Sydney looked back at him and opened her mouth to reply when suddenly Neil came running back over to the table.
“Karaoke, people! Dude, it’s time we show these ladies what we’ve got!”
Sydney laughed and Tim grinned sheepishly as his friends pulled him up to the front of the patio where the bartender had just plugged in the karaoke equipment.
For the rest of the evening everyone had their turn at the mike, inhibitions increasingly erased with each pitcher of beer and shot of tequila. Tim and his buddies - joined by Luc - sang ridiculous parodies of boy bands, followed by surprisingly good renditions of some classics. Later, Sydney, Olivia and Summer did a fair impersonation of the Pointer Sisters and The Bangles, receiving a standing ovation from the packed bar.
Eventually, however, the evening had to end. Summer and Luc headed out and Sydney realized just how tired she was.
"Liv? Do you need a ride home? Want to share a cab?" she asked Olivia who was sitting somewhat blurry-eyed at the end of the bar.
Antonio and Josh both jumped up and offered to see Olivia home, and Sydney was amused by thinking how her friend would manage to deal with them both in the cab. "Ah well," she thought to her self, "works for me. Now I can walk home and get some fresh air. Hopefully with Tim!"
Cabs were called, and Sydney watched as Antonio helped Olivia into the back and climbed in beside her and Josh. “Don’t worry,” he called out the window, “I’ll make sure she gets home ok!”
The taxi sped off and Tim looked at her, knowing she was worried about leaving her friend. "They're good guys Sydney, I promise.”
“Yeah, I know, and she’s a big girl. I guess I’m just a worry wart.” Sydney looked up into Tim’s eyes and looked quickly away again, suddenly shy after such a fun and easy evening. It had been a while since she had felt such a quick connection with a man, and she had to remember how to play the game.
She could hear the voices of all her friends in her head now. Lyndi saying “don’t date a partier.” Summer advising, “girl, make them chase you.” And then Olivia, with her “hey Syd, life’s short. Have fun!”
It was this last voice that matched what her gut was telling her, and she looked back up at Tim and said “so, shall we walk?”
“Absolutely,” he grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that. I can’t believe it’s still so warm out, and it’s what, midnight?”
“Try 1:30,” Sydney said, holding out her wrist to prove what time it was.
“No way, are you serious?” Tim grabbed her arm and looked closer. “I would never have guessed – wow that was a fun night.”
“It was. Josh is hilarious, and that other guy – Antonio? He can really sing! So can you, actually.”
Tim laughed and covered his face with his hands. “I can’t believe I did that. With a guitar around a campfire is one thing, but karaoke with your drunken buddies? I’m surprised the bartender didn’t kick us out!”
“Nah, you were too good for that.” Sydney said. “What was that last song you did? I really liked it.”
“It was a Coldplay song called “Kingdom Come”. I’m a big fan of theirs.” Tim broke into a few bars of the song, singing the first verse :
Steal my heart, and hold my tongue,
I feel my time, my time has come.
Let me in, unlock the door,
I never felt this way before.
Sydney was silent as he finished. He had a rich voice that soothed her nerves and made her want to hear more; feel more.
And yet she didn’t know what to say. She stopped walking and leaned against the lamp post, arms folded, looking at Tim.
Tim turned and shrugged. “Too cheesy. I know, but I can sing some Guns n Roses or Metallica if that will help restore my image.”
“You’re a mystery, Tim,” said Sydney, looking in to his eyes. “You seem to be this big Bay Street guy, hanging with his buddies, showing off for the girls at the beach, and lamenting the loss of his Porsche, but then you also seem to have this other side too, and you’re not afraid to show it.” She stopped and smiled. “So which one are you?”
“Both I guess. Depends on my mood. The company. The moon and the tides too maybe,” he gestured up at the clear moon, lighting their way down the boardwalk. “Maybe you bring out the cheesy side of me.”
“Hmmmm, I’ll keep that in mind.” Sydney started walking again, and Tim reached out and took her hand. She liked the feel of his palm; strong, warm, and comfortable. They walked silently for a while, and Sydney could not have been happier. She wished the boardwalk was ten miles long, and yet she knew that her street was just ahead.
She started to veer left and Tim stopped in his tracks, pulling her suddenly back in to him. She landed with one palm flattened against his chest, the other firmly clasped in his hand. His free hand reached up and he cupped the side of her face and just looked at her for a minute.
“I meant that, you know,” he whispered.
“What?”
“What the song said. I’ve never felt this way before. I have been thinking about you since the day I met you on the subway, and it’s been driving me crazy wondering when I would see you again.”
“Yeah?” Sydney couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Me too, I was talking to the girls and…”
“Shhh. No talking right now.”
Tim leaned in and kissed her softly, then pulled back and looked in to her eyes, seeking permission. She closed her eyes and wound her hands around his neck, reaching up and leaning into the second kiss which wasn’t as soft. He seemed to fit against her perfectly and know just how she liked to be kissed, and Sydney was sure it was the best night of her life.
Tim lifted his head and looked up at the sky.
“What are you looking at Tim?” Sydney asked. “Is it going to rain?”
“Nah,” he said. “I was looking for fireworks.”
Sydney burst out laughing and punched him playfully in the arm, the moment broken, but in a good way. “Oh my goodness that was a horrible line, but can I tell you how much I liked it?” She could hardly stop laughing as they began walking up her street.
“Seriously, have you used that before?” she asked him.
“Nope. Just came to me,” he said. “And I was only half joking. When can I see you again Sydney?”
“Well, soon I hope. I have to work tomorrow because it’s quarter-end, and then I’m going to a wedding. What about Sunday?”
“Can’t. I’m going out of town.” Tim looked frustrated. “Look, can you give me your contact info and I’ll page you or call you?”
“Oh, yeah, of course. Here you go.” Sydney unclipped her blackberry and gave Tim her PIN and cell numbers just as they arrived at her door. She wasn’t ready for the night to end, but she also wasn’t ready for him to come inside. So instead, she turned to him and grabbed his shirt, planting a short, hot, powerful kiss on his mouth.
“G’night Tim. Thanks for walking me home.”
“Night Sydney. Sweet dreams.”
Monday, October 29, 2007
3.2 Tim
“Yeah, a pitcher of draft and a Caesar please,” Tim placed his order with the bartender. “You guys want anything?”
“Nachos,” said Neil.
“Wings,” said Antonio.
Neil grabbed a handful of peanuts from the dish at his elbow. “Good idea, Tony,” he said while shelling the nuts, “wings are more filling. Make ‘em spicy Tim.”
