Page 57 of Vince
Vince
I hate being late,but at least I’ve got a good excuse. Sydney’s meeting me at my place for dinner. And of course, today of all days, my professor asks me to stay after to discuss my mid-term project. At first, I am nervous. But my mood seriously changes the moment he tells me that he wants to put the plan I outlined in my mid-term into action. I thought the project was simply for a grade, but unbeknownst to me, it’s actually for a marketing campaign with a local company. Therefore, I can’t begrudge him the extra time. It’s a huge accomplishment to have my design chosen. The best part is there’s a potential side job for me, if I want to take it on as well. It’s something I can do from the ease of my home, and the pay is good, too.
Despite the fact that this impromptu meeting cuts into my limited time with Sydney, my steps are light as I make my way across campus. How often do you stay for a meeting and come out with a potential job? Not only will it be a great resume builder, but it might give me a lead on something that could turn permanent.
When I finally make it home, I hear Jules and Van in the kitchen busy with dinner. Instead of joining them, I bee-line it to my bedroom for a moment to decompress as I put away my things from school. Knowing I need to respond to the email my professor forwarded me, I pull out my laptop and get to it. After carefully constructing my email, I look it over carefully before feeling confident to hit send.
Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s much later than I thought, and Sydney’s still not here. Hopefully, something hasn’t come up. I don’t think I can wait much longer to share my good news.
Knowing it’s unlike her to text if she’s late, I glance to my phone.
Nope. Nothing. No call or text.
Where is she?
My sister interrupts my thoughts by calling my name throughout the house. “Vin. Dinner’s ready.”
“Coming!” I holler, stashing my phone in my pocket.
Sydney’s a big girl. She’ll call if something’s wrong. I remind myself.
When I step into the hall, laughter fills the air. And instantly, I know it’s not just my family. Sydney’s familiar tone makes my pace quicken to greet her.
Walking into the kitchen, I see everyone’s already seated at the table.
“Hey, you.” Sydney beams at my arrival.
“When did you get here?” I chuckle, realizing I must’ve been into that email I was writing to not hear her knock on the door.
“Oh, I ran into your sister on campus. We’ve been hanging out for the last few hours.”
Well, that’s unexpected.
Slowly, I look between Syd and my sister to see if they’re conspiring against me or something.
I’m not sure what expression I reveal because Van rolls her eyes as she swats the air. “Really, Vin?”
“What?” comes out defensively. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to,” Sydney interjects with a light laugh.
“Your sister’s a riot. She’s been dishing all the dirt on you.” Syd points a finger and waves it playfully. “You should be very worried, Vincent…” She looks suspiciously to Van, and the little shit just smirks knowingly in my direction.
“Vincent… eh?” I pretend to glare. If Julia wasn’t watching the entire exchange on bated breath, I might have reacted like I was fifteen and let my petulance shine. “Just what do I owe the honor of being full named?”
Surprisingly, Sydney breaks.
She almost looks bashful as words flow from her beautiful lips. “Ohmigod, Vince, you aretoofunny. Though I happen to like your sister, have no fear. She hasn’t revealed your deep-held secrets or anything that isn’t too embarrassing.”
Sydney looks so adorable with her backpedaling, I almost kiss her. But Julia stops me in my tracks.
“Really, Unks. We haven’t told any of your secrets… like how you stash the last of your favorite cookies up behind the pasta… or anything.” Then she gasps and covers her mouth as if she realizes what she’s just revealed.
She’s so adorable, I can’t even be mad.
“So… you’re a sweet hoarder?” Sydney’s playful voice makes me grin.
“Only when it comes to your baked goods,” I admit. “I wasn’t that good at sharing.”
