Page 45 of Vince
As I walk through the gates of the arena with Ryan for the championship game, thoughts of my date last weekend with Sydney run through my mind. Somehow, over the past few weeks, she’s become a predominant feature in my life. She’s the first person I text each morning and one of the last people I talk to each night. Even if we don’t talk because she’s working, I always wake up to a text from her, telling me she made it home.
Drew managed to get her a ticket to tonight’s game to sit with Abby. According to her latest text, she’s practically on the court watching the game, so I can’t blame her for not wanting to sit in the student section with me and the guys.
“Hey, man, our seats are over here,” Ryan points out, pulling me out of my head. When we take our seats, he pins me with a knowing look. “So, what’s up with you, man? Are you not interested in the game?”
What? Why would he think that?
“No?” comes out as a question and before I can respond, he interrupts.
“You’ve been stuck in your head since I picked you up. Is everything okay with Vanessa and Julia? You get this way when you’re preoccupied with them.”
“Naw… they’re good. Sorry. I’ve been dying for this game.” And more importantly—for my potential date after the game.
Sydney’s been busy all day because Drew proposed to Abby this morning at the diner. I not only heard about this from Sydney in great detail, but apparently it was a proposal worth writing home about from Vanessa—as she texted me the details practically after they happened. I’ll admit, the guy has game on and off the court, though I don’t think I would ever propose like he did. He went to great lengths to pull off his surprise—according to Sydney.
Since Sydney was in charge of bringing Abby’s parents to the diner, I have yet to see her today. As if my eyes have a mind of their own, they roam the crowd to where I think she’s sitting, if the vantage point from her last text is correct.
As soon as my eyes land on her, it’s as if she senses me. Our eyes lock, and a smile forms big enough to see across the arena. She gives me a small wave, and I wave back.
“Oh, I get it…” Ryan finally breaks my attention. “So things are still going on with you and Sydney.”
I haven’t filled him in on much, but Ryan’s not an idiot. “Yeah, they’re still happening,” I admit.
“Are things serious? Man, that’s great. I’ve never seen you date other than when we’ve forced you out in a group with us.” He speaks that last part almost to himself. “I know you have your reasons for staying single… and I get it… but that smile I just witnessed on your face was worth waiting for.”
Ryan and I never talk about relationships, especially not in public, so I’m a little shocked to see he’s broached the subject.
“Okay…” I draw out, having no idea how to respond to that even if I tried.
Ryan cocks his head to the side and grins. “Dude. Don’t worry. I’m happy to see you happy—and paying attention to yourself—for once.”
I nod in agreement. Yeah, it’s abnormal for me to date, but I’m not complaining by any means. Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything because the lights dim, and the crowd cheers as players are announced.
I couldn’t have planned this spot better if I tried. As the game goes on, I’m not sure which I enjoy watching more. Sydney cheering her ass off, or the players taking control throughout the game. Sure, there are times when the score evens up, but by halftime, we’re back in the lead. But watching Sydney’s enthusiasm just might hold out for the top spot tonight.
I’m sure Ryan’s caught me grinning like a loon from time to time, but I could honestly give two shits. She’s like a magnet. My eyes instinctively search her out.
When she gets upset by a bad call from the ref or when we’re leading in points again, I’ve quickly learned she’s extremely vocal. And, boy, is it entertaining. Sure, I can’t hear her exact words from across the arena, but I easily read her body language and get the gist of the message. Her spitfire personality shines in true form. Honestly, I can’t remember ever enjoying a game more.
The only thing that could top watching her is when we take the lead in the final quarter. I wish more than anything I was there to be the one she chooses to high-five and hug. I’m not jealous of Abby, but it’d be nice to share this moment with Sydney, too. I make a mental note to take her to a sporting event in the future; her enthusiasm beats sitting next to any other fan in the stadium.
When the final buzzer blasts, Ryan and I high-five or fist bump the fans around us. I’m pumped with energy and can’t wait to share my enthusiasm about CRU’s win with Sydney.
As Ryan and I make our way out of the stands, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket.
Knowing it’s likely Sydney, I quickly dig it out.
Sydney: Can I crash your plans tonight?
Me: You can crash them anytime.
Sydney: I’ll keep that in mind. I rode with Abby’s family. Do you have room for me to ride home with you?
I look to Ryan since he drove us tonight. “Do you mind if Sydney joins us?”
The knowing grin he’s been shooting my way all night forms again. “Sure. No problem. I’ve gotta work early in the morning. Do you mind if I just drop the two of you off at your place to get your Jeep?”
“It might be easier to just drop us off at Sydney’s. It’s only a few blocks from my place. I can walk home. We can see what she thinks though. Traffic in town is gonna be crazy after a game like this.”
