“Hey, you.” Sydney beams at my arrival.
“When did you get here?” I chuckle, realizing I must’ve been into that email I was writing to not hear her knock on the door.
“Oh, I ran into your sister on campus. We’ve been hanging out for the last few hours.”
Well, that’s unexpected.
Slowly, I look between Syd and my sister to see if they’re conspiring against me or something.
I’m not sure what expression I reveal because Van rolls her eyes as she swats the air. “Really, Vin?”
“What?” comes out defensively. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to,” Sydney interjects with a light laugh.
“Your sister’s a riot. She’s been dishing all the dirt on you.” Syd points a finger and waves it playfully. “You should be very worried, Vincent…” She looks suspiciously to Van, and the little shit just smirks knowingly in my direction.
“Vincent… eh?” I pretend to glare. If Julia wasn’t watching the entire exchange on bated breath, I might have reacted like I was fifteen and let my petulance shine. “Just what do I owe the honor of being full named?”
Surprisingly, Sydney breaks.
She almost looks bashful as words flow from her beautiful lips. “Ohmigod, Vince, you are too funny. Though I happen to like your sister, have no fear. She hasn’t revealed your deep-held secrets or anything that isn’t too embarrassing.”
Sydney looks so adorable with her backpedaling, I almost kiss her. But Julia stops me in my tracks.
“Really, Unks. We haven’t told any of your secrets… like how you stash the last of your favorite cookies up behind the pasta… or anything.” Then she gasps and covers her mouth as if she realizes what she’s just revealed.
She’s so adorable, I can’t even be mad.
“So… you’re a sweet hoarder?” Sydney’s playful voice makes me grin.
“Only when it comes to your baked goods,” I admit. “I wasn’t that good at sharing.”
Sydney turns to Julia. “Did he share any of them?”
Julia nods. “He gave me one after I finished my dinner. But I saw him hide the rest.”
Guilty.
I shrug, adding, “You did make them for me,” as I shrug my selfishness off.
“Well, there’s an easy way to remedy that. I’ll just have to make some for everyone next time.” She looks pointedly at me, reminding me of how Mom used to calmly get her point across when she wanted something.
“I will never complain to more of your baked goodness.”
With that, I join them at the table. Reaching under the table, I squeeze Sydney’s thigh to let her know I appreciate her being here. Then we dig into the delicious meal Vanessa has cooked for us.
Glancing to Sydney as she laughs at another of Julia’s antics, I realize just how right this feels. Oddly enough, having Sydney at the table with us feels as natural as breathing. The conversation ebbs and flows easily as we eat. It’s obvious Sydney and Vanessa are becoming fast friends; they even have some inside jokes I’m not privy to.
I can’t say that it bothers me though; I don’t think I could date anyone my sister doesn’t like. It’s not that I need her approval. It’s more that I don’t have time for anyone who doesn’t accept our situation.
I get squeals of delight when I reveal my news from before. Even though we’re sitting at the table with my sister, Sydney congratulates me with a quick hug and peck to the cheek. If I’d known this is how she’d react, I might have waited until we’re alone to mention it.
Eventually, the conversation turns to their experiences with being a waitress and bartender, and they find they have even more in common. They both joke and commiserate about their experiences with annoying patrons.
“The worst is when a guy thinks you’re on the menu…” Vanessa throws out there as if this is a daily occurrence.
What. The. Fuck? The hairs on the back of my neck rise as this is the first I’ve heard this complaint.
“Seriously. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told someone where to go—and how to get there. Though they’re usually harmless and only have their drunken courage to thank for their boldness… it’s annoying as ever.”
“No one should ever think either of you are on the menu,” I insert a little too forcefully. “That’s… just…” I stumble over my words as anger replaces my playful mood.
“Relax, Vin. It happens all the time,” Vanessa assures me. “Usually they’re just trying to show off and flirt in front of their friends. Sometimes, it’s welcomed—other times, I just shut it down.”
