Page 31 of Waste Some Time
Sydney’s stomach did flips as she waited for the inevitable announcement to follow.
“And I’ve got Katie with me!”
Sydney had known this moment was coming. She knew Katie couldn’t get out of the invitation even if she’d wanted to. And she could tell by the greetings and her mom and Savannah rushing out of the kitchen that everyone wanted Katie to be there.
Almost as much as Sydney wanted her there.
But her family’s greeting reminded Sydney of why dating Katie would be a terrible idea. In Sydney’s absence, Katie had become part of this family. It was nice to watch everyone hugging her and thrilled to see her. It was so heartwarming, in fact, that Sydney’s thoughts jumped to the worst-case scenario.
What if she and Katie did get together? Maybe not now, but maybe down the road?
What would happen then if it didn’t work out? If Sydney was back home and she and Katie dated and then broke up, how awful would these holidays feel?
Worse.
Would Katie feel unwelcome in the Savoie house?
Sydney couldn’t be part of a rift like that.
Just another reason dating Katie at any point was a bad idea.
The question was if she could convince her heart this was a bad idea.
She turned to see Katie removing her black leather jacket, revealing a long-sleeved teal T-shirt and boot cut jeans that looked comfortable but still hugged her curves in all the right ways. Her hair was loose today, and she anxiously brushed it away with both hands as the Savoies rushed to greet her.
Sydney gave her an awkward wave from across the room as the family crowd increased their perimeter, giving Katie some space. Katie waved back, a small, hesitant gesture, accompanied by an even more hesitant smile.
Her mom aimed a dishcloth at Sydney. “Come help me and Savannah in the kitchen. I need a potato peeler.”
Her sister, Savannah, unwrapped the drooping bun of long blonde hair and re-wrapped it tighter on top of her head. She had always been their mom’s right-hand helper in the kitchen since they were kids, so it had been no surprise to anyone when she went off to culinary school. Like all the siblings, she also felt the pull back home and got a job in a fine dining place in Midtown.
“I told her we don’t need etoufféeandpotato saladandFrench bread,” Savannah said. “But you know she won’t listen to me.”
“Of course we do,” their mom said. “And now that I’ve got Sydney in the kitchen with us, I’m going to put you on dessert.”
“Aye, aye, captain,” Savannah said with a curt salute.
Sydney glanced over her shoulder at Katie being led onto the couch where Sydney had been sitting just moments ago, being pulled into a conversation with Simon and Stephen.
It felt so natural to see Katie in her family's home. And she supposed it had become a normal thing while she was off in San Diego. It was just shocking to see how homey the entire scene was. How much her family welcomed Katie as one of their own.
They’d been texting each other all week, but somehow Sydney had been able to pretend they were the only ones who had to know about the cute little messages they were sending back and forth. Flirty texts, even.
But now she had to face the reality. Katie was as much a part of this family as any of the siblings.
Sydney had been right.
Dating Katie would be a terrible idea, indeed.
13
KATIE
The Savoies’dining table was filled with delicious food, raucous conversation, warmth, and love.
Mr. Savoie was still at the restaurant, so it was just Mrs. Savoie and the four children. Plus Katie.
Simon’s girlfriend had spent the week with her family in Florida and was expected back in town the next day. Katie had met her a few times. She seemed to push Simon in the same way he mellowed her out. They perfectly balanced each other.
