Dark Corners /// Fourtris AU

Chapter 3

November
The next few days seem to pass by agonizingly slow, and the clouded, grey disgusting weather wasn't much of a help. Of course, the weather was one of the many perks of the beautiful city of Chicago. Well, that and the winters that could freeze over hell. Lucky, a scatter of messages from a certain officer has been keeping me extremely warm and somewhat giggly over the past few days.

As I round the corner to the cafe, the wind bites at my already chapped cheeks, and I can feel my nose begin to run. The sweet aroma of Johanna's shop fills my nose and embraces me in it warm cloud of cinnamon and idle chatter. I run my sleeve over my face and tuck a loose strand of hair that has come loose from my braid back behind my ear. The shop is somewhat crowded, but all around me people are smiling and drinking their early morning coffees. I quickly take a spot in line and scan the menus for any new options available.

The line seems to move fairly quickly, and soon I'm at the front. Marlene, one of my favorite baristas, gives me a warm smile.

"Morning, Tris! What can I get for you today?" I offer her a quick smile back before scanning the list.

"How bout the Cinnamon Chai Latte, no foam, please." She nods and writes my name on a large cup next to her.

"One of these days, we're gonna get you fixed on coffee." I smirk and shake my head.

"I drink coffee for hangovers and finals, and luckily I only have to deal with one of those now." She laughs. Soon my order is filled, and I wave goodbye to Marlene as the door jingles shut behind me. The air is still cold and whipping at me, but the hot drink in my hand seems to be doing a bit better at warming me up.

By the time I reach the bar, it's nearly noon, and some customers have trickled in for an early lunch. I quickly strip off my coat and scarf and throw on my black apron, my hair, while still in my braid, letting out some wispys. Tori greets me with a nod, handing me a few glasses to dry.

"Just thought I should fair warn you, Eric mentioned something to me about his buddy Drew dropping by today with a few of of his friends." I let out a groan. Whenever Eric's "friends" seem to come into town, they always end up getting too rowdy, too drunk, and too handsy.

I can tell she sensed my discomfort, and she pats my shoulder sympathetically.

"Let's just hope we're extra busy tonight, ok?" I give her a tight lipped smile and nod.

The rest of the afternoon flies by, and before I know it the bar begins to fill up with the regulars. By seven, the room is pretty full, and so far the crowd is tame. What really catches my eye, though, is at around 7:30, I actually see a large gaggle of our regular officers off duty take a spot at one of the far booths, and my heart nearly jumps into my throat when I see that Tobias  is with them. I immediately pick up my pen and pad and start to make my way over to their booth. I notice Uriah is also among them, stuck between a man who looks extremely similar to him, and Tobias. Tobias smiles when he sees me coming closer, and I feel my cheeks burn up.

"Ok, boys, what'll it be?" They all look at one guy at the head of the booth. He seems a bit older than the rest of them, but still just as in shape. He smiles and nods at th large group.

"Well, we'll take a pitcher of Sam Addams and whatever you think in the best celebratory brew. Cuz we just had ourselves a good night, didn't we boys?" The booth erupts in yells and cheers, and I can't help by laugh.

"Coming right up. And hey, first ones on the house." They cheer again, and Tobias  is supporting the biggest grin. I wink at him, and his face goes crimson.

As I'm filling the pitchers, the door bangs open, and in stumbles Eric and a large group of me behind him. I freeze as they make their way over to the bar and take up most of the available stools. Eric grins when he sees me and leans over the counter.

"Tris! Just the lady we were looking for!" He practically yells, calling the attention of a few, especially Tobias. My face burns with embarrassment as I hand the pitchers over to Tori, directing her to the table of officers.

Eric leans back, swaying a bit. I can tell he's obviously pregamed before this, along with the smell of stale scotch on his breath.

"Gentlemen! Tris.....She's going to be our per-personal bartress for the evening." His small group laughs and catcalls, and I busy myself fixing the napkins on the bar.

"Eric, I have other customers, I can just-" he waves me off.

"Tori will cover you. Drew came especially for you! You don't want to be rude, do you?" He leans over, his face inches from mine and scowls. I swallow hard. I can't afford to lose this job, no matter how shitty. I slowly shake my head, and he leans back.

"Good girl. Now take our orders."

For the next half hour, they sit at the bar, chugging drink after drink and shot after shot. At some point, one of his buddies, Edward I think, leans over and throws up on the floor, forcing me to get on my hands and knees and scrub in front of everybody, humiliating me even further. I can barley stand to look over at Tobias's table, who Tori is graciously covering for me.

"Tris! Come here." Eric calls as I finish washing my hands. I slowly walk over, and he and Drew have seemed to have helped themselves to a bottle of tequila. Three shots sit in front of them, and they push one towards me.

"Come on, doll face, have a drink, relax with us." Drew slurs. I shake my head, pushing it back.

"I don't drink on the job, it's the rules. Eric's rules." He scoffs, shaking his head.

"Not gonna fire you over one shot. Unless you're refusing an order from your boss, then I might have to reconsider." He shoots me a knowing look. My heart is hammering, and I almost feel like I might cry. I slowly raise the shot to my mouth and take it in one go. It burns the entire way down, and I cringe so hard my face might bust. They refill their glasses and cheers, handing me another one. I shake my head and push it towards them.

"No Eric, I'm done please just let me-"

"Last one, and I'll let you go home, full pay." I stop, and I can tell even in his drunken stupor he's deadly serious. I look down at the small shot in front of me and shake my head. Closing my eyes, I drink it quickly, and once again cough at the burning sensation in my throat. They both cheer, and I slam the glass down hard.

"I'm going home. You can close up tonight." I say roughly. As I turn to leave, Drew reaches over the bar and grabs me around the waist, slipping his hand down to firmly grab my butt. I can't help but let out a strangled scream as he buries his face in my hair, whispering-

I'm stuck