by TC Rybicki
He smiled and invited me to share a passage. I started but stopped at the first word. I couldn’t read this to Dane. I didn’t even know why it felt too intimate, but I stalled. It wasn’t easy-to-read poetry aloud to another individual. I wasn’t in front of a classroom. We were on my bed and I was in pajamas. Also, Dane had a dimple. I couldn’t stop staring at the dimple.
He took the book from my fingers and started to read the words without hesitation.
The last word of the poem, ‘naked’ hung heavy in the air. I’d been far too close to him today with too few clothes between us.
Dane broke the spell, “Okay, I made a wise investment. You love this.”
“You don’t?”
“It’s nice, but seeing your eyes light up while I read it makes it even better. Why does a modern girl like you love words like this so much?”
“I love poetry. All types. I know it sounds lame, but it’s my life, who I am.”
“Your life? Interesting. You want to study it more?”
“I want to live it… write it myself. I don’t know, maybe even teach it one day.”
“So, you want to be a teacher?”
“Only poetry.” I laughed nervously.
“Show me. I know you must have some verses scribbled around here in a secret book of poems. Is it as good as this?”
“Hardly and no way. I don’t show my poetry to anyone.”
“Not even your boyfriend?”
“Especially not Grant.”
“Grant.” He said it like the name tasted bad to him and I was uncomfortable again. I felt the same way when I blurted out his existence right before Dane was sure to kiss me.
“Sorry, I should get some sleep.”
“Yeah, sure. You gave me way longer than five minutes, but what about one more poem for the road? I like this Yeats guy.”
I handed the book back, and he chose a longer poem this time. The Cap and Bells because he pointed to the door and window line. He was reaching or maybe not. Was it a coincidence or something more cosmic?
I might claim to be a poetry expert, but Dane read the words like a symphony. His smooth southern drawl poured into my ears and gave me chills from top to bottom.
Dane paused and looked at me when he read the part about the open window, but I avoided his stare. I felt my face flush, and the rush of heat spread until I was sure I resembled a certain ripe fruit. He picked this passage at random, but it felt purposeful. This was not one for the road; this implied can I stay the night with you?
He shut the book with reverence. His hand reached over to cover mine before he slipped the book underneath it.
“You’re so…” My phone buzzed and bounced on the table stopping whatever Dane was about to say. A call. From Grant. I hit IGNORE without thinking.
Dane eyed my actions curiously. I replied flippantly, “He’ll call back.”
“I’m sure he will. Listen, Sydney. I’m thinking you trust me finally, so I need to tell you one more thing, lay all the cards out so to speak.”
“Sure. I mean. I believed you so far. My trust is a bit shaky right now. I’ll admit that.”
“I know who you really are.” I paled in an instant; I went red-faced to ghostly white with heart palpitations on top of that.
“Um… well…” I forgot how to respond. I thought I was supposed to act like I was Uncle Martin’s kid. Did Gram want me to say I was adopted? I didn’t think she specified. “Martin is…”
“Your uncle because Marlene and Matthew are your parents. You’re Sydney Hagel.”
I had been here a weekend, and by Monday, my cover was blown. The enemy. My thoughts went to Dane’s father, Paul, who Gram warned me about.
“I swear I won’t tell.”
“But your father?”
“Especially not my father. I’m not going to BS you and say my father’s opinion doesn’t matter. I’m building his company. We work together. We’re close, but he cannot know this information. You need to be very careful about talking to anyone that isn’t an out-of-towner. People in these parts know full well about Josie’s feud with The Ellsworth Group, and sometimes even friends do strange things if they think a reward is involved. It’s best only the select few that work on this property know you’re Josie’s granddaughter. Her employees are loyal to a fault. Trust me. I know all too well.”
“Why should I believe you, Dane?”
“There isn’t a reason, but please do. If I was hoping to mislead you, then why would I tell you this revelation?”
