Page 664 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Oh shut up and pick something.”

Ginger ignored Sydney’s remark and pretended to take stock of Sydney’s movie inventory. “I enjoyed meeting Kendall and Sean.”

Yeah, they were on their best behavior for you.”

“Syd, can I ask you a question?” Ginger turned to face Sydney.

“Sure.”

“Why are you eating hamburger when you could have steak?”

“What are you talking about?” Sydney put down her cup of herbal tea and looked at Ginger.

“Don’t get me wrong. Kendall’s a cute guy, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Sean. That guy is drop-dead gorgeous. You guys just look like you were meant for each other.”

“So did Adam and I, remember? And besides, eating steak all the time can get a little too rich, if you know what I mean. And so what if Sean is … good looking?” She almost saidgorgeousbut couldn’t bring herself to say it. That would be giving him too much credit. “When did looks become the only determining factor?”

Ginger raised an eyebrow and Sydney sought for the words to explain how she felt. “Look, I know Kendall isn’t as handsome as Sean.” It was the first time she’d admitted it. “But he has so many other wonderful qualities.”

“Such as?”

“He’s sweet.”

Ginger wrinkled her nose, and Sydney cringed when that tale-tell eyebrow of hers raised.

“And honest.” Sydney inserted before Ginger could say anything else. “Did I ever tell you about the time he lectured me about cheating?”

“I must’ve missed that one,” Ginger said dryly.

“I was in junior high. Emma, Kendall’s younger sister, and I were best friends. I spent more weekends at her house than my own.” Sydney’s voice became nostalgic. “Anyway, Emma and I had this math teacher. Mrs. Drucker.” Sydney spat out the name like it left a nasty taste in her mouth. “All the students dreaded her tests. They were long and tedious, and everyone knew that she used the same tests over and over. Somehow Emma got a hold of an old test that had all the answers. We were in her room making a cheat sheet when Kendall saw us.”

Cindy’s eyesturned to saucers when she saw what Emma was holding. “Where’d you get that?”

“Luke Holcomb gave it to me.”

“But we can’t.”

“Oh, yes we can.” Emma was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style. “Aren’t you sick of getting C’s?”

“Well, yeah but?—”

“Don’t be a ninny.” She reached for a sheet of paper and turned over on her stomach. “Come on. I need some help to make sure it’s right.”

They were so intent that they didn’t hear Kendall enter the room. By the time Cindy felt his presence over her shoulder, it was too late.

“What ya got there?”

Emma jumped guiltily and moved to cover the paper, but he was faster. It only took one look to know what they were doing. He glared at Emma. “Where’d you get this?”

She reached for it, her eyes sparking with anger. “It’s none of your business. Give it back!”

“I most certainly will not! I can’t believe the two of y’all would do such a thing.”

Cindy wished she could crawl under the bed. Anything to escape this humiliation, especially from her idol.

“Are you going to tell Mom and Dad?” Emma’s voice sounded small.

Kendall shook his head in disgust. “I oughta.” He thrust the paper at Emma. “I’m not gonna look over your shoulder every minute to make sure you’re doing the right thing. You’ll have tolet your own conscience be your guide.” He turned and left the room.

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