Antonio winced and said “Neil I promise, if you call me Tony again you will never shell another peanut.”
“Yeah, yeah, relax man,” replied Neil. And to Tim, “so what’s the deal with you and Sydney? Personally, the other girl playing darts is more my style. She could benefit from a little ‘Neil time’, if you know what I’m saying.”
Tim rolled his eyes and looked at the bartender, and said “just the pitcher, the Caesar and some spicy wings please. And a coffee for my friend Neil here.”
The bartender nodded and went off to fill the order, and Antonio and Tim looked at Neil, and then each other.
Antonio shrugged and said, “Tim I’m not sure that coffee will help Neil at this point, and if you’re not careful, he’s going to ruin things for you and Sydney.”
“What things??” cried Tim. “Seriously, what? I met her a few hours ago, and now we are having drinks.”
“Tim, my friend,” said Neil, “with the looks you two are giving each other, it’s pretty clear that you are going to get soooo lucky tonight if you play your cards right. She’s a looker, if you like that type. Now Summer over there…”
Antonio interrupted Neil. “You can’t deny it Tim. She’s hot. And she only has eyes for you. Are you going to get her number?”
“You two are pathetic! I feel like I’m in high school,” said Tim, rolling his eyes in disgust. “Sydney is very pretty, and I like her, and anything else, well, you can be sure I’m not going to be asking you two for advice. Now get out your wallets – I’m not picking up this round.”
The bartender placed the drinks and the wings in front of Tim, and Neil and Antonio threw some bills on the bar before heading back to their table. Tim noticed that Sydney was reading her blackberry, and thought that no matter what she said, she was totally addicted to that thing. Ah well, he could live with that.
He walked up to the table and put her Caesar down in front of her. "Your beverage, madam," he said, with an excruciatingly cheesy French accent. Ugh, he thought, someone shoot me now. I’m turning into Neil.
"Thank you garçon" she said, smiling up at him. "Now that's what I call service. But it took you guys a while - new bartender?"
"Hardly," he answered, watching her pick up a chicken wing and dip it in the accompanying sauce. He liked a woman who wasn’t always watching what she at. “These two bozos couldn't decide what kind of sauce to order for the wings. Who knows what we ended up with?"
Suddenly Sydney started to choke and sputter, and her eyes started watering. Obviously she got an extra spicy helping of sauce, and Tim knew that this place used real hot peppers in their homemade foods. Perhaps he should have ordered medium. He was just reaching to pour her a glass of water when he saw her reach for her Caesar and take a swig. Big mistake, he thought. I saw him put Tabasco in that.
“"Syd wait!" Tim tried to prevent her from making things worse, but she took a big swallow of the drink and her face turned the same colour as the clamato juice itself.
He knew he shouldn’t be laughing, but it was kind of funny. As Neil handed her a glass of water and Antonio gave her some napkins, Tim said "You did say you liked it extra spicy.” He saw the celery come flying his way and ducked just in time. By this time Neil and Antonio had joined in laughing, and Sydney, being a good sport, was laughing too.
“Oh my goodness, Tim,” she wheezed, “what did he put in that stuff? Fire water? Jus de brimstone? Molten lava? That is the spiciest food and beverage I have ever had. And you, Neil,” she said, pointing at Neil who was by now laughing uncontrollably, “you had something to do with this.”
“Me?” he shrugged in innocence. “Why me?”
Antonio held up a bottle of Tabasco. “It could be this bottle that was sticking out of your pocket, dumbass. What were you trying to do, kill us all?”
“Don’t worry about it Antonio. I’m sure Neil is going to eat this entire platter so it doesn’t go to waste, and then he is going to go and order a fresh platter for the rest of us. Aren’t you Neil?” Sydney smiled sweetly at Neil and pushed the tray over to him, pouring still more Tabasco sauce over the wings as Neil looked on in horror.
“One fresh platter coming up,” said Neil, jumping up from his seat to avoid eating any of the now fire-hot chicken.
Tim admired Sydney’s sense of humour and her ability to keep up with his friends, especially Neil, who could be a bit of a jerk from time to time. She seemed to chat easily with most of the people here, and he liked her friends too. He chuckled as he watched Antonio move over and sit near Olivia when Josh left the table. Watch out Olivia, he thought, Antonio can be very charming.
“Your friends are pretty funny,” Sydney said.
“I know, I’m sorry,” said Tim, “I know Neil can be a bit much, but I’ve known him and Dan almost my whole life. He’s really not so bad once you get to know him. A big kid, really. He’s in love with Summer, you know.”
Sydney smiled, “I figured that out a while ago. But he will meet his match in Luc.”
“Luc?” asked Tim.
“That guy over there. He just got here while you were at the bar. Super nice guy, lives in Montreal. He and Summer have been together for a few years now.”
“And they’re not married?”
“No. Summer has a thing about living here in Toronto, and Luc’s work is in Montreal. One of these days they are going to have to make a decision, but for now, it works for them.”
“And Olivia? What about her?”
“Liv?” smiled Sydney, looking over at her friend who was now fully focussed on Antonio. “Liv is a free spirit, and it will take just the right guy to catch her. Is Antonio going to give it a shot do you think?”
Tim looked at Antonio, who was leaning forward listening intently to something Olivia was saying. “Uh, yeah, I think it’s a safe bet. Antonio broke up with his last girlfriend about six months ago, and he has never been single for this long. He is really good with the ladies, so Olivia better watch out.”
“Oh, I’m not worried there,” replied Sydney, “Olivia is just fine looking after herself.”
Tim looked at her and his mood shifted slightly. “And you, Sydney?” he said, “are you just fine looking after yourself or do you have someone who looks after you?”
“Nachos,” said Neil.
“Wings,” said Antonio.
Neil grabbed a handful of peanuts from the dish at his elbow. “Good idea, Tony,” he said while shelling the nuts, “wings are more filling. Make ‘em spicy Tim.”
Antonio winced and said “Neil I promise, if you call me Tony again you will never shell another peanut.”
“Yeah, yeah, relax man,” replied Neil. And to Tim, “so what’s the deal with you and Sydney? Personally, the other girl playing darts is more my style. She could benefit from a little ‘Neil time’, if you know what I’m saying.”
Tim rolled his eyes and looked at the bartender, and said “just the pitcher, the Caesar and some spicy wings please. And a coffee for my friend Neil here.”
The bartender nodded and went off to fill the order, and Antonio and Tim looked at Neil, and then each other.
