Good morning! Sorry this is late today. I had an early meeting with my realtor and accepted an offer to sell my house. Things are getting crazy now! The house I originally wanted sold to someone else last week, so we're going to see some others. I'll try to keep up the daily updates, but you've been warned!
Xoxo,
Libby
.
Tobias watched Tris go through the security checkpoint at Heathrow Airport. He felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest. When she was out of sight, he walked back to the bench where George and Amar waited for him.
"It'll be alright," George said, and Tobias nodded as he dropped, defeated, onto the bench.
"I need your help finding something," Tobias said, his eyes on his phone. After a few swipes he pulled up a screenshot and handed it to Amar. It was a ring, with an oval-shaped pink diamond about three carats in size, flanked by two clear baguette diamonds. The ring was set in platinum, though the center stone had rose gold prongs to highlight the pink stone.
"I won't need it for a while," Tobias said, his voice low and sad. "But it might be here in the U.K., or it might be hard to find. I want that or something similar. A pink diamond, not too light in color. If things go well I'd like to propose this summer when she's with us, and if she'll have me I'd like to be married next year."
"She loves you," George said.
Tobias nodded. He knew she loved him, but aside from a few off-hand remarks, he and Tris had not really talked about the future beyond their summer in Albania. But if that went well he wanted to be ready. Tris was it for him. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and wake up together every morning. He wanted her to be the mother of Tobias the fifth, and maybe more children.
"I also need you to clear my schedule for a few days in May and book a flight crew," Tobias said to Amar. "Tris' birthday is on the eighth, and I want to surprise her. I'd like to fly to Chicago on the seventh, then show up on her birthday. Contact her parents and Christina when it gets closer so we can arrange everything."
"When is Miss Tris done with school for the summer?" Amar asked, tapping at the calendar on his tablet.
"A week later," Tobias said. "The fifteenth, I believe."
"That tech company in California wants to meet with you," Amar reminded Tobias. "If they can meet in May we could be in Chicago for Tris' birthday, fly out to California, then pick up Tris before coming home."
"That's efficient," Tobias said. "I like it. See if there are other meetings we should plan while we're there."
The three men stood and began the long walk back to the car. "We'll need to start planning her birthday gift as well," Tobias said almost shyly. "Do you think it would be too much if I bought her a car? She doesn't have one, so she has to borrow her friend Christina's or get a ride to go places."
"If you're careful, I think you can pull it off," George encouraged. "You'll need to make sure she has somewhere to park and things like that. You want it to be helpful, not more of an expense."
"Good point," Tobias agreed.
Amar and George noticed that Tobias sounded more like his usual self as his mind turned to practical matters. As they drove back to the hotel, Amar suggested that Tobias begin researching what kind of car he would like to get for Tris.
.
Tris navigated the airport easily. She'd spent every minute possible with Tobias, so she didn't have time to wait around in a lounge. Once she boarded, she found her first class cubicle, and opened her carry-on to grab a few things before stowing it. When she opened her suitcase the first thing she saw was one of Tobias' sweatshirts that he had worn in London, and a folded note, which she took out and read eagerly.
Miss Tris,
George and I want to thank you for a wonderful week in London. We enjoyed getting to know you better. We especially appreciate the way you love and care for Tobias. He may be my employer, but George and I have always seen him as family. It is a joy to see the way he comes alive around you.
I snuck one of Tobias' jumpers into your case. I thought it might bring you comfort on your journey home.
Amar
Tris lifted the sweatshirt to her face and inhaled Tobias' familiar scent. Her eyes filled with tears as she pulled the large, cozy garment over her clothes and settled in for the flight that would take her away from the man she loved.
.
Amar spent the midday trying to track down a pink diamond. He made an appointment for Tobias to see some rings and gems at Harry Winston in the late afternoon.
George pitched in by doing some internet research about American auto insurance, laws, and taxes, and the parking situation at Dauntless University. He made a list of things that Amar would need to take care of if Tobias bought Tris a car.
.
On the way back to the hotel after an unsuccessful trip to the jewelers and a quiet dinner, Tobias got a text from Tris.
T: Just landed safely in Chicago. The flight was fine. You'll be happy to know there was no rude flight attendant this time.
4: I'm glad to hear that.
T: My brain is fried. This has been the longest day of my life, and it's only early afternoon here.
4: I'm sorry you're doing this alone on your first international trip. Security, passport control, and customs are annoying, and jetlag doesn't help. Try to stay awake and get on your normal schedule as much as possible, and drink plenty of water.
T: What time is it there?
4: 20:15
T: 8pm?
4: Yes. And it's 2:15 pm in Chicago, right?
T: Yes.
T: I thought you were 7 hours ahead
4: I'm still in London. I go home tomorrow.
T: That's right. I'm just confused. I feel like I've been traveling through time. Sorry
4: You'll recover quickly.
4: And don't forget, you can call me any time, day or night.
T: I love you
4: I love you, too.
Tris made her way through all the steps of re-entering the country, and walked to baggage claim. She was met by a driver with her name on a little sign, like something in a movie. He took her to her parents' home, where she stayed the night.
.
Just as Tobias warned her, Tris woke well before dawn, panicking like she'd overslept. She pulled Tobias' sweatshirt over her silk pajamas, and turned on her bedside lamp.
Her first instinct was to text Tobias - after all, it was six hours later in London - but Tris was feeling overwhelmed about their relationship. She decided to get out her journal and sort through some of her feelings. Dividing a journal page in half, she started a pros and cons list.
The easiest and most obvious thing to put on the list was Tobias himself. His name went in the 'pros' column in all caps. In the 'cons' column she wrote parents, friends, career/education, and America/home.
At first glance it looked like the 'cons' column was a lot fuller than the 'pros', but it didn't feel that lopsided to Tris. She started adding details under Tobias' name. Love, she wrote first, then travel, great sex, finances & contacts to make a difference, Amar & George, and comfort & security.
Tris sighed as she looked at the list. She crossed off career/education, drawing an arrow to the finances & contacts line. Tobias was already creating jobs and improving conditions for his employees, and Tris knew enough about Albania to know that her education combined with Tobias' resources would give her plenty of opportunities to stay busy helping people. Thinking about Tobias' heart for his employees made Tris smile, and she circled love.
Tris didn't cross her parents off the list, but she did draw an arrow back to Tobias' name. I'll leave my parents someday whether it's for Tobias, another man, or just a job in another city, she thought, then shuddered at the thought of another man. She didn't want another man - ever, so she circled love again.
Tris stared at the word friends on her list. Zeke and Shauna had gotten engaged on Valentine's Day. They were graduating in May, and planning to get married at Christmastime. Christina had Will, and Tris knew he was looking at medical schools on the east coast. Plus, Eric and Lauren, and Amar and George were in Europe - not to mention Tobias. Rebekah would probably go back to Albania, too.
Tris sniffled as her eyes teared up. There was a tap at her bedroom door, and Natalie peeked her head in.
"You're awake early," Natalie said. "Are you okay?"
Tris nodded. "Jetlag," she said. "My brain thinks it's six hours later."
Natalie walked in and took a seat on the edge of her daughter's bed.
"What's with the tears?" she asked softly. "Missing Tobias?"
Tris nodded. "I love him," she said. "It hurts being apart, but being together has its own problems. If things work out between us I'll end up living in Europe."
"I don't think you need to borrow trouble," Natalie said, patting Tris' hand. "You haven't even been to Albania yet, and you've only been in a relationship with Tobias for a few months. Take your time. See how things play out. If you love each other, you'll make it work. Dad and I will support you no matter what."
"Thanks, Mom," Tris said.
.
