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But even from here I can see the strain. The tightness around her eyes and the tenseness in her posture. I know her well enough to tell that something is wrong.
I rush down the rest of the staircase, worry temporarily overshadowed by excitement as we hug tightly. “You’re here!”
“Yep!” Sydney’s tone is as excited as mine, but there’s the same flicker ofsomethingelse in her expression.
I haven’t seen her in person since I visited her in July. But we talked last Thursday, and she didn’t sound off then.
“You visiting this weekend reminded me how much I miss this place. So I decided to come back for a few days.”
Shit, I think
There’s a teasing twinkle in Sydney’s eyes now. I totally forgot that I used her as my excuse.
“Here, I’ll take that.” My mom reaches for the empty glass I’m holding, oblivious.
She’s got six kids to worry about, five of which give her a lot more trouble than I do. I feel a little guilty for taking advantage of that blind trust.
“Sydney, can I get you anything to eat or drink?”
“I’m all set, thanks,” she says.
My mom nods. “Dinner will be ready soon. You’re welcome to stay, Sydney,” she says, then heads for the kitchen.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I tell her.
Sydney smiles, but the edge is back.
“Come on, let’s head up to my room.”
“Holden isn’t here, is he?” she asks.
“Uh, no. He’s playing at the court with the guys.”
I wait, but Sydney says nothing else as we head upstairs.
My unease grows, realizing she doesn’t want Holden to know whatever is wrong. That’s always been the biggest challenge of dating my best friend’s brother. Lines get blurry.
Maggie walks out of her room right as we pass by.
“Hey, Maggie,” Sydney greets.
“Hi,” Maggie replies. “Tell Mom I’ll be back later,” she says.
“Tell her yourself,” I respond, then push my bedroom door open.
“Should I also let her know you lied about where you were this weekend? Sydney might be willing to cover for you, but I’m not.”
I glance at her. “How do you know about that?”
Maggie rolls her eyes. “Like I wouldn’t hear you went off on a sleepover with your boyfriend. Cora has a crush on a bunch of those guys. She follows them all on social media. It didn’t look that fun. So, tell Mom for me.”
Sydney laughs under her breath as Maggie continues down the hall. “I guess she didn’t leave the dramatics in high school.”
“Nope,” I say. She’s had more fits than Sally this summer.
“Wow.” Sydney surveys the mess that’s my room.
“I know. Packing got put off for too long. I have no clue how it’ll all fit in my car.”