Antonio shrugged and said, “Tim I’m not sure that coffee will help Neil at this point, and if you’re not careful, he’s going to ruin things for you and Sydney.”
“What things??” cried Tim. “Seriously, what? I met her a few hours ago, and now we are having drinks.”
“Tim, my friend,” said Neil, “with the looks you two are giving each other, it’s pretty clear that you are going to get soooo lucky tonight if you play your cards right. She’s a looker, if you like that type. Now Summer over there…”
Antonio interrupted Neil. “You can’t deny it Tim. She’s hot. And she only has eyes for you. Are you going to get her number?”
“You two are pathetic! I feel like I’m in high school,” said Tim, rolling his eyes in disgust. “Sydney is very pretty, and I like her, and anything else, well, you can be sure I’m not going to be asking you two for advice. Now get out your wallets – I’m not picking up this round.”
The bartender placed the drinks and the wings in front of Tim, and Neil and Antonio threw some bills on the bar before heading back to their table. Tim noticed that Sydney was reading her blackberry, and thought that no matter what she said, she was totally addicted to that thing. Ah well, he could live with that.
He walked up to the table and put her Caesar down in front of her. "Your beverage, madam," he said, with an excruciatingly cheesy French accent. Ugh, he thought, someone shoot me now. I’m turning into Neil.
"Thank you garçon" she said, smiling up at him. "Now that's what I call service. But it took you guys a while - new bartender?"
"Hardly," he answered, watching her pick up a chicken wing and dip it in the accompanying sauce. He liked a woman who wasn’t always watching what she at. “These two bozos couldn't decide what kind of sauce to order for the wings. Who knows what we ended up with?"
Suddenly Sydney started to choke and sputter, and her eyes started watering. Obviously she got an extra spicy helping of sauce, and Tim knew that this place used real hot peppers in their homemade foods. Perhaps he should have ordered medium. He was just reaching to pour her a glass of water when he saw her reach for her Caesar and take a swig. Big mistake, he thought. I saw him put Tabasco in that.
“"Syd wait!" Tim tried to prevent her from making things worse, but she took a big swallow of the drink and her face turned the same colour as the clamato juice itself.
He knew he shouldn’t be laughing, but it was kind of funny. As Neil handed her a glass of water and Antonio gave her some napkins, Tim said "You did say you liked it extra spicy.” He saw the celery come flying his way and ducked just in time. By this time Neil and Antonio had joined in laughing, and Sydney, being a good sport, was laughing too.
“Oh my goodness, Tim,” she wheezed, “what did he put in that stuff? Fire water? Jus de brimstone? Molten lava? That is the spiciest food and beverage I have ever had. And you, Neil,” she said, pointing at Neil who was by now laughing uncontrollably, “you had something to do with this.”
“Me?” he shrugged in innocence. “Why me?”
Antonio held up a bottle of Tabasco. “It could be this bottle that was sticking out of your pocket, dumbass. What were you trying to do, kill us all?”
“Don’t worry about it Antonio. I’m sure Neil is going to eat this entire platter so it doesn’t go to waste, and then he is going to go and order a fresh platter for the rest of us. Aren’t you Neil?” Sydney smiled sweetly at Neil and pushed the tray over to him, pouring still more Tabasco sauce over the wings as Neil looked on in horror.
“One fresh platter coming up,” said Neil, jumping up from his seat to avoid eating any of the now fire-hot chicken.
Tim admired Sydney’s sense of humour and her ability to keep up with his friends, especially Neil, who could be a bit of a jerk from time to time. She seemed to chat easily with most of the people here, and he liked her friends too. He chuckled as he watched Antonio move over and sit near Olivia when Josh left the table. Watch out Olivia, he thought, Antonio can be very charming.
“Your friends are pretty funny,” Sydney said.
“I know, I’m sorry,” said Tim, “I know Neil can be a bit much, but I’ve known him and Dan almost my whole life. He’s really not so bad once you get to know him. A big kid, really. He’s in love with Summer, you know.”
Sydney smiled, “I figured that out a while ago. But he will meet his match in Luc.”
“Luc?” asked Tim.
“That guy over there. He just got here while you were at the bar. Super nice guy, lives in Montreal. He and Summer have been together for a few years now.”
“And they’re not married?”
“No. Summer has a thing about living here in Toronto, and Luc’s work is in Montreal. One of these days they are going to have to make a decision, but for now, it works for them.”
“And Olivia? What about her?”
“Liv?” smiled Sydney, looking over at her friend who was now fully focussed on Antonio. “Liv is a free spirit, and it will take just the right guy to catch her. Is Antonio going to give it a shot do you think?”
Tim looked at Antonio, who was leaning forward listening intently to something Olivia was saying. “Uh, yeah, I think it’s a safe bet. Antonio broke up with his last girlfriend about six months ago, and he has never been single for this long. He is really good with the ladies, so Olivia better watch out.”
“Oh, I’m not worried there,” replied Sydney, “Olivia is just fine looking after herself.”
Tim looked at her and his mood shifted slightly. “And you, Sydney?” he said, “are you just fine looking after yourself or do you have someone who looks after you?”
Sunday, October 28, 2007
3.1 Sydney
Sydney sat back in her seat and surveyed her surroundings, marvelling at how quickly things could change. Last weekend she was out jogging by herself, watching the crowds of people laughing and enjoying the summer evening. She was, by nature, a home-body, and most times preferred an evening at home or out with a few friends. But on evenings such as that, she watched large family gatherings or beach parties with a touch of envy.
Tonight was another story. They were congregated at the local patio overlooking the beach, and had been joined by Josh and Tim's opponents from their first game, Antonio and Dan, as well as Dan's girlfriend Sarah and brother Neil. The patio, lit by sparkling white lights and Tiki torches, tended towards an older crowd, and was packed with summer worshippers closer to Sydney's own age than to the twenty-somethings that filled most clubs in the city's core.
Sydney chuckled as Josh and Olivia slapped yet another round of shot glasses on the table, and wondered if Olivia realized that Josh was trying desperately to impress her. Poor guy hadn't a chance, as Olivia had been shooting sideways glances towards Marco, who was much more her type.
Summer was laughing and throwing darts with Dan and his girlfriend. They had stopped playing for a second in order to argue a point, and Sydney watched as a tall man with jet black hair and steely blue eyes walked onto the patio. He searched the crowd for a brief minute, and then, spotting Summer, made a beeline for her group. He slid his arms around her waist and turned her to face him before dipping her dramatically and kissing her neck.
