Here is a chapter for the loyal fangirls out there.
Chapter 15: Stars Align
Toby heard the crickets sing as he made his way along the path to Hastings' front door. It was a bit warm out for a November evening, but it made working conditions bearable. As usual, Toby sent his crew home while he stayed back to do a last check of the property. It was the end of the week and at the end of every week, he was required to give a report to Wren or Mr. Hastings. He wasn't sure if Wren was back in Rosewood or if he was still in London. He knows from Spencer that he took a trip to London with his friends the previous week.
Toby hoped that Wren wasn't there. Mr. Hastings was not always a pleasant man to deal with, but he was better than Wren. Mrs. Hastings was the best because she would always just pat Toby on the back and thank him for his work. There was Spencer too… Spencer was always a joy to see. They hadn't spent much time together since their weekend activities. Spencer never failed to wave at Toby before getting in a car with her mother to run some errands. That's what Spencer's been doing most of the week. It saddens Toby that he hasn't been able to talk to her since Sunday. Toby reached their front door and knocked twice. He heard some footsteps shuffling on the other side of the door before it opened. He relaxed and instantly brightened up at who answered.
"Toby!" Spencer beamed.
She reached forward for a hug, which Toby gladly accepted. He wrapped his strong arms around her slender body. She felt so small between his arms, so fragile, but her arm grip around his torso was so tight. It dawned on Toby that this was his first time hugging her. It felt good. Right. Spencer felt so warm and safe in Toby's arms. Spencer must've realized she was holding on tightly for a long time. After a solid minute, she pulled away.
"Sorry. It's been a while since I've seen you," she said, smiling. "I've missed you."
"I missed you too," Toby smiled. "Is your dad home? I came to give the report."
"He's still at work. My mom just got home not too long ago upset that once again, my father will be missing dinner. She made meatloaf."
Spencer gestured to Toby to come in. He stepped through the threshold while Spencer shut the door. She led the way to the kitchen.
"Is Wren back in town yet?"
"His flight gets in tomorrow," said Spencer.
If Toby wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of sadness and a little vexation in her voice.
"I suppose that leaves you then," said Toby. "All the work on the barn is coming along nicely. At this point, I would say we are one week away from being done."
A wave of sadness washed over Spencer. "A week?"
"Yes." Toby caught her sadness and tried to hide his away with a fake cough. "We're just waiting on the last bit of materials we need to finish the floors in the bathroom, and we'll be done."
"My father will be pleased," Spencer forced a smile.
"Yes," Toby nodded. "I imagine Wren will be too."
They stood in silence. Neither one of them knew what to say. Spencer thought about what it would be like to not see Toby every day. She decided quickly that she did not like thinking about it. The thought of not seeing Toby saddens her. Toby too thought about what would happen when he finished this job. Will they still be friends? He won't have an excuse to see her without drawing some suspicions from the people around them. They should be able to be friends, right? People would believe they'd grown to be friends. But can they really say that they're just friends? Even though it only happened once, friends don't perform sexual acts on each other. Unless they're friends with benefits. A voice coming down the stairs broke the silence between them.
"It's almost 8 o'clock and your father's not here yet," Mrs. Hastings said. "We're going to eat without him."
"Okay, mom," said Spencer. She was trying desperately to conceal her emotions.
"Mr. Cavanaugh," Mrs. Hastings greeted Toby with a pleasant smile. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Mrs. Hastings, and you?" Toby always spoke to Spencer's mother with such warmth and politeness, it made Spencer smile.
"Oh, I've had better days," Mrs. Hastings was half joking. "How's the barn coming along?"
"That's just what I came in here to talk about," said Toby. "I was just telling Spencer we'll be done by next week."
"Really," Mrs. Hastings smiled. "That's amazing. To think I might owe my husband fifty dollars. I didn't think you would meet the deadline. Not to reflect poorly on your work, I just mean it must've put you in quite a time crunch to get all the work done in under three months."
"Oh no, it hasn't been much trouble at all." Toby gave Spencer a look and said, "Really."
"I'm thinking…" Mrs. Hastings tapped a finger to her chin. "Would you like to join us for dinner, Toby? I made enough meatloaf for seven people and mashed potatoes to feed the neighborhood."
"Oh, I don't want to intrude—" It was the sudden feeling of Spencer's hand secretly slipping into his hand that made Toby change his mind. Did Spencer want him to stay? Toby looked at her. She was practically begging him with her eyes to stay. His heart thumped against his chest. If they really only have just one more week, Toby will take any opportunity he can get to spend time with Spencer.
"Sure," Toby answered Mrs. Hastings, while keeping his eyes focused on Spencer. "I'd love to."
Toby reflected on the smile Spencer was giving him. She squeezed his hand as a thank you.
Fifteen minutes later Mrs. Hastings had dinner ready on the table. The three of them sat around the kitchen table enjoying the meal Mrs. Hastings had made while making polite conversation.
