Tobias woke up the next morning with a pounding headache. He couldn't remember ever being that hungover, and it hurt. It didn't get better when he remembered why he'd been drinking, or the bits and pieces he could recall of his conversation with Tris.

He checked the clock on his phone and saw that it was eleven in the morning - too late for the day he was supposed to have, but too early to call Tris. He also saw that she had texted him, and he opened it with some trepidation.

T: Tobias, I love you. I hope you're feeling better today, and that you're not too hungover. Call me if you get a chance.

He sighed in relief, comforted by his fiancee's words. It didn't seem like she was too upset with him. He messaged Amar to let him know that he was up, then hopped into the shower.

.

Tris woke up with a heavy heart, but otherwise feeling better than Tobias had when he'd pried his eyes open. She checked her phone, and saw that he had replied to her text just a few minutes before her alarm went off.

4: I love you too. I'm so sorry about last night. I went crazy thinking about something happening to you, and adding alcohol to the mix just made things worse. Amar cancelled my meetings today; call me on the hands free when you're driving to your practicum.

Tris decided to reply right away.

T: Just woke up. You sound better. 6 more weeks to spring break. I'll call you later. Love you.

.

Tris and Tobias had a long conversation that afternoon before and during her drive to the agency. They agreed that Tris would buy some pepper spray for self-defense, and that Tobias would fund some security improvements under the guise of a grant to the agency.

That afternoon Tris told Asha that she had an inside contact at a granting agency that was interested in funding security improvements for their facility. Asha was pleased, but kind of surprised by the offer. She didn't think there was a problem with their security, and she was afraid that adding too much security would make their place seem unapproachable. Tris convinced her to let the granting agency pay for a security walkthrough with the understanding that nothing would be done without her approval.

As always, Amar worked his personal assistant magic, and Harrison from Dauntless Security made the trip into Chicago with Tris one afternoon to examine their facility. He listened to Asha's concerns and made some suggestions about small cameras, a gate for their parking area, and some improvements to their window latches and doors.

Since she knew Tobias would not object, Tris suggested adding a second "grant application" for the same funding source to build a basic bus shelter on the corner of their property where the local kids waited for the school bus, a little free library, and a little free food pantry.

Asha shot down the food pantry idea right away. "As much as I would like to offer that, we're understaffed and underfunded as it is," she said. "A little library box where kids could take free books is one thing - if we can get the books funded - but food is a lot more complicated. The local grocers wouldn't appreciate it, either. They count on business from the community, and if we started giving away what they sell…"

Tris conceded the point about the food, but it gave her another idea. "What if we started offering snacks here at the center?" she said. "If a grant paid for it, we could even buy from a local shop. Or maybe there's a government program for it. Would that be a burden for us?"

"Yes and no," Asha said. "I'd have to look into the legality of it, and we'd have to manage the inventory, deal with allergies, and things like that. I love your enthusiasm, though. You must be pretty confident in your funding source to keep asking for more."

"I am," Tris said. "I have a connection through my fiance, and without even submitting an application they pretty much told me we could get some money if we asked for it."

"And what source is it?" Asha pushed warily. She had enough experience to know that although foundations lived to give, their resources were finite, and the number of people asking seemed to be infinite.

"Eaton Holdings," Tris said. "They're located in Albania, but they have interests in Chicago. They're also under new ownership since the young Eaton took over, and he's very philanthropic."

"And you have a connection at Eaton Holdings?" Asha asked again.

"You know my fiance is Albanian," Tris said, and Asha nodded. "He's part of the company. He joined after Marcus Eaton died. I think we should make a list, starting with the security things Harrison suggested, and anything else we need. I'll talk to my fiance, and he can help us request what Eaton Holdings would give."

"If we ask for too much they might give us nothing," Asha cautioned.

"Don't worry," Tris said. "Four will know how much we can ask for."

"Four?" Asha asked. "Your fiance's name is a number? An English number?"

"It's a nickname," Tris laughed.

Over the next week, Tris got Asha to start dreaming about what the agency would do with unlimited funding resources. She agreed to the security improvements, and talked about getting some new computers, another full-time staff person, and supplies. Tris pressed her on the building's needs, and she admitted that the roof needed repair and the walls could benefit from some paint. Tris added new signage for the outside of the building to their list, and sent it off to Amar.

Naturally, she had approval in a matter of minutes. Tobias was happy to give to any cause Tris deemed worthy.

Asha proudly contacted their governing body, the Chicago Education Agency (CEA), to tell them about the donation from Eaton Holdings. CEA was a non-profit providing community educational support at three locations like theirs in some of Chicago's most impoverished neighborhoods. When they heard that Asha's unpaid intern had an in with Eaton Holdings, and that she had procured thousands of dollars of repairs and upgrades for one of their locations plus funding for another staff person, they demanded that Tris put them in contact with someone at Eaton Holdings so they could do more to thank them than mailing a donation receipt. Tris offered to get Tobias Eaton himself to come tour their three facilities and see the improvements his money provided, as long as the facility was ready in time for his visit to Chicago in March.

