Some links may be affiliate links. We get money if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these links on our site.

Christmas All The Time is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Toby’s Collection

“Daddy! They’re here!” Chelsea jumped up and down.

“Alright, sweetie. Give them a minute to come in.” Frank picked her up, hugged her and slid her onto the sofa. “See? Here they come.”

Toby stepped in with a large plastic tote in hand. “Hey, everybody.”

“Hi, Mr. Toby. Where’s Meri?” Kendra perched her arms on the back of the sofa.

He twirled around to look into the garage. “I think she wanted to have a look at your lights.”

Ivy put her tea on the counter. “I’ll go give her a tour.”

“Huh?” Toby stepped aside to let her out. “Oh, good idea. Hey, guys. Where do you want me to put this?”

Ivy hurried through the garage. “Meredith?” She didn’t see her. “Meri?”

“Ivy?” She stood at the edge of the driveway, looking at the illuminated inflatables.

“Is everything okay?” Ivy held her hands over her mouth, breathing on them to create warmth.

“Sure, it’s fantastic.” Meredith swept a sleeve across her eyes.

“Honey, what happened?” She wrapped an arm around her friend.

“It was going so well, Ivy.”

“Was?”

“I ruined it, Ivy. I ruined everything. What’s the matter with me?” She whispered.

“It can’t be that bad. Tell me what happened.”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“Yes, very. Tell me quickly.”

Meredith chuckled. “Come here.” She held her coat open for Ivy to huddle up. “I was having such a good time, it…”

“How did he take it?”

“We put a pin in it, so we could come here and…”

“Don’t worry about that right now. I’m sure Toby can get started with the others. Tell me what happened.”

Meredith looked up at the night sky, hugging Ivy close under her coat. “Have you ever been so happy that you laughed and cried and totally short-circuited?”

“Sure, Meri. Everybody gets a case of the feels sometimes.”

“Did you happen to do it in the car with Ian?” She sniffled.

“Oh, I see. How did he react?”

“If his car had ejector seats, I’m not sure if he’d have used them on me or himself.”

Ivy hugged her tighter. “That bad? Really?”

“Poor Toby. I think I really freaked him out.”

“Did you tell him what was happening?”

“Honestly, I didn’t even know what was happening. I’ve never felt like this.”

“How do you feel?”

“Ivy, I was so happy, so relieved, so unbelievably comfortable.”

“Was?”

“Well, I’ve ruined it now. He must think I’m a complete lunatic.”

“Toby isn’t like that, Meri. He’s probably just confused. Guys don’t get it.”

“Everything was just so perfect, Ivy. I met his parents and they liked me.”

“Sure, honey, why wouldn’t they?”

“His dad kept teasing him that he ought to marry me. He was so scandalized. It was adorable.”

“I’m sure that’s most of the problem.”

“What is?”

“I don’t think he’d mind you having an emotional overflow if he wasn’t already a little freaked out by his dad’s teasing.”

“Oh no, poor Toby. I was so caught up in my own…”

“Look, I told you, he’s a big boy. He can cope. We’ll get this straightened out.”

“Do you think so?”

“Nothing’s ruined, Meri. You just need to explain what happened as clearly as you can.”

“But, what if he…”

“People have feelings, Meri. If he can’t deal with that, he doesn’t deserve you.”

“That’s kind of harsh.”

“The truth sometimes is. I know he likes you. In fact, he’s crazy about you, but he’s been tiptoeing around.”

“What about?”

“He doesn’t want to be too pushy or crowd you.”

“Wow, he’s so sweet.”

“I told you. He’s trying to give you room to let whatever is going on between you… Y’know?”

“But I told him, Ivy. I’m there. We’re there.”

“You know that and I know that, but I’m not sure he knows that.”

“But I told him.”

“Well, tell him again. He didn’t understand.”

“That’s what he said.”

“Great. Tell him again. If you’re feeling emotional, tell him what that means. Guys just don’t get it.”

“You think it’s really going to be alright?”

“Just meet him where he’s at. He doesn’t understand what you’re feeling. He probably doesn’t even know what he’s feeling. Give him a chance to catch up, Meri. It’s going to be alright.”

She hugged Ivy tighter. “Oh boy, we’d better get you inside before you turn into a popsicle.”

“Everything is going to be fine, Meri. Just be honest with him and meet him where he’s at.” She steered them toward the garage.

As they approached the door to the kitchen, they could hear Toby’s voice. Meredith froze.

“Meri, what’s the matter?”

“I’m scared, Ivy.”

“Of what?”

“What if he’s mad?”

“Why would he be mad?”

“Because he wanted to talk about it before we came in. I couldn’t.”

“I’m sure he understands. Meri, he’s crazy about you. He’s not going to let a little misunderstanding get in the way.”

“But…”

“Look, you didn’t put that jersey on for nothing. Come inside and help him show off that collection.” Ivy pulled her friend into the kitchen.

“Hi, Meri!” Kendra waved.

“Hey, kiddo. I like your light-ups out there.”

“Me, too. Uncle Ian put them so I could see them from my bedroom window.”

Ivy stuck her tea back in the microwave. “Can I get you something?”

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” Meri stood behind the sofa, unsure where to sit. “What did I miss?”

“Mr. Toby showed us his trading cards and his dolls.” Chelsea held up a Phantasm action figure.

“I’m surprised you took them out of the packaging.” Frank said.

“I’ve got a complete set of them in the boxes, too. Some of them have autographs. I don’t get to see as many as Meri does at the conventions I go to.” He glanced at her and back down at his box of stuff.

“Hopefully, I can talk him into coming to the city so he can get some more autographs.” She watched for a reaction. ‘You said I should throw you a bone.’

He didn’t look up, but she could tell his smile was all the answer she needed.