Page 22 of Waste Some Time
“So then, why didn’t it work out? If it’s okay for me to be nosy.”
“Not nosy at all. I brought it up, and I’m fine talking about it,” Sydney said. “Basically, I didn’t feel seen. He was great, and he loved me, too. But I think he loved the idea of me. I don’t know if he ever really understood me.”
Sydney thought about how Doug would never have taken her to any of the places she and Katie had visited that day. It was as if Katie instinctively knew what she would like, even though they only met a couple of times and never had any real deep conversations.
Until now.
Sydney shivered against the cold. This was a delightful stop, and she would have loved to stay out there all evening and watch the sunset with Katie. But that would be a terrible idea.
Today had to remain just today.
Katie patted her leg, sending tingles up Sydney’s thigh. “Come on. Let’s get you warmed up.”
Sydney stood with her. “I’m going to need to crank my heater up in the car.”
“We have one last stop.”
“Oh,” Sydney said, fighting the urge to sound too excited about the prospect of spending even more time with Katie. “Where are we going next?”
It had been so enjoyable to sit back and allow someone else to plan things for once. And she’d felt completely at ease handing the reins over to Katie. It had been a near-perfect day, and she’d just been along for the ride. It was kind of nice to let go.
“I’m not far from here,” Katie said. “It’s pizza with Benjamin time.”
9
KATIE
“Here, let me get your coat.”
Katie held out a hand as Sydney slipped out of her blue wool peacoat, revealing a solid white flannel button-up shirt. It had looked so soft all day, peeking out from beneath that coat. Like it was brand new flannel that wasn’t nubby yet. Katie wanted to take it in her hands and pull the shirt along with the woman inside it closer to her.
“Is this okay?” Katie gestured at the couch behind a large white coffee table. “I’d offer you the dining table, but it kind of exploded bills.”
“No problem. The couch is fine.” Sydney smiled at her, a small but high-wattage smile that made Katie feel a little weak as she pulled out her phone. “I guess this is your bill-paying day?”
“Money Monday,” Katie replied. “I like the alliteration and only having to do it all once a week. Plus, it’s easier on my day off.”
Sydney’s smile stretched even wider. “No, I like that. Makes perfect sense to me. My day is Saturday. I don’t have a weekday off, and I like getting it all done early in the weekend, so Sunday can be completely relaxing.”
“That is also smart.”
Katie had expected an accountant to be organized and conscientious about her bill-paying system. It was actually endearing. Responsibility was always sexy.
But she rarely liked to tell people about her own system. She was usually afraid she’d sound too rigid. But it really helped her to not forget things. And her brain was excellent at hiding things from her. It could forget doing what she needed to do to keep the lights on, but it sure had a knack for remembering old commercial jingles.
Benjamin hopped onto a box by the couch, then onto the cushion beside Sydney. Katie’s heart warmed at the sight of her usually aloof with-strangers feline companion who immediately took to Sydney. He plopped himself against Sydney’s leg and leaned into her hand as Sydney pet him with her long, delicate fingers.
“This is a big sweet boy,” Sydney said. “I wish I could have a cat. My apartment has a strong no-pets policy.”
“That’s a shame.” Katie saw an opportunity and pounced before realizing what she was saying. “Another incentive for moving.”
Sydney paused her stroking, and Benjamin rubbed his mouth and teeth against her hand, begging her to resume the affection.
“I’m so sorry,” Katie said. “I know you don’t want outside influence. Forget I said that.”
Sydney smiled. “It’s fine. I was already taking that into account. Even if I stayed in San Diego, I’d probably move to a new apartment, anyway.”
Katie made a quick call to the local pizza place, then sat in the living area, this time on the other end of the couch beside Benjamin instead of across the room.