“Why do you even care about Gram or me?”
“Because you’re unique and I like you. Plus, Dad’s wrong about this land deal. I told you before; we have enough to build his development. We need to go in another direction. I don’t want your grandmother’s property, her business, or the bed-and-breakfast. It’s hers. She worked hard for it.”
He was being forthright, spouting poetry and true confessions when I had another bout of word vomit. “I have a boyfriend.”
“Yeah, we established that already. I’m not keeping your secret to get in your pants. Is that what you think?”
My skin went from ghostly pale to tomato red. Skin flushing, make up your damn mind. I didn’t know what to think when a man said I was unique because it had never happened before.
“Look, I used to surround myself with lots of friends, but since I moved back, it’s been a bit lonely. I work… a lot. Very few people I hung out with growing up stuck around this place.”
“I can see why.”
“Yeah, well, it’s home to me, city girl. You should give it a chance. It might grow on you.”
Parts of it were nice. I’d give him that. Gram’s place was like another land, almost fairytale-ish. Speaking of fairytales. Was Dane a real-life prince or was he a sneaky troll who was tricking an unsuspecting damsel? What he said made sense. Why blow the big bombshell secret?
“As I was saying, you’re cool and interesting. You make me laugh. I don’t laugh very often. I think you might be a bit lonely too if you left your entire life behind and used a false name. At least, we can be friends. I’d like that. I guess I understand you wanting to know my intentions. Does this Grant guy allow you to have guy friends?”
“Yes, he doesn’t choose my friends. I had plenty of male friends in Dallas. Grant isn’t controlling. I’d never be with someone like that.”
“Grant,” he wrinkled his nose again.
“Yes, why is his name so off-putting to you?”
“No reason. I bet he’s bummed you moved so far away.”
“Yeah, but he’ll be closer when he gets to Austin for school. We’re already planning visits, maybe a game or a long weekend.”
“He plays football?”
“No, he likes football and so do I. He’s pre-law.”
I saw Dane roll his eyes. “You’re kind of a jerk, aren’t you?”
“No. Well, maybe, but I know the type. I hated all the pre-law guys and now I deal with lawyers night and day. They’re the real jerks not me.”
“What about the ladies? It’s not just a man’s world. Women are lawyers too which makes you sound a bit sexist.”
“Well, let’s not go there. I’ve made you blush enough. I met a couple of high-class women in law. Seriously, Grant is a lucky guy. He better treat you right.”
“He does,” I said that without knowing exactly what treating one right meant, but I added we had been together since my sixteenth birthday. That prompted another eye roll.
“So, is this going to be our thing?”
“What? Climbing in your window late at night to read poetry? I don’t know. I never thought about it. It’s not my move or anything. I could always use the front door.”
“Ha. Like Gram will ever let you inside her house.” He said he might have something up his sleeve to win over Gram. I told him that was impossible. “Wait, since we’re opening up. Did you know that our parents went to school together?”
“My mom isn’t from here.”
> “No, I meant my mother and your father knew each other. Has he ever mentioned her?”
“No, not that I recall.”
“Oh.”
“Oh, what?”
“It’s just Gram acted funny about him.”
“Josephine hates my dad.”
“Maybe, but I’m pretty sure it’s not because of the pressure to sell. The dislike goes way back and now I’m a little curious.”
Dane didn’t respond, but his expression hinted he was just as curious.
The shock on Sydney’s face was priceless. She did a full spin in the doorway. Perhaps, she imagined when she turned back around I would have vanished. Instead, I was sitting down to breakfast with Josephine Littlefield, her Gram. I used the front door. She didn’t think it would ever happen. Unspoken challenge accepted.
“Morning, kid. I almost sent Dane up to rouse you, but we heard the shower come on. You’re on time today and look way more alert. I trust the long day helped you sleep well.”
“Um, yeah. I was exhausted.”
“Good, today will be different, not exactly easier. I want you running the B&B.”