"I got home the other day and decided to take a look inside the barn," Mrs. Hastings said. "I must say, Toby, you are doing some excellent work. I never thought I'd see the day that dirty barn would get turned into a beautiful apartment."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hastings," Toby said. "I'm happy you're happy with my work. It's been my goal from the start to build the idea Spencer wanted."
"You certainly have," Spencer said. She gave Toby a smile that made his heart glow.
"After Spencer moves out with Wren when she's married, I'm going to have to think of something to do with that barn," Mrs. Hastings said.
Toby's heart dropped. It just hit him that Spencer really is getting married. Earlier on, he recalls Spencer telling him that her wedding was expected to take place by the end of the year. He's not sure if that's still the plan, and if it is, that didn't leave him with much time to adjust to the idea of Spencer being with another man for life. There was only a week and a half left in November, and then there was December. Spencer stared at her own plate.
"Maybe your father and I could rent it out to people," said Mrs. Hastings. "Would you be okay with that?"
Spencer looked up and nodded, "Sure, mom. That would be fine with me."
"Of course, when you come home to visit, we'd make sure the space was cleared for you," Mrs. Hastings said. "We know how much you and Wren value your privacy."
Spencer picked at her mashed potatoes with her fork. Toby could hear Spencer's sigh from across the table. That's when he noticed something. Was she having second thoughts about marrying Wren?
"Toby, I was wondering, what are your plans after you finish your job here?" Mrs. Hastings asked.
Toby was taken back. "Why do you ask?"
"Do you have another job lined up after this?"
Spencer sat back in her chair watching from the sidelines. Toby looked at Spencer for clarification, but she looked just as puzzled as him. She had no clue where her mother was going with this.
"Not at the moment," Toby answered. "I've seen a couple of ads, but none of them are local. Most of the job postings I've seen are across the town line."
Spencer snapped her head in Toby's direction. Her expression was hard to conceal. No new jobs in Rosewood? Did that mean Toby might have to leave town? The thought made Spencer's chest feel tight inside.
"Why do you ask, Mrs. Hastings?" Toby followed up her question.
"I heard the kid that lives next door is looking for someone to help him out with renovations to his own house," said Mrs. Hastings.
Mrs. Hastings was referring to Jason DiLaurentis. He was also Spencer's half-brother. Technically. A few years before Spencer was born, her father had an affair with Mrs. Dilaurentis and Jason had been born several months after their affair. It was never clear if Jason was Peter Hastings's son or if Jason belonged to Mrs. Dilaurentis's husband. Spencer never spent much time with Jason, but she was very good friends with his younger sister, Alison. In a way, it was like Spencer and Alison were sisters. That's how Alison always looked at it. The news of the affair ended up bringing Spencer and Alison closer.
A strange feeling crept into Spencer's chest. Hope. Did Spencer's mom refer Toby to Jason? If Toby works for Jason, then that would give Toby a reason to stay in town. Plus, Jason lived right next door so that meant Spencer would still be able to see Toby. Spencer was elated!
"You should give Jason a call," Spencer blurted out.
She quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. Not because she didn't want to seem too eager, but because Mrs. Hastings was always sensitive about Jason as a topic. In the past, Spencer would be hesitant to say his name around her mother or even attempt to call him brother. Mrs. Hastings always just referred to Jason as the kid who lives next door. Mrs. Hastings did not miss the stare she gave Spencer but relaxed when she turned to address Toby.
"Yes, I think you should call him," she said. "That kid has been looking for someone to hire for a couple of months now. I think he'd be quick to hire you."
Toby looked at Spencer who was smiling ear to ear. She couldn't help herself. Toby liked the idea too. Having another job would be great, and then, he would have a reason to keep seeing Spencer.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hastings," Toby said. "I think I will."
"Good," Mrs. Hastings smiled and gave a nod of approval. "I'll be sure to give you his number after dinner."
"Thank you," Toby repeated.
Toby took a drink from his water glass, but really, he was using it as an excuse to steal a glance at Spencer. Even with the cup in the way, Spencer could see the smirk on his lips. She felt giggly inside.
"Speaking of weddings," Mrs. Hastings said after a long stretch of silence. "Tomorrow, I think you and I should try on wedding dresses."
Spencer's eyes fell to the floor again.
"Are you getting married too, Mrs. Hastings?" Toby joked. That comment made Spencer smile.
Mrs. Hastings instantly laughed, "no, I'm not. Spencer will try on the dresses. I'll just watch and help her pick something out."
"I'm not sure tomorrow's a good time," said Spencer. "I have a test to study for."
"Well, we need to go soon," Mrs. Hastings insisted. "Prices are going to get good and with Black Friday sales there won't be much left it we wait too long."
"Wren and I haven't even picked an official date yet," Spencer said. "I figure if and when we have a date, then, we can start looking at dresses."
"If?" Mrs. Hastings said.
Yes, if? Toby questioned in his mind. Did that mean there was a chance of no wedding at all?
"Toby," Mrs. Hastings turned to him to get his opinion. "If you were marrying Spencer…" Toby liked this hypothetical already. "What kind of dress could you picture her walking down the aisle in? Don't you think that's something both she and her fiancé should be thinking about now?"
