Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  “What were you concentrating so hard on?”

  “I have no idea.” I shrug off, hoping she’ll let it go. It’s not that I have anything to hide, but I don’t want to explain my thoughts about her just yet either.

  “You know you can tell me anything, right?” she assures me as she finishes another bite of biscuit.

  “Yep,” I agree because she’s right.

  Shaking her head, she digs into another bite.

  The subject forgotten—for now.

  After eating a bit more, Sydney brings up an assignment from our mutual class due this week. We prattle on with ease about how to complete it. I’m a little further with it than she is, so I give her some pointers about where to start with her research as I hit a few dead ends with a few of the sources that were given.

  As we leave the restaurant, I’m brought back to reality by my phone buzzing in my pocket. Quickly, I pull it out to find it’s a call from Vanessa.

  Never missing a call from her, I answer immediately, “Hey, Van.”

  “Hey, Vince. Are you home?” I can hear the cringe in her voice and shake my head. Clearly, she’d rather not be calling.

  “No,” I draw out. “What’s up?” I ask, wanting to cut to the chase.

  She lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m still at work, and we’re slammed. Julia’s supposed to be picked up by noon, so they can go out of town for the day.” She’s quiet for a moment, and I can tell she’s likely chewing on her bottom lip, as her tell for being nervous. I have no idea why she’s acting so strange. Her request isn’t unusual—it happens when a big event is in town.

  “Want me to pick up Jules?” I offer. But as the words leave my mouth, I realize that means I’m cutting my time short with Sydney.

  “I… uh… didn’t want to interrupt your plans, but I feel bad for leaving here at the same time. I swear everyone within a fifty-mile radius has come in for brunch today.”

  Looking to Sydney, she nods in understanding, and my unease disappears.

  “It’s no problem. I’ll have to run home to get my Jeep to have the car seat, but I should be able to make it there with plenty of time to spare.”

  “Thanks, Vin. You’re a lifesaver. I love you more than chocolate.”

  Shaking my head at the lie, I laugh. “No, you don’t, but I love you anyway,” I tease with our running joke. I learned at a young age not to come between my twin and chocolate, but I also know outside of Julia, I’m her favorite person in the world. “I’ll see you when you get home. I’ve got Jules covered, so just do your thing.”

  “Thanks, Vinnie,” she says as she pulls out the nickname she only uses when she gets her way. “I love you, but please know I am sorry for interrupting your plans for today.”

  Not wanting to get into it in front of Sydney, I keep the conversation short. I’m sure Vanessa will grill me later on the details about Sydney. Not that she’ll learn much, but she’s my sister, so I know she’ll try. “Don’t worry about it. Love you, Vanny. See you at home.”

  With that, I hang up the phone. Then turn to Sydney with a cringe. “I… uh, gotta go pick up Jules.”

  Shrugging, she shakes her head. “I heard. Really, Vince. It’s not a big deal.”

  I’m not ready for our time together to end.

  “I’m sure you have other more exciting plans for the afternoon, but if you’re free, you’re welcome to hang with me and Jules. We throw down a mean dance party, and there’s bound to be an art project or twenty to throw into the mix.”

  “A dance party, you say… that I might just have to see. But be warned… if there’s a competition, you’re going down.”

  Her serious expression makes me erupt with laughter.

  Damn. This girl.

  She’s competitive through and through.

  I’m sure I’ve just met my match with her.

  17

  Sydney

  The last thing I expected when I woke up this morning was to spend the entire day with Vince’s family. But they welcome me with ease. Julia’s easy to like and as I soon find out, so is her mom.

  Julia hadn’t wanted to leave her friend’s house when we got there, and I could tell from the car she was giving Vince a hard time. I couldn’t hear her words, but her reluctance to leave was almost comical. She smiled and waved goodbye to her friend but as soon as it was the two of them, her body drooped, and she walked defeatedly to the car.

  Her foul mood changed the minute she spotted me in the car.

  Instantly, her face morphed from sad to excited in a nanosecond. I would’ve laughed aloud if I didn’t know better.

  She practically ran to the Jeep squealing with delight. You would’ve thought Vince brought her a new puppy, she was so excited. I’m not that exciting—trust me. But to a kid, who am I to complain.

  Vince handles Julia like a pro. He cooks us lunch with ease—though I am still stuffed from breakfast, I can barely eat anything. Then we play card games until she asks to draw.

  Apparently, Vince’s hidden talent is drawing carton caricatures. He can whip them out and tell stories on the fly like no other I’ve seen before. He claims he’s just fooling around, but it feels like there’s more story there than he’s willing to admit with Julia in the room.

  After we finish drawing, Julia jumps up like popcorn in a kettle on high. “Unks, let’s go for a ride.”

  “On your bike?” Vince asks for clarification.

  Julia rolls her eyes and shakes her head. Duh… isn’t heard, but I swear if she were a bit older, it would accompany her expression as she juts out her chin adorably. “You know I can’t drive a car… I just learned to ride my bike… and I’m still in a car seat.”