“Okay, but I thought you didn’t like that idea.”
“Nonsense. We shouldn’t care what people think, should we?”
“Um, no, I guess not.” Sydney looked at me again.
“Morning, Sydney.”
“Hi.”
“Dane came at the butt-crack of dawn as you like to say to speak his peace and he brought coffee cakes, one for us and another for the guests. I don’t judge anyone for the sins of their parents, so he’s welcome any time since you two are friends.”
“We are? I mean, he is?” she mouthed another what the hell?
I jumped up to grab a mug off the counter and started to pour her a cup. “How do you take your coffee? Cream and sugar?”
“Yes, please. The cinnamon smells nice. Where’d you get bakery goods this early?”
She was spinning a spoon in her mug when I told her the truth. “I baked them.”
Sydney dropped the spoon, and it clanked on the side of the mug.
“You did not.”
“I couldn’t sleep last night, so yeah I did. True confession. I cook when I have insomnia.”
“Oh, wow.”
Josie chimed in. “See, you work behind a desk and that’s why you can’t rest at night. I sleep like a baby every night, practically dead to the world.”
I winked at Syd and she looked away. Maybe I would climb in her window again. That was the most romantic night I’d ever experienced, and we didn’t even touch except that one time I touched her hand. Of course, her douche boyfriend interrupted us. No way this joker was not a total ass clown. I knew it without hearing a single thing about him.
“Well, nothing wrong with a man that cooks. My Sydney learned to cook from a man as well.”
“You cook?”
“Why, yes, Dane. I can tell you’re surprised a princess performs domestic duties.”
Josie spilled the details. “Yep, she learned from some fancy gay cook her mother hired.”
“Gram. He wasn’t fancy. He was from Minnesota.”
“Well, his name sounded fancy. Anyway, Syd says Mischka taught her everything she knows. Although, I’ve only had her green beans and mashed potatoes so far, she isn’t half bad. Now she needs to eat some of that cooking and put some meat on her bones.”
Sydney covered her face. She was embarrassed. Her Gram said she needed to check on the kitchen staff and for Sydney to head over when she finished eating. I stepped in behind her to offer a refill on her coffee, but I couldn’t help adding to the embarrassment.
“I bet there’s a few things your personal chef didn’t teach you, especially if he was gay.” I didn’t even try to conceal my flirting. “I can help if you want lessons.” She almost knocked the carafe out of my hands.
“No thanks. I’m good. I’m sure I can cook circles around you. Anyone can bake with a mix.”
I covered my heart where she wounded me. “A mix. The hell you say. Taste it. That’s not from a box, honey.”
I picked up a fork and broke off a piece. She stopped me. “Stop. I don’t need you to feed me and don’t call me, honey. I’m onto you, Dane.”
“You are? That sounds hot, but what would Grant say if you got on me?”
“You said friends only. I thought you respected my boundaries.”
“I do. Completely. More than you’ll ever know. It’s a joke. Lighten up. It’s been a long time since I had an opportunity to flirt with a beautiful woman. And I’m southern. I will call you all sort of endearing names. You can’t stop me.”
“You’re impossible, but this coffee cake is damn good. I’m impressed.”
I smiled, and she smiled back. Sydney liked me almost as much as I liked her, and I planned on continuing to impress her whenever I could. I would never push her because I meant the part about respecting her. Not Grant though. I gave zero fucks about that guy. That poor putz was about to lose his girl. That much I knew.
I found an extra apron, so I suited up directly behind Sydney in the kitchen.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m helping you with the breakfast service. It was Gram’s idea.”
“Oh, so now she is Gram to you? What exactly went on here this morning before I came downstairs?” I grabbed the flowers off the counter. I thought they would brighten the dining room. “Those are from you too?”
“Yes.”
“Do you garden as well as cook?”
“No, I swiped them from my mom, but that’s our little secret.”
