by Lisa Moreau
“Are you Sydney Cooper?” one of them asked.
“Yes. I’m the one that called about a robbery almost two hours ago.”
One of the officers took out a note pad and pen. “What happened?”
“There!” Sydney pointed at Owen, who was headed straight toward them. “He stole a camera from Emily Wellington.”
Owen slowed considerably when he saw the police officers. At one point it even looked like he was about to make a run for it. Instead, he threw his shoulders back and strode purposefully toward them.
“Good afternoon, Officers. What brings you out here?” Owen shielded his eyes from the sun.
Sydney’s heart lurched when she saw an Audubon Bird Cam hanging around Owen’s neck. It was Emily’s. She was sure of it.
“That’s the camera he stole.” Sydney pointed at it.
Owen’s head jerked toward Sydney, and he gave her a go-to-hell look.
“You’re the one who called 911, didn’t you?” Sydney asked Owen. “You found Emily when you broke onto the farm and took her camera before you just left her out there alone.” Sydney should have been happy he’d even called for an ambulance, but she just couldn’t muster any appreciation for the guy.
“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” Owen sneered.
“I can prove it,” Sydney said to the officers. “Open the camera, and you’ll find Emily’s name and address engraved there.”
Owen put a hand over the camera lens. “This is mine.”
“Like hell it is,” Sydney said.
One of the police officers stepped between Sydney and Owen, probably since it looked like Sydney was about to strangle the rat.
“Would you mind opening the camera?” an officer asked Owen.
Owen shook his head and grumbled. “This is ridiculous. You’re going to believe her over me?” He took the Bird Cam off his neck and handed it to an officer. “Look for yourself.”
The lid popped open when the officer pressed a button. Sydney was about to say “aha,” but the words stuck in her throat when she didn’t see anything.
“Wait a second.” Sydney grabbed the camera and turned it every which way.
Owen smirked.
“I know he took it,” Sydney said.
“This is ridiculous and a waste of my time.” Owen snatched the camera out of Sydney’s hands and opened the door to his truck. “I’m outta here.”
“Look in his bag.” She motioned toward the bulky sack draped over Owen’s shoulder.
“This is harassment!” Owen told the officers. “I’ll be reporting this behavior to your supervisor.”
The two police officers exchanged irritated glances.
“I suppose you wouldn’t mind us taking a look since you have nothing to hide.” An officer tugged the bag.
Owen blanched and held it close to his chest. “I…you…shouldn’t you have a search warrant for this?”
“Is there stolen property in here?” The officer yanked the sack out of Owen’s grasp, unzipped it, and pulled out an Audubon Bird Cam.
“Aha!” Excitement bubbled in the pit of Sydney’s stomach. They had him now.
The policeman opened the lid, raised an eyebrow, and turned it toward Owen, displaying the engraved nameplate. “Would you like to explain why you have Emily Wellington’s camera?”
Owen glared at Sydney, steam practically coming out of his ears. “I’m not saying anything until I talk to my lawyer.”
“Why don’t you come downtown with us to answer a few questions?” One of the officers grabbed Owen’s arm, stuffed him into the back of the police car, and read him his Miranda rights.
Aside from the day Sydney met Emily, this was quite possibly the best day ever.
Chapter Twenty-four
Lovebirds Unite
“Tell me again. Did they cuff him?”
Sydney couldn’t help but laugh. She loved seeing Emily so excited. They’d been sitting on the couch in the cabin for the past half hour, with Sydney recounting everything that had happened.
“No cuffs, but they did ding his head when they put him in the police car.”
Emily vigorously rubbed her palms together. “I would have given anything to see that. How come you didn’t tell me about this beforehand?” She lightly slapped Sydney’s arm.
“I wasn’t sure Owen had stolen your camera. It was just a hunch. I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
“You still should have told me. How long do you think they’ll hold him?”
Sydney shrugged. “If it’s his first offense, probably not long.”
“I bet he only gets community service.” Emily frowned. “Hopefully it’s a shit job.”
“At least you can still get the article in before he does. Did you check out the photos? Are they intact?”
Emily grasped her camera and flipped through the pictures. “They look okay. First thing I’m doing is backing them up on my computer.”
“Did you get the story written today?”
“It’s done, and I’m sending it to Cole, my assistant, tonight.”
Sydney smiled. “That’s great. I’m really happy things worked out for you.”
“Thanks to you.” Emily’s expression softened.
It was now or never. Sydney had to try one last time.
“Em, do you think you could ever possibly forgive me?”
Emily’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t know. You lied to me, Sydney. You spied and pretended to be my friend.”
Sydney closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I know.”
“It’s not that I wouldn’t want to forgive you, but I don’t see how we could go back to the way things were. Not after such a betrayal.”
Sydney nodded. “I understand.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Sydney stood. “Guess I should pack my stuff. I’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning. You can have the bed tonight, and I’ll sleep in the study.”
“Are you going back to LA?”
“Yeah. I’ll stop by Bud’s and then Fran’s on my way out and tell them bye.”
“I’m sure they’d like that. What will you do for a job?”