Luc was such a romantic, thought Sydney. But then, these Frenchmen always were. Summer's boyfriend, a music producer, lived in Montreal during the week, but came to Toronto most weekends. He was an intense man, but strong, compassionate, and a great conversationalist - he could talk to anyone.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Her blackberry went off. It was from Olivia.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 20, 2007 11:48 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Status?
OMG Syd, this guy is too funny. Not sure how I’m going to break it to him that he’s not my type, but I’ll figure it out. Meantime, whattup with you and Tim? Grab Summer away from Luc in 15 and let’s have a pow wow in the ladies room
Sydney looked down at the end of the table to where Olivia was sitting and smiled and gave her the thumbs up.
"Your beverage, madam," said Tim with an exaggerated French accent. He placed a fresh Caesar in front of her, and then sat down across from her. Antonio and Neil had returned from the bar with him, and put a fresh pitcher of beer and a platter of wings on the table.
"Thank you garcon" replied Sydney. "Now that's what I call service. But it took you guys a while - new bartender?"
"Hardly," replied Tim, "these two bozos couldn't decide what kind of sauce to order for the wings. Who knows what we ended up with?"
Sydney had just taken a huge bite out of a chicken wing and thought she had never eaten anything so spicy in her life. Eyes streaming, she reached for her drink to cool her mouth.
"Syd wait!" Tim reached out a hand as if to prevent her from taking a sip, but it was too late.
Sydney spluttered and choked as a mouthful of tabasco-rich Caesar went down her throat.
Neil handed her a glass of water and Antonio gave her some napkins. Tim had his hand across his mouth trying hard not to laugh.
"You did say you liked it extra spicy," he said, ducking just in time to avoid the piece of celery that Sydney threw at his head.
Tonight was another story. They were congregated at the local patio overlooking the beach, and had been joined by Josh and Tim's opponents from their first game, Antonio and Dan, as well as Dan's girlfriend Sarah and brother Neil. The patio, lit by sparkling white lights and Tiki torches, tended towards an older crowd, and was packed with summer worshippers closer to Sydney's own age than to the twenty-somethings that filled most clubs in the city's core.
Sydney chuckled as Josh and Olivia slapped yet another round of shot glasses on the table, and wondered if Olivia realized that Josh was trying desperately to impress her. Poor guy hadn't a chance, as Olivia had been shooting sideways glances towards Marco, who was much more her type.
Summer was laughing and throwing darts with Dan and his girlfriend. They had stopped playing for a second in order to argue a point, and Sydney watched as a tall man with jet black hair and steely blue eyes walked onto the patio. He searched the crowd for a brief minute, and then, spotting Summer, made a beeline for her group. He slid his arms around her waist and turned her to face him before dipping her dramatically and kissing her neck.
Luc was such a romantic, thought Sydney. But then, these Frenchmen always were. Summer's boyfriend, a music producer, lived in Montreal during the week, but came to Toronto most weekends. He was an intense man, but strong, compassionate, and a great conversationalist - he could talk to anyone.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Her blackberry went off. It was from Olivia.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 20, 2007 11:48 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Status?
OMG Syd, this guy is too funny. Not sure how I’m going to break it to him that he’s not my type, but I’ll figure it out. Meantime, whattup with you and Tim? Grab Summer away from Luc in 15 and let’s have a pow wow in the ladies room
Sydney looked down at the end of the table to where Olivia was sitting and smiled and gave her the thumbs up.
"Your beverage, madam," said Tim with an exaggerated French accent. He placed a fresh Caesar in front of her, and then sat down across from her. Antonio and Neil had returned from the bar with him, and put a fresh pitcher of beer and a platter of wings on the table.
"Thank you garcon" replied Sydney. "Now that's what I call service. But it took you guys a while - new bartender?"
"Hardly," replied Tim, "these two bozos couldn't decide what kind of sauce to order for the wings. Who knows what we ended up with?"
Sydney had just taken a huge bite out of a chicken wing and thought she had never eaten anything so spicy in her life. Eyes streaming, she reached for her drink to cool her mouth.
"Syd wait!" Tim reached out a hand as if to prevent her from taking a sip, but it was too late.
Sydney spluttered and choked as a mouthful of tabasco-rich Caesar went down her throat.
Neil handed her a glass of water and Antonio gave her some napkins. Tim had his hand across his mouth trying hard not to laugh.
"You did say you liked it extra spicy," he said, ducking just in time to avoid the piece of celery that Sydney threw at his head.
2.7 Tim
"T, these girls are good," whispered Josh between points. "If you think going easy will score you points with them, think again. I don't think they're like that."
Tim snorted. "Buddy, I'm exhausted, not 'taking it easy'. You're right - they are good."
"Well suck it up then. I have my eye on the little blonde and I want to look good. C'mon we're two points away!"
Sydney was waiting to serve. "Uh, 'scuse us, but if you're done chatting?" She smiled at Tim, pointed the ball at him and reached up to serve.
Tim thought it was a beautiful thing to watch. She wasn't as slim as the other two, but had amazing curves in all the right places. She was tall and graceful, and carried herself with confidence and humour that was infectious. The three of them made a stunning picture, but Tim had eyes only for the brunette who was about to serve.
"Sorry Sydney," Tim said, raising his hands in apology. "Josh needed some advice on returning your serve."
"Oh yeah?" she answered. "Let's see if it helped then."
And with that she tapped an easy yet powerful shot that landed squarely in the hole between Josh and Tim.
"Wooo Hooo!" screamed Olivia.
"You go girl!" added Summer. "Game point guys - we are so winning this one."
Tim had no idea what had just happened. He and Josh were usually completely in sync.
"I thought you had it T," said Josh.
"Me? It was to you buddy. She even said so!"
"But she pointed at you!"
Olivia cut in. "Quit fighting boys. It's game point. For us, that is. Just, y'know, to clarify."
The girls burst into laughter and Sydney prepared to serve once again.
Josh piped up, trying to distract her. "Bets on this one? Anyone? Losers pick up the tab at the pub?"
And under his breath he said to Tim, "either way, we win. Dibs on Olivia."
Tim laughed. "I think you would have your hands full there, but go right ahead. Ok, let's win this."
Summer shouted "I'll have an apple martini!"
"Make it two," added Olivia.
"And mine," said Sydney, tossing the ball in the air, "would be,"
"A Caesar," thought Tim. "She's going to order a Caesar."
"A Caesar!" shouted Sydney, smacking the ball up the middle with all her might.
