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.
2.3 Tim
OOOMMPH!
"Nice dig, T!" shouted Josh.
Tim spat out a mouthful of sand and grinned as he slapped hands with his friend.
His buddies on the opposite court applauded. "Timmmyyy! Good to have you back buddy."
As he stretched his shoulder, Tim thought about how badly he was going to ache tomorrow, but it was worth it - being on the court again after so long felt amazing.
He grabbed the ball and brushed it off preparing to serve. "Losers buy the first round guys!"
And with that he slammed a terrific shot over the net, but it was set and returned to him and Josh nicely. The teams were well matched and the game soon began to draw spectators. Beach volleyball was a traditional and much-loved spectator sport in the neighbourhood, and nothing drew crowds faster than a well-matched, fast-paced game.
"Dude, try not to show off too much," Tim said to his partner. "We want to win this."
"Ah, Tim?” Josh lowered his voice and adjusted his sunglasses. “Have you noticed the people watching us? And have you noticed that many of those people are hot girls wearing bikinis?"
It was hard not to laugh. Josh was a good six inches shorter than Tim, and was the kind most people assumed to be a geek at first - into computers, incredible history buff, and quoting Monty Python whenever possible. But he was in great shape, funny as hell, owned his own company, and was good with the ladies.
"Good point," replied Tim. "Bring on the show." And with that they used every trick they had to win the game and look good doing it.
Unfortunately, their competitors were just as determined to show off for the growing crowd. After a solid thirty minutes of play, Tim and Josh were up by only a point, and he had to admit he was getting tired. It had been a few years since he had played a game like this, and his body wasn't what it used to be.
He took a minute to catch his breath before he served, brushing sand off the ball and looking up into the spectators. "Wow," he thought, "Josh was right. There are some gorgeous girls here. Ok Jennings, suck it up and finish this game."
He brushed off the ball yet again and prepared to serve. Suddenly he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, like someone was watching him. He looked up and scanned the crowd, and found himself staring smack into the beautiful blue eyes of Miss Flip Flops, who was standing off to the side of the crowd.
She smiled that smile and gave a little wave, and his insides turned to water.
"Stay cool," he thought. "You're playing a game here."
Tim returned her smile, and then turned back to face the net. He gave the ball a final brush to wipe off the now non-existent sand, looked at his opponents, checked Josh for his signal, and reached up to smash the ball.
Right into the net.
"Nice dig, T!" shouted Josh.
Tim spat out a mouthful of sand and grinned as he slapped hands with his friend.
His buddies on the opposite court applauded. "Timmmyyy! Good to have you back buddy."
As he stretched his shoulder, Tim thought about how badly he was going to ache tomorrow, but it was worth it - being on the court again after so long felt amazing.
He grabbed the ball and brushed it off preparing to serve. "Losers buy the first round guys!"
And with that he slammed a terrific shot over the net, but it was set and returned to him and Josh nicely. The teams were well matched and the game soon began to draw spectators. Beach volleyball was a traditional and much-loved spectator sport in the neighbourhood, and nothing drew crowds faster than a well-matched, fast-paced game.
"Dude, try not to show off too much," Tim said to his partner. "We want to win this."
"Ah, Tim?” Josh lowered his voice and adjusted his sunglasses. “Have you noticed the people watching us? And have you noticed that many of those people are hot girls wearing bikinis?"
It was hard not to laugh. Josh was a good six inches shorter than Tim, and was the kind most people assumed to be a geek at first - into computers, incredible history buff, and quoting Monty Python whenever possible. But he was in great shape, funny as hell, owned his own company, and was good with the ladies.
"Good point," replied Tim. "Bring on the show." And with that they used every trick they had to win the game and look good doing it.
Unfortunately, their competitors were just as determined to show off for the growing crowd. After a solid thirty minutes of play, Tim and Josh were up by only a point, and he had to admit he was getting tired. It had been a few years since he had played a game like this, and his body wasn't what it used to be.
He took a minute to catch his breath before he served, brushing sand off the ball and looking up into the spectators. "Wow," he thought, "Josh was right. There are some gorgeous girls here. Ok Jennings, suck it up and finish this game."
He brushed off the ball yet again and prepared to serve. Suddenly he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, like someone was watching him. He looked up and scanned the crowd, and found himself staring smack into the beautiful blue eyes of Miss Flip Flops, who was standing off to the side of the crowd.
