Page 59 of Really Truly Yours
I wait in vain, sigh, and move on. “It wasn’t until he got out of prison a few years ago, and he went to, as he said, make things right with some people, that my mother’s sister told him about Tripp. He was stunned and tried to search, but he didn’t have the resources. Then I popped up in sports news. He saw an interview I did when I signed with Houston where I mentioned my background and Tripp.”
She’s kicked off one of her shoes and pulls a bare foot onto her chair, locking slim fingers on top of her knee. “What else did he tell you about your mom?”
A painful shock zings through my jaw, so I focus on Sydnee’s prettily painted toenails until it subsides. In my mind, Mom has long escaped blame, dying young and tragically. Now, I’m reconsidering her failings. Donny’s tale only confirmed what Tripp had already said, that she kept a steady string of loser men in our lives.
Thanks, for nothing, Mom.
I lean my head back again. “Mainly he’s said that they loved each other in their own dysfunctional way—and that she loved Tripp and me very much.”
I look around for a bathroom sign. Suddenly, my stomach isn’t so great either.
“It sounds like you don’t believe that.”
“Actions speak louder than words. Nothing she did was in our best interest, and then she checked out.” I roll my head along the wall, back to Sydnee, our faces close. She’s so pretty. And solid. I don’t get her. She’s got to be an anomaly in her neighborhood.
She wraps her ankle, pulling it in tight. “I probably should apologize for prying. I’m sorry, Grayson.”
“Call me Gray and I might forgive you.” She rolls her eyes. Her sass makes me want to steal a kiss so bad.
“Gray.”
“Now, was that so hard?”
The question is flippancy at its finest, but the answer on her face appears to be a serious yes.
New subject. I push up in my seat. “I don’t mind talking about stuff, Sydnee. I’m processing a bunch I can’t really discuss with anyone else. Talking with Avery puts her in an awkward situation with Tripp not knowing yet.” Unable to keep my hands to myself any longer, I tweak the knit cuff around Sydnee’s slim wrist. “Thanks for listening.”
“Of course.” Curiosity infuses her quick smile. “You still haven’t told your family?”
I shake my head.
“Will it bother them that you and Donny have connected?”
“Nah. My parents are awesome, and they’ve always been open about things. I guess I’m the one who’s not ready to talk yet, not with people who matter, you know?”
She nods, though her expression shifts.
“That didn’t come out right.” Sydnee absolutely does matter.
Her smile is gracious. “I know exactly what you meant.”
Chapter 13
Sydnee
First impressions are strange things. More often than not they acquit themselves well, bearing out over time. Meanwhile, they’re also often wrong.
I sigh at my nonsensical reasoning. Both cannot be correct.
Grayson—Gray—is case in point. He was a complete jerk at first, a genuinely nice guy since.
The women must be lined up.
Are lined up. I’ve been online.
He’s handsome, rich, and famous in certain circles.
I could get sucked in if I wanted, but I’m foolish to even pause for the thought. Other than the generic guy-girl thing, he would never think twice about me.