Spencer smiled as a warm breeze whipped through the open window of her SUV and her chestnut brown hair flowed softly away from her shoulders. Driving was one of her favorite activities to clear her head when the weather was nice, but today her drive had a purpose and a destination.
It was hard for her to believe that Toby had already moved into his own place, but his salary was decent and he was adding a great sum of money to what he'd already saved. Even though she may not have agreed with his decision at first, she could understand why figuring out what he needed to do to get away from his parents house was his first priority.
After being wrongfully let go by Mr. Sweeney, he had taken some small construction jobs on the outskirts of Rosewood. People there didn't seem to care as much about what had happened in his past; all that mattered to them was his strong work ethic and how easily he picked up the tricks of the trade.
He had been lucky enough to stumble upon an amazing mentor. He got Toby started in a carpentry apprenticeship program at a local trade school after he completed his GED. Spencer was so happy to see him excelling at something that he loved to do.
When he called to tell her he was beginning to look at apartments, she felt so proud of him for realizing one of his biggest dreams. Toby helped her see there were a multitude of things you could do in life to become a content and successful person. Completing high school and college was one path, but not the only one.
After a few days of looking, he happened upon an affordable place that he loved near Hollis College. A lot of young people lived in the area and it was always bustling with things to do. Not to mention it wasn't a long drive from work or from Spencer. She had loved holding his hand as they walked through stores and garage sales, checking out pieces of furniture and random kitchen utensils. They had grabbed quick kisses on sidewalks looking for kitschy antiques; day dreamed about Saturday mornings together while browsing mattresses and bed frames.
Toby wouldn't let her visit until he had the place completely in order. He said he wanted to make sure that she saw her "second home" for the first time, in perfect condition. She had really wanted to help him decorate, but also thought it was adorable that he wanted to keep the place a secret.
They hadn't seen a lot of each other during the past week since he was so busy settling into his new surroundings. As she pulled into the apartment parking lot, a feeling of excitement spread through her whole body. Her boyfriend had his own home. Now they had somewhere to go to get away from all the chaos of their families and the rest their lives, to just be. Be together. Armed with a small housewarming gift, Spencer pulled out her phone and looked again at the message he sent her the previous day.
Come over tomorrow night, I'll make dinner. 7:30. Apartment #405. Can't wait to see you. - Toby