She smiled that smile and gave a little wave, and his insides turned to water.
"Stay cool," he thought. "You're playing a game here."
Tim returned her smile, and then turned back to face the net. He gave the ball a final brush to wipe off the now non-existent sand, looked at his opponents, checked Josh for his signal, and reached up to smash the ball.
Right into the net.
2.2 Sydney
"That's IT!!!!" shouted Sydney to no one in particular.
She grabbed the three remaining Kleenex from the box on her desk and tried to sop up the tea she had just knocked over. Trickles of the dark liquid were making their way to her freshly printed presentation material, and in snatching the stack away she leaned directly into the tea stream.
As a lovely stain formed on her left thigh, Sydney threw her hands in the air and said "I give up."
"You talking to me boss?" Anne stuck her head in the office with a smile. "Ooh - that's not good. Can I help?"
Anne was a great assistant. She always appeared at the right time, said the right things, and made Sydney's day go as smoothly as possible.
"No, but thanks Anne. It has been a horrible day, and now look at my pants." Sydney stood up and gestured at her leg towards the stain that was now roughly the shape of an artichoke.
"At least they're white. You can bleach them," Anne offered helpfully.
"Yeah I suppose. Anne I've had it and I want to go home."
"Umm, Syd," replied Anne, "you're the Director you know. You can do that. And it is almost 5 anyway."
"Hey you're right! That's the first good news I've had all day!” Sydney grinned. “Ok then, let's both pack it in and head for the weekend."
Anne raised her fist in a sign of solidarity and headed towards her desk to pack up.
Sydney wiped up the last of the tea, tidied her desktop and grabbed the papers she wanted to read at home. She swiped on some lipstick (because you never know, HE might be on the subway today) and did a last check in the mirror, wondering for the tenth time if this pink top, which had been a favourite of hers for some time, was now a little tight.
"No more donuts," she swore to herself. And grabbing a bottle of water she headed towards the subway.
She was met by a massive throng of commuters, and determined not to act like the half-crazed people who pushed their way onto already full cars, she waited patiently for the next car with a bit of space.
Sydney smiled at the thought that this was "leaving early" for her. Since her promotion last year her hours had lengthened considerably, but she didn't mind. She loved her job, loved her location, and loved her team. Process Engineering was not the most exciting career for some, but she loved making things run more efficiently - and doing it for an airline, well, there were nice perks!
Sydney decided she was in no hurry. She switched into her "Zen Commuter” mode, and when she was subsequently rewarded with a seat, she made herself comfortable and decided to tap out a few messages, none of which had to do with work.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Sending
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:15 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Friiiiiiday!
Hey ladies. Woo Hoo! It’s Friday! Who’s up for a walk by the beach, some pizza and a couple of drinks?
Sent Using: Desktop
Message Status: Sending
To: Lyndi Weston
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:16 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: What to do
Sorry I couldn’t get back to you earlier – it was quite the day and I’m on the train home now. I have no idea how you should handle OBF. Is he paying attention to you or are you already breaking your own rules???? Chat this weekend?
As the subway passed over the Don Valley she noticed with satisfaction that she got a signal, and her messages were zipped through cyberspace. Her blackberry also vibrated with an incoming message.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:13 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Hot Friday Night!
Hey my friends, beach tonight? Let’s go watch the vballers!!! Hell, let’s take a ball down and practice setting!!!
Sydney laughed out loud and then looked up to make sure no one saw her. She wasn't surprised that she and Olivia were on the same wavelength.
As she climbed up the stairs to the bus platform she tapped out a reply.
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:31 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
Great minds think alike Liv. Let’s meet on the boardwalk at 7 so I can get a few things done first. Summer, you coming? The correct answer is YES!
She snapped her blackberry into its case and looked up into the late afternoon sun. She sighed as she noticed the bus pulling out across the street, realizing she would have to wait for the next one.
"Oh well" she thought, "at least it's Friday and I live in the Beach. And with Liv and Summer, you never know what will happen!"
She grabbed the three remaining Kleenex from the box on her desk and tried to sop up the tea she had just knocked over. Trickles of the dark liquid were making their way to her freshly printed presentation material, and in snatching the stack away she leaned directly into the tea stream.
As a lovely stain formed on her left thigh, Sydney threw her hands in the air and said "I give up."
