, almost as bad as Ashley, but I know he's behind this. "You can't pretend everything is fine, then turn around and make sure I never get to have this dinner."
"I didn't call him in," Eric hisses. He's so close my head nearly hits his chest. "And fine. I'll call you whatever you want. If this is how you want to act, Amity, then so be it."
When I look up, he's staring down at me with one violently pissed off glare.
"The restaurant isn't even that great. It's overpriced and –"
"It doesn't matter," I give in, knowing I don't have a chance in hell at getting him to admit what he did. "You won, okay? You can tell Ashley she won, too. I'll listen to her stupid requests so things are fine."
"I have no clue what the fuck you are talking about, but I suggest you take a second to think about what you're doing," Eric practically growls the words at me. His hands find my arms, and when I look up, his eyebrows are raised. "I don't care who you fuck here. You can do whatever you want. But don't you ever accuse me of messing up your little date. I've kept my word. She's stayed away from you. She's –"
"No, she hasn't. She just –" I start to tell him what happened, but I'm cut off by the office door flying open.
"Hey, we need you downstairs. Things went south. Are you armed?" The person who interrupts us is someone I barely know. A tall soldier, with brown hair and an exhausted look behind his eyes. He's rushing to gather up anyone still in the office, and he stops to glance at me. "Is she armed? We don't have time to issue her a weapon, but if she has one, we need all hands on deck."
"She's not. She doesn't have anything issued to her." Eric lets go of me, but his stare falls to mine. "Amity, you can stay here on standby. Keep your phone on. If need be, you can head out with Peter. He'll arm you if necessary. Go find Kacie and keep an eye on Abnegation."
"Okay."
My dinner is long forgotten.
Eric knocks past me, not bothering to say goodbye. I suppose I deserve it, but it still stings. He leaves with the soldier I don't know, and I'm left standing there, with little choice but to trek to the control room and see where he's going.
I press the heel of my palm into my eyes, and for once, I feel completely out of control.
"Why aren't you with him?"
In the world of Dauntless, Kacie is an interesting member. Tall, with blonde hair cut sharply to her shoulders, she's a little too smart to work in the Control Room. I've been told she likes it because she can make her own hours, and she's been here for a few years. She schedules everyone to work in rotating shifts which run all day and all night. She must have just gotten here, because she's wide awake, sitting down with a thick stack of reports.
"He said to stay here," I take the seat beside her, carefully turning on the computer. There is one specifically for Leaders, and no one else is to use it. "Why?"
"Trouble in paradise, interesting," Kacie comments. She looks over at me, then points to the screen. "Click F5. It'll take you to the trucks."
"What do you mean, trouble in paradise?" I follow her commands, scowling when she doesn't answer me. "Kacie!"
"Calm down, I have to clock in. I just meant you're always with him. We have a bet going if he'll actually marry his fiancée or not. Most people think he won't. I've never seen him with anyone except you." She pauses, but it's mostly for affect. "He's very fond of you. Sometimes, when I'm bored, I watch you guys walk through the faction. He looks a little…lovesick when he sees you."
"No, he doesn't," I scowl even harder. "He has a girlfriend. And she's –"
"A bitch. She came in here the other day, insisting we hand her the access codes to our security cameras. Like I'm going to just turn that over without the right clearance." Kacie types, much faster than I can, and stops when her screen shows the Abnegation border. "She's ballsy, I'll give her that. I used to watch when she'd come here. She'd go straight to his apartment and emerge a few hours later. Now, she's everywhere. Last week, she was in the infirmary bugging Arlene."
"What was she doing?" I click a few more buttons, like I know what I'm doing, but it keeps Kacie talking. "Do you know?"
"Actually, I do know. I went down there to get something for my throat and wound-up seeing Arlene. She kept ranting about Ashley being here, gloating how superior the Erudite hospital is. Does Ashley realize we aren't a medical facility?" Kacie rolls her eyes. "We aren't even an Urgent Care. We have Arlene as our best chance at healthcare and that's only if she's on shift when you go in."
"Ashley has no clue what goes on here," I agree. The trucks come into view, and I see Eric storming toward one. "Does Arlene like her?"
"Nope. Arlene hates her. She came from Erudite, so she knows Ashley. She told me Ashley is close with the guy they chose over Daniel. According to her, the new Chief of Staff is some prick, and Ashley seemed enamored with the idea that Eric's father wasn't chosen." Kacie faces me, and her eyes find mine. "Have you met his father?"
