Spoby One Shots

43 • (Not So) Good Without

"And now I'm looking at the ceiling
Wonderin' just what you're feelin' now
If that's what love's about
Then I'm so good without"

"That was Good Without by SJH, the break-up anthem of the summer, folks." the radio on Toby's workbench announced. "It's suspected the song was written about SJ's ex, fellow recording artist Alex Santiago, the pair broke up 3 months ago after pictures of Santiago with another woman were released..." the presenter began to explain. Toby tuned it out.

He was working on his 2nd motorcycle of the week, a pretty quick turnaround but Cavanaugh's Rides wouldn't run without him. Toby enjoyed his job, he fixed up old motorcycles and sold them off. He was great at it too, and had known it was what he wanted to do since he was 16. He'd moved to LA at 18 to set up his own shop and did well for himself; he'd even started to have a few celebrity clients.

He also had a passion for music and this meant he could work and listen to music all day. He'd been hearing SJ's voice on the radio for a while now and he liked it. She was talented although it was a little pop princess compared to his usual taste.

His phone buzzed. Toby sighed and stood up, wiping the grease off his hands with a rag and going over to his phone. It was a text from one of his friends, Caleb, inviting him to a party that night. Caleb was a pretty big technical music producer now but had bought a motorcycle from Toby when he first moved to LA and they'd hit it off straight away. Caleb always encouraged Toby to come to parties with clients and big LA influencers but Toby refused, it really wasn't his scene and he didn't care much for celebrities.

He texted back saying thank you but he'll pass. The reply from Caleb came fast.

1 New Message
From: Caleb Rivers
Come on bro, you can network, get some of the label's artists to come to the shop and promote it. Plus my new girl is gonna be there and I sorta said I would bring a friend.
Sent: 2:37pm

Toby sighed and rolled his eyes. Typical Caleb. Honestly, he was kind of tempted. Not really for the girl side, he wasn't particularly looking for a relationship right now anyway. More for the shop; business was good but he replied on word of mouth and if he got some serious clients to promote the shop, he would be good for at least a year, possibly more.

He sent back one word.

To: Caleb Rivers
Fine.
Sent: 2:38pm

Caleb replied instantly.

1 New Message:
Awesome, pick you up at 8 dude.
Sent: 2:38pm

Toby sighed and stretched, the muscles in his back aching a little. He had to finish this bike today, then he'd head over to this party. He hoped Caleb's girlfriend would have decent friends. He had encountered far too many Hollywood bitches in his time and he always thought they were beyond shallow.

He turned the radio up and sat down to figure out what he was gonna do next to this bike.

At 8 Toby heard a loud horn from out the front of the shop, Caleb's idea of saying he was there. Toby walked over to the black SUV Caleb drove around in and opened the door, getting in. "Hey bro." Caleb said, fist bumping him. "Thanks for agreeing to come." he said and Toby chuckled. "It's whatever, kinda owe you for getting me so many clients anyway." he said and Caleb grinned. "We got each other man, you have to in this city" he noted and Toby nodded. Caleb pulled away from the shop and turned up the radio that was playing.

"I know you probably won't relate
I heard you met somebody new
Don't need no pity for pity's sake
You just do what you gotta do
Is it normal for the pain to grow from fear?
Am I weak for thinkin', "I wish you were here"?