Christina picked Tris up at her parents' house on Sunday to drive them back to Dauntless. When she arrived, Tris was dressed in black wash skinny jeans and a flowy grey top. She grabbed her new pink leather jacket out of the closet, and Christina raised an eyebrow.
"New jacket?" she asked with feigned innocence.
"Yup," Tris said.
"A souvenir from your trip?" Christina pressed.
"Yup," Tris said again.
"And what designer brand made this adorable jacket that just screams 'Tris'?"
Tris slipped the jacket off her arms and looked at the tag. "Um, Dolce and Gabbana?" she said, her self-consciousness making the statement sound like a question.
Christina's mouth dropped open. "Tris, that jacket is worth more than my car."
"It is not," Tris scoffed.
Christina whipped out her phone and tapped at the screen. "Thirty-five hundred to four thousand, depending on the website. And that's US dollars, not including tax. I paid three grand for my car two years ago."
Tris swore, and Christina giggled.
"Maybe I should leave it here so nothing happens to it," Tris said.
"No way!" Christina argued. "Listen. It's perfect for you, and super cute. No one at DU is going to know that it's a four thousand dollar designer jacket that your millionaire boyfriend bought you in London. Besides, every time you wear it, the CPW goes down."
"CPW?" Tris asked as she put the jacket on and grabbed her backpack and suitcases.
"Cost per wear," Christina explained. "The more you wear something, the less it costs per wear. You should spend more money on the things you wear often. It's economics."
"It sounds more like an excuse to overspend," Tris laughed.
.
When the girls got back to campus, they unpacked their bags and changed into their pajamas. Marlene, Lynn, and Shauna came over, and the girls talked at length about Shauna's wedding plans until Marlene changed the subject.
"Speaking of weddings," Mar said with a twinkle in her eyes. "How was your trip to London, Tris?"
"London?" Shauna asked. "The wedding you went to was in London?"
"Yeah," Tris said as she began digging souvenirs and chocolate out of her suitcase for her friends. "My friend Lauren is British, and her new husband is from Scotland. They got married in London."
"Did you wear a fancy hat?" Marlene asked eagerly.
"No," Christina pouted. "I tried, but she wouldn't buy one."
"Actually, I did end up wearing a fascinator," Tris said, pulling up a picture on her phone.
"Wow!" Lynn exclaimed, looking at the picture of Tris and Tobias with the bride and groom. "Is he wearing a kilt?"
"Yeah," Tris said with a laugh. "That surprised me, too."
"You look like celebrities or something," Shauna said. "I love that dress. And the hat thing is a perfect match. Where did you find it?"
"Uh, it was made for me," Tris said reluctantly. "They do that over there."
"Is that another Louis Vuitton bag you're carrying in the picture?" Marlene asked.
"Another?" Shauna repeated.
Tris blushed.
"I think the cat's out of the bag," Christina said. "Time to fess up, Trissy."
Tris sighed. "This doesn't leave this room," she warned the girls. "I don't want to get robbed or something. Tobias is… well, he's quite well-off."
Christina laughed. "She's still downplaying it. Tobias is loaded. Like - mansion on the beach, owns a private jet, the studs in her ears are real - loaded. He took her shopping in New York and bought her a designer wardrobe, complete with Louboutins, Manolos, and three Louis Vuitton bags."
"Chris…" Tris warned, but Christina waved her off and continued talking.
"He flew her first class to London for the week so they could attend the wedding of some other rich people they met at a business dinner. He bought her a four thousand dollar designer jacket. It's just like Pretty Woman."
"Christina!" Tris exclaimed, half teasing. "Did you just call me a hooker?"
"No!" Christina denied. "Okay, not that part of Pretty Woman, but the shopping! We're your best friends, Tris! Brag about your man!"
"Seriously!" Marlene agreed. "Uriah thinks you made him up because we haven't met him and you're quiet about the details."
Tris dug through her drawer for Tobias' sweatshirt, pulling the large garment over her pajamas. She stopped to inhale his calming scent before she sat down on her bed and hugged her pizza plushie to her chest.
