HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. I know I haven't updated in like forever. I thought I'll upload a chapter on Christmas but couldn't, so I've come up with an extra long chapter for new year. The ending is pretty exciting, so let's move onto the story.
HAPPY READING...

TRIS POV

"TRIS!!," someone screams, waking me up from my peaceful slumber. I slowly open my eyes, squinting up at the source of the voice, till my gaze lands on a very frantic Marlene.

"What is it Mar?" I ask, sitting up in bed, my hands instinctively covering my eyes from the blaring sun.

"I need a huge favor," Mar says, drawing the curtains shut.

"Okay, what is it?" I ask, yawning. I glance at the clock on the bedside table, 5:30 AM. What favor would she possibly want at this time of the day?

"I might have promised Zeke and his friend a reservation at your Cafe," she murmurs.

"Ok, first of all, it's not my cafe. Second, what reservations?" I ask.

"Well, you do remember Zeke right?" I nod, "Your boyfriend's brother right? The less crazy one."

"Yea, that's him, though I'm not sure about the crazy part," she laughs.

"Well, he asked me if he knew any place for him and a friend of his to have a nice long talk. His friend just came back from New York after a long time, and he wanted to spend some time with him, but for some reason, he doesn't want to go outside. He prefers a quiet and secluded space, possibly indoors," she says, pacing back and forth. "I told him about Dàunté Cafe and that you worked there. So he asked me whether it was possible for you to arrange something for them and I agreed," she finishes, looking at me.

I just sit there quietly, trying to process all the information. Though I am a little mad at her for agreeing without talking to me first, I do not have the energy to blame her or criticize her this early in the morning, especially after such a long night. I could easily arrange a nice and secluded place in the cafe for Zeke and his friend, there is a little space towards the back end of the cafe where I could fit them in just fine.

The only obstruction here is Eric - he will not allow a special reservation without a little extra payment for him, and if he comes to know that it's from me, the cost is just gonna double. That's It!!

"Mar, I've got it, " I say.

"Eric will not be at the cafe today for almost an hour or something. He has to go out today at 4:30. I heard him asking Al to take care of everything  till he comes back. If you can get Zeke and his friend to come to the cafe at 4:30, I can arrange them a quiet little place, " I say, smiling.

"That's perfect Tris, " Marlene shrieks, a little too loudly.

"Quiet Mar, you do not want to wake up Tori. An angry Tori is never good, " I laugh.

"One more thing, they will be having very less time. Probably an hour and a half maximum before Eric comes back, " I add.

"That's okay. I'll tell them to be on time. Just give me a minute, I have to tell Zeke the great news," she says, rushing off.

Wrapping the blanket around myself, I get up and open the curtains. The warmth of the sun, through the window, soothes me. It has been a pretty long night. The memories of the bonfire automatically bring a smile to my face. Everyone fit in just perfectly. Each and every person there was like a piece to a puzzle.

My thoughts go back to Mar. Uriah is just perfect for her. He may be a little crazy, but anyone can see that he really adores her. Though I don't know much about Zeke and Shauna, they are amazing people. And Four... Four is the one I am still trying to figure out. He is a star, world-famous singer, yet he doesn't seem happy. He is pretty closed off about life apart from his music. Something seems off about him, whether in a good way or bad, I am not sure.

"Tris, " Marlene screams, running towards me, wrapping me in a bear hug.

"He has agreed to come by at 4:30. Thank you so much, " she says.

"Your welcome Mar, " I say, hugging her back.

"Now get out of the house and get to work. I have to freshen up and head to work, " I laugh pushing her out the door.

"Bye Tris, thank you so much," she yells, going downstairs. I laugh, heading to my closet and picking out some clothes.

      XXXX      XXXX      XXXX      XXXX      XXXX

Work is hectic today. Serving the customers, while keeping an eye out for Eric and waiting for Zeke to show up is pretty tiring. As it becomesaround  4:00, my mind starts racing, imagining all the worst possible scenarios. What if Eric doesn't leave, what if Zeke shows up early, what if Eric decides to come back early, so many if's. Around 4:15, Eric goes back to his office and comes out with his bag and coat. I sigh, smiling as he goes over to Al before heading out. As soon as I hear his car starting, I go over to Al to let him know about Zeke.

"Hey Al," I say.

"Hey, Tris. What's up? Haven't heard from you today. Is everything alright?" he asks.

"I am fine. I just had to help a friend out. He wanted a quiet place for him and his friend to talk and I thought that the small pit area behind the cafe would be the best choice," I say.

"I heard that Eric won't be here for some time, so I told them to swing by," I say.

