The Binder

While heading to the restaurant...

Zeb walked slightly ahead of the girls, his posture casual but alert. From the tiny earpiece Ruzzel had given him earlier for their "covert operation," he suddenly heard a voice crackling through with unnecessary dramatics.

Ruzzel: "Target is heading to Plan A location. I repeat, Plan A is in motion." His tone mimicked a military officer's, full of exaggerated authority.

Zeb stifled a groan. Ruzzel's antics were the last thing he needed right now, especially while trying to make a good impression. Plan A was Zayn's suggestion—a fine restaurant suitable for Suzi's elegant appearance. Plan B, the fallback, was a cozy café nearby.

Marcus: "Copy that," he chimed in, his voice deliberately deep to match Ruzzel's tone.

Zayn: "Copy. Proceed as planned," Zayn added, trying (and failing) to sound professional.

Zeb rolled his eyes discreetly, careful not to let his companions notice. He adjusted the earpiece and sighed inwardly.

Ruzzel: "Observations so far: The girl in the pastel dress seems kind and innocent. But the friend? Definitely peppery," Ruzzel teased, his voice laced with amusement.

Marcus: "Agree. Classic hot-and-cold dynamic. But it adds flavor."

Ruzzel: "Flavor, huh? Speaking of dynamics, I think Zayn could be a husband in a month at this rate."

Zeb nearly choked at the comment but maintained his composure, glancing over at Suzi and Alice, who were chatting quietly as they walked.

Zayn: "Hey, hey! Don't just decide things like that. The sun's still up, and the day's just started!" Zayn's voice cracked slightly, a clear sign of his embarrassment.

Ruzzel: "Husband Zayn, you might as well start brainstorming baby names. Be prepared, right?"

Marcus: "A solid backup plan for sure."

Ruzzel: "Poor Zeb, though. He's the one who has to pull this off while we sit here and play Cupid. And poor Suzi—how're we supposed to explain this entire covert setup if this turns into something serious? What's the plan then, Commander Zayn?"

Zayn: "Why are you acting like I'm already at the altar? Chill!"

Marcus: "To be fair, if anyone's suffering here, it's Zeb. Between Alice's sharp eyes and your endless teasing, he might actually bolt before dessert."

Ruzzel laughed, his voice softening slightly. "Relax, Zeb's got this. He's handled tougher situations. Although, if Alice picks up on this earpiece, we're all doomed."

Zeb subtly cleared his throat, masking a smile. "You guys done yet?" he muttered under his breath, trying not to look conspicuous.

Ruzzel: "Alright, alright, muting myself. For now. Good luck out there, soldier."

Marcus: "Don't trip on the way in."

Zayn: "You'll do fine, Zeb. Just... don't mess it up."

The line went silent, and Zeb allowed himself a quick exhale of relief. The ridiculous banter from his brothers, though annoying, had managed to lighten the tension in his chest.

He glanced back briefly, catching Suzi's warm smile and Alice's sharp, observant gaze. Whatever happened next, he knew one thing for sure: his brothers would never let him hear the end of it.

As Zeb walked a few steps ahead of the girls, he couldn't help but overhear snippets of their peaceful conversation. Their voices were light and carefree, as though they were simply enjoying a casual walk in the park. It amazed him how women could adapt so seamlessly. The tense atmosphere from earlier had melted into something so nonchalant, it was almost enviable. Women are women, Zeb thought, shaking his head slightly.

Despite their calm demeanor, Zeb could still feel the weight of their gazes on his back. It wasn't overt, but it was enough to make a subtle shiver run down his spine. He slipped his hands into his pockets, brushing his wallet and phone absentmindedly, silently praying they wouldn't notice his unease.

From time to time, Suzi's eyes wandered to Zeb's broad back. There was something about him—his simple demeanor, his politeness, and even the way he walked with a quiet confidence—that caught her attention. He's not exactly flashy, she thought, but he's kind of handsome in his own way.

Alice, on the other hand, had a different train of thought altogether. Though her face remained composed and friendly, her sharp mind was running an entirely separate commentary. Hmm, tall, decent looks, and he carries himself well... but what's with that outfit? Her eyes scanned his clothes, unimpressed. No brand, no effort—this is what he shows up in? Does he even know what kind of occasion this is? And those shoes... cheap, for sure. She let out a small sigh, barely audible. If he doesn't pick a good restaurant after all this, I'll really have something to say.

