The Binder

The faint chime of a notification interrupted the quiet morning as Zeb stirred awake in his modest apartment. Still groggy, he reached for his phone on the small, cluttered bedside table. Blinking to clear his vision, he opened the notification. It was a message from Zayn.

Playboy Brother:

Hey brother! The time is 11:00 AM, near the fountain at the center of Lustre Galleria Grande's ground floor. Her name is Suzi. My mom's friend's friend promised to send her picture soon. I'll forward it when it comes so you'll know who you're meeting. See you later! Fighting! 🥴

Zeb sighed as he read the message, his brow furrowing at the teasing emoji Zayn had added at the end. "He's really enjoying this," Zeb muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

Setting his phone aside, he chose not to dwell on the text. Instead, he began his usual morning routine. He tidied up the small studio apartment, wiping down surfaces and organizing his belongings. Afterward, he did a short workout—push-ups, crunches, and some stretches to ease the stiffness in his back from yesterday's tumble. Finally, he hit the shower, letting the warm water wash away the last traces of sleep.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city...

In a cozy yet refined two-story house, Sabrina, a middle-aged woman, sat at the dining table across from her daughter, Suzi. The house, while not extravagant, reflected a life of modest comfort—tastefully decorated with soft hues, functional furniture, and framed family photos lining the walls.

"Suzi, just this once," Sabrina urged, her tone gentle but persistent. "I'm really indebted to my friend for everything she's done for me over the years. Agreeing to this blind date is a small way to repay her kindness."

Suzi frowned, stirring her cup of tea absentmindedly. "Mom, you know I'm not into this kind of thing. Blind dates? Really?"

"I know, I know," Sabrina replied, reaching across the table to pat her daughter's hand. "But it's just one meeting. You don't have to marry the guy—just show up, have a decent conversation, and call it a day. It'll be good experience for you, too."

"Experience?" Suzi raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

Sabrina gave her an exasperated look, though her affection for her daughter was evident. "Yes, experience. It won't hurt to step out of your comfort zone for once. And my friend assured me he's a decent man, from a respectable background."

Suzi sighed, leaning back in her chair. She knew her mother's tone well—this wasn't just about the date. It was about Sabrina's loyalty to her lifelong friend, a debt of gratitude Sabrina had carried for years. Suzi could see how much this meant to her mother.

"Fine," she relented, crossing her arms. "I'll go. But only this once, and don't expect me to start liking these setups."

Sabrina's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, sweetheart. That's all I ask."

As Suzi stood to leave the room, Sabrina's phone buzzed. A message from her friend had arrived, detailing the time and location of the date: Lustre Galleria Grande, 11:00 AM, near the central fountain.

"Perfect," Sabrina murmured to herself, quickly saving the details. She didn't notice Suzi pause in the doorway, glancing back at her mother with a small, reluctant smile.

At Alice's apartment...

Alice sat at her vanity, meticulously applying a layer of lipstick while Suzi explained the situation. Alice was a beauty in her own right, though not on the same level as Suzi. Her appeal lay in her sharp features and bold sense of style, but her attitude gave her an unmistakable edge. She had a sharp tongue and a critical eye, often evaluating people based on their looks, wealth, and social standing. Alice was known for her experience with dating and her unapologetic approach to relationships, often giving Suzi advice that bordered on cynical.

"So let me get this straight," Alice said, narrowing her eyes at Suzi. "You're going on some blind date with a guy your mom's friend recommended? And you're doing this just because your mom begged you to?"

"Yes," Suzi replied, her voice calm but uncertain. "It's a favor to my mom. She's really loyal to her friends, and I couldn't say no."

Alice let out a sharp laugh. "Ugh, Suzi, you're too nice for your own good. If it were me, I'd have told my mom to deal with her 'debt of gratitude' some other way. Blind dates are for people who can't find anyone on their own."

Suzi flinched slightly but maintained her composure. She knew Alice's bluntness was just her way.

"Still," Alice continued, flicking her hair over her shoulder, "you've already agreed, so you might as well make the most of it. What do you even know about this guy? Is he rich? Hot? Or is this one of those charity cases where they're trying to set you up with some loser?"