Realizing that her secret was about to become public and that the donation was going to complicate things with her internship, Tris invited her internship advisor, Dr. Mary O'Farrell, and her internship supervisor, Asha, to lunch on a Saturday in early February. The three women agreed to meet at a restaurant in the suburbs, about halfway between Dauntless and the agency location. Tris arrived first, and texted Tobias for moral support while she waited for the other women to arrive.

T: I really don't want this to be weird. You don't think Asha will be mad, do you? Will she think I lied to her? I mean, I kind of did when I told her my fiance worked for Eaton Holdings.

4: I highly doubt they'll be mad that you arranged some much-needed improvements that will benefit their organization. What are you really worried about?

T: I don't want my co-worker/friend/mentor to be upset because I didn't tell her. I don't want people to look at me different because you're rich. I don't want people in our business.

4: You know I love when you say "our"

T: Tobias, I'm serious! What if the university starts asking me for money? What if they're weird about it and they suddenly give me all A's because they want you to donate?

4: It's a conflict of interest for the university to request money while you're still enrolled - it's extortion. If anyone dares to suggest that they'll adjust your grades to curry your favor, you tell them that we don't give to crooked organizations. Besides, you get A's already.

4: Asha might be hurt that you didn't tell her, but honestly, you just met. It's not like you kept it from Christina or your parents. She'll understand why you kept it quiet. And if all else fails, just remember that in three and a half months you'll have a new name and will be living in a different country. Does that help?

T: Am I joining the witness protection program or getting married? Lol

4: You are (almost) Beatrice Eaton, queen of the Eaton estate, co-owner of Eaton Holdings. Everything I have is yours, including my heart. Stand tall, Zemra ime, the world is yours.

T: You sound like Christina. She always says "Rock that pink diamond" when I get nervous.

4: I knew I liked her… You go rock that pink diamond, my queen, and make sure you pay for lunch.

T: You mean YOU pay for lunch.

4: I mean WE pay for lunch. Everything I have is yours, remember?

T: OURS

4: You're turning me on, Beautiful. That's my favorite word.

Asha arrived at the restaurant, took one look at Tris in her designer outfit, and declared, "I knew it! Let me see your real engagement ring."

Tris was taken aback. Sure, she was wearing her pink leather jacket and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, but she didn't think it was that obvious.

"Wha… What?" she stammered.

"Oh come on, Miss 'Eaton Holdings has new interests in Chicago and they'll give me whatever I want,' I know how to Google! Now let me see that pink diamond I read about online!"

Tris laughed and showed Asha her left hand.

"Dang!" she declared. "That man has some good taste!"

"You're not upset?" Tris asked. "I didn't like lying to you, but I've kept it pretty quiet. I like being anonymous for now. I know once I get to Albania I'll spend the rest of my life being 'Tobias Eaton's American wife,' so I'm taking advantage of being average college student Tris Prior while I can."

"I'm not mad," Asha said. "You're entitled to your private life."

Dr. O'Farrell arrived, and after introducing the two women, Tris informed the hostess that they were ready to be seated. After a bit of small talk and placing their drink orders, Tris addressed the two women.

"Okay," she said, reminding herself to 'rock the pink diamond' and be confident. "I wanted to invite the two of you to lunch to talk about my practicum. There are some things going on that I want to be upfront about, so I thought it would be best if we could sit down and talk in person. You both know that I'm a senior at DU, working on my degree in social work. While I love kids and helping families, I won't be pursuing a social work license after graduation because I'm getting married and moving. To Albania. Asha figured it out, but Dr. O'Farrell, my fiance is Tobias Eaton of Eaton Holdings."

"I heard something about him lately," the professor said brightly, tapping the table as she tried to remember. "Oh yeah! My friend Sally works in administration at the university. She told me that one of the students had their tuition paid in full by someone named Tobias Eaton. She wondered at the time if it was the same Eaton as the young millionaire who's been in the news for his philanthropy. She thought maybe one of our students won a scholarship, but decided it must be a different Eaton since it was a personal payment, not a charitable foundation that paid it."

"Yup, that would be me," Tris said sheepishly. "When Tobias and I got engaged he picked up the tab for my last year of school and paid off my student loans, too."

"I need a man like that," Asha teased.

"I'd take one, too, and I don't even like men," the professor said with a laugh.

Tris relaxed at their natural banter. The waiter brought their drinks and took their lunch orders.

"Tobias is generous for sure," Tris said, "and not just with me. That's kind of what I wanted to talk about. I took this internship with CEA because I'm not seeking a social work license, and I don't need a paycheck. I just want to do the most good I can and learn things that will help me in Tobias' work with the poor in Albania. I really like the kids at the agency, and I've been having fun getting to know them and their neighborhood. Asha has taught me a lot, too. She has such a real perspective on what things really help people, and what just creates more work and trouble. But Tobias had trouble with me working in such a bad neighborhood. I'm careful not to dress too well or bring anything valuable, like my real engagement ring, when I go down there,"

"Wait," Dr. O'Farrell interrupted. "That's real? The pink ring?" Tris nodded. "Can I see it?" the professor asked.

