Page 22 of Vince
“I’ve got class later, but I’ve got plenty of time. Take some cookies to Drew. There’s also some cinnamon rolls in the cupboard behind you to share with him as well.”
Abby’s face completely falls to the point it’s almost pitiful. “You mean to tell me I could’ve had cinnamon rolls instead of cereal? Just what kind of friend are you?”
Shrugging my apology. “I thought you’d see them. Sorry. I was out of it when you came in.”
Abby scoffs, and I can’t help but smile at her dramatics. “You can say that again. Next time, let me knowbeforeI eat cereal. You know these are my favorite. Someday, you’ll admit you used to work at Cinnabon, right? I mean, who the hell can bake those even better.”
Seriously, she’d be disappointed to know I baked from the time I was able to reach the stove, and Iamusing Grams’ recipe. When baking’s the only thing to keep your sanity, you learn to get good at it. But instead of going with the truth, I tease, “I’ll never tell. Now scoot—you can’t be late for the all-mighty Drew. Make sure he takes some to his poor roommate Grey. The man needs to eat something besides takeout.”
Abby laughs as she calls out from the hallway. “That’s what he has Drew for. It’s his turn to cook tonight, so I’ll likely see you tomorrow. Thanks again for the yummy goodness.”
When Abby returns to the kitchen a few minutes later, she opens the snack cabinet and is relieved to see the cinnamon rolls already packed for her. “You are amazing, Syd. Love you.”
When there’s a knock at the door, I shoo her out of the kitchen. “Love you, too, Abs. Now get out of here.”
I laugh as she juggles the containers I’ve packed with her to the door. Leave it to Abby to go nuts for my baking. I’m so glad I met her freshman year. She and Chloe have easily become my best friends, and I’d be lost without them.
I spend the rest of the morning studying and let’s face it—trying not to daydream about Vince. I manage to finish a paper and catch up on my assigned reading for class. I breeze through my class and decide I need to work off some excess energy this afternoon, or I’ll go crazy waiting to hear from Vince today.
Sure, I could call him. But I don’t want to seem too eager or desperate. Besides. It’d be best to see if he’s the type of guy who follows through with his word. I’ve had too many I’ve hung my hopes on—to always be the one to make the first move.
Since I have the afternoon free, instead of going to the gym, I feel the need to run on open road. I rush home, change, and zip out the door before I have the chance to dwell on wondering when Vince may call. Knowing he has work and class nearly every day during the week, I know I shouldn’t expect anything until later this evening.
Just as I’m about to reach mile three of my run, I see a little girl on training wheels rounding the corner on her bike. Not seeing anyone around her, I turn off my music to check out the situation further. Within seconds, I hear, “Jules. You’re supposed to stop at the corner.”
She obediently stops and waits for what I assume is her parent.
Relieved she’s not venturing out on her own, I stop at the corner and jog in place while I wait for the car coming up the road to pass. The girl was never in danger, but it still made me worry. She can’t be more than four years old—the bike is tiny, but she seems to hardly need her training wheels as she corners on only one side of her supporting wheels. From the corner of my eye, I see her dad running up the block to catch up with her.
“Great job waiting, Jules!” her dad hollers, and I freeze.
I know that voice.
Slowly, I turn in the direction of her dad. Sure, I’ve been thinking of Vince all day—so I must be imagining him jogging up the road toward me. When he spots me, his grin widens, and there’s no way I’ve conjured him in this moment. My memories aren’t this crystal clear, and the full force of his grin makes my knees go weak as I’m frozen in place.
“Hey, Syd. I never expected to see you out here today.”
I can’t speak. I’m still shocked. I look from Vince to the girl beside us now. Then back again. Her matching eyes stare back at me expectantly. There’s no doubt. This beautiful girl is definitely all Vince. She even smirks as she teases exactly like him. “I told you I’d win. I’m the fastest!” She pumps an adorable fist in the air. “I won! I won!”
Vince fist bumps her and says, “You win, squirt. Though I think it’s time to get your trainers off. You’re getting way too good at riding to keep these baby wheels on. You’re gonna be riding like a big girl by next week, if I have anything to say about it.”
When Jules realizes I’m still staring between them, she says, “Hi! I’m Julia. I’m almost four, and I’m gonna ride a big-girl bike.”
I bend down to her level and wave. “Hi. I’m Sydney.”
Vince looks to me apologetically. “Sorry, I was gonna call after I took her for a ride. I never expected to meet you here of all places.”
Standing, I shake my head, then look back to Julia. “It’s fine. Bike rides are way more important. You seem to have your hands full with this speed racer.”
This makes the cutest giggle fall from Julia’s lips. “Yep. I always beat him. He’swaytoo slow for me.”
Seeing the feign look of hurt on Vince’s face as his hands cross his heart, and he pouts, “You wound me, squirt. I thought I was your favorite.”
She gives him a look that clearly saysduh,as she rolls her perfectly matched eyes to him. “Who else will teach me to ride a big-girl bike?”
I can’t help but snicker at her cuteness, though I do my best to cover it with a cough. She must look a lot like her mom as she has lighter hair and complexion. It’s clear she gets her playful attitude and eyes from Vince. Like him, she’s beautiful.
Vince gets my attention by reaching out and squeezing my hand. Just like last night, my nerve endings zing to life and react to his presence. “Will you be around later?”