  “Okay, Miss Priss. Let’s ask Sydney if she even wants to go before you just demand a bike ride. She can ride your mom’s bike if she’s interested, but we’re not going to pressure her either. So, you’ll have to accept her decision—and no arguments. Got it?”

  “Yes, Unks.” She lowers her head then looks to me expectantly.

  I can tell she’s trying not to pressure me, but I’m not about to let her down either. “Sounds good… if you’re sure your mom won’t mind.”

  I look to Vanessa who arrived not too long ago for assurance. There’s no way I’m taking her limited time away from spending it with Julia.

  “I’d love nothing more than to take a shower and work on a paper I have due this week. You’re more than welcome to use my helmet and bike.” Then conspiratorially, she whispers, “Thanks a million, Vinnie. I owe you big time,” as she hugs him briefly.

  “No problem, Van. It’s what I’m here for.” Vince shrugs it off as he focuses his attention on Julia. “Get ready to go, squirt. Syd and I’ll be out in the garage in a minute.”

  Julia rushes down the hall as if she’s trying to qualify for the Olympics, and we all laugh at her antics.

  “Seriously, Sydney. Thanks. You’re like her new best friend. I hope you don’t mind spending the day with her.”

  Spending the day with Julia means spending the day with Vince in his element. It’s a no brainer. But there’s no way I’m admitting that. “It’s no problem, really. She’s adorable, and I’ve enjoyed my time with her.”

  “Feel free to go for a long ride. I’m really behind on my paper, and I could use the kid-free distraction for a bit. I should’ve gotten more done yesterday, and I’m regretting the me time I took while she was away last night. I watched an adult movie and everything.” The way she tries to play it off makes me realize just what I take for granted as a single co-ed. I can’t imagine being a single parent, while trying to go to school.

  “Let’s go, or she’ll leave without us.” Vince’s tone is teasing, but I’m sure there’s some hidden truth as well. Julia’s quite independent.

  We end up on a paved walking path that leads to a local park. There’s a lap around a soccer field Julia rides with ease for the better part of an hour. After making countless circles around the soccer field, Vince and I take a brea
k on a bench and watch her zoom round and round several more times. The girl’s like the Energizer bunny when it comes to riding that bike.

  Now that I’ve spent time with his family, I finally have the courage to ask, “So, what happened to Julia’s father?”

  Vince’s expression goes from carefree to a grimace in an instant, and I instantly regret my question.

  Shit. That’s what I get for being nosey.

  Vince’s tone remains indifferent when he speaks, “The short version is that he didn’t want anything to do with being a dad. I know he was in high school, but it’s totally his loss. Julia’s one of the most amazing people I know. The even shorter version to this complicated story is Dad ensured he signed his rights away so he can’t change his mind about things either. In doing so, Vanessa’s on her own when it comes to being responsible for Julia. But she’s never been alone. We’ve supported her from day one, and Julia’s been the biggest blessing.”

  He watches her wistfully for a few minutes in silence, and my walls crack open for him even further. He loves her without a doubt. He and Vanessa have a bond only twins share. I love that he considers Julia a blessing for himself as well; it makes my heart squeeze with a rush of emotion.

  Gah… all the feels with knowing this man.

  When he reaches for my hand to intertwine his fingers in mine, I squeeze his hand once, afraid to let my emotion rush out. I have no idea why, but the way he said that makes me think of Grams… but in a happy way. It’s weird, I know—grief hits at the strangest of times.

  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 a great 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.

  “What?”

  “Nothing…” She shakes her head, and the brat that she is refuses to insert her opinion by saying anything more. So typical of Abby.

  I harden my stare to get her to break, but all she does is shrug.

  Damn her. Her silence could mean a million things, but I know she won’t budge either.

  When she realizes I’m just as stubborn, she just shrugs. “It’s nothing… honest. I’m happy you finally have found someone that makes you think twice about them.”

  Once. Twice. A million times… not that I’ll admit that. She totally has me there.

  Since I don’t say anything, she breaks our silence with, “When you finally decide if he’s worthy of introducing us, I’d love to meet the man who’s got you tied in knots.”

  “I’m not in knots,” comes out defensive, even to my stubborn ears.

  Her phone buzzes, and I’d bet my last paycheck that it’s Drew. Only he has this effect on her.

  Sheepishly, she shrugs. “I gotta go. Please don’t overthink things. Just enjoy the moment and let your walls down, Syd.”

  “Go be with Loverboy,” I tease as I push her in the direction of the door. “Tell him congratulations and that he rocked the court last night.”

  She gathers her purse on the counter. “Will do. Take care you. Love you.”

  “Love you, too!” I holler as she reaches the door.

  When she leaves, it doesn’t even take an entire breath, and my mind’s back on Vince.

  What am I going to do with him?

  18

  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.