"I don't know Tris, what if Eric catches you. You know he doesn't like anyone going back there," he says, doubt and worry filling his features.

"I know Al, I will make sure that they leave before Eric gets back. Promise," I say.

"Okay, I am gonna trust you with this, Tris," he says.

"You won't regret it, " I promise him before going towards the pit area. I set up the table with a clean cloth and two glasses. Now all I have to do is wait for them to arrive. My phone buzzes in my pocket.

"Hey Tris, this is Zeke. Marlene gave me your number, " Zeke says.

"Hey, Zeke. Yes, Mar told me that you would be coming by. Have you reached?" I ask him.

"Yep. We have reached. We are outside the cafe. I just wanted to know if there are many people in the cafe?" he enquires.

"Oh, if you want, I can open the back door for you. You can enter that way," I say, reaching into the key holder and grabbing the key set.

"That would be amazing. Thank you, " he says.

"Just come around the back of the cafe and I'll let you in, " I tell him, as I open up the back door.

"Sure, be right there, " he says before hanging up. I pat down my uniform, tucking in loose strands of my hair neatly back, as I wait for them. Pretty soon, I see two figures nearing the cafe. As their faces become visible, I see Zeke, wearing a light grey top with a leather jacket, trailed by... Four. So this is why Zeke wanted a secluded place, to avoid paparazzi.

"Hey Tris, " Zeke says, giving me a hug.

"Hey, " I say.

"Hey Tris, " Four says, extending his hand.

"Hey Four, " I say, returning the gesture. He wears a simple blue shirt, defining his arms and muscles.

"Thank you so much, Tris. Mar had told me about your boss, so it really means a lot to us that you're doing this, " he says.

"Anytime Zeke. I'm happy to help, " I smile.

"Well then, let's go, " Zeke says. I lead them towards the small table I've set up. I take their orders after they settle down.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone. I'll be back with your order soon, " I say, leaving them alone.

The next one hour goes by smoothly. They seem to be lost in their own world. I tend to the other customers, checking in on them once in a while to see if they need anything. Around 5:45, I go over and see that they are getting ready to leave.

"Hey. I was just about to come to call you, " Zeke says, noticing me.

"We were just finishing up," he says.

"Well, I hope you got everything you needed," I say.

"Everything and more. This was amazing. It was just perfect. All thanks to you Tris, " he says, thanking me.

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves," I smile.

"Isn't it time for your boss to return?" Zeke asks me. I nod, glancing towards the door.

"So, that's our cue to leave. Come on Four, let's go. Thank you again, Tris, " Zeke says.

"Also, save my number Tris, and hit me up if you need anything," he shouts, walking towards his car. Four lingers by the door, his hands stuffed in his jeans pocket.

"Four? You alright?" I ask, heading towards him.

"Yea, I'm good. I was just waiting to talk to you. I wanted to ask you something, " he says.

"Sure, go ahead, " I say.

"Well, I still owe you big time. You got chewed out by that boss of yours that day because of me, " he says, guiltily.

"No, no Four. It wasn't your fault at all. My boss just wanted some reason to shout at me, and I gave him that reason, so he took it. You didn't do anything wrong, " I assure him.

"Maybe, but I still want to make it up to you," he says.

"Are you free this Friday? I thought maybe we could grab dinner somewhere, my treat, " he says, rubbing the back of his neck. I stare at him for a minute before answering.

" Four, you don't have to do that, " I say.

"I don't have to, I want to, " he says. "So, are you in?" he asks.

"Well, if you insist. Sure, I'm in," I say, smiling.

"Great, I'll get your number from Zeke and you can send me your location. Is that ok?" he asks.

"Yeah cool, " I reply.

"Great. So I'll see you on Friday then, " he smiles.

"Friday it is. Bye, " I say.

"Bye Tris, " he says, smiling at me before walking away into the dark. I stand there for a minute staring into the night sky as my mind process everything that's happened.

'AM I REALLY GOING TO DINNER WITH THE WORLD-FAMOUS SINGER, FOUR'

"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well."
- Josh Billings

Hey guys. Finally, the chapter is up. Unfortunately, my editor is pretty busy, so I've edited this chapter myself. If I've missed something out, do let me know. And pls do vote if you liked the chapter. Am I going too fast with their relationship? Do let me know your opinions.

To be very honest, I used to be the kind of person who never took the time to vote for a chapter. I used to be so lost in the book that I often forget to vote. But now as a writer, I understand the hard work that goes on to upload a single chapter. Now I vote for every chapter I read and have also gone back to my favorite books just to give for the chapters. So, if you like the chapter, please do vote. Love you all.

BE BRAVE ♥️♥️