"You talking to me boss?" Anne stuck her head in the office with a smile. "Ooh - that's not good. Can I help?"
Anne was a great assistant. She always appeared at the right time, said the right things, and made Sydney's day go as smoothly as possible.
"No, but thanks Anne. It has been a horrible day, and now look at my pants." Sydney stood up and gestured at her leg towards the stain that was now roughly the shape of an artichoke.
"At least they're white. You can bleach them," Anne offered helpfully.
"Yeah I suppose. Anne I've had it and I want to go home."
"Umm, Syd," replied Anne, "you're the Director you know. You can do that. And it is almost 5 anyway."
"Hey you're right! That's the first good news I've had all day!” Sydney grinned. “Ok then, let's both pack it in and head for the weekend."
Anne raised her fist in a sign of solidarity and headed towards her desk to pack up.
Sydney wiped up the last of the tea, tidied her desktop and grabbed the papers she wanted to read at home. She swiped on some lipstick (because you never know, HE might be on the subway today) and did a last check in the mirror, wondering for the tenth time if this pink top, which had been a favourite of hers for some time, was now a little tight.
"No more donuts," she swore to herself. And grabbing a bottle of water she headed towards the subway.
She was met by a massive throng of commuters, and determined not to act like the half-crazed people who pushed their way onto already full cars, she waited patiently for the next car with a bit of space.
Sydney smiled at the thought that this was "leaving early" for her. Since her promotion last year her hours had lengthened considerably, but she didn't mind. She loved her job, loved her location, and loved her team. Process Engineering was not the most exciting career for some, but she loved making things run more efficiently - and doing it for an airline, well, there were nice perks!
Sydney decided she was in no hurry. She switched into her "Zen Commuter” mode, and when she was subsequently rewarded with a seat, she made herself comfortable and decided to tap out a few messages, none of which had to do with work.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Sending
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:15 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Friiiiiiday!
Hey ladies. Woo Hoo! It’s Friday! Who’s up for a walk by the beach, some pizza and a couple of drinks?
Sent Using: Desktop
Message Status: Sending
To: Lyndi Weston
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:16 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: What to do
Sorry I couldn’t get back to you earlier – it was quite the day and I’m on the train home now. I have no idea how you should handle OBF. Is he paying attention to you or are you already breaking your own rules???? Chat this weekend?
As the subway passed over the Don Valley she noticed with satisfaction that she got a signal, and her messages were zipped through cyberspace. Her blackberry also vibrated with an incoming message.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:13 PM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Hot Friday Night!
Hey my friends, beach tonight? Let’s go watch the vballers!!! Hell, let’s take a ball down and practice setting!!!
Sydney laughed out loud and then looked up to make sure no one saw her. She wasn't surprised that she and Olivia were on the same wavelength.
As she climbed up the stairs to the bus platform she tapped out a reply.
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:31 PM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Hot Friday Night!
Great minds think alike Liv. Let’s meet on the boardwalk at 7 so I can get a few things done first. Summer, you coming? The correct answer is YES!
She snapped her blackberry into its case and looked up into the late afternoon sun. She sighed as she noticed the bus pulling out across the street, realizing she would have to wait for the next one.
"Oh well" she thought, "at least it's Friday and I live in the Beach. And with Liv and Summer, you never know what will happen!"
2.1 Tim
“Ridiculous," thought Tim. He was jammed onto the subway, and he literally worried about the safety implications of having so many people crammed into one space. He knew his butt was pushing against someone's belly behind him, and he had another person's backpack against his chest. He had one arm raised to grab the handle bar, and the other clutched his briefcase.
It had been just about 2 weeks since his car was totalled, and he just about had the hang of this commuting thing - most days it wasn't too bad. But then, most days he didn't travel at rush hour. 5pm was definitely worse than his usual 7pm, especially on a Friday evening in the summer.
It would be at least two more months before his new car would be delivered, and although Tim knew could have rented a car, he continued on with the subway. Indeed, some of his buddies were now in the habit of teasing him about his motives for “riding the rocket” as the ads said, but he had nothing to hide. Flip flop woman was hot, he was determined to find her again, and that was all there was to it.
He thought he would have run into her by now, but maybe she wasn't a regular subway commuter. Then again, his schedule hadn’t been very consistent; the new job required him to be in different offices on some days, so he left the house at varying times depending on his intended destination.