As they neared the restaurant entrance, Zeb caught sight of the illuminated gold signage: "Celestia Grand Dining." The elegant cursive letters glimmered under the soft glow of ornate sconces lining the entryway. The restaurant was known for its impeccable service, an exquisite menu curated by award-winning chefs, and a clientele list that read like a who's who of the celebrity world.

Alice raised an eyebrow, her earlier judgment softening. Well, well... maybe he does know a thing or two.

As they approached the entrance of Celestia Grand Dining, a waitress dressed in an immaculately pressed uniform immediately stepped forward to greet them. Her sharp eyes took in the two women's striking appearances and elegant attire. With a slight but knowing smile—reserved for high-profile customers—she gestured gracefully, "This way, please."

Suzi and Alice followed the waitress, the latter catching the subtle change in tone. Looks like they know how to treat their VIPs here, Alice thought, nodding in approval.

Zeb trailed behind, trying to appear nonchalant as he took in the opulent surroundings. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden light over the polished marble floors. Plush seating and finely set tables whispered sophistication, while a faint symphony of classical music floated through the air. A part of him wanted to admire the place openly, but he quickly swallowed that urge.

Instead, he muttered under his breath, "Zayn, my boy, your card's gonna bleed today." His tone was light, even teasing, but there was a grain of truth in it. Zeb and the brothers all knew that Zayn could handle this expense with ease. Zayn's financial prowess, a byproduct of his knack for deals and investments, was never in question. To him, this was just a meal—an extravagant one, sure—but nothing his allowance couldn't absorb. Still, even Zayn would probably have to trim a bit on his spending this month.

For Zeb, though, this level of luxury was something else entirely. This isn't just about the food; it's the service, the ambiance... Heck, they probably charge you for the air here.

He resisted the urge to let out a long sigh and instead pressed the button on his concealed earpiece. "Zayn, brother, you really went all out for this lunch."

The response was immediate, with Ruzzel's teasing tone cutting through the line. "What's the matter, Zeb? Feeling the weight of luxury?"

Marcus chimed in with a chuckle, "Better hope they don't order the lobster souffle."

Zayn's voice, ever the calm playboy, followed with a sly edge, "Don't worry, Zeb. Just act cool. You're their knight for the afternoon, remember?"

The series of jabs and laughter from his brothers was enough to bring a small smirk to Zeb's face. "Yeah, yeah. Keep laughing while it's your card that's crying," he muttered back before disconnecting momentarily.

As they were seated at an elegantly set table, the waitress handed out menus with precision and care, the gold lettering on the covers gleaming under the soft light. Zeb, taking his seat, made a deliberate effort not to glance at the menu immediately. Instead, he leaned back slightly and gestured toward the girls.

"Go ahead, choose what you'd like first," he said casually, the words a calculated move suggested earlier by his brothers. Act like you know what you're doing, they'd said. The trick is confidence.

Suzi opened the menu with a smile, her eyes scanning the options, while Alice gave Zeb a fleeting, curious glance before doing the same.

Unbeknownst to them, Zeb's fingers twitched slightly under the table. He could only hope that whatever they picked wouldn't turn into a financial horror story—even if he knew Zayn could handle it, this was still a level of opulence that Zeb couldn't help but be wary of.

Just seeing the menu, Suzi's eyes widened in disbelief. Her gaze flitted across the prices:

Wagyu Ribeye Steak - $375

Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass - $195

Lobster Thermidor - $250

She couldn't help but hesitate, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of the menu. Ridiculous prices stared back at her, making her question if this was truly okay. Though her family was well-off and could be considered comfortably above average, this level of luxury was entirely foreign to her. Unable to contain her growing doubt, she kept glancing at Zeb with wide, questioning eyes, silently asking, Are you sure about this?

Alice, meanwhile, was handling the situation in her usual composed manner. Her eyes scanned the menu, lingering briefly on the luxurious descriptions and prices, but there was no hesitation in her demeanor. Expected, she thought. This is a date, after all, and a proper one should look like this. While she was impressed by the opulence of the menu, she also couldn't help but steal a glance at Zeb. Did he really plan this? she wondered, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. His simple outfit seemed to clash with the grandeur of the restaurant, but his calm demeanor almost had her convinced he was used to this level of luxury. Confident, huh? she thought. Shrugging internally, she decided not to dwell on it too much. After all, I'm not the one paying for this. Smirking slightly, she relished the opportunity to enjoy such a lavish experience.

