Disremembered (Fourtris story)

Chapter: 29 An Awkward Dinner

Chapter: 29 An Awkward Dinner

*Tobias POV*

The last couple of weeks have been a blur. I have been concentrating on work, and also making it a point to spend more time with my coworkers. I remember what Zeke said, which makes perfect sense – he is not going to stay at the bureau forever. His life with Shauna is back in Chicago with their families. So I am branching out.

Josh is a great guy, and I am always interested to hear how it is going with him and his wife. He and Zeke actually get along really well too. Josh's wife, Amy, has a lot of opinions about my situation with Tris, as many people at the bureau do, most of whom are complete strangers to me. Every time Amy sees me, she asks if I have come to my senses and won Tris back yet. I just smile politely and change the subject. I understand her bias, I am guessing she can't imagine her life if Josh had just shrugged her off, and had been unwilling to try. I also remind myself – Josh and Amy are married.

I am also still attending my rehabilitation testing program. Nita and I have been good, I still can't shake the feeling that she now wants more from me. More than friendship. I have chosen to ignore the little comments she makes, or the way she looks at me at times. I just don't see her in that way. The more I think about the time she kissed me, I realize I felt uncomfortable. I for sure didn't feel a romantic connection with her. I didn't even know Tris was alive when it happened, so it does not relate to my past either.

I do genuinely like Nita as a friend and only as a friend. I hope she will accept how I feel soon.

As I am walking through the halls I see Zeke across the way, "Hey Zeke! How is it going?" I call to him.

He smiles and runs over to me. "I was just about to stop by your apartment. I wanted to invite you to a group dinner, 7pm sharp. I know things are a little awkward with some of us since Tris returned – but we should be able to still enjoy a meal together. I don't like the divide that has formed. We have all been through too much to be playing #TeamTris versus #TeamTobias games."

My face falls as I think of the last time I saw Tris, it was two days ago that we ran into each other in the atrium. I think Zeke was right, he warned me that she would only take so much, before giving up on me. She seems to be really done. She just could not wait to get away from me. I guess this is for the best. Now if only the other people in my life could accept it.

"Tobias?" Zeke interrupts my thoughts, "Dinner?"

"Thank you for the invitation but I was scheduled for overtime this evening, for a shift that starts earlier than my usual. So I won't be able to make dinner." I say sadly. I would have liked to see everyone, maybe next time I think.

+o++o++o++o+

*Tris POV*

"Are you sure Four is not going to be at this dinner?" I ask Christina, for the third time.

"Tris, come on. I will say it one more time – Zeke did invite him but he has to work. So no, he will not be there. You are always hiding out in your fabulous apartment, but you need to get out and socialize with your friends. Don't let him chase you off!" she says, giving me a hard look.

I know she is right. But I still have to be honest with myself that as hard as I am trying to let him go, I still love him. Maybe I always will. I did not tell anyone about what I heard Nita discussing in the bathroom a couple of weeks ago, that he had spent the night with her. I know I have to accept it, but I have no desire to think about it, let alone say it outloud. I am still at the point that it pains me to be around him, while not having him in my life. Maybe one day...I will be able to see him as just a friend? A new friend, as he really is not my ex-boyfriend – not without his memories. I need to move forward.