The train shot out of the tunnel and rattled across the bridge over the Don River valley. This was one of his favourite parts of the ride - ok, the only good part - because the valley was amazing. He liked to check out the bike and jogging trails, and longed for a free evening to try out his new bike. Plus, at this point on the ride home he knew a large part of the crowd was about to exit the train and he would soon be able to breathe again.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
As he and the rest of the travellers re-entered the tunnel on the other side of the valley, his still-new blackberry vibrated at his hip. Apparently the brief time the train travelled outside was enough to get a signal. He struggled to manoeuvre enough free arm space to reach down and unclip the device.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Tim Jennings
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:20 PM
From: Josh Doyle
Subject: BEER!
Hey T. Any sign of Hot Flips? We’re hitting the patio after vball. You in? J.
It was a perfect night for volleyball down at the beach. He hadn't played in a really long time, but his buddies had thrown together a rec team and they needed him to sub. Volleyball, sand, a warm evening and a couple of drafts would be a perfect way to start the weekend.
He tapped back a message, ignoring the reference to Miss Flip Flops.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Josh Doyle
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:28 PM
From: Tim Jennings
Subject: Re: BEER!
I’m in. See you at 6:30. T.
He walked out of the station and climbed on the waiting bus that would take him down to his house by the water. And, although it was less crowded than the train, Tim ended up standing yet again.
As the bus started to pull away from the curb, he watched people rush up out of the subway only to realize they had missed the bus and would have to wait at least another ten minutes for the next one. "Now that's a crappy feeling," he thought. “At this point in the day you just want to get home."
Suddenly he saw a familiar head slowly emerging on the bus platform, brown hair bent over thumbs that were flying over the keys of her blackberry. She looked gorgeous, again, and this time her flip flops accompanied white pants and a pink shirt that clung in all the right places.
"Dammit!" he thought as the bus pulled away.
It had been just about 2 weeks since his car was totalled, and he just about had the hang of this commuting thing - most days it wasn't too bad. But then, most days he didn't travel at rush hour. 5pm was definitely worse than his usual 7pm, especially on a Friday evening in the summer.
It would be at least two more months before his new car would be delivered, and although Tim knew could have rented a car, he continued on with the subway. Indeed, some of his buddies were now in the habit of teasing him about his motives for “riding the rocket” as the ads said, but he had nothing to hide. Flip flop woman was hot, he was determined to find her again, and that was all there was to it.
He thought he would have run into her by now, but maybe she wasn't a regular subway commuter. Then again, his schedule hadn’t been very consistent; the new job required him to be in different offices on some days, so he left the house at varying times depending on his intended destination.
The train shot out of the tunnel and rattled across the bridge over the Don River valley. This was one of his favourite parts of the ride - ok, the only good part - because the valley was amazing. He liked to check out the bike and jogging trails, and longed for a free evening to try out his new bike. Plus, at this point on the ride home he knew a large part of the crowd was about to exit the train and he would soon be able to breathe again.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
As he and the rest of the travellers re-entered the tunnel on the other side of the valley, his still-new blackberry vibrated at his hip. Apparently the brief time the train travelled outside was enough to get a signal. He struggled to manoeuvre enough free arm space to reach down and unclip the device.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Tim Jennings
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:20 PM
From: Josh Doyle
Subject: BEER!
Hey T. Any sign of Hot Flips? We’re hitting the patio after vball. You in? J.
It was a perfect night for volleyball down at the beach. He hadn't played in a really long time, but his buddies had thrown together a rec team and they needed him to sub. Volleyball, sand, a warm evening and a couple of drafts would be a perfect way to start the weekend.
He tapped back a message, ignoring the reference to Miss Flip Flops.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Josh Doyle
Sent: July 20, 2007 5:28 PM
From: Tim Jennings
Subject: Re: BEER!
I’m in. See you at 6:30. T.
He walked out of the station and climbed on the waiting bus that would take him down to his house by the water. And, although it was less crowded than the train, Tim ended up standing yet again.
As the bus started to pull away from the curb, he watched people rush up out of the subway only to realize they had missed the bus and would have to wait at least another ten minutes for the next one. "Now that's a crappy feeling," he thought. “At this point in the day you just want to get home."
Suddenly he saw a familiar head slowly emerging on the bus platform, brown hair bent over thumbs that were flying over the keys of her blackberry. She looked gorgeous, again, and this time her flip flops accompanied white pants and a pink shirt that clung in all the right places.