Zeb, on the other hand, was on a completely different wavelength. The girls' gazes hadn't gone unnoticed, and curiosity tugged at him. He leaned forward and finally opened the menu. The moment his eyes landed on the prices, his heart sank.

What the hell? he thought, his mind staggering for a moment. How do they even come up with these prices? Each item seemed more outrageous than the last. A crisp, silent curse echoed in his head as he fought to keep his composure.

The sharp intake of breath he'd instinctively made caught the girls' attention, their eyes darting toward him. Realizing his reaction had been noticed, Zeb quickly covered his shock with a deliberate cough. "Ahem," he cleared his throat, pretending to take a casual sip of water. He glanced back at the girls, offering a small smile that he hoped looked confident.

"You guys just go ahead and order," he said smoothly, gesturing toward their menus as though he was perfectly at ease. The movement was seamless, his tone light, but inside, his mind was spiraling. Zayn, you idiot, he thought bitterly, your wallet's going to bleed out for this one. Thank goodness you've got the funds for it.

Though Zeb knew his brother Zayn had the financial muscle to handle this meal, the sheer extravagance of it all still felt absurd to him. For Zayn, this might just mean cutting back on a luxury purchase or two this month, but for Zeb, it was a glimpse into a world he rarely touched. Still, with the girls watching and the atmosphere so refined, he silently vowed to play his role well.

Suzi, reassured by Zeb's apparent confidence, reluctantly decided to pick something from the menu, still feeling a little out of her depth. Alice, on the other hand, leaned back slightly, clearly more at ease, her eyes glinting with curiosity as she observed Zeb. Maybe he's not as simple as he looks, she thought, intrigued.

Zeb's internal monologue, however, told a very different story. Smooth, Zeb. Just keep it together.

The waitress stood at the side, maintaining a polite smile as she waited patiently for their orders. Her professional demeanor was honed over years of serving an elite clientele, and her experience had taught her not to judge based on appearances. She'd seen every kind of customer walk through the doors of Celestia Grand Dining. There were those who arrived adorned in luxury from head to toe, only to order the simplest items on the menu, and then there were others—unassuming in their plain attire—who ordered extravagantly, their quiet demeanor betraying a life of immense wealth. It's not my place to assume anything, she thought, effortlessly slipping into her role.

Suzi, hesitating for a moment, was about to place her order. She'd been scanning the menu carefully, her choice hovering over the more modestly priced options. She wasn't comfortable splurging, even if Zeb seemed confident. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Alice interjected smoothly, her voice confident and clear.

"Hey, sister!" Alice addressed the waitress with a casual familiarity, causing Suzi to pause mid-thought. "What dishes would you recommend for us?"

The waitress, unfazed, immediately launched into her well-rehearsed suggestions. "If you're looking for a complete experience, I'd recommend the Wagyu Ribeye Steak for three, cooked to perfection and paired with truffle mash and roasted vegetables. For sides, our Lobster Thermidor is a guest favorite, along with the Porcini Mushroom Risotto. To elevate the meal, a bottle of Château Margaux would be the perfect complement." Her tone was effortless, as though she were describing everyday dishes at a local diner rather than a meal that could rival someone's monthly rent.

She couldn't be blamed for suggesting the most luxurious items on the menu—it was her job, after all. Besides, she had long since stopped trying to predict how customers might react to such recommendations. In her experience, some clients in designer suits would shy away from premium dishes, while others in unassuming attire would order without a second thought, casually waving off bills that could fund a small vacation. For all she knew, this trio fit the latter profile, and she wasn't about to second-guess them.

Suzi's eyes widened as the waitress continued listing the recommendations, each one pricier than the last. She couldn't help but mentally calculate the cost. That steak alone is over a thousand dollars! Her heart raced as she stole a glance at Zeb, who sat across from her.

Zeb, on the other hand, was fighting an entirely different battle. Hearing the extravagant suggestions, he felt like he was sitting on scorching asphalt in the middle of a blazing summer day. Zayn, you absolute maniac, he thought, his body stiffening under the pressure. Every word from the waitress felt like a blow to his rapidly dwindling composure. Why didn't you warn me this place was basically a luxury black hole?

But what shook him even more was Alice's shameless demeanor. She didn't so much as glance at him for approval before nodding at the waitress as though Zeb's wallet had infinite depth. Her expression remained cool, unbothered, and entirely confident in the moment.

"That sounds perfect," Alice said with a bright smile, her tone leaving no room for objection. "Let's go with your recommendations."

