Page 30 of Waste Some Time
12
SYDNEY
The rich aromaof roux mixed with fragrant onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic floated from the kitchen into the adjoining living room where Sydney and her brother, Simon, sat on the couch, catching up on each other’s lives.
It wasn’t often that she got alone time with him. They were usually surrounded by the rest of the family, or Simon was late because of practice at a local high school. He coached just about every sport available, and the school was glad to have their former star athlete turned standout college quarterback home to be part of helping other kids reach success.
“You and Amelia have big plans for tomorrow night?” Simon ran a hand through his shaggy blond hair—it was always in need of a trim—and smoothed it back. A smirk settled onto his tanned face. “You two must be up to no good. Like the old days?”
“Something like that.” She bumped her knee against his. “What about you? I hear there’s going to be a Mrs. Simon pretty soon.”
A flush hit his cheeks. “Not yet, but we’re getting there. We’ve talked about it, and she wants to finish getting her PhD first.”
“Psychology, right?”
Simon nodded. “She wants to be a child psychologist.”
“Right. I remember now.” She smiled at her brother. “I’m really happy for you. And I love that you both want to help kids. In different ways, but still. That’s a nice thing you have in common.”
A ping of tension hit Sydney’s stomach at the mention of commonalities. It reminded her how much differences seemed to matter to Katie.
They had plenty of reasons that a relationship between them was a bad idea, despite the dozens of text conversations they’d shared over the last several days. Sydney couldn’t jump into a serious relationship with the first woman she was intimate with, even if it was just a kiss, and Katie wasn’t into being with someone who hadn’t tested out her sexuality and was ready for a commitment.
It was a matter of bad timing for both of them.
But even if the timing had been good, Sydney wondered if their lack of common interests would be a deal-breaker for Katie, anyway.
“Yeah, we both love kids,” Simon said. “We’re thinking we both want to grow our own family pretty early on.”
Sydney’s heart warmed as thoughts of compatibility with Katie floated from her mind. “I can’t wait to be called Aunt Syd.”
It was Simon’s turn to bump against her knee. “You’ll have to visit more often to hear that.”
The comment was a throwaway one, but it held so much more meaning to Sydney. Especially now that she was fairly certain of her decision.
“Can I tell you something?”
As close as she and Stephen were, Simon had always been her rock. Her guiding older brother. He looked like a carefree surfer, but underneath that was a wise, caring old soul.
Simon narrowed his eyes. “Maybe. Depends how long I have to keep quiet about whatever this is.”
“Not long,” she promised him. “I just want to be the one to tell everyone. So I’m practicing on you.”
“Okay, then. Go ahead.”
Sydney took a deep breath. “I’m thinking about moving back. Here. To New Orleans.”
“Oh my gosh, Syd. That’s great!” He looked around, but Savannah and their mother were still in the kitchen. “Is this a decided thing, or are you really just thinking about it?”
“I’m 95% sure I want to.” She was more like 99% sure, but she wanted to leave herself more wiggle room in her brother’s mind. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s great, obviously. But I’m biased.” He grinned and nodded at her. “We’d all love to have you back here. But what brought this about? Is this because of the divorce?”
“Nope. Not a factor at all,” she said. “I mean, yes, it’s an easier decision without having to factor in his opinion, but it’s been something I’ve been considering for a while. Being here is reminding me of all the reasons why I was being pulled home.”
“I don’t want to push you, but you know everyone in this house would be thrilled to have you back.”
As if on cue, the front door opened and Stephen’s voice rang out from the foyer. “Everyone’s favorite son is here!”
