Here is chapter two. Let me know what you think.


Chapter two: Coffee? Coffee

Spencer led the way through the front door. She threw her heels to the side then tossed her keys on the kitchen counter. The house was empty, so Mr. Hastings must've left for the evening.

"Do you want some coffee?" Spencer asked.

"Coffee would be great."

Spencer prepared the pot then got down mugs from the cabinet.

"How do you take it? I like my coffee strong," she said.

"I'm not picky," he said.

"Okay."

They waited for the coffee to finish. Spencer gestured at Toby to have a seat. He took a seat on one of the kitchen stoles. After another minute, the coffee pot was full. Spencer took the pot and poured coffee into each of their cups. She handed one to Toby.

"Do you take cream or sugar?" She asked.

"Just cream, thank you."

Spencer handed him the creamer and allowed him to pour his own. Spencer poured a tiny bit of creamer into her coffee then stirred it up. After taking a sip…

"So, fill me in on what you've talked about with my father."

"He told me you're looking for someone to renovate the barn into a loft," said Toby. "He showed me the barn and I would like to do the work."

"You don't think it's a waste of time and money?"

"No, I don't. I am curious why? I heard you're getting married soon."

"My friends and I used to have sleepovers out there when we were in high school. I am engaged, but my wedding won't be for several months. I would like to have just a little bit of privacy away from my family."

"Can't you get your own apartment?" Toby asked.

"Oh, please, don't even get me started on that."

"Why not?" Toby chuckled.

"Look, if I had my way, I would've had my own apartment when I was sixteen. My mom is just very… overprotective. She doesn't even want me to live in a dorm while going to college. Turning this barn into a loft was the only compromise she would agree to. Plus, it's cheaper than paying rent for an apartment in the city."

"Okay," Toby nodded. "You're right the condition of the barn already seems habitable. I think with a few repairs here and there, get some proper plumbing, and a new roof, you can have yourself a nice place to live, or crash."

That made Spencer smile. Her smile was like a force that nearly knocked Toby over. His stomach felt like it was in knots, and he could not stop his cheeks from blushing.

"How long do you think it will take to get everything done?"

"Depends on all you want done."

"A new roof, plumbing, repairs, maybe a paint job, and new flooring."

"I would say…four to five months."

"Really?" Spencer's eyes widened. "I was thinking closer to a year. You really can work that fast?"

"Well, this time frame is just a guest, but yes."

Spencer smiled, "I would love it if you would come to work for me."

"Well, if you would love it then I just have to do it."

Spencer's smile widened as she threw her arms out to hug him. Was it normal to hug someone you just employed? Toby chuckled and rubbed his hands against her back. Just then, the door opened then slammed shut causing them to break apart.

"Wren!" Spencer exclaimed. "Hey, I thought you were going to call first."

"Well, I didn't, is that a problem?" said Wren.

"No, I just…" Spencer was cut off by Wren.

"Who's he?" Wren pointed at Toby.

"Oh, this is Mr. Cavanaugh. He's going to do the work on the barn so we will finally have a space away from my parents," said Spencer.

Wren eyed the carpenter up and down. "I thought you would hire someone a little bit more… older."

Spencer looked at Toby. "He's young, but I think we should give him a chance. He's got a great resume if you want to see it."

"Maybe another time." Wren walked over to the fridge. He wrestled through it and slammed it shut. "No beer?"

"Wren, this is my parents' house. I don't keep beer in here."

"Fine," Wren stomped over to the side door. "I'm going out to the pub."

"Okay," Spencer called after him. "You'll call me later, right?"

"Yeah, yeah," Wren waved at her then walked out.

The two of them sat in silence for a moment. Toby was the first to break it.

"Well, he's charming."

"I'm sorry," Spencer sighed. "He's a doctor so, sometimes he has bad days."

Toby looked out the window and noticed the sun setting.

"Well, if I'm going to get started on clearing the grounds back there, I better move now."

"You know you really don't have to start working today," said Spencer. "You should go home, get some rest, or maybe even go celebrate that you scored a new job."

Toby smiled, "it's okay, and anyway, I don't have very many people to celebrate with."

"Well, if, you're sure."

"It shouldn't take me long." Toby stood up. "Thanks for the coffee."

"Yeah, anytime. Thanks for taking this job."

Toby gave her a smile that would make any girl fall to the floor. She watched him as he shuffled over to the side door and walked through it.

"Holy, burning, flames of hell, he is hot," Spencer finally let out as she sank back into her seat.


Does someone have a crush? This chapter you met Wren. What do we think of him? Should he be worried about the young carpenter? Please remember to leave a comment. Chapter three will be coming soon. (: