city: spoby

Chapter 1

She was broken. She was a wreck. She had nowhere to go. People had hurt her too many times in her lives. Jobless, broken, depressed, and homeless. But she lived in New York City. She lived in the city of dreams, yet none of her dreams would come true. She graduated from college at NYU, but didn't keep in contact with any of her friends. The story all began with her boyfriend, an ex-boyfriend now, but that was what left her in this poor state.

"That's three dollars and twenty nine cents for the hamburger, ma'am. And if you don't pay it up, you ain't getting your damn burger."

Spencer cringed at the sound of the counter woman's words. She scrambled through her pockets and purse for any extra change she had. She was frustrated.

"The sign only says three dollars. I have the three dollars that it clearly states on the board!" Spencer yelled, slamming her fist on the table.

"Taxes, ma'am. Get used to it."

Spencer groaned, unable to find the extra cents she needed to pay for the hamburger. All she was truly craving was that god damn burger, but of course, she couldn't have it. Her eyes were about to tear up. She wanted to walk away, but she also wanted to find some way to get herself that fast food dinner.

The man behind her gave an apologetic look of pity. He opened his wallet, and stepped up to the counter.

"Alright, sir. May I take your order?"

He shook his head and said, "In a moment. Cash the whole burger on my credit card. And why don't you throw in a chocolate milkshake and some fries to go with that? I think the poor girl needs some food. I myself will take a burger and a vanilla shake."

The counter woman was shocked by his behavior, and as was Spencer. She turned around, and took a good look at the man paying for her food. He was tall, handsome, and had ocean blue eyes. His hair was neatly brushed and gelled. He offered Spencer a smile before swiping his credit card.

"Enjoy your meal, ma'am," the counter woman spoke, handing Spencer the bag of food that the man had paid for.

The man followed Spencer to her table, getting it out of the bag. He got his own burger and shake out, patting the brunette on the shoulder, and getting ready to walk away.

"Wait!" she called. "Why did you do that?"

"I think I'm a nice guy," he said, grinning with a goofy smile. "I didn't want you to starve just because you didn't have twenty-something cents. Eat up, doll."

"Are you going somewhere else?"

"No, I'm not."

"Then stay here," she offered.

He smiled at her, sitting across from her at the Shake Shack table. He unwrapped his own burger, taking a large bite out of it.

"Are you ok?" he asked, giving her hand a squeeze.

"Not really," she answered quietly. "It's a long story, but I lost everything I had. I was rich, I was happy, and then I lost it all. Now I'm here."

"I'm sorry," he said. "Do you have a place to stay? You shouldn't have to-"

"Sir, you don't have to offer me the guest bedroom in your house," she said, a lump forming in her throat. "I have a place to stay. It's not the best, but it's good enough."

"Oh. Good. I wouldn't want that for you," he said, nodding his head. "Where are you staying? A motel?"

"Greyson's. East," she answered.

"That's gr-" he began, but then his eyes widened. "East of Greyson's is the bus station. You're staying at the bus station?"

"Told you it's good enough. If I'm lucky, I can sneak inside the actual station, so there's a really nice heater," Spencer explained, smiling.

"No, don't do this to yourself," he said, shaking his head calmly. "Stay with me. I have the extra room in my house. I live alone."

"Why do you want to help me?" Spencer asked.

"I told you, I think I'm a nice guy," he responded, offering another smile. "What's your name?"

"Spencer Hastings."

"Well. I'm Toby Cavanaugh."