Suzi, now thoroughly flustered, glanced at Zeb again. Her eyes held a mixture of panic and apology, silently asking, Is this really okay?

Zeb forced a smile, trying his best to appear calm. "Sounds good," he said, though the words felt like sandpaper leaving his throat. He reached for his glass of water, taking a long sip to mask his inner turmoil. Smooth, Zeb, he thought bitterly. You're absolutely nailing it.

As the waitress finalized their order and left the table, Zeb leaned back slightly, his mind racing. Zayn better be ready for this bill, because no way am I covering this insanity.

Alice, oblivious—or perhaps indifferent—to Zeb's inner crisis, seemed perfectly content, her head held high as she surveyed the elegant surroundings. Meanwhile, Suzi fidgeted slightly, her face a mix of worry and guilt as she quietly resolved to make up for this generosity later.

While Zeb was worrying about the extravagant meal, the other three brothers were having the time of their lives in the covert operation. Ruzzel and Marcus couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation, their teasing voices buzzing through Zeb's earphones.

"Man, I can almost taste that Wagyu from here," Ruzzel joked. "Zayn, you're really rolling out the red carpet for your future sister-in-law, huh?"

"Future sister-in-law?" Marcus chimed in, feigning shock. "At this rate, Zayn, you might as well book the wedding venue."

Zayn, the unlucky financier of this escapade, groaned audibly. "You guys have no idea. This isn't just a meal—it's a chunk of my allowance!"

Although Zayn's family was wealthy, they weren't at the level of tycoons, and his allowance was strictly monitored. He could only spend so much before his parents would raise an eyebrow. It's for the future, Zayn kept telling himself, trying to stave off the internal panic. If this works out, it'll all be worth it… right?

Meanwhile, at the table, Zeb decided to shift the conversation away from the wallet-crushing meal. With a casual smile, he turned to the girls. "So, how do you two know each other?"

Suzi answered first, her tone plain but polite. "We're best friends. We've known each other since college."

"What college?" Zeb asked, genuinely curious.

"Rivermount Academy of Fashion and Arts," Alice answered, jumping in before Suzi could. "It's one of the top schools for fashion and design in the country." Her tone carried a hint of pride.

Zeb nodded, taking a mental note. "That's impressive. You both must be really talented. So, what's your major?"

"I studied fashion design," Alice said, flipping her hair back. "Suzi, on the other hand, majored in graphic design. She's amazing at what she does, though she's too modest to admit it."

Suzi blushed slightly, brushing off the compliment with a soft, "Alice exaggerates."

Alice's curiosity shifted toward Zeb. "What about you? Where'd you go to college?"

Zeb leaned back slightly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Me? I went to Northbridge University of Business and Economics."

"Northbridge?" Alice's brows rose in surprise. "That's one of the top business schools in the country. Impressive."

Zeb shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I just graduated recently. Still figuring things out, though."

Alice, now intrigued, leaned forward slightly. "So, what's your job?"

Zeb hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering truthfully. "I don't have one right now. I got fired a few days ago. Went MIA for a while… long story."

The admission caught Alice off guard. Her gaze sharpened slightly as she tried to gauge if he was being serious. "And your family? What do they do?"

"My dad's a factory worker, and my mom's a housewife. No business, no empire—just a simple family in a rural town far from the city," Zeb replied, his tone casual and without a trace of self-pity.

The girls exchanged quick glances. Suzi's kind heart immediately filled with worry. How is he going to pay for this meal? she thought, her mind racing with concern. He doesn't have a job or wealthy parents to fall back on…

Alice, on the other hand, was starting to feel irritated. This has to be some kind of scam, she thought. He dresses like that, claims to be from some poor background, and yet he's here ordering like it's nothing? Her annoyance deepened as she recalled that Zeb had simply followed her lead when the waitress suggested the meal. What kind of pushover spends money they don't have like this?

The tension was palpable, though Zeb remained blissfully unaware. The food arrived, presented with an artistic flair that left all three diners momentarily stunned. The girls instinctively reached for their phones to snap pictures, while Zeb simply admired the dishes with quiet awe.

Once the photos were taken, the meal began, and the conversation continued. Despite the growing unease, Zeb's vague yet honest answers left the girls both curious and puzzled. Suzi's concern grew, while Alice's skepticism hardened.

The waitress returned periodically to check on them, her professional smile unwavering. She couldn't be blamed for suggesting such an extravagant meal; it was her job to ensure guests had the finest experience.