Page 39 of The Substitute

Tobi: I’m not good in person! Ugh. That’s why I asked you over text.

Savage: I think you need to be able to see me and touch me and hear the tone in my voice.

Tobi: I’m going to be red the whole fucking conversation.

Savage: Hot.

Tobi: It’s not hot!

Savage: Maybe not to you. But you don’t get to tell me what I find attractive.

Savage: I’m here. Come down.

Tobi steps out of the building a few minutes later in a coat and scarf. It’s a little bit of overkill, but he looks cute, so I’m not mad. I offer my hand, and he looks at it for a few long seconds before taking it. I tug him to walk with me.

“Where are we going? I thought you’d just come up?”

“You put on all that for me just to come up?” I look him over again.

“I wasn’t sure. I have anxiety. I had to be prepared for anything.”

“That explains a lot,” I laugh.

“Where are we going?” he asks again.

“I didn’t want to share you with my brother, so I figured we could go get ice cream and talk.”

“Ice cream in the cold?” He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“Yes. Ice cream while snuggled up with someone next to the fire is quite delightful in the cold weather. You clearly need to try it.” I squeeze his hand and wink.

He rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling.

We get to the ice cream shop, and I hold the door. Tobi stops just inside, looking around with his mouth open. It’s two floors filled with oversized chairs and love seats. Lots of tables and games. Coffee and, of course, ice cream. I’m glad it’s early because a place by the fire is still open. We walk up to the register and study the daily special flavors.

“Know what you want?” I ask Tobi after a minute.

“Yes. Can I have a s’mores in a waffle cone,” Tobi orders when we’re helped.

“I want birthday cake in a waffle cone with extra sprinkles, and can you add some gummy bears to the top, please?”

Tobi wrinkles his nose in judgement after I pay. “How old are you?”

“Birthday cake is amazing. Get out of here with that.” I smirk, licking my cone after it’s handed to me.

“With extra sprinkles and gummy bears?”

“Who doesn’t like sprinkles? Where is your fucking whimsy?” I grin taking a massive bite.

“I guess I lost it.” Tobi takes his cone.

I link my arm through his to lead him to the seats by the fire. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you find it.”

“How do you know so many places to hang out that don’t involve alcohol?” Tobi asks after we sit down.

“I can’t be hung over every fucking day for school, studying, and interviews. I’m not sure how anyone functions like that.” I sit back and look him right in the eyes as I swirl my tongue over the cream. “Plus, I don’t need a crutch. I have plenty of game without the other person being drunk.”

He squirms in his seat. “Fuck. You really do.”