"I've spoken to him on the phone," I shrug. "But I've never met him in person."
"He's very smart. He comes here sometimes, and once, he sat in on one of the minor surgical procedures. He's well respected in Erudite, so I'm shocked he didn't get the position. I've heard he's a brilliant surgeon."
"I wonder why he didn't get the job."
I don't know a ton about the Erudite faction, and my perspective is skewed thanks to Eric and Rylan. Rylan likes Eric's father, but Eric is not a fan.
"Who knows? Anyway, press F6 to follow their route. Eric should be driving." Kacie hesitates for a moment when the cameras show Marcus emerging from the woods. "He really told you to stay here? What if something happens to him?"
"I doubt anything will."
Nothing ever happens to Eric.
Every patrol he's ever gone on has ended the same way: it's always dull, someone gets arrested or brought in for questioning, and Eric doesn't have to do anything more than check the truck back in.
Tonight will be no exception.
The call comes sometime after midnight.
I open my eyes to the Control Room flashing around me, and the drone of the people working in here. Each computer is occupied, and on the furthest side is Four, frowning deeply while his face is bathed in the glow of the screen. I rub my eyes a few times, and the embarrassment at falling asleep kicks in.
I'm not the only one, though.
A few computers over, someone is slumped across the console, with their head on the keyboard. Kacie's eyes are closed, too. The few who are awake are frantically typing, unbothered as my phone rings again.
I don't recognize the number, but when I answer it, I sit up straight.
"Hello?"
"Everly, are you awake? We need you down at the docking bay. You need to get to Erudite as soon as possible. If you're nearby, we'll leave now." The voice is unrecognizable, until they announce their name. "It's Jeremy. I'm calling from downstairs. There's an issue."
"What happened? Is Eric okay?" I stand up, nearly knocking into Kacie's chair. She startles, throwing me a confused glare. "Where is he?"
"Erudite. The team was ambushed on the way back and it wasn't good. Eric is heading into surgery now. There was a problem at the hospital, and they put in a request to have you brought there."
I feel like I've been hit with a wave of ice water.
"Why me?" I stop dead in my tracks, because Ashley lives in Erudite. "What about –"
"They didn't specify. Are you on your way?" Jeremy interrupts. "I have a truck waiting to go. Your estimated drive is thirty minutes, which should get you there in time. The orders came from Erudite."
"Who sent the orders?" I walk toward the control room doors and swipe the card so they'll open. My stomach is in knots, and I can't figure out if it's because Eric is hurt enough to need surgery, or the thought of Ashley being in the same faction while he's unconscious. Only Four looks in my direction, but he averts his stare when I look in his direction. "We don't take orders from Erudite."
"The surgeon. I don't know his name, I was told to call you. Apparently, you…" Jeremy pauses, and there's a slight shuffling sound in the background. "Are Eric's emergency contact. They won't let the fiancée in, and she's making a scene. They asked Eric before surgery, and he said he wanted you there."
"Oh fuck. Okay, I'm on my way."
I ignore the pulse pounding terror at knowing I'm about to face Ashley, because it loses out to the worry that Eric is hurt. I make it to the docking bay in record time. I'm escorted to the first truck, and Jeremy takes the driver's seat. He takes off after confirming a few details, and what I learn is that Eric is alright. Not badly injured, but something is stuck in his chest that needed to be removed surgically. He put up a fight, but that's not unexpected.
I listen to everything Jeremy says, and exactly thirty minutes later, he parks at the hospital.
The Erudite hospital is huge.
I've never seen anything like it. Everything is white: the marble floors are white, the walls are white, the pictures are white, and most of the staff are dressed in white uniforms. A few doctors rush by dressed in royal blue scrubs, while others have on suits and ties. The late hour doesn't bother anyone. The hospital is busy, and it only grows busier when Jeremy and I walk through the lobby.
His black uniform sticks out, as does my pink dress.
A security guard points us in the right direction, pausing to glance at the gun in Jeremy's holster. He has no gun, but he does have a shiny badge announcing he is part of Erudite's finest. I imagine he'd fit in well in Dauntless, but here, he probably doesn't deal with any real confrontation.
