In the continuous procrastination of my summer assignments, I finally figured out how I wanted this chapter to go. So here it is. There'll probably be another one soonish. Sorry for the wait! The next chapter will be better than this one, I promise.
Chapter 23
Following their pizza dinner, in which Spencer miraculously consumed more than Toby did, the pair decided to turn their attention to the TV, specifically to Turner Classic Movies. Casablanca was on – one of Spencer's favorites. She caught her boyfriend watching her gawk at the screen, and so she turned to him saying "You know, you're even more of a heartthrob than Humphrey Bogart was in this movie." He smirked and walked around the kitchen island, her eyes following him as he came up behind her, laid his hands on her waist, and gently kissed her forehead. The sparkle in her wide eyes spoke even before the words came out of her mouth, "I'm getting a little tired, maybe we should lay by the fire?" And without a word, Toby clicked off the TV, carried Spencer to the lounger, and started a fresh fire.
After an overwhelming amount of pillows and blankets were gathered, Spencer made a move to spread them out and create a comfy area for herself and her boyfriend. She hadn't even made it a foot from the lounger when Toby swooped in and sat her right back down. "You will not make a single move tonight, got it?" he instructed, with a little smirk. Spencer responded with a dainty nod and a smile. Toby put together a romantic little layout – a few layers of blankets to lie on, piles of pillows to support their backs if they so chose to sit and watch the flames, and a few mare blankets to cuddle with. He looked to Spencer and spread his arms as if to say "Ta-Da!" and declare that he was finished. Spencer prepared to slide to the floor but was halted with a "What did I say?" from her boyfriend. He lifted her and sat her on the right side of his set-up, and then moved himself to her left.
He took her hand as she lowered her head to his strong shoulder. His thumb brushed the back of her hand as he asked her, "So how are you doing?"
She replied, lifting her head, "Well, what do you mean? We've been fortunate enough to spend most of the passing time together recently, so you know exactly how I've been." Toby smiled. "I do happen to know you very well, Spence – which means that I know that you've been thinking about more than you've been telling me. I just want you to be able to feel as comfortable as possible."
Spencer turned her head, as to shy away from the issue. "You've made me more than comfortable, Toby. All I've been thinking about is this dinner with my parents. But I'm completely fine."
He squeezed her hand tighter. "But tell me about it. What can I do to help? Do you want me to come?"
"No, not at all." She said. "That would make it worse. I just need to get it over with. Whatever happens, happens. I'm just trying to figure out exactly how I should say what I need to say. However they take it will be how they take it, but I want to minimize the damage. Really, I just want you to hold me right now. I'm too tired to think anymore."
Toby slid to the side and made room for Spencer to lay in his lap. "Your wish is my command, darling."