Page 42 of A Lone Star Love Affair
“He won’t find her except by cell phone. I told her to wait at my house, that I was bringing you with me and we both wanted to see her.”
“That was a little premature, wasn’t it?” she asked, surprised Tony trusted her judgment of Dylan that much.
“I think you know your friend. What’s more important here than talking to Sydney is that I don’t lose your respect. Sydney can learn the truth from Dylan.”
She was more touched than she wanted to be. “You haven’t lost my respect,” she said softly.
“You mean that, don’t you?”
Their eyes met for a moment. “I mean it.”
He took a deep breath and was silent.
She watched as tall wrought-iron gates opened for them. “So I’ll see where you live.”
“Yes, you will. I’ll take you home when you want. Sydney will fly out of here to see Dylan when she finds out he wants to talk to her. I haven’t told her why, just to come out, that I wanted to talk to her.”
“I’ll be happy to see her again—if I do. I’m sure Dylan has talked to her by now. You do recall this is a work night?”
“Yes. We won’t stay late if you don’t want to. I’ve missed you, Isabelle, and looked forward to being with you tonight—all evening with you—but then our plans had to change.”
“I’m glad the truth came out.” She turned to look at the grounds. Even though it was night, there were lights in the trees and along the driveway, so anyone could see some of the landscaping in the semidarkness. The grounds were tree filled, bare branches in the winter, but she could imagine how beautiful it would be in the other three seasons.
“Tony, this is pretty.” They swept around the driveway to pull up in front and Isabelle gazed around when she stepped out of the car. “What a beautiful home you have. I’m surprised. I wouldn’t have guessed you’d like one of these older homes. This isn’t where you grew up, is it?” she asked, looking at a sprawling three-story stone and wood house with an immense portico to the east. Tall bronze torches flickered at the foot of the steps to the front porch.
“No, not here. I lived in a house like it. It’s comfortable, secluded, has good security and it’s close enough to downtown Dallas for a short commute.” He took her arm to cross a wide porch that held two stately bronze dogs flanking the enormous door with beveled glass panes. Tall china pots with towering banana plants were beside each dog and pots of blooming flowers dotted the porch that held a swing, plus elegant wooden furniture.
The front door opened and Sydney Ryder stood facing them with a slight frown as she glanced from one to the other.
“What’s going on, Tony? Dylan has called me several times on my cell phone and tried to talk. I refused to talk to him. I don’t know what he wanted. Now here you are, wanting to talk. I’m not sure I want to hear one more disastrous announcement. What’s happened, Tony?”
Eight
“Why don’t you let us come in and talk,” Tony said.
Sydney’s eyes widened and she stepped back, motioning to them. “Sorry. Come in, please.”
Isabelle smiled, hoping she hid her shock at the sight of Sydney, who was far thinner than she remembered and with dark circles under her eyes. Sydney’s hair was an unkempt tangle, and her plain jeans and T-shirt looked as if she had been sleeping in them, and were far too inadequate for the chill in the night air. She held a sweater in her hand that she pulled on.
“Isabelle, it’s been a long time since I last saw you,” Sydney said.
“It’s nice to see you, and part of my reason for being here is good news.” Isabelle looked up at Tony, placing her hand on his arm. “Why don’t we let Sydney go so she can call Dylan back.”
Sydney stared at them. “Why would I—” She glanced between her brother and Isabelle, her expression softening. “Now I am puzzled. What?”
Tony nodded. “Isabelle’s right. Go call Dylan and we can talk later.”
“I assume as soon as I talk to Dylan, I’ll understand all this mystery. Now I’m too curious. I’m going to call him. Sorry to say hello and goodbye in the same breath.”
“That’s all right, Syd,” Tony replied. “We’ll see you another time.”
Sydney looked at both of them. “If you’re in on this, my brother, the news must involve Dad’s money. I’m gone. Thanks, maybe, to both of you.” She turned to rush down the hall.
Isabelle smiled when she looked at Tony. “I think they’re really in love. I’ve never seen Dylan the way he looked tonight. Or your sister for that matter.”
“That’s for damn sure. I’ve never seen Sydney such a wreck. Hopefully, this will work out and they’ll be happy again. Now stop worrying about Dylan and Sydney. The staff doesn’t live here and they are all away tonight, so we have the house to ourselves. Come here,” he said, pulling Isabelle to him while his tone changed, dropping to a velvety note that warmed her.
Switching off the entryway lights, he wrapped her into his embrace. “I missed you terribly.”
