Page 55 of Vince
By the time I get home later that night, I’m still in awe of how well Vince and his sister handle having a child in their lives. I guess for them it’s become second nature, but not having been around kids growing up, it makes me take stock of things. I feel like such a slacker only having to balance work and school. I can’t imagine what life would be like to be a teenage mom as well.
But that’s reason one million, nine hundred eighty-eight thousand I have an IUD. I love sex—and I’m not ashamed to admit it, but I’m not ready to be a mom anytime soon.
Abby finds me sitting at the kitchen table staring off into space, while the glass of juice I’ve poured sits untouched.
“Everything okay?” she interrupts as she walks into the kitchen to get herself some water.
“Yeah…” I sigh. “Just thinking…”
“About?” she probes.
Where do I start?
Letting out a long breath, Grams’ words come to mind.Just start from the beginning, and it’s usually not as bad as you think.
Not that this is bad, I just don’t know what it means that Vince has consumed my thoughts.
Instead of telling her what’s on my mind, I deflect.
“So, how is that sexy fiancé of yours?”
This does the trick. Abby’s eyes turn starry as a grin becomes the predominant feature on her face. “He’s wonderful. I still can’t believe you helped him pull off that surprise before the game. I seriously thought he was just nervous for the game. I had no idea he would propose.”
I know… I was there, but I won’t steal this moment from her.
“Have you thought about when you’re going to move in together?” I don’t know if I can swing her portion of the rent and finding a roommate this close to the end of the school year would be nearly impossible. But I won’t worry her with those thoughts. She deserves to be happy, and if Drew makes her happy, I’m happy for her.
“Don’t worry… you’re not getting rid of me that easily. With only a few months until we graduate, we’re waiting until Baltimore to get a place of our own.”
“It’s not like you don’t already spend nearly every night together,” I tease. “Now that the season’s over, I’m sure you’ll actually get to enjoy what time you have left here. I’m going to miss you so much. I’m so happy you’re graduating early, but what the hell are Chloe and I gonna do without you as a roommate?”
“Let’s do a girls’ weekend soon! I know I’ve been preoccupied lately. But I love you both like sisters and will miss you like crazy when I’m on the other side of the country. Holy shit… I’m gonna be married and living on the other side of the country. How did this happen?”
“Uh… you got into the school of your dreams and fell in love?” I deadpan.
“I’m actually surprised to see you here today. I thought you’d be celebrating with Drew all weekend.”
“With his apartment being run over with family and friends of his roommates, I came home to do some laundry and grab a few things I’ll need for the week. Drew’s getting ready to have dinner with his parents before they leave. They’ll be here any minute to pick me up.”
Standing, I reach out and pull her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Abs. You deserve everything that’s happening to you. Just don’t forget us little people when you become a hotshot doctor.”
She releases me with a smirk. “You’re way too hard to forget, Syd. Besides, I’m only a phone call away if you ever need me.”
I know. But it won’t be the same as having her right next door, like she’s been since my freshman year. I’m so freaking happy for her, but it doesn’t mean I won’t miss her.
“So where did you jet off to after the game? I thought you’d celebrate with us.”
It’s my turn to smile. “I… uh… had plans…” I draw out.
“Do these plans have anything to do with that guy you took to the concert a few weeks ago? You’ve been pretty tight-lipped about him. Usually we hear about your dates with duds loud and clear.”
Her teasing tone does the trick. I laugh and admit the truth, “No… he’s definitely not a dud. It’s still pretty new, but Vince is a great guy.”
“Ah… he has a name… Wait… You’re not gonna friend-zone this great guy, are you? The last time you found agreat guy, the poor sap followed you around like an eager puppy vying for your attention.”
“Oh… he’s got my attention. I’m just not sure what to do with it,” I admit. “I honestly thought I would date him and get him out of my system, so I could move past him… you know me. But Vince’s not the kind of guy I’m easily able to walk away from.”
“Uh-oh,” she says in warning.