"This way. He said to the left." Jeremy points to a wing marked Surgical Center. We walk quickly, following the signs security showed us. "Can I ask you something? Are you really Eric's emergency contact? Not his fiancée?"
"He did it when I first started. Arlene came up and yelled at him for not having anyone listed, so he put me. He said he'd never have to use it," I answer quietly. I can remember the exact moment when he mockingly wrote my name then threw the paper at Arlene. "He's never gotten hurt on a patrol before."
"I heard," Jeremy all but rolls his eyes, then he apologizes. "Sorry. I know you're the same…uh…level as him. I just meant, everyone always talks about how lucky he is. He's never once been injured on patrol, while everyone else has."
"Well, his luck must have run out tonight." I follow Jeremy, who seems to know where he's going, through a set of wide double doors. We pass by several waiting rooms full of people. Some are sleeping, others are sipping coffee and talking quietly amongst themselves. "Have you gotten hurt on patrol?"
"Daily."
His answer is curt because we reach the end of the hallway. There are no more waiting rooms, but another set of doors marked STAFF ONLY. We both stand there in confusion, then they slowly begin to open. I imagine they've told someone we're on our way, so I'm hoping for a nurse or an orderly who will take us to Eric.
Instead, we're greeted by the furious glare of Ashley.
"Tell them it's a mistake."
In person, her voice is lower, slick and mean. She walks ahead of us with ease, but she occasionally glances back to make sure we're following her. She's dressed in clothes that I've never seen her wear before, and they aren't pajamas: a man's button-down shirt, a pair of leggings, and high heels. I eye her suspiciously, noticing the shirt has a blue pin on it, shaped like a snake.
It suits her, so I don't think much of it.
"Did you hear me? When we get there, you tell the doctor it's a mistake. Your name was listed as his emergency contact, but he's been meaning to change it. Since they're going with that, they'll believe you when you tell them you don't want to be here," Ashley snaps. "Hurry up. Two more doors, then we're going right."
"How is Eric?" Jeremy asks, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. Every time Ashley looks back at us, he moves closer to me, making sure to stay between us. "Is he in surgery?"
"I don't fucking know because her name is on his paperwork, so they won't tell me anything. They asked him before they brought him in, and he confirmed it." Her words are venomous, even more so when we reach the waiting room. "The nurse will be right back. If you don't tell them who I am, then I swear to fucking –"
"Everly."
My name is gasped, like someone is surprised I exist. I turn to see a doctor waiting near the doors at the end of the room. He looks vaguely familiar, and in my exhaustion, I guess that he is Eric's father.
He has to be.
He's just as tall, but much leaner. His hair is dark and thick, parted like Eric's but without the shaved sides. He has on a pair of black glasses, and they stand out against his blue scrubs. When he walks over to me, I notice the stitching on his top says Dr. Daniel Coulter, and my guess was correct. He stares intently, but before I can speak, Ashley lunges for him.
"Daniel! She's here to tell you the paperwork is wrong," Ashley hisses. "I'm supposed to go back there. Eric doesn't need his assistant here. He needs –"
"The paperwork isn't wrong. That's how he filled it out," I smile sweetly, enjoying the way her eyes narrow. I remember her threat against my family, and I make the snap decision not to give her what she wants. "I'm sure he'll update it. Someday."
"Are you serious?" Ashley's gaze is lethal. Her hands clench into fists and she looks ready to hit me. "You lying—"
"Regardless of who signed what, I just confirmed with the staff that he asked for Everly before surgery. He's out now, and they were able to wake him long enough to make sure he's stable. He's not asking for you." Daniel looks at Ashley, and in this moment, I struggle to hide my smile. I don't even care that Ashley is mad; I'm relieved that Eric is alright, and I'm happy that I get to see him before she does. "We have to follow all official paperwork. Since these are Eric's orders, I can't go against them. Sorry, Ashley."
Daniel doesn't sound very apologetic, and when he looks at me, I know he's not at all sorry.
"Is he even coherent enough to make his own decisions?" Ashley demands. She stares at him, so livid I expect her head to explode. "He probably doesn't even know what's going on."
"Is he okay?" I ask, while Jeremy moves to stand between Ashley and me. He shoots her a dark look that hints she should step back, but she merely glowers at him. "What happened?"