“I’ll find something. Actually, I have an idea that might pan out.”
“Good luck in whatever you end up doing.”
“Thanks.”
Sydney studied Emily’s face, attempting to memorize every feature. Since she intended to be gone before Emily woke in the morning, this would be the last time Sydney would ever see her.
“Good night, Emily.” Sydney blinked back tears and walked away.
* * *
It was one of those dreams where you’re trying to run but going absolutely nowhere.
Sydney was at the end of a long corridor, Emily desperately wanting to reach her. The faster she ran, the farther apart they seemed. Her heart beat wildly and her legs ached. Just when she didn’t think she could take another step, she managed to do so. Suddenly, a mist surrounded Sydney. Emily’s insides twisted, knowing that if she disappeared into the haze, Emily would never find her, never see her again.
“Nooo!” Emily yelled when Sydney turned and walked away, completely consumed in the fog.
Emily awoke with a start and bolted upright. It was a nightmare, but unfortunately one that was quite real. Emily lay back down and listened hard for any signs of life in the cabin, but it was completely silent. Sydney was gone. Emily was torn between being relieved and feeling incredibly sad. The thought of telling Sydney good-bye was unbearable. Maybe it was best she’d left early. Was Emily making the biggest mistake of her life? Forgiveness is supposed to be the key to happiness and healing. What did it say about Emily that she’d forever hold a grudge against the woman she loved?
Emily grabbed her crutches and slowly made her way down the stairs. She needed to check her email to make sure Cole had everything necessary to get the lovebird issue to the printers. She’d sent him the article, photos, and layout late last night. Just when she sat on th
e sofa she heard a knock. Excitement shot through her gut. Maybe it was Sydney. As quickly as possible, she hobbled to the door and opened it. It wasn’t. Instead, it was her drunk roommate. Well, she probably wasn’t drunk at the moment, but that’s pretty much all Emily remembered about her.
“You’re Monica, right?”
“I’m here to see Sydney.” Monica pushed past Emily, almost knocking one of her crutches down, and stood in the middle of the living room.
“She isn’t here. She went back to LA.”
Monica sighed, looking relieved. “Well, thank goodness for that. She must have come to her senses.”
What was that supposed to mean? Had Sydney told her about their breakup? Was she glad they weren’t together anymore?
“Yes. Well…” Emily motioned toward the open door.
Monica completely missed the hint. Instead, she said, “Can I use your bathroom? I need to pee something awful.”
“Sure. It’s upstairs to your right.”
Emily closed the front door, made her way back to the couch, and turned on her laptop. At least something in her life was going right. Cole had received everything and sent it off to the printers. When the issue hit the newsstand, The Tweet would make history. She should be ecstatic—and not that she wasn’t happy—but nothing seemed right without Sydney to share it with.
Monica bolted down the stairs. “Phew. That’s better. What happened to you?” She pointed at Emily’s cast, as though noticing it for the first time.
“I fell out of a tree.”
“Ouch. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Sorry you missed Sydney.”
Monica scowled. “I’m furious with her. She sent me this crazy text a couple of days ago and then didn’t even answer her fucking phone. I came here to talk some sense into her. Are you the one who convinced her to go back to LA?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. I didn’t convince her. I asked her to leave.”
Monica cocked her head and gave Emily a weird look.
“I think we might have a communication gap here,” Emily said. “I’m not sure how much Sydney told you about us…together.”
“You mean you two? As in yowza-bang-bang?” Monica wiggled her eyebrows.
Emily wasn’t exactly sure what that meant. “Well. Anyway. We broke up.”
Monica sat on the armrest of the sofa. “Oh. Sorry. What happened?”
Emily waved her hand. She wasn’t about to explain everything to a stranger. “Just…you know how it goes sometimes.”
Monica punched Emily on the arm. “You’re a looker. I’m sure you’ll find someone else in no time.”
Emily lowered her head and whispered to herself, “Not anyone I’d ever love like that again.” Or at least she thought it was to herself.
“You’re in love with Sydney?” Monica looked shocked.
“Yes. And I thought she was in love with me too.”
“Seriously? Wow. Maybe you two can work things out.”
“Doubtful. Anyway, I don’t really want to talk about it. Could you just look out for her and make sure she takes care of herself?”
Monica nodded resolutely. “You can count on me. And I’ll see that she convinces PowerBar to give her that job back. In fact, that’s why I’m here. To talk some sense into her.”
“Didn’t Sydney tell you? She didn’t get the job.”
Monica furrowed her brow. “Yes, she did. She sent me a text Monday night telling me the good news and then another one Tuesday saying she’d quit.”
That didn’t make any sense. Sydney had said something completely different to Emily. Or had she? Actually, Emily was the one who had assumed she wasn’t hired.
Monica pulled out her phone, swiped her finger across the screen a few times, and held it up for Emily to see. Emily’s eyes scanned the text. Oh my God. Sydney did get the PowerBar job.
“I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t she…” Emily closed her eyes and threw her head back. “She didn’t take the job because she stayed to help me.”
“I thought you said you two broke up.”
