Underrated Intelligence || Toby McDonough

We're Cool

The following morning, I walked downstairs to see my dad sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in his hands.

Dad: Want some coffee? I was just about to make another batch.

Me: I told Toby we could get some from the Starbucks a few blocks out and talk about what he did –

Dad: So this will prove if he's an asshole or not?

Me: Yes and no? I just want it to be over with.

Dad: After all he's done, you're going to date the boy?

Me: What would mom have done?

I asked while looking towards him while leaning on the kitchen table. Our kitchen table was one of those tall ones, because my parents thought those were cool back in the day. He shrugged before looking down at his coffee.

Dad: She would have gone for it –

Me: Therefore, I rest my case.

Dad: In her defense, I am a pretty cool guy.

Me: Keep telling yourself that, dad.

Dad: In all seriousness, if he lays a hand on you, I'm going to snipe him.

Me: You can barely pick up a gun anymore without having flashbacks, I don't need you to do my work for me.

Dad: So you're going to snipe him?

I laughed and shook my head.

Me: Goodbye father –

I said abruptly, moving out of the kitchen and out of the house. I walked into the Starbucks closest to our houses, seeing Toby was already sitting at a small table with comfy couch seats and my drink sitting across from him. I took a deep breath, walking over to see him look up and smile before locking his phone and putting it away.

Toby: Hi –

Me: Hello –

I replied sounding just as awkward as him. I hadn't talked to him in weeks, it made me feel uncomfortable just to think about talking to him, again. Then again, our conversations were long overdue.

Toby: Would it be too soon to hug you?

I started nodding before changing my answer and shaking my head. He smiled before stepping forward and hugging me, making me instantly start welling up with tears.

I missed him, for sure.

Toby: Don't cry –

Me: How'd you know I started crying?

Toby: You breathe differently –

I laughed a little before pulling away and wiping my tears. He smiled and sat down, offering me the seat across from him which I took.

Toby: It's pretty lame why I was ignoring you.

Me: Why were you, exactly?

Toby: Because I can't keep secrets, and if I was around you I was bound to tell you what I was hiding.

Me: I thought we agreed to tell each other everything.

Toby: We did, but I wanted to keep how I was going to ask you out as a complete secret.

Me: You were going to do what?

He laughed before shaking his head.

Toby: Well I was going to ask you out, but now that I've messed it up so much, I'm not too confident on the answer.

Me: Can I tell you something?

Toby: What?

Me: You're the most incompetent person I know.

Toby: Are you insulting me?

Me: No, I'm being condescending, it's two different things.

I replied seeing him smile.

Toby: So, are we cool?

Me: Cool as in cold? I'm fine –

Toby: No, like our problem.

He replied with a laugh.

Me: Yeah, we're cool.

Toby: Awesome –