Tris held her hand out, and Asha laughed. "I asked the same thing," she said. "She wears a fake ring to the center, so when I figured out the truth I wanted to see the pink diamond, too. You need to Google your man, Tris. The press doesn't have your name yet, but there are pictures of you and Mr. Eaton online, and a lot of speculation about the 'mystery woman with the big pink engagement ring.'"

"I'm trying to keep it quiet so I can finish my last semester at DU in peace," Tris said. "I feel safer when people don't know my ring is real. I don't carry designer bags around campus. Our friends and family all know, of course, but there won't be an official press release about our marriage until it occurs.

"Anyway, Tobias was worried about me being at the agency since there's so much gang activity down there. I wasn't worried, but he likes to protect me, so he wanted to increase security at the site. I told Asha that I had a contact at Eaton Holdings and that they were interested in funding some security improvements. We got going and I added some other improvements to the list. Of course Tobias told me to spend as much as I want; he's already given me access to anything and everything I want, and encourages me to give his money away. As far as CEA knows I just had a contact that led to Eaton Holdings donating the money, but I wanted to be up front with the two of you. I'm not trying to buy my way out of my internship. I've been there working with the kids every Tuesday and Thursday. Other than the week of spring break, I'll continue to be there as scheduled until the beginning of May. I don't expect, or even want, any kind of special treatment. I'm there to learn and to help the kids. The donation is completely separate."

"Of course it is," Asha said, patting Tris on the arm. "Dr. O'Farrell, Tris is a hard worker. She hadn't even told me that Mr. Eaton is her fiance until today. I actually figured it out myself. I'm not worried about it, and you shouldn't be either."

"I'm glad you were up front about this, Tris," the professor said. "I can see how one might infer the wrong thing when an intern getting graded on her work arranges a donation like this. By coming to us ahead of time you're furthering your argument for legitimacy. But even more than that, I know you as a student. I've had you in my classes, what, two or three times before this semester? I know your work ethic and your honesty, and I know your passion for social work. If Miss Hassan is satisfied with your work, aside from the money, and you put in your required hours and turn in your final paper, then I'll be fine with it."

The waiter brought their lunch, and the three women enjoyed the good food while they talked about their shared passion for social work and education.

.

February passed in a rush of cold weather, classes, Albanian lessons, homework, and the repairs and updates to the center. Tris spoke to Tobias every day, assuring him that the extra staff person he'd funded and the tradesmen working on the building improvements made her feel safer than ever at the center.

Amar or someone must have spoken to the workers about the little parking lot, because the three spots used by Tris, Asha, and the new guy, Ibrahim, were never occupied by construction vehicles when Tris went there to work. That was the kind of thoughtful thing Tobias and Amar always made sure of. They were dead set on making things not only safe for Tris, but easy and comfortable, too.

Tris loved the kids at the center. Her favorite, though she would never admit it out loud, was a fourth grader named Maxamed. He insisted on being called Max, saying that he was American, and Max was an American name. His personality reminded her of Edon in some ways, though he was considerably older. He was easygoing, always joking around, and bright, quick on his feet both in physical games and in making witty remarks. Though he liked to play tough, he was also really eager for approval and friendship, even from his "teachers" at the center.

One day Max saw Tris' car keys sticking out of her backpack. "Miss Prior!" he exclaimed. "Are those your keys? My friend's grandma has that same mean bird at their house!"

Tris looked and saw that he was pointing at the Albanian flag keychain that Tobias had put on her keys when he gave her the Jetta. "That's the flag of a country called Albania," Tris explained. "I'm moving there this summer after school gets out."

She pulled down the new world map that had been part of Tobias' purchases for the center and showed Max and the other assembled kids where Albania is in the world.

"I can find Chicago," said Suleymann, one of Max's friends. He pointed it out on the map and Tris affirmed the action with a smile and a nod.

"Have any of the rest of you lived somewhere else?" Tris asked.

"I used to live in Somalia," said Ibrahim, the new staff person. "Who knows where that is?"

"I lived there when I was a baby," said one of the bigger boys.

"My parents used to live there too," said another boy.

"My parents used to live in Syria," said another.

"My mom came from Mexico," said another kid.

Tris looked around the room at all the boys and girls. Most were Hispanic, but others were African or Middle Eastern. She was the only blonde in the room, something she had gotten used to in Albania and at the center. "Barbies" as the kids called her, were rare in that part of town.

For the most part the kids congregated with those who lived near them, and that usually meant those from the same ethnic enclave. A lot of their parents spoke little to no English, so families tended to choose housing near others who spoke the same language. Sometimes the teens and young adults in the neighborhood got into gangs, and those followed the same lines. Tris believed that if the kids learned to know and appreciate one another when they were young, they might avoid making that same choice when they were teens.