Page 15 of Vince
Why does that mundane question make my heart race?
“Yeah. I try to work most Friday and Saturday nights when I can. They’re the busiest, and I hate when it’s slow. It makes the time drag on, ya know?”
“I can imagine.” There’s a loud noise in the background, and Vince muffles the phone the best he can. He must be some place public because I swear it sounds like a gaggle of kids ran by. “Hey, Syd? I’m sorry to cut this short, but I’ve gotta go. It’s hard to hear around here.”
Before I can respond, the noise is back, and it makes me laugh. Where the hell is he? “No problem. Pick me up around four, and we’ll get to town in plenty of time before the concert.”
“Sounds good,” he says. “I’ll be there.”
With that, he ends the call, making me wish this day would pass a little faster.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
Even though I got called into work early, and we’re busy tonight, I can’t help but scan the crowd for Vince. It’s nearly eleven, and the way he’d asked me if I was working made it sound as if he might be stopping by.
Maybe he was just making casual conversation, and I’m putting something into it that wasn’t there?
But truth be told—every time I see someone who resembles him—my heart picks up a beat—and then my hopes are smashed when it’s not him.
Jesus,Syd. Get over it. He’s not coming, and you have shit to do.I chastise myself and force my thoughts back to reality, just in time for a long line of people from the other side of the bar. I spend the next hour filling drinks and keeping the line to a minimum.
When I notice the tall friend that came in with Vince on his birthday, I take a moment to scan the bar, hoping to see Vince. No such luck. My gut sinks when I realize the tall guy’s here with a date and no one else.
Maybe after tomorrow, I should resume my dating diet if I’ve resorted to being a pre-teen waiting to see her first crush. I’m not cut out for shit like this, and I should probably stick with my original plan. Hopefully, tomorrow night will be a dud, and I can get him out of my mind once and for all.
Crap. Why did I agree to a second date?
* * *
Even though I came home and crashed shortly after three, I find myself tossing and turning early the next morning. Sundays are meant for sleeping in. There’s no reason I should know there’s two seven o’clocks in a day. Especially when my head just landed on the pillow mere hours before.
I roll over for what feels like the millionth time, in a vain attempt for comfort.
Fuck. It’s not working.
Groaning, I toss back my covers and crawl out of bed. I pad to my bathroom and shower for the day. I may as well be productive if I can’t sleep. Within twenty minutes, I’m out in the kitchen, making breakfast. Well—a bagel and cream cheese anyway. Then I head out to the living room, where I’m surprised by Abby studying on the couch.
“What are you doing here?” I ask as I sit in the chair beside her.
“Drew’s asleep in my room, so I came out here to finish a paper. Then I can spend a guilt-free afternoon with him later. Sorry I can’t make it to the concert. Did you find someone to go with you?”
“Don’t worry about it,” I say as I swat the air, shaking my head. “If today was Drew’s only night off before heading on the road for the tournament, I’d want to spend it with him as well.”
Abby puts down the pen she’s been fiddling with and gives me her full attention. “You did find someone, right?” A pang of guilt flashes in her eyes.
I put her out of her misery with ease. “Yeah, I got a friend from class to go with me.” I have no idea why I don’t tell her about Vince. But with waiting to see where she and Drew get into med school, and him heading into the tournament, she’s got enough on her plate. Besides, she likes Riser, but she’s been to their concerts before when they were just an up-and-coming band. Tonight’s concert is their final one of their tour, and the place will be packed. Abby will go to an arena to watch Drew play, now that she’s a fan—but big crowds aren’t really her thing.
“That’s great. I felt so guilty leaving you high and dry. I know it’ll be a great concert.”
“Yeah. You know I’d go to the concert solo if necessary, right? I won’t miss the chance to see Nick perform in person. I love his voice and could listen to it all night long,” I tease, even though I’m sure Vince beats him in the looks department. “I’ll be blessed with eye candy all night.”
Abby smirks. “I’m sure that will be such a hardship.”
She has no idea.
“Yep,” I agree. When I finish my bagel, I stand to return my plate to the kitchen. “Well, I’ll let you finish your paper. I’m off to beat the crowds and get groceries. Need anything?”
“I’m good. Thanks,” Abby says, but I can tell she’s already getting back to her paper. She’s tenacious about her studies.