“Exactly,” Sydney chimes in. “You’ve seen firsthand what I’ve experienced at the bar the night we met.”
True. Derek did make an ass of himself.
“But the worst is when they don’t take no for an answer. I’ve had to get my boss to politely remind them of their manners a few times.”
My jaw drops as my eyes swing to Vanessa. “Why is this the first I’m hearing of this?”
She points in my direction and swirls a finger at my face. “That. Right there. I handled it, and it wasn’t a problem after.”
“Thank God, we have bouncers for that reason. When someone gets out of control, I just cut them off, and one of the guys stacked with muscles escorts them off the premises. I usually don’t have to worry about it then.” Sydney shakes her head for some reason, and her expression drastically changes to irritation. “Though there have been times they stay pissed and take it out on me the next time they come in.”
“That’s bu…” I glance to Julia and quickly change my word choice, “…malarkey.”
Sydney grins at my impromptu choice of cursing.
I glance to Julia, and she nods in approval. “It is malarkey. But that’s why we have bouncers, so bartenders only have to worry about slinging drinks.”
“I still don’t like it,” I grumble.
“None of us do,” Van sighs. Then she pats my forearm across the table to placate me. “Don’t worry, little brother. The instances are few and far between, so there’s no need to get your panties in a twist.”
“Okay, shorty,” I concede only because there’s no point in causing a scene—especially over something I have no control over. “You’d better not keep it from me next time,” I leave hanging in the air as a warning.
Don’t think for a second I missed the eye roll exchange between my sister and Sydney. Traitors—the whole lot of them, I tell ya. How the hell can I help them if I’m left in the dark?
My thoughts are interrupted when Julia tips her cup, and milk spills across the table between the two of us. On instinct, I throw my napkin over the spill and reach for the extras we always keep on the table for this reason. “Whoa, squirt. Slow down,” I warn as she tries to bolt out of her seat to help clean her mess. “I’ve got this.”
Within seconds, I have it under control, and we’re back to eating our meal—business as usual. When Sydney squeezes my thigh under the table in appreciation of my quick reflexes, I realize this might be so normal for her.
After dinner, Sydney asks if we have the ingredients for no-bake cookies and to Julia’s delight, we do. As I clean up the kitchen, she and Julia set in to making dessert. Jules is right up to the counter with her on her trusty stool, helping her measure the ingredients to add to the pan.
Since it’s essentially boiling the ingredients, Julia waits patiently as Sydney stirs the gooey concoction to perfection. The smell alone could put someone into a sugar-induced coma—but my mouth salivates in anticipation for finally getting to taste their efforts.
They’ve prepared the counter with waxed paper, and Sydney’s as patient as ever as she lets Jules use two spoons to drop dollops of the melted goodness out to harden. When I think I won’t get caught, I reach over and snag a warm cookie to taste test. But of course, Jules notices and swats me away.
“Get out of here, Unks. Can’t you see we’re cookin’ here?”
“But it t
astes so good!!!” I draw out, feigning my impending doom if I don’t get a taste right this instant.
“If you don’t scat,” Sydney warns playfully, “there will be no cookies for you.”
Jutting out my lower lip, I pretend to pout. “But you said Jules gets to lick the bowl. Aren’t I essentially doing that?”
“Not. The. Same. Unks. Go do something.” She shoos me like a pesky fly then points to the living room. “Go watch a show with Momma or something.”
“Okay, sassy pants. I can take the hint.” But I glance at Syd, ensuring she’s okay with Jules if I do what she asks.
Syd looks apologetic, but there’s a hint of a smile to let me know she’s okay with this. I can take the hint. So, without another word, I go into the living room to hang with Vanessa, until I’m allowed back into the kitchen.
“She kicked you out, eh?” Vanessa giggles quiet enough for just me to hear.
“Yep. Apparently, tasting as we bake is not an option.”
“Sounds rough. Are you sure Sydney’s okay with her in there? I would’ve stayed, but I took that phone call, then just found myself sitting on this couch and can’t get the motivation to get back up.”