“So, Gram believes you about everything?”
“As much as you do. You two are fairly similar.”
She seemed flattered I compared her to her grandmother. “Come on., I have no idea what I’m doing so you should fit right in.”
The guests seemed completely enamored with Sydney. No idea why she pretended to be a novice. She was a natural hostess. She was a true people person. We refilled coffee cups and took away empty plates for a couple of hours during the service. I volunteered to go back and forth to the kitchen for the big trays. She scoffed at me a couple of times.
“What? I’m a gentleman. We’ve established this already.”
“I’m an athlete. Stop being sexist. I can carry the trays.”
“You are an athlete? You’re pushing it with the cooking business, but I can’t picture you playing sports.”
“I cheered.”
I laughed so hard, half the guests remaining at breakfast looked at us. Sydney backed me up into the door frame.
“Shush. You’re making a scene. Cheer is a sport. Don’t dispute it. I can hold a 130-pound girl standing on my shoulders for an entire cheer.”
“We might have to put your athleticism to the test one day. I’m still not buying it and how long ago was this?”
She poked her bony manicured finger into my chest. I liked it a little too much. “A few months ago, buddy. Don’t you have a demanding business to run? I can finish this up.”
No doubt she was right. She ran circles around me. I preferred retrieving the trays from the kitchen because I took my time. Sydney was hopping and bopping keeping the guests happy. She was determined to show her grandmother what she was made of. I should have guessed the cheerleader thing. It was obvious now, but I still wasn’t going to call her an athlete. Sexy. Feisty. Someone that could definitely cause me to sin, but not an athlete.
Only one thing ruined our morning, Sydney was right. I needed to get back to work. I wanted to stay all day with her, but I couldn’t. It was true Josie took a new liking to me despite my real last name, but no way would she appreciate me distracting her new employee. Sydney could pretend all she wanted I didn’t captivate her. I knew better. She was totally into me.
Hi…
I told myself, do not send her an emoji. Too late. I sent the waving guy. So dumb.
Sydney: I am not sure about giving you my number.
She replied with the winkie-faced guy. I was so in. Sydney had the hots for me. I was positive now.
Dane: Hey, do you have plans tonight? We could cook.
She sent the straight-faced emoji. What the hell did that even mean? Maybe I wasn’t in.
Dane: I mean, I’ll pick you up when you finish work. We cook over here; you could visit Cash again. He kinda likes you but said not to say anything. He keeps his crushes on the DL.
I was pathetic. I sat there and stared at the phone willing a response, the one I wanted. A conference call droned from my office phone. I hadn’t paid attention to a word of it. Minutes ticked by. Eight to be exact. I refused to ask again. The ball was in her court.
The phone buzzed in my hands.
Dane: OK, how’s 5?
Sydney: 5 is just fine. See you soon.
Great. Sydney is coming for dinner. I knew how to impress her with my cooking skills. I had several hours to work before I needed to prep for dinner and go pick up Syd. I was glad I took a quick trip to the store after leaving the B&B. After hanging up the conference call Dad forced me to listen in on, I stared at my computer screen. I didn’t feel like working. This wasn’t like me. It was one thing to make a new friend and be happy about that since I’d been a loner for a while. But, I felt like some teenage boy the past 24 hours. It was time to reign in the hormones and think about the facts.
- That’s an 18-year-old girl.
- She’s got a boyfriend.
- My father would be rabid over her parentage.
- I had a shit load of work to do if I was ever going to secure the other deal that would leave Josie Littlefield out of the equation.
It was no good to go over the facts. I only ended up thinking of ways to protect Sydney. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about her? Fact one and two didn’t matter once my mind ran free. I remembered something. Sydney said she thought her mother knew my dad. Did she? This is a small community. It wasn’t so far-fetched. It just seemed odd when Dad and I watched the story about Matthew Hagel he never mentioned Sydney’s mother, Marlene.