"Dammit!" he thought as the bus pulled away.
1.6 Sydney
Sydney didn't know why she felt so giddy after her run-in with Mystery TTC Guy. The chances of running in to him again were a million to one, she figured. No, she would continue to see the heavy breathing, bad toupee wearing, garlic loving man each and every morning on her bus, but she would not see Mystery TTC Guy again.
Sigh.
As soon as she reached ground level her blackberry went off again.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:17 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Ok Syd, fill us in. Was he a tall blonde guy bc I think I've seen him and he's hot. Did you talk to him? Did you get his number? Do you have a date?
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:18 AM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Girl, let me rephrase what Olivia just said. What did he look like, did you talk to him, and did HE get YOUR number?
Sydney smiled at her friends. You could count on their reactions time after time. Olivia jumping right in there, carpe-ing the diem, and as excited as a kid at Christmas. Summer, more laid back, playing the mouse in this game, and not the cat.
She tapped out her reply as she made her way to her office.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:20 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Guys he was lovely. Not the blonde guy Liv. He was tall, bald, great arms, and a radio voice. We did talk, but unfortunately he and I got separated on the train by some guy with a minivan-sized stroller and a big woman determined to poke my eye out with her elbow. I hate the TTC. And btw, my hair is ridiculous bc of the rain, and I'm wearing flip flops. It’s probably best I never see him again. Sigh.
The girls responded with variations on the theme of "that sucks and too bad and I'm sure your hair is fine," just enough to make sure Sydney would start her day with a smile.
Later, while on her coffee break, she related the story to her friend John.
"And then?" He said.
"And then what?"
"What's next? What are you going to do next?" He replied pointedly.
"Hello?! What can I do? I don't know his name!"
John sighed dramatically, and barely avoided rolling his eyes. “Must I spell it out for you? Be more creative Syd! You could at least make sure you take the same train tomorrow as you did today. Don't go all stalker or anything, but you can give fate a little helping hand here."
Oh. Now she hadn't thought of that...
Sigh.
As soon as she reached ground level her blackberry went off again.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:17 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Ok Syd, fill us in. Was he a tall blonde guy bc I think I've seen him and he's hot. Did you talk to him? Did you get his number? Do you have a date?
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:18 AM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Girl, let me rephrase what Olivia just said. What did he look like, did you talk to him, and did HE get YOUR number?
Sydney smiled at her friends. You could count on their reactions time after time. Olivia jumping right in there, carpe-ing the diem, and as excited as a kid at Christmas. Summer, more laid back, playing the mouse in this game, and not the cat.
She tapped out her reply as she made her way to her office.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 8:20 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Guys he was lovely. Not the blonde guy Liv. He was tall, bald, great arms, and a radio voice. We did talk, but unfortunately he and I got separated on the train by some guy with a minivan-sized stroller and a big woman determined to poke my eye out with her elbow. I hate the TTC. And btw, my hair is ridiculous bc of the rain, and I'm wearing flip flops. It’s probably best I never see him again. Sigh.
The girls responded with variations on the theme of "that sucks and too bad and I'm sure your hair is fine," just enough to make sure Sydney would start her day with a smile.
Later, while on her coffee break, she related the story to her friend John.
"And then?" He said.
"And then what?"
"What's next? What are you going to do next?" He replied pointedly.
"Hello?! What can I do? I don't know his name!"
John sighed dramatically, and barely avoided rolling his eyes. “Must I spell it out for you? Be more creative Syd! You could at least make sure you take the same train tomorrow as you did today. Don't go all stalker or anything, but you can give fate a little helping hand here."
Oh. Now she hadn't thought of that...
1.5 Tim
Tim felt like a salmon swimming up stream. Or maybe one of a million lemmings, all lined up to jump off a cliff.
"Honestly, how do people do this every day?" He thought, looking around him at the crowd of people jammed into this tiny space.
He ended up somewhere in the middle of the car, and was tall enough to see over most of the several billion heads travelling westward with him. He noticed the flip flop woman was jammed between a stroller and a lady with a bunch of shopping bags and no sense of personal boundaries.
He wondered if he could squeeze his way closer to Miss Flip Flop, because he really wanted to get her name. He looked up and caught her eye, and she smiled and shrugged at the mass of people around her.
"Wow, she's staying pretty cool in all this," he thought. "The rain, the crowds... None of it seems to bother her."