“I’m pretty sure Sydney is just fine,” I say, patting her on the shoulder as I pass to the couch. But I really take a closer look at Van as I sprawl across the couch. “You need to take time for yourself, Van. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends lately, and you don’t need to.”
Van sighs hard enough to blow the few strands of blond hair away from her face. “I know… I’ve just been helping out when they’re short staffed.”
“That’s not always your responsibility,” I remind her. “We don’t need the extra money. We’re fine with your regular shifts.”
We were each left a trust fund, but we can’t draw on it until we’re twenty-five. We had college funds available to us, which cover almost everything—but no one expected us having to factor medical insurance into our monthly bills, so that takes up the rest of our monthly allotments. We made the choice to sell our family home because it was just too painful to think of returning without Mom and Dad. Besides, it allowed us to purchase this home free and clear—with money left over for unexpected expenses. We don’t have to work—but we choose to.
“Yeah, but you know me… if someone needs help, and I can, I always offer. It’s not that bad. Now that the tournament is over, it should slow down a bit.” She stifles a yawn, and a grimace forms on my face. She’s exhausted and needs a break.
“Why don’t you get your things done for tomorrow, and I’ll handle bedtime with Jules? I highly doubt you’ll make it past her bedtime if you don’t.” I stare at her pointedly until she realizes I’m not budging.
She yawns heavily, but still asks, “Are you sure?”
“Van, you look like you’re gonna pass out at any moment,” I point out but then tell her what she needs to hear. “I’ll have Jules come say good night before bed. But if you’re sleeping, we’ll blow a kiss from the door.”
Slowly, she rises from the couch and comes to hug me. “Thanks, Vinnie. I love you.”
“Love you, too, Van.” When I pull away, I point to her room. “Go get some rest. I’ve got things covered tonight.”
“I know… I know…” Another yawn comes, and she doesn’t even attempt to hide it. God, she must be exhausted. “Night.”
“Night, Vanny.”
Watching her walk in almost a zombie-like state to the hall, I do my best to chuckle. What is it with the stubborn women in my life?
Flipping on the TV, I settle into the couch. Nothing holds my interest as I’d rather be in the kitchen with the sexy redhead and my niece. But since I’ve been exiled, I do my best to find something to pass the time.
Eventually, I settle on an episode of Cash Cab, as I love trivia games, and it won’t matter if I get interrupted. Dad always liked trivia games, and it wore off onto me. As I quietly answer the questions as they’re displayed, I realize just how much I’ve missed this show. After Dad died, I steered clear of shows like these, but lately I find myself able to enjoy them. This must be a rerun, as the series was cancelled, but I still love it all the same.
When the host, Ben Bailey, asks, “Do any parks in New York City come close to the size of Central Park—when referring to acreage?”
Before I can even think of the answer, I hear, “Pellham Bay’s Park in the Bronx.”
“What?” I turn to look at Sydney who just grins like the Cheshire cat as we await the answer. Of course, the couple in the cab is choosing to phone a friend. “I’ve never heard of that park,” I say in disbelief.
“There are a few others. But that’s the biggest,” she states matter-of-factly, which causes me to chuckle.
“I guess the better question is why do you know that?”
Her green eyes twinkle, and her perfect lips smirk. “I had to do a report on New York City in middle school, and I became obsessed with everything about New York.” She shakes her head then sighs, “I’ve never been there but have always wanted to go. It’s definitely on my bucket list.”
“I went my junior year in high school with my parents and Van. We did all the touristy things. I would love to go back sometime.”
“Someday I’ll get there. I’ve read so many books about New York City, and I can’t wait to see it in person.”
Julia inserts herself into the conversation. “Can we go there someday, Unks?”
“Maybe when you’re a little older, squirt. We’ll have to plan it.”
Julia beams then turns to Sydney. “Maybe we can all go together?”