"We can talk while we walk back there. He's going to be fine. But it'll take a few days to recover," Daniel frowns, but only for a moment. "He'll spend the night here. I don't think you'll be able to get him back to Dauntless."
"He doesn't need to go back," Ashley interrupts. "And she doesn't need to see him. Are neither of you listening to me?"
"Hey, calm down. I'll sit with you while we wait. If Eric wants to see Everly, let him. Maybe he's delirious," Jeremy throws out. His tone tells me he's lying for Ashley's sake, and he doesn't give a shit about her. "Everly, will you tell him I said I hope he recovers fast."
"Sure."
"Are you fucking serious?" Ashley demands. "Daniel, you're bringing her back there? Really? Do you realize what I can have done to you? Do you know who—"
"It's what Eric wants. I'm sure you're very up to date on hospital protocols," Daniel answers. His lips turn up, and this must be a dig at her. "If you have any questions, perhaps you can ask Spencer."
"I will ask Spencer. I'm going to find Spencer, and have you barred from ever performing surgery here again. You just wait. You—" Ashley's rant grows loud enough that hospital security steps in. Jeremy doesn't get the chance to shoot her, because they show up and ask that she comes with them. "No, I will not go with you."
"You either come with us or you leave. You're disrupting the other patients," the guard from earlier yawns. "Spencer sent us. He got a few complaints from the nurses. We're to escort you to the cafeteria."
"Fuck all of you."
She shoves her way past me, and only Daniel offers a goodbye to her.
Then he looks over, and politely instructs me to follow him.
"I have to admit, I was expecting someone taller."
Daniel leads me down the freezing hallway, toward a section marked Recovery. The layout is mazelike. I have no clue how to get back to where Jeremy is, but I'll figure that out later.
"He's mentioned you several times. I've wondered about you."
"Really?" I smile, because I doubt Eric ever mentioned how tall I am, let alone my actual name. "You're Eric's father?" I have to crane my head up to see his expression, and when I do, he's smiling. He looks considerably happier than when he was near Ashley, almost pleased that she wasn't allowed in the recovery rooms. "We've spoken on the phone before."
"We have. I was always curious if you'd ever come by. Eric mentioned you two occasionally travel to the other factions." Daniel nods hello at the nurses, greeting several by name. "He's never asked you to come to Erudite?"
"No. I've been to Candor and Abnegation with him. He never goes to Amity, but I know he doesn't enjoy it." I step aside as a group of nurses push a bed down the hallway, with someone asleep on it. The person must have come from surgery because there are a million cords and IVs. "Can I ask if he's alright? I know you said he's fine, but what happened?"
"He got shot at close range. The bullet caused some internal damage and was lodged near his lungs. All in all, it was a simple surgery. We removed the debris, stitched up a few perforated organs, and he'll be fine. I don't suggest he return to work for a few weeks, but we'll see how that goes. According to the group who dropped him off, he's right in the middle of some…mission." Daniel stops in front of a room, and overhead, a code is called out. "Are you alright?"
"Did you perform the surgery?" I wonder how this works, if Eric shows up to the hospital his father works at, does he get special treatment? Daniel seems capable of putting their rocky relationship aside, but Eric might not be so willing. "Does he know where he is?"
"I didn't. The thoracic cavity isn't my specialty, so I assisted this time. The surgeon is a friend of mine, and he was more than happy to help. There were no issues, and it was fairly routine. As far as does Eric know where he is? Not…really." Daniel looks guilty, and I wonder if they did something to him. "We use a certain medication to help calm the patients when they wake up. The anesthesia can occasionally cause agitation, so after some research, we realized we could use a serum to help them relax. This way, they wake up calm and unafraid, and can focus on resting instead of fighting the pain."
"What do you give them?" I stare up at Daniel, waiting to hear about this special Erudite serum, and his next words make me fear for the moment when Eric is awake enough to know what's going on.
Daniel smiles brightly, then cheerfully announces Eric's worst nightmare.
"Peace serum."
I sit down carefully on the side of the bed.
It's far plusher than I would have thought, and surprisingly comfortable. In Amity, we don't have a hospital. All injuries are sent to the single medical center that my mother runs, and it's stocked with the bare essentials. The shelves are lined with decades old rubbing alcohol, a few half functioning thermometers, and expired painkillers that are almost never given out unless you specifically ask. You're more likely to be given a salve or some tea, and if things are really bad, maybe some plants to grind up and add to your drinks. There are no beeping machines, tanks of oxygen, or white boards with staffing information.