Tim dove to the ball, tapping it up nicely to Josh who set it high, giving him a chance to scramble to the net and spike it over. But Summer was there, blocking perfectly and sending it to the back corner. Josh reached behind him and sent it back over the net.
"Mine!" called Olivia. "To you Syd!"
"Summer!" said Sydney, setting the ball neatly to Summer who then faked a slam and instead tapped it neatly cross court.
Tim and Josh collided in their efforts to reach the ball, but it was no good.
The girls grinned and hugged, and then walked to the net.
Tim looked up at Sydney who was smiling through the net. She was covered in sand, and he had never seen anyone looking so hot.
"Guys?" she said, "I take mine extra spicy."
Tim swallowed hard. It was going to be a good night.
Tim snorted. "Buddy, I'm exhausted, not 'taking it easy'. You're right - they are good."
"Well suck it up then. I have my eye on the little blonde and I want to look good. C'mon we're two points away!"
Sydney was waiting to serve. "Uh, 'scuse us, but if you're done chatting?" She smiled at Tim, pointed the ball at him and reached up to serve.
Tim thought it was a beautiful thing to watch. She wasn't as slim as the other two, but had amazing curves in all the right places. She was tall and graceful, and carried herself with confidence and humour that was infectious. The three of them made a stunning picture, but Tim had eyes only for the brunette who was about to serve.
"Sorry Sydney," Tim said, raising his hands in apology. "Josh needed some advice on returning your serve."
"Oh yeah?" she answered. "Let's see if it helped then."
And with that she tapped an easy yet powerful shot that landed squarely in the hole between Josh and Tim.
"Wooo Hooo!" screamed Olivia.
"You go girl!" added Summer. "Game point guys - we are so winning this one."
Tim had no idea what had just happened. He and Josh were usually completely in sync.
"I thought you had it T," said Josh.
"Me? It was to you buddy. She even said so!"
"But she pointed at you!"
Olivia cut in. "Quit fighting boys. It's game point. For us, that is. Just, y'know, to clarify."
The girls burst into laughter and Sydney prepared to serve once again.
Josh piped up, trying to distract her. "Bets on this one? Anyone? Losers pick up the tab at the pub?"
And under his breath he said to Tim, "either way, we win. Dibs on Olivia."
Tim laughed. "I think you would have your hands full there, but go right ahead. Ok, let's win this."
Summer shouted "I'll have an apple martini!"
"Make it two," added Olivia.
"And mine," said Sydney, tossing the ball in the air, "would be,"
"A Caesar," thought Tim. "She's going to order a Caesar."
"A Caesar!" shouted Sydney, smacking the ball up the middle with all her might.
Tim dove to the ball, tapping it up nicely to Josh who set it high, giving him a chance to scramble to the net and spike it over. But Summer was there, blocking perfectly and sending it to the back corner. Josh reached behind him and sent it back over the net.
"Mine!" called Olivia. "To you Syd!"
"Summer!" said Sydney, setting the ball neatly to Summer who then faked a slam and instead tapped it neatly cross court.
Tim and Josh collided in their efforts to reach the ball, but it was no good.
The girls grinned and hugged, and then walked to the net.
Tim looked up at Sydney who was smiling through the net. She was covered in sand, and he had never seen anyone looking so hot.
"Guys?" she said, "I take mine extra spicy."
Tim swallowed hard. It was going to be a good night.
2.6 Sydney
"Hey, Summer just paged. She's here - oh I see her. Wave Syd!" Olivia jumped up and down to catch the attention of their friend.
Sydney barely glanced up.
"Oh my God, it's him." She thought with rising panic. "What am I going to say? He is seriously better looking than I even remembered."
"What did I miss guys?" Summer ran up to them. "Parking was ridiculous. You should have seen - whoa. Who are they?"
Olivia laughed "I know! Doncha love beach volleyball? And guess what? This guy here - the tall bald guy? He's Syd's Mystery TTC guy!!!!"
"No way!" shouted Summer.
"Summer, shh!" hushed Sydney. "No need to advertise here."
"Oh relax Syd," said Olivia, "no one heard her - this crowd is watching the game."
And just then Mystery TTC guy made a beautiful smash hit that won the game. The crowd roared its approval and Olivia and Summer joined in. Sydney was still a bit overwhelmed.
"Snap out of it girl," said Summer. "It's just a guy. You're not marrying him or anything."
"Yet," smirked Olivia.
Sydney realized she had to take charge of the situation before her friends got out of control.
"Ok girls, we've established that it's him," she said. "Now what? I suppose I should at least go over and say hi."
"Better idea," said Olivia. "Let's see if they will play a game with us!"
Sydney, being the least athletic of the three, opened her mouth to protest, but she was drowned out by Summer saying, "Great idea Liv! Let me run back to the car and grab some water for us and I'll be right back."
Sydney turned to go with her, but she was already gone. "Ok, Liv, so what's the plan of attack?" But Olivia was gone too.
"What the?" Sydney looked around for Olivia.
"Oh boy," she said aloud, spying her friend already chatting with Mystery TTC Guy and his partner.
Taking a deep breath and sucking in her belly just a little, Sydney walked over to join them.
"And this is my friend Sydney," Olivia was saying. "So? Up for another quick match? We look small, but we're mighty, I promise."
The two guys looked at each other, and then in unison grinned and said, "bring it on ladies!"
"Excellent!" said Olivia. "This will be great. Oh - and we have a third player. Summer will be here in a second - I hope that's not a problem," she smiled sweetly.
"Oh, now you're stacking the odds," said the shorter guy. "I'm Josh, by the way, and this guy choking on his water is Tim."
Sydney smiled and shook their hands. "No odds stacking, we promise. It's really only 2.5 against 2, because I'm not the superstar these girls are."
Summer ran up to the group, just then, arms full of water bottles and tote bag stuffed to the rim. Sydney knew that tote bag held a change of clothes, a full range of cosmetics, her cell phone, her camera, a couple of protein bars, and, more than likely a pair of high heeled shoes.
Summer, like Olivia, was very athletic, fit, and toned. But in her case it was due to the fact that she owned and operated a highly successful gym, and worked out and taught classes all day long. Sydney admired her dedication, and it certainly paid off. Summer always looked so healthy and vibrant - her brilliant smile offset by her Cadbury brown skin, long, lean legs, and a booty that was, well, bootylicious.
"Hey Summer," said Sydney, trying to get some control of the situation, "this is Josh, and this is Tim. Guys, this is Summer."