Sydney’s smart and stays non-committal. “We’ll see…”
Wanting to change the subject before Sydney’s forced to make promises, I waggle my eyes playfully, “Are the cookies ready yet?”
“Unks, we have to let them get hard.” She waves a finger at me in warning. “And Sydney says if you eat too much, you’ll get a tummy ache.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I promise.
Sydney sucks in a deep breath. “I hate to say it, but I have to head out. I’ve got an exam tomorrow and a long day.”
Glancing out the window, I realize it’s dark, and she didn’t bring her car. Standing, I offer, “Want a ride home? Jules and I will happily drop you off.”
“I won’t turn one down. I can’t wait until the days get a bit longer.” Sydney smiles, and a tingle flows through my spine with excitement to prolong our time together—even if it is chaperoned.
Turning to Julia, I suggest, “Hey, Jules, run and get your shoes and coat from your room.”
She eagerly bolts down the hall.
Knowing my time to be alone with Sydney is limited, I make the most of it. Closing the distance between us, my eyes focus on her beautiful lips. “Thanks again for coming to dinner.”
“Thanks for having me; it was fun.” She reaches up on her toes as her arms snake around my neck.
I pull her in for a goodnight kiss.
Heat sizzles between us, but we don’t get carried away.
When the patter of tiny feet can be heard in the distance, I break our kiss all too soon. I brush my thumb along her lips to wipe off any trace just as Julia arrives. “Sorry,” I mutter for my haste. “Van’s heading to bed early as she was almost asleep on the couch when I came in. I told her I would take care of Jules for the night.”
“It’s not a problem, Vince.”
Kissing her quickly once more, I whisper, “Thanks.” Just in time before Julia rounds the corner from the hall.
“Ready to go?” she eagerly asks the room as she loves going for rides.
“Sure, squirt. Let’s go. When we get back, it’s bath time for you,” I warn.
“Okay…” she drags out. She loves the bath but doesn’t always like that bedtime follows.
19
Sydney
As I drive to work the next day, I can’t scrub the smile from my face as I replay my afternoon. Even though we have hec
tic schedules, Vince and I make this work. My heart soars when I remember how naturally he just grabs my hand to walk to my apartment to pick up my car after class today, after asking me to dinner. It makes my heart race in the best of ways. I have to say—I love our new routine. Not only is Vince a great cook, but oddly enough, I find I want to spend as much time with him as possible.
Unfortunately, reality strikes, and I have to leave for work all too soon for my liking. But his taste lingers on my lips as I drive away. Julia had been playing in her room with Vanessa, so we may have gotten a little carried away after cleaning up from dinner.
Pressing a finger to my swollen lips, I relive the memory and how Vince is wrecking me for kissing all other men. He barely has to do anything, and I’m on the brink of no return when it comes to the sizzling chemistry between us. I have no idea how he does it—but I certainly don’t want it to stop anytime soon. If he can get me this worked up with our clothes on, I can only imagine what it will be like when we finally remove them completely.
When I arrive at the bar, I park in the overflow parking lot reserved for employees. I flow through my pre-shift routine on auto-pilot. I greet my co-workers but do little in terms of carrying a lengthy conversation. No—my mind’s too preoccupied with Vince.
We’re down one bartender tonight, so when the crowd picks up, I have zero time to contemplate anything but the next drink my customer needs. That’s why I don’t see him in line…
Fucking Brad.
The douche has the nerve to step up to my bar and expect me to wait on him.
“Hey, Sydney… long time no see.”
Trying to remain professional, I coldly ask, “What can I get for you?”
“How about another date? This time, I’ll even pay.”
Remembering what a cheapskate he was, I shudder in disbelief. The guy split the hors d’oeuvres by percentage of how many I ate—and don’t get me started at what a deadbeat dad he is. “Uh… no, thanks,” rolls from my lips before I give myself permission to speak my thoughts.
“Ah… come on, Syd. Seriously, I think you’ve got the wrong impression of me.”
Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series Page 16