He noticed that she reached down to help a small child keep his balance when the train jerked suddenly. He also noticed her glare at the lady with all the bags, and rub her shoulder where the woman kept jabbing her.
"Frankly, I'd push her down," he grinned to himself. "Or I'd want to, at least."
This woman was hot, and Tim knew he had to see her again. He hoped she was staying on the train until his stop at Bay, and with every passing stop where she didn't get off, he breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, as they stopped at the main transfer at Yonge, she washed out of the car with most of the commuters, and was gone.
"Look back, look back." He sent her a mental command.
His ESP was obviously working that day, for she stopped, turned around, and met his eyes giving a small wave as his train left the station.
"Ah the mojo is working," he thought to himself. "well, if I never see her again, at least this has to be a good sign for the rest of the day."
"Honestly, how do people do this every day?" He thought, looking around him at the crowd of people jammed into this tiny space.
He ended up somewhere in the middle of the car, and was tall enough to see over most of the several billion heads travelling westward with him. He noticed the flip flop woman was jammed between a stroller and a lady with a bunch of shopping bags and no sense of personal boundaries.
He wondered if he could squeeze his way closer to Miss Flip Flop, because he really wanted to get her name. He looked up and caught her eye, and she smiled and shrugged at the mass of people around her.
"Wow, she's staying pretty cool in all this," he thought. "The rain, the crowds... None of it seems to bother her."
He noticed that she reached down to help a small child keep his balance when the train jerked suddenly. He also noticed her glare at the lady with all the bags, and rub her shoulder where the woman kept jabbing her.
"Frankly, I'd push her down," he grinned to himself. "Or I'd want to, at least."
This woman was hot, and Tim knew he had to see her again. He hoped she was staying on the train until his stop at Bay, and with every passing stop where she didn't get off, he breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, as they stopped at the main transfer at Yonge, she washed out of the car with most of the commuters, and was gone.
"Look back, look back." He sent her a mental command.
His ESP was obviously working that day, for she stopped, turned around, and met his eyes giving a small wave as his train left the station.
"Ah the mojo is working," he thought to himself. "well, if I never see her again, at least this has to be a good sign for the rest of the day."
1.4 Sydney
Sydney figured he was one of the best looking men she had seen in a very long time. It didn't matter that he was pretty much soaked from the nasty weather. He was tall, first off. At least 6' 3". Broad shoulders, twinkling eyes that smiled, a fabulous suit, and clean-shaven head. Oh she loved that look - a lumberjack in a suit.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He asked her.
Sydney was caught off guard. “He's talking to me!” she thought. “Does he know I like lumberjacks in suits? Oh. No. Right. I must look like one of those ridiculous crackberry addicts. Ugh and I'm wearing flip flops! And my hair is out of control!”
"Oh it's fine,” she managed to say. “That wasn't work, that was chatting with a friend. I'm not THAT addicted!"
Sydney’s mind was on overload. “I'm babbling,” she thought. “Absolutely babbling. Get a grip, flash him a smile, act like you're calm, cool, and collected.”
She smiled and was rewarded with a return smile that made something go "ping!" somewhere in the pit of her stomach.
"Hey no need to explain," he said. "I feel naked without mine, but I'm switching jobs so I don't have one right now. Hopefully today."
“Naked,” she thought. “He said naked. Oh he'd look fine naked.”
“Snap out of it Syd!” her inner voice screamed.
"A new job? That's exciting! Nerve-wracking though, I bet." Sydney was reaching for something to say. This man was overwhelming! Where was her head? Where was the train?
He chuckled a little and looked slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm pretty nervous. It's funny because it's not like I'm fresh out of school and it's my first job. But I guess you never stop caring about making a good first impression, y'know?"
Sydney could relate. And at the moment she was re-thinking the flip flops AND the plaid umbrella, wondering what kind of first impression she was making.
She nodded in agreement. "For sure. I've only been in my job for a few months. On my first day I felt like a schoolgirl!"
At this point the train finally arrived, and the sodden, steaming mass of commuters crowded for the doors. Sydney was caught with the crowd and found herself wedged in between a large woman with several shopping bags, and a man with a stroller and a couple of small children.
Mystery TTC-guy was across the car. It was too far to talk to him, so she merely looked up and smiled and shrugged, looking around her. He chucked and smiled knowingly back. It was going to be a squishy ride into the city.