There is only my mother, gently guiding you toward an acupuncture clinic for your headache.
I could use her right now.
"What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Eric." I blink away the dull ache of exhaustion because he is awake. Or as awake as he can be. Eric blinks a few times, slow and sleepy, and his gaze is far away. When he looks at me, his smile is drunk, like he's stumbled back from Clyde's with Rylan and Jason. It's a strange sight, given how powerful he normally looks, and a far cry from the Dauntless leader who prowls through the faction.
"Everly…" he draws out my name, attempting to sit up. It proves harder than he thought, and in a moment of rare defeat, Eric gives up. "Where am I?"
"You're at the hospital in Erudite. You got hurt on the patrol," I scoot closer, examining the scrapes on his cheek and the dark spots of blood in his hair. "They shot you in the chest, according to your dad."
"Are you sure? I don't think that happened." He shakes his head, then closes his eyes and groans. "Am I dreaming? You're blurry."
"No, this is real. They gave you something to help you relax." I reach to fix the blanket covering him, when his stare turns sharper. "Are you alright? Does anything hurt?"
"My chest hurts." He opens his eyes again, and his stare locks on mine. He watches in drunken stupor, then attempts to reach for me. He misses by a mile, but rather than be furious, he laughs.
Woozily.
"You're so pretty. Are you really from Amity?"
I stare down at him in complete disbelief, but he looks incredibly pleased with himself.
"Your dress is pretty, too." He all but winks. "Everly?"
"Thank you, Eric. And yes, I am from Amity." I'm not sure if I should laugh or demand someone give him something to knock him out, because he's going to be furious when the peace serum wears off. "You know that."
"Amity…" he mumbles, half snickering as something behind him beeps. "I should have picked Amity. Rylan said there's lots of ducks there. And some cows. How many cows are there?"
Oh boy.
He's lucky he's not going to remember this conversation.
"Yeah, there are a lot of ducks there. Along with other animals. And I've never counted the cows, but I could find out for you. But you know what? You should probably get some rest. Your dad said the surgery went well. There were no complications, and you just need to stay for a day or two."
"Who?"
"Daniel. Your father," I sit up straight when a nurse comes in and asks for my wrist. She slides a paper bracelet on it, then moves to take Eric's temperature. "He said he'll be back soon."
"He doesn't work in this room," Eric mumbles, scowling when the nurse touches him. "No…I want Everly to do it."
"Your wife doesn't work in this room, either." The nurse comments. She reminds me of Arlene, especially when she huffs in exasperation. She looks at me, then back at him, and it's obvious her patience has worn thin. "In their hurry to get him out of surgery, they gave him a huge dose of the serum without checking his height and weight. He's going to be like this for a while. Are you staying? If you are, I'll have you taken upstairs once I'm done in here."
"I'm…not…" I stop correcting her when she stops listening. She types away on a computer on the counter, then pages someone to come move Eric. "How long does he have to stay? What happens if he has too much of the serum?"
"In most cases, it makes people euphoric. In his case, it appears to be making him mildly tolerant of everyone. The recommended stay is four days, but he'll be released as soon as he feels up to it. They'll have him walk around a bit in the morning and go from there." She types quickly, stopping only to look up once. "Are you not his wife? I swore someone said his wife was here."
"Everly, lie down. I'm tired, and the lights hurt my eyes." Eric reaches for me again, pushing the blankets away. He manages to sit up slightly, and his expression becomes insulted when I don't move. He waves his hand to get the nurse's attention, and my stomach tightens at the sight of the IV slide into his skin. "Hey, you…nurse. Make my wife lie down with me."
"Sure. Everly, can you please lie down by him? The faster I get you upstairs, the faster he can go back to sleep. Just be careful of the IV. I just need one more thing…" Arlene Junior does not pay any attention to me.
She leaves the room with a few papers, promising to be right back.
"What time is it?" Eric asks. "Aren't you tired?"
"I am exhausted," I yawn. "I'm also not your wife. You don't have a wife. You do have a fiancée and she's waiting in the lobby. If you want Ashley to come back here, I'll go home, and she can stay with you. I just…I wanted to make sure you were okay." I find his hand, warm and rough, and his stare turns confused when I squeeze it. "You tell me."
