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They Took Our Soup

Meredith saw Toby and the kids returning from the sundae station. She took a deep breath and folded her hands on the table, quietly lamenting the disappearance of their soup crocks.

He got the kids settled and sat back down beside her. “Everything okay?”

“They took our soup.”

He looked down. “Oh, well, that’s alright. It’s all you can eat. We can get some more.”

“I’m not sure if I can really eat right now.”

“Okay, sure. We can get some later, if you’re up for it.”

“Toby, you must think…”

‘That you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen? Yes.’ He shook his head. “I’m not thinking anything.”

“Can you tell me something?”

“If I can.”

“What’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you?”

“Aside from this?” He looked upwards.

“If you’ve got something that can top that.” She smiled in spite of herself.

He looked from side to side. “I think the absolutely worst thing that has ever happened to me…” He leaned in, shook his head and sat back. ‘It was seeing tears in your eyes.’

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”

“I don’t know. Stuff happens and you move on. Right?”

“Depends on the stuff.” She looked down. “Are you sure you don’t need something to eat? I’m not really hungry, but you can get something if you-”

“Hey, the only thing I need right now is to be here, enjoying your company.”

“I’m not very good company.”

“So far, so good.”

His smile made her want to fall to pieces. “So, what else have you got in your collection?”

“That’s a funny coincidence.”

“What?”

“Kendra is going to ask her dad if I could bring my whole collection over to their place. You could come see it.”

“That would be marvelous.” She felt a thousand pounds lighter. “I hope he’ll agree.”

He looked over at Frank. “He seems like a nice guy. I don’t see why not.”

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

He looked back to find her studying him. “No, just me.”

“Same.”

“Ever since I met Ian, I felt like he and Steve were my brothers.”

She planted her chin on her hands. “I wish I’d have had close friends like that.”

‘Guess I’ve got you all to myself, then.’ Toby leaned in. “There’s always time to make new friends.”

She resisted leaning in. As it was, she could smell his cologne. If she leaned in, she’d probably have to kiss him. “Honestly, I wouldn’t know what to do with friends if I had them. This whole situation is so…”

“Unusual.” He smiled. “I get it.”

There was a warmth in his smile, his soft expression, the way the colors danced in his hazel eyes. He made her feel as if she was wrapped up in a warm hug. She wanted to linger in that joyous moment forever.

“Meri?” Kendra appeared by her side.

She hated to tear herself away, but she turned to the girl. “Hi, Kendra. What’s up?”

“I asked my dad if Mr. Toby could bring his Sentinels collection over to our house.” She turned to look at him. “He said it was okay with him. Can you come this evening, if you’re not busy?”

“Sure, that sounds like fun.” Toby smiled his cheerful, boyish smile. “Meri, maybe you could come over and help me box it up?” He bit his lip. ‘So much for playing it cool and not rushing her.’

Kendra studied her. “Is it a really big collection?”

“Kind of.” He looked back and forth between Kendra and Meredith. “I’ve been at it since I was a kid. I, uh.” He scratched the side of his head. “Well, that is, I don’t want to bore you guys with a bunch of trivial stuff. It would probably be better if I had someone to help me pick out the best stuff to bring over.”

Kendra turned to look at her. “Do you think you could help him, Meri? Sounds like he’ll bring half a house if he has to pack everything up.”

‘Yes. Yes! YES!’ She clenched her hands and took a deep breath. “Well, if he doesn’t mind me intruding…”

‘Oh, rats! She’s going to see how messy I am!’ He clenched his massive paws and took a deep breath. “Oh, it’s no intrusion at all. If you don’t mind having dinner with my parents. If you come over, Mom’s going to insist on making you something for dinner.”

‘Holy smokes! Meeting the parents? Dinner with his parents? How did I get into this situation?’ She blinked nervously. “If you think it will be alright. I don’t want to be a bother.”

“No way! They’ll absolutely love you. Let me text her now and let her know we’re coming.” Toby pulled his phone out. ‘Oh, wow. This is actually happening.’

Mom!

Hi

911

What’s the matter?

Meredith is coming over to help me pack up some of my collection to take over to Frank’s house.

Who’s Frank?

Ian’s almost brother-in-law.

Okay. Why the 911?

Have you seen my room?

ROFL

Mom!

I’ll get it picked up for you. Does she eat normal food?

Yes, I think so.

Good, tell her we’re having meatloaf and baked potatoes.

Thanks, Mom

C U Soon

He looked up to find them staring at him. He gulped. “Is meatloaf and baked potatoes okay?”

“Sure, what kind of pie do they like?”

“Pie?”

“Yes, we’ll have to make a couple of stops on the way.”

“Stops?”

“Mr. Toby, are you okay?” Kendra asked.

“Sure. Definitely. Pretty much any kind of pie. Pie is good. What else did you want to stop for?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stop at the hotel and change into something less formal.”

“Change? Oh, sure. What you have on looks great, but I can understand wanting to get comfortable.”

“I can only wear these things for so long.” Meredith looked down at her shoes.

“I can’t wear them at all.”

Kendra was turning a spectrum of shades of red until she burst out laughing. She pulled her glasses off and wiped tears from her eyes with a napkin as she walked back to the kids’ table.

“What?” Toby asked, watching her collapse into her chair. “I’ve never seen that kid laugh before. She’s like a Vulcan.”

Meredith slid her hand toward his, but she pulled it back right before he turned back. “We should probably get going.” She drank in that cherubic smile. ‘There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, and I know you’d never ask too much of me.’