"My boyfriend's name is Tobias Eaton. We met over winter break when he was in Chicago for business, and we hit it off really quickly. He's from Albania, which is over by Italy, and he comes from a wealthy family. His dad's side was in timber and things like that, and his mom's side was in shipping. They're also into the tech industry and other business ventures.
"Tobias was an only child, and both of his parents are dead, so it's just him now. He's on a crusade to change his family's businesses for the better. He increased pay for their workers, and he is involved in charitable work. He's working on environmental reforms, too. He's really smart, sweet, and generous."
"Don't forget hot," Christina interjected.
Tris blushed but nodded in agreement. "He told me once that his father and grandfathers wasted their lives building castles. He wants to make the world a better place, and influence others to do the same. I haven't said much about it because I want to protect his privacy. I don't want it to be weird because he has money."
"Is it weird for you?" Lynn asked.
"Sometimes," Tris admitted. "The fact that he has a whole staff of servants is weird. I mean, I've only met Amar, but still."
"Amar is Tobias' assistant," Christina explained. "He goes everywhere with them."
"He's also the driver," Tris elaborated. "They've been together most of Tobias' life, so he's really like family. I met his partner, George, in London. We even went out for dinner like a normal family."
Marlene giggled. "There's nothing 'normal' about a double date with your millionaire boyfriend, his servant, and the servant's boyfriend."
Tris scowled. That reaction was the main reason she didn't open up about Tobias. She knew people wouldn't understand, and she hated the way Marlene reduced Amar to Tobias' 'servant'.
"Mar…" Shauna warned, nodding at Tris' hurt expression.
"Sorry, Tris," Marlene said. "That was insensitive of me. The whole situation just seems unreal. But those are your friends, and I didn't mean to insult them."
Tris nodded and hugged her stuffed pizza toy closer. The girls sat quietly for a minute until Tris sniffled.
"Oh Tris!" Marlene exclaimed. "I'm so sorry! Please don't cry!"
Marlene reached for her friend, and Tris squeezed her hand. "It's… not… you," she choked. "I know you didn't mean it. It's just… I… I don't know what I'm going to do!"
Christina's eyes went wide in panic. The other girls gave her the same look, and she braced herself for Tris' next words. She's pregnant. She's pregnant. Oh my god, Christina's thoughts raced. I'm going to be an auntie! No, no, bad. Don't get excited. She's going to run off to Europe. What if he didn't take it well? What are her parents going to say?
Christina moved to Tris' bed and put her arms around her sobbing friend. "It's okay," she assured Tris. "We're here for you."
"This is going to cost me everything," Tris sobbed. "I don't know if I can do this!"
The four girls gathered around Tris. Even Lynn, who wasn't really the affectionate type, sat on the bed and put a sympathetic hand on Tris' back.
Once Tris was cried out, she wiped her face with a tissue. "I'm sorry, you guys. I never dreamed this would happen to me."
"Have you told him?" Christina asked gently.
"Who? Tobias?" Tris asked. "Told him what?"
"About the baby," Shauna said.
"Baby!?" Tris said. "What baby? What are you talking about?"
"You're not pregnant?" Christina asked.
"God no!" Tris exclaimed. "Why do you think I'm pregnant?"
"You!" Lynn declared, dropping back onto Christina's bed. "You're over there blubbering about how you don't know what to do, and you don't know if you can do this. We all thought you were pregnant!"
Tris chuckled. "Well, I guess it could be worse, huh? Sorry, guys. I'm not pregnant, but I'm struggling with the long-distance aspect of our relationship. It sucks being apart, but I'm afraid of the alternative, too. If this works out…"
Tris trailed off, and her friends looked confused.
Then Lynn nodded. "I get it," she said. "If it does work out, you have to move to Albania."