"Alright ladies," said Josh, "enough of the chit chat. We are on a winning streak, and you are going to have your work cut out for you. Let's see what you've got."
Sydney laughed as she, Olivia, and Summer took their spots. They had played together many times, and knew how to use each others strengths to the best advantage. Summer was great at the net, Olivia was great at setting, and Sydney had a killer serve.
This was going to be fun.
Sydney barely glanced up.
"Oh my God, it's him." She thought with rising panic. "What am I going to say? He is seriously better looking than I even remembered."
"What did I miss guys?" Summer ran up to them. "Parking was ridiculous. You should have seen - whoa. Who are they?"
Olivia laughed "I know! Doncha love beach volleyball? And guess what? This guy here - the tall bald guy? He's Syd's Mystery TTC guy!!!!"
"No way!" shouted Summer.
"Summer, shh!" hushed Sydney. "No need to advertise here."
"Oh relax Syd," said Olivia, "no one heard her - this crowd is watching the game."
And just then Mystery TTC guy made a beautiful smash hit that won the game. The crowd roared its approval and Olivia and Summer joined in. Sydney was still a bit overwhelmed.
"Snap out of it girl," said Summer. "It's just a guy. You're not marrying him or anything."
"Yet," smirked Olivia.
Sydney realized she had to take charge of the situation before her friends got out of control.
"Ok girls, we've established that it's him," she said. "Now what? I suppose I should at least go over and say hi."
"Better idea," said Olivia. "Let's see if they will play a game with us!"
Sydney, being the least athletic of the three, opened her mouth to protest, but she was drowned out by Summer saying, "Great idea Liv! Let me run back to the car and grab some water for us and I'll be right back."
Sydney turned to go with her, but she was already gone. "Ok, Liv, so what's the plan of attack?" But Olivia was gone too.
"What the?" Sydney looked around for Olivia.
"Oh boy," she said aloud, spying her friend already chatting with Mystery TTC Guy and his partner.
Taking a deep breath and sucking in her belly just a little, Sydney walked over to join them.
"And this is my friend Sydney," Olivia was saying. "So? Up for another quick match? We look small, but we're mighty, I promise."
The two guys looked at each other, and then in unison grinned and said, "bring it on ladies!"
"Excellent!" said Olivia. "This will be great. Oh - and we have a third player. Summer will be here in a second - I hope that's not a problem," she smiled sweetly.
"Oh, now you're stacking the odds," said the shorter guy. "I'm Josh, by the way, and this guy choking on his water is Tim."
Sydney smiled and shook their hands. "No odds stacking, we promise. It's really only 2.5 against 2, because I'm not the superstar these girls are."
Summer ran up to the group, just then, arms full of water bottles and tote bag stuffed to the rim. Sydney knew that tote bag held a change of clothes, a full range of cosmetics, her cell phone, her camera, a couple of protein bars, and, more than likely a pair of high heeled shoes.
Summer, like Olivia, was very athletic, fit, and toned. But in her case it was due to the fact that she owned and operated a highly successful gym, and worked out and taught classes all day long. Sydney admired her dedication, and it certainly paid off. Summer always looked so healthy and vibrant - her brilliant smile offset by her Cadbury brown skin, long, lean legs, and a booty that was, well, bootylicious.
"Hey Summer," said Sydney, trying to get some control of the situation, "this is Josh, and this is Tim. Guys, this is Summer."
"Alright ladies," said Josh, "enough of the chit chat. We are on a winning streak, and you are going to have your work cut out for you. Let's see what you've got."
Sydney laughed as she, Olivia, and Summer took their spots. They had played together many times, and knew how to use each others strengths to the best advantage. Summer was great at the net, Olivia was great at setting, and Sydney had a killer serve.
This was going to be fun.
2.5 Tim
The crowd groaned as the ball slammed into the net. The match was tied again, and Tim was more than a little embarrassed.
"Shake it off, T, shake it off. There's still more ball to play. C'mon." Josh came over to him and they briefly slapped their palms together before positioning themselves to receive the next serve.
Tim said nothing, and just crouched, trying to clear his mind and concentrate. This was a task easier said than done.
"It's her!” he thought. “And you just messed up the shot. Way to go Tim, just awesome. You've been looking for this woman for two weeks and there she is wearing a freakin' bikini, and you look like a knob."
The ball came sailing over the net and suddenly Tim's head was back in the game. Josh tapped the ball up and the two of them did a perfect set and smash over the net.
Game point.
"Good up Josh, we got 'em buddy. Let's finish this."
Tim walked to the front of the net and gave Josh the signal, and Josh sent a perfect shot into the far corner. The other team was ready and made a stunning return, and suddenly the teams were in a fantastic rally that had the crowd riveted. Support for the two sides was equally divided, but as Josh set the ball and Tim spiked it into the sand, the entire crowd erupted in applause.
Tim and Josh grinned and high-fived each other before turning to their opponents. "Two Stellas my friends," shouted Josh. "Victory has made us thirsty!"
The losing team laughed and they all shook hands, saying the traditional "good game" before gathering up their belongings.
Tim scanned the crowd, but could no longer see Miss Flip Flops. "Dammit!" he thought. "Where did she go?"
He turned around and nearly knocked over a tiny woman with killer abs and endless curly hair who had suddenly appeared behind him.
"Hi!" She smiled at him. "That was an amazing game. Can we play the winners?"
"Uh, thanks," replied Tim, as he grabbed his water bottle. "I don't know - we were just heading out actually. Josh?"
Josh looked up from his task of rolling up the net. As he saw the woman talking to Tim, he smiled and straightened to his full 5' 9”.
"Hey T," who's your friend?" He asked.
"I'm Olivia," she replied, holding out her hand to Josh. "And this," she said, gesturing to Sydney who had just appeared behind her, "is my friend Sydney."
Tim thought he might choke as he gulped his water. Miss Flip Flops stood before him in all her pony-tail-sporting, bikini-top-wearing, blue-eye-shining glory. And her name was Sydney.
"So," chatted Olivia, "up for another quick match? We look small but we're mighty, I promise."
Tim was tired and he wanted a beer. But even more, he wanted to talk to Sydney. And he as pretty sure Josh wanted to talk to Olivia.
It was no surprise when they said almost in unison, "bring it on ladies!"
"Shake it off, T, shake it off. There's still more ball to play. C'mon." Josh came over to him and they briefly slapped their palms together before positioning themselves to receive the next serve.