I wait for him to snap out of the peace serum induced haze, but instead, he lets out a bark of laughter.
"You are my wife. We got married last year," he insists, like I should remember my own wedding. "You were there. You told me you'd marry me the day I met you."
"How could I forget?" I shake my head, trying not to laugh. He looks so unlike the Leader of Dauntless right now, and I bet Rylan and Jason would love to see him like this. I certainly never told him I'd marry him, and the day we met, he glared at me. I figure I should try to get him back on track, so he can get to sleep. "Eric, do you remember Ashley? She has blonde hair. She's tall. She's waiting for you."
"How old are you?" Eric lies down, closing his eyes with great effort, and he ignores everything I've just said. "You're very small. How have I not crushed you?"
"It takes some skill," I answer, struggling to keep a straight face. In the hallway, Daniel tells someone goodbye, and I figure he'll be in soon. I rub my eyes, trying hard to stay awake. "Eric, do you want me to–"
"I want to go home. Can you drive us there?" He doesn't open his eyes. "Did I teach you how to drive?"
"No, you didn't." I answer softly. He tightens his grip on my hand, and the room becomes quiet. "You have to stay the night. If you feel better in the morning, I think you can go home then. I'll see if they'll let me stay until you're upstairs."
"Don't leave," he mutters, opening his eyes. He looks right at me, and there's a moment of clarity. "Ashley is horrible. She said she'll hurt Everly's dad. I told her to stop or…or…." He wavers between consciousness and being high off peace serum, but he's very clear on a few things. "Where is Everly?
Or not.
I sigh, knowing he's in for a long night of this.
"I'm right here," I hold on tighter, and his fingers slip between mine. The action is clumsy and slow, made worse by whatever they've given him. "I'm not going anywhere."
He nods, and his gaze turns far away, back into whatever dreamland he's been fighting. "Don't leave. I have to tell you about the coffee she likes. She always gets my coffee. I want to get her coffee. I want –"
Eric doesn't finish his sentence.
He loses to the heavy dose of peace serum and whatever else they've given him. His body relaxes; his lips part, his head falls to the side, and his grip on my hand loosens. I don't let go, not even when his father returns, and his stare goes right to my hand in Eric's.
"They're going to move him into his own room. Are you able to stay the night? It'll be easier if he wakes up and someone is here who he recognizes." Daniel flips through the papers the nurse has left, then he makes a few notes at the bottom of the last page. "Everly? Are you alright?"
"I can stay." I look over at his father, unconsciously tightening my hand on Eric's. "Do you like her?"
"Who?"
"Ashley." We both know who I'm talking about, though I'm sure he has to be cordial. "She's not…very nice."
"No, she isn't." Daniel shakes his head. "She's not honest with him, either. She wants to marry him because she's been told it'll give her what she wants. She only wanted to see him today to solidify that he chooses her. He won't listen to me, but I've warned him about her before."
"What did you warn him about?" I pull my feet up beside me. It takes a second to fix my dress, but I'm tired. The clock behind us reads two fifteen, and it's starting to catch up to me. "Doesn't she work for Jeanine?"
"She does. Jeanine isn't any better. As a mentor, she's given Ashley the tools to go after what she wants, but only if it's what Jeanine wants. The manipulation runs deep, and Eric knows this. Marrying Ashley will put him so far into Jeanine's plans that he'll never get out." Daniel sighs. "You've worked with him for a while now. I know he trusts you."
"He does," I glance down at Eric, and I flash back to the first time I messed something up. I sent an email to the wrong person, and terrified for my life, had to confess. It was the longest three minutes of my life as he blinked, pressed his lips together, then darkly informed me I could unsend the message if it was within five minutes. He was quiet for the rest of that afternoon, but on the walk out, he told me I was doing just fine. "Daniel, I don't want him to marry her."
I blurt the words out, a dark secret that I've been keeping, before I can stop myself.
I knew it was likely he'd follow through with it, but I didn't want him to. I want to stay as his assistant, and I want our relationship to continue. I like him trusting me, and I like knowing everything about him. I make a silent promise that if he doesn't marry Ashley, I will do more. I'll work harder, stay longer, anything to make sure I still have him in my life.
More than likely, the stars won't align for me.
His father sighs and closes the folder, and when he looks at me, his frown is heavy with regret.
"Me neither."