Page 84 of Tobias

No, actually it’s not. I want all the food. And right now, I need it to soak up all this alcohol before I piss off a lot of people. My boss included.

“Tobias, I’m so glad you’re back,” Brandon says with a smile. “I was just telling Oswald that you’re the best physical therapist at our Seattle location. His mother is scheduled for a surgery in the middle of next month, and he was debating where to take her to recover after.”

I put on a smile. “ABD is a wonderful place.”

“So I hear. Brandon almost has me convinced to get my mother in.” Oswald chuckles, causing his face to get a little red. He’s a ginger with bright orange hair and a rusty beard.

“What can we do toconvince you?” I ask.

“I suppose a tour would be nice.”

“We can do that. Name the time and place,” Brandon says, reaching for his wine.

“How about Monday? Say, five?”

“Perfect. Tobias will be there to show you around.”

I glare at him. “I’m working,” I grit out through a smile.

He grins back. “Exactly. How convenient it’ll be to give him a tour.”

“At my other job, Brandon. Don’t you remember?” I keep my voice as sweet as possible, but I swear I’m about to knock him out with the bottle of wine and spit on his unconscious body.

“I’m sure they’ll make an exception.” His smile turns smug, and he sips his wine, bringing his attention back to Oswald. I pull my phone from my pocket and when I see I don’t have a text back, I focus on my one-bite dessert and getting more drunk.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Theodore

Though there isn’t a single gift under my tiny, undecorated Christmas tree, I wake up happier than I ever have on this day. I’m not the best chef, but I spent a lot of time looking up recipes to make the perfect Christmas breakfast for Tobias and me. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on a food delivery at one am, but it’ll be worth it when we’re sitting together and eating soon, rather than waiting until dinner.

“Morning, Biscuit,” I say in a high-pitched voice as I open up her kennel. She wags her tail, whimpering in excitement. “Come on, girl. Let’s get you outside before you pee in the house.” She follows me to the back door and runs out when I open it.

After showering and changing into a fresh T-shirt and sweatpants, I let Biscuit in then get to work in the kitchen, following the recipe step-by-step. Soon enough, my house is smelling like a wonderful mix of cinnamon and maple, and it has my mouth watering. Tobias shouldbe here soon, so I get a pot of coffee going. I told him to be here around 9:30 because he worked last night, and I didn’t want to make him feel obligated to get here early if he was tired, especially since he still wanted to go by his mother's house.

While I wait for him to show, I pull out the plates, silverware, and mugs, and stock the napkins on the table.

When the doorbell rings, my stomach does a flip and Biscuit’s tail wags.

“I’m excited too,” I whisper to her as we walk to the door.

I pull it open and can’t help the smile that crosses my face when I see Tobias standing on the other side. He’s dressed comfortably in a pair of maroon sweatpants and sneakers. His jacket hides whatever shirt he has underneath, but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s a thermal. I love the way they look on him.

“Merry Christmas,” I say, stepping aside for him to come in.

He steps inside, kissing my cheek. “Merry Christmas,” he says, before bending down to pat Biscuit. There are two small gift bags in his hand, which he holds up to me after I close the door.

“Two?” I ask.

“One for you and one for Biscuit."

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s not much," he says as he takes off his jacket and hangs it on the coat rack.

“It’s the thought that counts.”

“It smells so good in here,” he comments, following me into the kitchen.

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