Tim said nothing, and just crouched, trying to clear his mind and concentrate. This was a task easier said than done.
"It's her!” he thought. “And you just messed up the shot. Way to go Tim, just awesome. You've been looking for this woman for two weeks and there she is wearing a freakin' bikini, and you look like a knob."
The ball came sailing over the net and suddenly Tim's head was back in the game. Josh tapped the ball up and the two of them did a perfect set and smash over the net.
Game point.
"Good up Josh, we got 'em buddy. Let's finish this."
Tim walked to the front of the net and gave Josh the signal, and Josh sent a perfect shot into the far corner. The other team was ready and made a stunning return, and suddenly the teams were in a fantastic rally that had the crowd riveted. Support for the two sides was equally divided, but as Josh set the ball and Tim spiked it into the sand, the entire crowd erupted in applause.
Tim and Josh grinned and high-fived each other before turning to their opponents. "Two Stellas my friends," shouted Josh. "Victory has made us thirsty!"
The losing team laughed and they all shook hands, saying the traditional "good game" before gathering up their belongings.
Tim scanned the crowd, but could no longer see Miss Flip Flops. "Dammit!" he thought. "Where did she go?"
He turned around and nearly knocked over a tiny woman with killer abs and endless curly hair who had suddenly appeared behind him.
"Hi!" She smiled at him. "That was an amazing game. Can we play the winners?"
"Uh, thanks," replied Tim, as he grabbed his water bottle. "I don't know - we were just heading out actually. Josh?"
Josh looked up from his task of rolling up the net. As he saw the woman talking to Tim, he smiled and straightened to his full 5' 9”.
"Hey T," who's your friend?" He asked.
"I'm Olivia," she replied, holding out her hand to Josh. "And this," she said, gesturing to Sydney who had just appeared behind her, "is my friend Sydney."
Tim thought he might choke as he gulped his water. Miss Flip Flops stood before him in all her pony-tail-sporting, bikini-top-wearing, blue-eye-shining glory. And her name was Sydney.
"So," chatted Olivia, "up for another quick match? We look small but we're mighty, I promise."
Tim was tired and he wanted a beer. But even more, he wanted to talk to Sydney. And he as pretty sure Josh wanted to talk to Olivia.
It was no surprise when they said almost in unison, "bring it on ladies!"
2.4 Sydney
Sydney walked through the front door of her little house, and her first thought was that she absolutely had to turn on the air conditioning. She had left all the windows open, but Misty was sprawled on the cool kitchen tile, and wasn't sitting up in the window sill as usual.
"Sorry Misty," said Sydney, scooping up her cat into a hug. "You're better off in here anyway. It's hot out there."
Misty had other ideas, and scrambled down out of her master's arms and out the still open front door into the evening sun.
Sydney knew it would be hours before she would see her cat again - now was the witching hour for cats, and the hunt for mice and chipmunks was about to begin. So, she filled the outside water dish, inspected her garden briefly - she really had to do some work on it soon - and then hurried inside to get ready to meet Olivia.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:15 PM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
Ladies, I’m in. But I’ll be late. I’m still at work and then I need to go home and change. Where are we going and what are we wearing?
Sydney tapped back a message.
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:16 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
We are hitting the beach and then the patio. Fashion calls for shorts and bikini tops, sweater for later. Page us when you get close and we will let you know where we are. Summer, it’s really hot and you’ll be in heaven. ☺
She threw her blackberry on the sofa, purposely ignoring the blinking red light that indicated there were work emails to be read.
"Nope," she thought. "It's Friday evening and the beach is calling me."
Now came the problem of what to wear. Sydney was blessed with a curvy figure, but lately she had been ignoring the gym and the curves were a little out of control. She didn't mind wearing a bikini top because her stomach was still pretty flat.
"Although," she thought as she examined herself critically in the mirror, "there is a roll that never used to be there. I can't wear this!"
Sydney agonized over what should have been a simple task of putting on shorts and a top. In the end, she settled on her favourite board shorts, a tshirt over her bikini top, and a cute sweater for later.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:30 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Waiting…
I’m early Syd. Just waiting by the usual spot on the boardwalk. There is so much action down here. Hurry up!
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:32 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Waiting
On my way. Be there in 10.
After throwing her hair into a ponytail, she grabbed her flip flops, locked the door behind her, and headed down towards the beach.
As she walked down the street, Sydney thought to herself for the thousandth time that moving to this neighbourhood was one of the best things she had ever done. She was only a short streetcar ride into the heart of downtown Toronto and all it has to offer, and yet her neighbourhood, the Beaches, was like a microcosm of old-style charm and modern conveniences. She loved walking down her street past all the hundred-year-old homes, inspecting the never-ending renovations and landscaping projects. There were always dozens of dogs of all shapes and sizes on leashes or frolicking in the off leash zones. There were restaurants and ice cream shops and amazing shoe stores, all mixed in with coffee shops and patios galore.
And then there was the beach itself. Sydney stopped at the bottom of her street to admire the view before her. Lake Ontario was calm tonight, the usually choppy waters stilled by the heavy warm air. The beach was jammed with a host of characters: kite flyers, extreme Frisbee players, a couple of guys jamming on acoustic guitars for the sheer joy of it, picnicking families, a woman selling handmade jewellery, a shiatsu massage stand, and of course the sun bathers.
The boardwalk beckoned in either direction, and Sydney turned right, looking for Olivia near their usual meeting spot, a bench not too far off.
She spotted her friend and waved, picking up her pace. Olivia was throwing her volleyball up and down, practicing her volley technique. Sydney admired how easily she handled the ball - being all thumbs, she appreciated anyone who was athletic!
Olivia was petite, but very athletic. She never exercised, but was always active and had a high metabolism, so she was toned and high energy all the time. Men loved her because she was the perfect height to fit under their arms, had gorgeous wavy blonde hair, and dazzling green eyes.
"She is also slightly exhausting," thought Sydney. "It's Friday night - how does she have all this energy?"
Aloud she said, "Hey Liv! Love the new shorts. You were itching for the chance to break them in, weren't you?"
"You bet! I got them on sale at lunch today. They're supposed to make your butt look good, and I had to have them. Anyway, come on. I have the perfect place to show them off."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. See that crowd over there?"
Sydney followed Olivia's pointed finger and noticed a small crowd by the volleyball nets.
"What's going on?" asked Sydney.
"Four guys playing beach. I was watching them for a while and they are wicked. And totally ripped. I say we go check them out."
"Couldn't agree more, my friend. And this way, you won't bug me to actually play because you'll be too busy watching them."
