Page 42 of Waste Some Time
The truth was, she wanted nothing else than what she had at that moment, so there was nothing to fear. Certainly nothing to miss.
“Perfect,” she said.
Katie released her hand and put a finger in the air. “Not quite perfect yet.”
She dug inside the tote bag she’d brought to remove two plastic flutes and a small bottle of champagne. She poured it evenly between the glasses and held one out for Sydney.
“Almost time,” Katie said.
But it was already the perfect time. She felt like any moment she spent with Katie from here on out would be perfect.
Okay, so that wasn’t realistic.
But she was allowing herself to fully enjoy all the hope and delight that New Year’s Eve brought with it.
“10… 9… 8…”
The crowd shouted from the surrounding bleachers, and Katie and Sydney exchanged smiles while they joined in.
“7… 6… 5… 4…”
Their eyes remained locked as they raised their glasses along with the rest of the crowd.
“3… 2… 1!”
Around them, everyone shouted, “Happy New Year!” as a shower of fireworks erupted over the Mississippi River, illuminating the sky with bright, colorful lights.
Sydney just grinned, still staring into those dark brown eyes. She couldn’t believe she’d get the pleasure of staring into those eyes even more after this.
“Happy New Year, Katie,” she said softly beneath the roar of the crowd.
“Happy New Year, Sydney.”
They leaned in for a kiss. Soft and sweet. Lingering in the promise of the year ahead, and of all the days they’d have together from here on out.
When they broke the kiss, they each took a long sip of champagne. Sydney was already dizzy from the buzz her heart was giving her, but she wanted to stay up all night to sit and drink champagne with Katie.
“Too bad we don’t have a bigger bottle.”
Amid the booming fireworks and cheering, Katie’s voice lowered to that husky tenor that made Sydney go weak.
“There’s more at my place.”
Sydney felt her cheeks flush hot against the cold air, and they stood to exit the bleachers while carrying their flutes. They shimmied past people to hop to the ground, then Sydney took Katie’s hand in hers again and followed her girlfriend home.
17
KATIE
The earthy smellof blackeyes filled the air when Katie followed Sydney through the front door and into the Savoie family home. As soon as they entered, the living room erupted in greetings.
Sydney squeezed Katie’s hand and smiled at her. “See? I told you everyone would throw a party over you being here with me.”
“Your family throws a party over anything,” Katie said. “And I’m kind of always here.”
“Yeah, but you’re herewithme this time. It’s an extra special event.”
Katie couldn’t deny the atmosphere felt… different. Special. Almost overwhelming.