As they chugged along through some of Sydney's favourite neighbourhoods, she noticed that only a couple of people got off as dozens seemed to get on at each stop. It reminded her of that joke where a kid tells you that you're the driver of a bus, and several people get on or off at each stop. You struggle to keep up with the math, and at the end the kid asks you who the driver of the bus is. It's supposed to catch grownups every time.
Mystery TTC-guy was struggling to maintain his balance, obviously not yet having perfected his "buffalo stance" as a friend called it. She felt sorry for him, as he looked almost as uncomfortable as she felt. Both of the little kids at her feet were now whining, and the big lady was in the process of re-arranging her bags, seemingly unaware that Sydney’s shoulder would not move regardless of how hard she shoved her elbow into it.
Finally, Yonge station. Maybe he'd get off here and she'd be able to talk to him some more. Sydney was once again caught up in the stream leaving the subway car, but as soon as she was able to stand up against the press of commuters, she turned around to see if she could see where he was.
But it was not to be. Instead, she saw him wave and smile as the train pulled away and headed towards Bay Street station.
“Aaaaaaaand, we’re done,” Sydney thought, shaking her head wryly.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He asked her.
Sydney was caught off guard. “He's talking to me!” she thought. “Does he know I like lumberjacks in suits? Oh. No. Right. I must look like one of those ridiculous crackberry addicts. Ugh and I'm wearing flip flops! And my hair is out of control!”
"Oh it's fine,” she managed to say. “That wasn't work, that was chatting with a friend. I'm not THAT addicted!"
Sydney’s mind was on overload. “I'm babbling,” she thought. “Absolutely babbling. Get a grip, flash him a smile, act like you're calm, cool, and collected.”
She smiled and was rewarded with a return smile that made something go "ping!" somewhere in the pit of her stomach.
"Hey no need to explain," he said. "I feel naked without mine, but I'm switching jobs so I don't have one right now. Hopefully today."
“Naked,” she thought. “He said naked. Oh he'd look fine naked.”
“Snap out of it Syd!” her inner voice screamed.
"A new job? That's exciting! Nerve-wracking though, I bet." Sydney was reaching for something to say. This man was overwhelming! Where was her head? Where was the train?
He chuckled a little and looked slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm pretty nervous. It's funny because it's not like I'm fresh out of school and it's my first job. But I guess you never stop caring about making a good first impression, y'know?"
Sydney could relate. And at the moment she was re-thinking the flip flops AND the plaid umbrella, wondering what kind of first impression she was making.
She nodded in agreement. "For sure. I've only been in my job for a few months. On my first day I felt like a schoolgirl!"
At this point the train finally arrived, and the sodden, steaming mass of commuters crowded for the doors. Sydney was caught with the crowd and found herself wedged in between a large woman with several shopping bags, and a man with a stroller and a couple of small children.
Mystery TTC-guy was across the car. It was too far to talk to him, so she merely looked up and smiled and shrugged, looking around her. He chucked and smiled knowingly back. It was going to be a squishy ride into the city.
As they chugged along through some of Sydney's favourite neighbourhoods, she noticed that only a couple of people got off as dozens seemed to get on at each stop. It reminded her of that joke where a kid tells you that you're the driver of a bus, and several people get on or off at each stop. You struggle to keep up with the math, and at the end the kid asks you who the driver of the bus is. It's supposed to catch grownups every time.
Mystery TTC-guy was struggling to maintain his balance, obviously not yet having perfected his "buffalo stance" as a friend called it. She felt sorry for him, as he looked almost as uncomfortable as she felt. Both of the little kids at her feet were now whining, and the big lady was in the process of re-arranging her bags, seemingly unaware that Sydney’s shoulder would not move regardless of how hard she shoved her elbow into it.
Finally, Yonge station. Maybe he'd get off here and she'd be able to talk to him some more. Sydney was once again caught up in the stream leaving the subway car, but as soon as she was able to stand up against the press of commuters, she turned around to see if she could see where he was.
But it was not to be. Instead, she saw him wave and smile as the train pulled away and headed towards Bay Street station.
“Aaaaaaaand, we’re done,” Sydney thought, shaking her head wryly.