Suzi frowned slightly, disliking the way Alice talked, but she decided to ignore it. "I don't know much about him. My mom's friend said he's a good man, but I don't have any details yet. I just want to go and not embarrass my mom."

Alice rolled her eyes but smirked. "You're too pure for this world. Fine. I'll help you out, but only because I can't stand the thought of you going into this clueless. First, we need to talk about your outfit. You need to look expensive. No guy worth your time is going to look twice at you if you show up in something cheap or boring."

"Expensive?" Suzi echoed. "I was thinking of wearing something simple and elegant."

"Simple doesn't cut it," Alice said with a dismissive wave. "Trust me, you need to dress to impress. I've got some accessories you can borrow to make it pop. And for the love of everything, make sure your shoes match your bag. Little details like that matter to the kind of guy you want to catch."

Suzi nodded hesitantly, unsure how much of Alice's advice she wanted to take. "Alright, I'll do my best. But, Alice, could you maybe... tone it down a little? I don't want to come across as trying too hard."

Alice sighed dramatically but relented. "Fine, fine. Just don't make me regret helping you. And one more thing—if this guy turns out to be broke or a total disaster, don't even bother being polite. Walk away. Your time is way too valuable for that."

Suzi had invited Alice over to her home for some much-needed help with the preparations. Alice arrived with an arsenal of dresses, shoes, and accessories, ready to transform Suzi for her blind date.

Now, Suzi stood in front of her mirror, wearing a pastel sundress Alice had picked out. The carefully chosen accessories complemented her look perfectly. She added a touch of light makeup and pulled her hair back into a simple yet elegant style.

Alice, sitting on Suzi's bed with her arms crossed, gave an approving nod. "Alright, not bad," she said with a sly grin. "You're finally starting to look like someone who knows her worth. But remember, Suzi, it's not just about the looks. It's about attitude. You're a prize, not some charity case."

Suzi sighed, adjusting her earrings. "Alice, I'm not trying to play games with anyone. I just want to be myself."

Alice rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a warm smile tugging at her lips. "And that's exactly why I'm coming with you. You're too sweet for your own good, Suzi. If this guy turns out to be a creep or tries to pull anything, I'll handle it. Think of me as your wingwoman—and your shield."

Suzi looked at Alice through the mirror, her lips curving into a small smile. "Thanks, Alice. I guess it'll be nice to have someone I trust there."

Alice stood and placed a hand on Suzi's shoulder, meeting her gaze with a smirk. "Exactly. We're in this together. Now let's show this guy he's lucky to even meet you."

The two exchanged a knowing look before breaking into laughter. It felt more like two close sisters preparing for battle than just a friend helping with a date. As they walked out the door, their shared giggles filled the room, a mix of nerves and excitement.

The Lustre Galleria Grande was bustling with activity, its polished marble floors gleaming under the glow of cascading chandeliers. The air was filled with the soft hum of chatter and the occasional clink of heels against stone. Suzi and Alice walked side by side, their contrasting styles drawing subtle attention from passersby.

Alice, dressed in a chic outfit that exuded confidence, scanned the crowd casually but purposefully. "Alright, Suzi, let's take a quick look around. It's always good to have the upper hand going in," she said with a small smile.

Suzi adjusted her grip on her small purse, the gentle clatter of her heels barely audible against the mall's ambient noise. "Alice, you make it sound like we're going into battle. It's just a blind date," she said, her voice tinged with nervousness.

Alice's smile softened. "I know, Suzi, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Besides, I'm just here to keep an eye on things."

Meanwhile, at another part of the mall, Zeb leaned against a sleek pillar near the fountain, glancing at his phone. Earlier, Zayn had sent him a picture of Suzi with a teasing message:

Playboy Brother: "Hey, got the pic of Suzi. Told ya she's a good-looking one. Be nice, okay? And maybe try not to look like you just rolled out of bed for once. Fighting! 😜"

Zeb chuckled at the text and shook his head. He had taken Zayn's advice—or as close to it as Zeb ever did. He wore a plain button-up shirt and fitted jeans, clean and simple but still a step up from his usual laid-back attire. He glanced at the picture one more time. She was undeniably pretty, with a soft elegance that stood out even in a simple photo.

When Suzi and Alice arrived at the fountain, Suzi noticed him first. He was tall, his casual outfit understated but well put together.