Toby looked at Spencer long and hard. He liked the way she looked in the dim kitchen lights. Spencer knew her hair was a bit of a mess of curls right now, but to Toby, she was the most beautiful woman that his eyes had ever had the luck to cross.
"I think…" Toby started; his eyes as soft as they've ever been. "She would look beautiful in any dress, any choice of clothing. She could pull off any type of dress she wanted to."
Spencer's smile was small, but inside butterflies fluttered her stomach and she wanted to bury her face into a pillow, kicking her feet in the air in a fit of happiness. She could do nothing to hide the deep shade of red coloring her cheeks.
"Of course, she would look beautiful in anything she wore," Mrs. Hastings said. "I would just like her to at least think about finding a dress."
"Mom," Spencer cut her off. "Can we discuss this another time? It's getting late."
"Oh, you're right." Mrs. Hastings scooted her chair back to stand. "I'll go get Jason's number from your dad's office."
Mrs. Hastings left the dining room. Spencer gave Toby a look before getting up. She began to collect the plates to take them over to the sink. Toby picked up his own plate and Mrs. Hastings wine glass and followed Spencer to the kitchen. Toby stood behind Spencer, he set the dishes down on the counter and whispered in her ear.
"You can wear my old t-shirt and nothing else and still look beautiful."
Goosebumps dotted Spencer's arms as she felt a chill go up her spine. She had to force herself not to moan aloud. Instead, she bit her lip smiling as Toby lingered behind her for an extra second before moving away. When she turned around her cheeks became a darker shade of red. Spencer's eyes grew dark with lust, and she was a few seconds away from lunging towards him when…
"Here it is!" Mrs. Hastings returned with a piece of notebook paper with Jason's phone number on it.
Spencer choked on her urges and tried to hide the thin line of sweat that had formed on her forehead. Toby just stood there trying his best to look innocent.
"Here you go. I'll tell Peter to tell Jason to expect a call from you," said Mrs. Hastings.
"Thank you, Mrs. Hastings." Toby accepted the notepaper from her. "And thank you for having me for dinner. It's been lovely."
Mrs. Hastings smiled, "It's been wonderful to have you. We really do appreciate all that you do. Spencer, why don't you show Toby the way out?"
Gladly Spencer thought.
The cool air felt good on Spencer as they stepped out into the night. She still felt the warmth from the feelings Toby gave her, but the chill of the breeze helped tam her. They walked down the sidewalk to the driveway where Toby's truck was parked. Spencer looked up at the stars twinkling in the dark blue sky.
"It's beautiful," she said.
"It sure is."
Spencer's eyes were focused on the sky, but Toby's eyes were focused on her. Spencer felt his gaze on her. She looked at him and instantly blushed like a schoolgirl.
"Stop," she laughed.
But Toby's gaze did not light up. It became more intense. More focused. More longing.
"I'm sorry," said Toby. "I can't resist anymore."
Spencer looked at him quizzically, "resist what?"
He answered her by stepping forward and leaning into an urge that he had been fighting since the moment he met her. As if her mind was on auto pilot, her eye lids fluttered closed as Toby got closer. She felt his warmth before the feeling of his smooth lips touched her silk ones. His kiss was warm and sweet, but tender. Through the gentleness of the movements of his lips on hers, there was a sense of urgency behind it. Spencer reacted by placing both hands on his waist and using her lips to gently part his. Not to stop the kiss. Too deepen it. He tasted like honey. She wanted to savor it. She could feel her heart beating hard inside her chest.
After a minute, their lips separated. Toby's heart was thumping hard. Spencer's mind was fuzzy. They leaned their foreheads together. This was the most exhilarated both had ever felt. Spencer's smile spread across her lips as her eyes finally reopened to find Toby's. His eyes were so blue tonight.
"I was…" Her words caught in her throat. "I was not expecting that."
Toby smiled. "Me neither."
Slowly, Toby removed his arms from around her. Spencer held his hand. She tried to grip onto every finger of his as he pulled away slowly. Spencer instantly felt the coldness in her fingers when they finally let go.
"Good night, Spencer," Toby said.
"Goodnight."
Toby smiled at her one last time before climbing inside his truck. Spencer took a few steps back to give him room to back safely out of the driveway. Toby stopped at the gate. Spencer wondered why. He had the passcode to get in and out. Her heart warmed when she realized that Toby was waiting for her to get safely back inside. Spencer turned up in the driveway and back into her house. She stared out the front door window as Toby's truck finished pulling out of the driveway and out of site. The warmth Toby left inside her chest remained. Spencer turned away from the window, pressing her back against the door. At long last, Spencer finally gave in and sank down to the floor hugging her knees to her chest with the brightest smile she has ever held plastered on her face.
Big moment for Spoby here. What does this mean? Will Toby get the job from Jason? Does he have a reason to stay in Rosewood? What will happen when Wren returns? Please write a review to let me know what you think.
Thank you for the kind words a few of you have written to me so far. I hope more of my readers will feel brave enough to share their thoughts with me too.