Tris nodded as her tears began flowing again. "I love him," she said, her voice little more than a whisper, "but to be together… I'll have to leave my family, you guys, and my home. I'll have to learn a new language, a new culture, and a new lifestyle. I have to give up everything to be with Tobias, or I'll have to give up Tobias."
The girls sat in heavy silence for a few moments.
"Zeke got a job offer in Houston," Shauna confessed quietly.
"Texas?" Marlene asked. "Uri is going to be crushed."
"Will is looking at medical schools on the east coast," Christina confessed what Tris already knew.
"Things are going to change," Lynn said. "I don't know what I'm going to do after we graduate, but I'd like to live somewhere warmer."
"I guess Uri and I will host the reunions," Marlene said with a sad shrug. "I can't see him leaving Hana alone."
"Maybe Tris will pick us all up in her private jet," Christina teased, trying to lighten the mood.
The girls all hugged, and went back to talking about lighter topics.
.
April came, and with it came warmer weather. Tris' classes got busy, and between homework and her job, she had very little time for learning Albanian. She texted with Tobias daily, and they spoke on the phone or on video whenever possible. They talked about plans for their summer together. She told him about school. He told her about his business and household, and asked her advice from time to time.
Though she felt inadequate in the face of his business and lifestyle, Tris appreciated being included. For his part, Tobias appreciated having someone to talk to who supported him without sucking up. He thrived on Tris' honest questions and fresh perspectives.
Tobias told Tris that the master bedroom and en suite bathroom makeover were done, but that he was waiting to move into the renovated space until she was with him. Tris figured that it had something to do with lingering anxiety about it being Marcus' room and didn't press.
Every day Tris worked hard. Every day she enjoyed her friends and family. But every day she felt like something was missing. She lived for the conversations she shared with Tobias. Every time they spoke they became more deeply connected to one another, and it became harder to be apart. By May Tris was thinking of nothing but finishing the semester and getting to Tobias as quickly as possible.
.
"Someone has a birthday soon," Tobias said one day when the couple was talking on the phone. "What do you want for your birthday, Zemra ime?"
"I love when you call me that," Tris said.
"You're avoiding the question," Tobias scolded.
"You," Tris said. "All I want is you. Buy me a plane ticket so I can spend the summer with you or I'm going to hitchhike to the east coast and start swimming."
Tobias laughed. "Your ticket is secured," he assured her. "What else can I get you?"
"Nothing," Tris said sincerely. "I'm completely serious. I just want to sleep in your arms and kiss you good morning. I'm tired of being apart."
.
One day in late April, Tris unexpectedly got a morning off when one of her professors was sick. Christina had gone to her own class, and Tris couldn't concentrate on her homework, so she decided to text Tobias.
T: Mr. Eaton, I have a question for you
4: Yes, Miss Prior?
T: I know you have a lovely swimming pool in your backyard, and I'm wondering if it's very private.
4: It is. My house is on two sides of the pool, the pool house is on another, and the coastline wraps around and is the only thing south of the pool. Why do you ask?
T: Just thinking about you in that big place by yourself, and wondering if you've ever gone skinny dipping.
4: I had to search the phrase "skinny dipping" you naughty girl. No, I do not use my outdoor pool nude. Perhaps we can try it this summer.
T: Are you familiar with the phrase "bucket list?"
4: Things one wishes to do before dying?
T: Yes. I think we should have a bucket list for our summer together. The first thing I'm writing down is "go skinny dipping"
4: I look forward to it. Add "eat pizza in Napoli" to your list. I'm taking you to the world's oldest pizzeria this summer.
T: We're going to Italy?
4: Yes. It's not far, about 500km straight west. The flight is a little over an hour, and most of it is takeoff and landing.
T: Hmm, that gives me another idea. Do you know the phrase "mile high club?"
4: Miss Prior, you are naughty today! I'm going to have to stay at my desk until I calm down. Thinking about all the places we can make love has created quite the situation.
T: I'm all alone in my dorm room. Send me a picture of your situation...