His eyebrows slant as he searches for a reason to come with me. I squeeze his hand again.
“I’ll be home later…and once I am, I’d really like to spend time with you. We could watch some horror movies? You think you want to cook something yummy for us for dinner?”
His eyes instantly light up as a big smile appears on his face. “Yeah, I’d really like that.” He nods.
I smile brightly, seeing how happy that makes him. Figures. He loves taking care of me.
Well, now it’s my turn to take care of him.
“I want you to relax today. Maybe take a nap. Have a nice long shower. Everything. And when I get back, we’re going to have a great night together.” I bring his hand up to my mouth, and press my lips against his fingers.
He blinks slowly, smiling at me. “I missed you so much.”
I rub my lips back and forth on his hand. “I missed you too.”
He looks at me with glistening eyes, and I can tell right now that he has so much more he wants to say. But, he’s scared. So I’ll say it for both of us. “I’m not leaving you, Tobias. Never will.”
He breathes out shakily, nodding his head. “Okay.”
***
After tidying up the kitchen, and sharing another shower, we get ready for the day. Tobias, in cozy warm sweats to lounge around the house in—I was insistent on it. And me, in my usual navy button-up and beige pants ensemble.
“Shit. It’s snowing.” I hiss, looking outside as I throw on my pea coat.
“Let me clean off your car for you,” he says, opening the closet for his winter jacket.
I snatch at his arms. “No. No. You, couch.” I point over his shoulder.
He sighs heavily which only makes me smile as I hold onto his arms. “Listen, once I get home, you can tend to mealllllllyou want.” I sway him side to side. “Until then, let me do this.”
His lips turn up into a smile as he rolls his eyes. “Okay. Okay. Go. Leave me then.” He waves me off.
I laugh, opening the door. I’m instantly greeted by a cold chill as the wind blows in.
“I love you.” He calls out after me as I skip down the icy porch.
“I love you!” I say, waving back to him.
***
Working down my mental list for this morning was easy enough.
With everything that’s been going on, it’s vital Tobias has a working phone. I make a quick stop on Main Street, drop off his smashed one, and pick up a cheap temporary replacement he can use until it’s fixed. Can’t have him walking around without a means to communicate. That would be unsafe and unwise.
After that, I do the necessary pickups he usually does on Saturday mornings. Beer store, check. Food suppliers, check. After all is said and done, I’m itching to get back to him.
But, I suck it up.
Because I left the biggest job for last.
The restaurant.
I step inside, dropping off the food supplies in the kitchen. The kitchen staff are happy to see me as I quickly catch up, taking a moment to say hello to everyone.
Once I bring the beer stock in with the bussers, I’m immediately flagged down by the serving staff.
“Elijah! Have you heard from Tobs? I can’t get a hold of him.” Claire chases after me as I make my way to the office.