"That him?" Alice whispered, nudging Suzi with a slight smile.

"I think so," Suzi replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alice tilted her head, giving Zeb a quick, subtle assessment. His outfit, while decent, didn't impress her much, but she kept her thoughts to herself. He's alright, I guess, she thought. But let's see if he's got more to him than just looks.

The two approached Zeb, Suzi slowing slightly as they neared. It was Alice who broke the silence. "Excuse me, are you waiting for someone?" she asked politely, her tone warm but controlled.

Zeb looked up from his phone, a hint of surprise flickering across his face before he smiled. "Yes, actually. Are you Suzi?"

Before Suzi could reply, Alice stepped in lightly. "And you are?" she asked with an easy smile, extending a hand.

"I'm Zeb," he said, shaking her hand before glancing at Suzi with a friendly expression.

"Nice to meet you, Zeb," Alice said smoothly. "I'm Alice, Suzi's friend. Just thought I'd tag along to make sure everything goes well."

Zeb met Suzi's gaze, and she gave him an apologetic smile. "I hope you don't mind," she said softly. "Alice wanted to come."

"No problem at all," Zeb replied with a light chuckle. "It's nice to meet you both."

Alice watched him closely, her sharp instincts quietly evaluating his demeanor. Not bad, he seems polite enough, she thought, her eyes flicking over his outfit and posture. But I hope he also has the money and isn't just some broke guy pretending to be decent. Suzi deserves better than that.

Suzi, sensing the subtle tension, nudged Alice gently and smiled. "Let's sit by the fountain," she suggested, hoping to break the ice and lighten the mood.

Alice raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Sit here? Suzi, it's almost lunchtime. We should be dining, not loitering around a fountain."

Suzi blinked, clearly caught off guard by Alice's bold suggestion. Her cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment. "Alice..." she began, her tone a mixture of nervousness and a plea to be more subtle.

Zeb checked the time on his phone, realizing it was indeed nearing lunchtime. He decided to go along with Alice's suggestion, seeing it as an opportunity to take charge of the situation. "You're right," he said with a polite nod toward Alice. "It's a good time to grab something to eat. Let's head to a restaurant."

Both women nodded, and Zeb gestured for them to lead the way. As they walked, he recalled Zayn's advice about being prepared for a fine-dining experience. Seeing the elegance of their dresses—both of which looked expensive—Zeb decided to stick with the plan Zayn had laid out.

"I know a place that's pretty nice," Zeb said as they approached the escalators. "It's got great reviews, and I think you'll both like it."

Suzi glanced at Alice nervously, still a bit mortified by how forward her friend had been. But Alice looked completely at ease, clearly unbothered by any awkwardness her comment might have caused.

"Well, lead the way," Alice said with a confident smile, her tone suggesting she expected nothing less than the best.

As Zeb guided them toward the fine-dining restaurant, Suzi took a deep breath to steady herself. She hoped the lunch would go smoothly and that Alice's boldness wouldn't overshadow the meeting entirely.

As they walked toward the escalators, the brothers were quietly positioned at different corners of the mall, blending into the crowd like ordinary passersby. They had their own roles to play in this setup. Zeb, although unaware, was the reason they were here today, and they had been instructed to keep a close watch on the situation.

Dressed casually, they moved with purpose but stayed far enough apart to avoid drawing attention. Occasionally, one would pause to examine a shop window or pretend to be checking their phone, keeping a casual air while observing Zeb and the girls discreetly.

Though they blended in, a few shoppers glanced their way, noticing their sharp attention to the group of three. But the brothers quickly turned their focus elsewhere, maintaining their cover. Their goal was clear—to stay under the radar while ensuring that everything unfolded according to the plan.

At times, one of them would glance at Zeb, mentally noting his movements as he led Suzi and Alice toward the restaurant. Everything seemed normal, but they couldn't afford to miss anything.

Back near the fountain, where the girls had been talking to Zeb moments ago, one of the brothers positioned himself just out of view, pretending to linger near the café while his eyes discreetly followed the trio's every move.

As Alice, Suzi, and Zeb walked ahead, the brothers kept their distance, still making sure to stay on the move without causing suspicion. This was part of the plan, a quiet surveillance as they ensured everything stayed on track for the day's mission.