“We did. Monday night. She must have gotten the call after everything blew up, and then I had the accident Tuesday.” Emily buried her face in her hands. “I can’t believe she did that for me.”
“Damn. Sydney must really love you. She wanted that job more than anything.”
Emily lowered her arms and looked at Monica. “Yes. She must. I really screwed up. I doubted that she cared about me. I thought it was all just an act. I have to talk to her.”
Emily looked at her watch. It was still early. Maybe she could catch Sydney. She snatched her phone and dialed.
“Fran? It’s Emily. Did Sydney come by your place?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact she’s still here. She wanted to see the lovebirds one last time.”
“Thank God. Please do whatever you can to keep her there. I’m on my way.” Emily hung up and looked at Monica. “Can you drive me somewhere?”
* * *
“You guys are survivors like me,” Sydney said to the lovebirds as she stood on a ladder propped against the fig tree.
She’d been there for at least an hour, finding it difficult to leave. Saying good-bye to the birds was like leaving Emily all over again. One landed on a branch right in front of her and pecked her on the nose.
“Are you trying to tell me something?”
The lovebird tilted its head and chirped loudly. Sydney followed its line of vision and saw a fast-approaching tractor. It looked like Fran was driving with someone else in the passenger seat.
“Guess I should get going. Whatever happens, I hope you all stay together. You should never be separated from your mates.”
Sydney took one last look at the lovebirds and descended the ladder. She stood by the tree and watched the large, yellow vehicle barrel toward her. The person with Fran almost looked like Emily, but it couldn’t be. Sydney was just seeing things. She hooked her backpack over her shoulder and watched as Fran came to a halt. Sydney’s heart lurched when her eyes locked with the passenger’s. It was Emily. Fran went to the other side of the tractor, helped her down, and sat back in the driver’s seat. Sydney stood motionless as Emily hobbled on crutches and stood right in front of her.
“I’ll get out of your way,” Sydney said. “I was just leaving.”
“I didn’t come to see the lovebirds.” Emily tossed her crutches aside and stood with both feet on the ground.
“You shouldn’t put any pressure on that ankle.” The last thing Emily probably wanted was advice from Sydney, but she didn’t want her to do more damage to herself.
“The crutches will just get in the way.” Emily limped forward.
Sydney was tempted to take a step back, surprised at how close they were. “Still, though, you want it to heal properly.”
Emily’s eyes twinkled. “You’re always looking out for me, aren’t you?” Something was definitely different about Emily. Her energy seemed light, almost joyful. “There’s something I really want to do, and it just isn’t possible with crutches.”
Emily slipped her arms around Sydney’s waist and kissed her. Sydney was so shocked her lips froze and she tensed all over.
Within seconds, Emily pulled back. “Is this okay?”
“I don’t understand. Does this mean you’re not angry with me anymore?”
“I know you passed up the PowerBar job for me. You should have told me, Sydney. I never would have allowed you to do that.”
“How’d you find out?”
“Monica showed up at the cabin this morning.”
“Oh. I didn’t tell you because I knew you never would have let me help you, and I needed to fix what I’d done.” Sydney looked directly into Emily’s eyes. “I do love you.”
“I know that now.” Emily placed a light kiss on Sydney’s lips. “But that was your dream job.”
“No,” Sydney said. “Nothing is more important than you. You’re my dream.”
Chapter Twe
nty-five
Epilogue
One year later
Emily drove a third lap around the lot, looking for a parking space. Normally, she’d be ticked off, but in this particular case it was a positive thing. She put her blinker on when she saw someone pulling out and sped into the spot before anyone else could take it. She looked up at the PoleCat sign and smiled. Sydney and Robin had made a lot of improvements to the place, including new signage and a paint job.
Emily entered the studio and spotted Robin behind the receptionist’s desk. “Hi, Robin.”
“Hey, you. I haven’t seen you in a while. Syd said you’ve been busy.”
Emily sighed. “It’s been crazy, but in a good way.”
After the Madagascar lovebird article had been published, Emily had experienced more success than she could have imagined. Not only had The Tweet’s sales soared, but she’d even been interviewed on several national news and wildlife programs.
“Speaking of busy, you two are doing awesome,” Emily said. “The parking lot is packed.”
Robin smirked. “Our membership tripled from this time last year. Hiring Syd was the best thing ever.”
“I’m glad. So where is the love of my life?” Emily glanced around.
“She’s finishing up with a student.”
Emily looked at her watch. “I thought her class was over twenty minutes ago.”
“You know your girlfriend. She’s probably helping a new student feel more comfortable with a routine.”
Emily smiled. She was happy Sydney loved her job. Still, though, she wondered sometimes if she’d ever regretted passing up the PowerBar position.
“You two heading to Ojai?” Robin asked.
“Yes. And we’re going to be late if we don’t get on the road.”
The door to the pole-dancing class opened, and Sydney walked out with a woman. Emily’s face heated at the sight of her sexy girlfriend. They’d been together a year, but seeing Sydney in short shorts and a crop top still had an effect on Emily. Sydney glanced at Emily and winked, which sent her heart soaring.