Olivia laughed and they headed off in the direction of the growing crowd, listening to the applause and laughter as the guys made a particularly good shot. Sydney and Olivia wedged their way in to a spot at the edge of the crowd.
"Come on, Syd," urged Olivia. "Let's get closer to the court and the action."
Sydney didn't move.
"Syd!" Olivia shoved her friend. "Syd! Go! What's the problem?"
But Sydney was rooted to the spot, eyes wide as she recognized the tall, bare-chested, in fact nearly naked, oh-so-strong-looking player on the near court.
"Liv, it's him!" Sydney whispered.
"Him who?" Olivia responded, somewhat densely Sydney thought later.
"HIM! Mystery TTC Guy!"
Sydney watched as he prepared to serve, stopped, looked up and straight into her eyes. She tingled everywhere, it seemed, and yet she managed to smile and wave.
Olivia watched as the big bald guy smiled back at her friend, and comprehension finally dawned on her.
"Oh. Hiiiiiim!” she whispered. “Sydney Maxwell, you've hit the jackpot. And, from the looks of that serve he just pounded into the net, I think he feels the same way. Now let’s go introduce ourselves and find out who his partner is while we’re at it."
Sydney had no words.
"Sorry Misty," said Sydney, scooping up her cat into a hug. "You're better off in here anyway. It's hot out there."
Misty had other ideas, and scrambled down out of her master's arms and out the still open front door into the evening sun.
Sydney knew it would be hours before she would see her cat again - now was the witching hour for cats, and the hunt for mice and chipmunks was about to begin. So, she filled the outside water dish, inspected her garden briefly - she really had to do some work on it soon - and then hurried inside to get ready to meet Olivia.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:15 PM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
Ladies, I’m in. But I’ll be late. I’m still at work and then I need to go home and change. Where are we going and what are we wearing?
Sydney tapped back a message.
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:16 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
We are hitting the beach and then the patio. Fashion calls for shorts and bikini tops, sweater for later. Page us when you get close and we will let you know where we are. Summer, it’s really hot and you’ll be in heaven. ☺
She threw her blackberry on the sofa, purposely ignoring the blinking red light that indicated there were work emails to be read.
"Nope," she thought. "It's Friday evening and the beach is calling me."
Now came the problem of what to wear. Sydney was blessed with a curvy figure, but lately she had been ignoring the gym and the curves were a little out of control. She didn't mind wearing a bikini top because her stomach was still pretty flat.
"Although," she thought as she examined herself critically in the mirror, "there is a roll that never used to be there. I can't wear this!"
Sydney agonized over what should have been a simple task of putting on shorts and a top. In the end, she settled on her favourite board shorts, a tshirt over her bikini top, and a cute sweater for later.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:30 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Waiting…
I’m early Syd. Just waiting by the usual spot on the boardwalk. There is so much action down here. Hurry up!
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 6:32 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Waiting
On my way. Be there in 10.
After throwing her hair into a ponytail, she grabbed her flip flops, locked the door behind her, and headed down towards the beach.
As she walked down the street, Sydney thought to herself for the thousandth time that moving to this neighbourhood was one of the best things she had ever done. She was only a short streetcar ride into the heart of downtown Toronto and all it has to offer, and yet her neighbourhood, the Beaches, was like a microcosm of old-style charm and modern conveniences. She loved walking down her street past all the hundred-year-old homes, inspecting the never-ending renovations and landscaping projects. There were always dozens of dogs of all shapes and sizes on leashes or frolicking in the off leash zones. There were restaurants and ice cream shops and amazing shoe stores, all mixed in with coffee shops and patios galore.
And then there was the beach itself. Sydney stopped at the bottom of her street to admire the view before her. Lake Ontario was calm tonight, the usually choppy waters stilled by the heavy warm air. The beach was jammed with a host of characters: kite flyers, extreme Frisbee players, a couple of guys jamming on acoustic guitars for the sheer joy of it, picnicking families, a woman selling handmade jewellery, a shiatsu massage stand, and of course the sun bathers.
The boardwalk beckoned in either direction, and Sydney turned right, looking for Olivia near their usual meeting spot, a bench not too far off.
She spotted her friend and waved, picking up her pace. Olivia was throwing her volleyball up and down, practicing her volley technique. Sydney admired how easily she handled the ball - being all thumbs, she appreciated anyone who was athletic!
Olivia was petite, but very athletic. She never exercised, but was always active and had a high metabolism, so she was toned and high energy all the time. Men loved her because she was the perfect height to fit under their arms, had gorgeous wavy blonde hair, and dazzling green eyes.
"She is also slightly exhausting," thought Sydney. "It's Friday night - how does she have all this energy?"
Aloud she said, "Hey Liv! Love the new shorts. You were itching for the chance to break them in, weren't you?"
"You bet! I got them on sale at lunch today. They're supposed to make your butt look good, and I had to have them. Anyway, come on. I have the perfect place to show them off."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. See that crowd over there?"
Sydney followed Olivia's pointed finger and noticed a small crowd by the volleyball nets.
"What's going on?" asked Sydney.
"Four guys playing beach. I was watching them for a while and they are wicked. And totally ripped. I say we go check them out."
"Couldn't agree more, my friend. And this way, you won't bug me to actually play because you'll be too busy watching them."
Olivia laughed and they headed off in the direction of the growing crowd, listening to the applause and laughter as the guys made a particularly good shot. Sydney and Olivia wedged their way in to a spot at the edge of the crowd.
"Come on, Syd," urged Olivia. "Let's get closer to the court and the action."
Sydney didn't move.
"Syd!" Olivia shoved her friend. "Syd! Go! What's the problem?"
But Sydney was rooted to the spot, eyes wide as she recognized the tall, bare-chested, in fact nearly naked, oh-so-strong-looking player on the near court.
"Liv, it's him!" Sydney whispered.
"Him who?" Olivia responded, somewhat densely Sydney thought later.
"HIM! Mystery TTC Guy!"
Sydney watched as he prepared to serve, stopped, looked up and straight into her eyes. She tingled everywhere, it seemed, and yet she managed to smile and wave.
Olivia watched as the big bald guy smiled back at her friend, and comprehension finally dawned on her.
"Oh. Hiiiiiim!” she whispered. “Sydney Maxwell, you've hit the jackpot. And, from the looks of that serve he just pounded into the net, I think he feels the same way. Now let’s go introduce ourselves and find out who his partner is while we’re at it."
Sydney had no words.
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