1.3 Tim
Why the flip flops, he wondered. It detracted somewhat from the overall package, but not a lot, he had to admit. In fact, unlike the other women at the platform who were tottering uncomfortably in high heels, or marching solidly in comfortable granny shoes, this woman neither tottered nor marched. Instead, she walked confidently along, heading, it seemed, for a precise spot on the platform right next to him.
But she didn't look up at him. Apparently his wilted suit and rain-spattered shoes weren't enough to draw her eye away from her blackberry. "Ah, the crackberry,” he thought. “I suppose I'll get a new one today at work. If I ever get there. I should have taken a taxi. Where's the train?"
He watched as the flip flop woman finished tapping out a message and snapped the blackberry back into its case. As she dropped it into her bag she looked up at him.
He smiled as he noticed her blue eyes. She was now up to 4 points on his 10 point scale of “the perfect woman”.
"No signal down here," she said, pointing to her blackberry.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He replied.
"Oh, it's fine. That wasn't work. That was chatting with friends." She paused and laughed, "I'm not THAT addicted!”
The smile made 5 points. Of course those are the easy ones - all physical. Suddenly he felt the need to find out about the last 5 points.
But she didn't look up at him. Apparently his wilted suit and rain-spattered shoes weren't enough to draw her eye away from her blackberry. "Ah, the crackberry,” he thought. “I suppose I'll get a new one today at work. If I ever get there. I should have taken a taxi. Where's the train?"
He watched as the flip flop woman finished tapping out a message and snapped the blackberry back into its case. As she dropped it into her bag she looked up at him.
He smiled as he noticed her blue eyes. She was now up to 4 points on his 10 point scale of “the perfect woman”.
"No signal down here," she said, pointing to her blackberry.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He replied.
"Oh, it's fine. That wasn't work. That was chatting with friends." She paused and laughed, "I'm not THAT addicted!”
The smile made 5 points. Of course those are the easy ones - all physical. Suddenly he felt the need to find out about the last 5 points.
1.2 Sydney
Sydney stared at her shoe rack and typed frantically on her blackberry.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:10 AM
Subject: Shoe Dilemma
White or beige shoes with the tan linen skirt and the navy silk blouse?
Sydney was ridiculously indecisive this morning. She resolved firmly to get up 15 minutes earlier from now on, just so she could avoid this rush of deciding what to wear and whether to eat breakfast.
Misty rubbed affectionately, or was it impatiently, at her ankles. "Oh no! Your breakfast! I'm sorry," said Sydney, scooping her up and taking her to her glaringly empty dish.
Outside it was pouring. The rain sounded like hail against the dining room window and Sydney just knew this would be one of those mornings. "Better leave the hair curly," she thought.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt. The blackberry vibrated.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:12 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Shoe Dilemma
Red shoes would be best, but if you don’t have those, go with the beige ones. Are they strappy? And make sure your purse goes with your shoes. ☺
Sydney stuck her tongue out at the blackberry. Olivia was one of her best friends, and had a small case of OCD - she tended to match (or coordinate, as she put it) everything, right down to her underwear. Nevertheless, Sydney grabbed her strappy beige shoes and threw them in her tote bag, put on her flip flops, switched from her pink to beige purse, grabbed her plaid umbrella, silently apologizing to Olivia for the non-matching accessory, and dashed out the door.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:20 AM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Good Morning
Hey guys, it’s wet out there. I feel for you two taking the TTC. At least it’s dry in my car. Hopefully it won’t break down on the way to work! Have a good day, and no cookies or ice cream today Syd. ☺
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:21 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Summer Richardson, I’ll have you know I didn’t eat anything bad last night, and I did sit-ups this morning.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:23 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Good Morning
And I ate junk at my desk all day. I don’t have the willpower you guys have. Chat later my friends.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:26 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
But you have the metabolism, Liv. OK, heading down into the subway. Ciao for now.
Sydney realized that it was very hard to type on her blackberry, hold an umbrella, and avoid puddles. She decided to pay attention to where she was going, and as she walked down the subway platform towards "her spot" (calculated to let her off immediately in front of the stairs to the southbound trains at Yonge station), she noticed a very tall, very handsome, somewhat damp and frazzled looking man.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Sending
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:27 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
OMG ladies! Hottie alert at Woodbine station! Deets later!
She snapped her blackberry back in its case and looked up at the man, who just happened to be staring at her.
"No signal down here," she said, pointing to her blackberry.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:10 AM
Subject: Shoe Dilemma
White or beige shoes with the tan linen skirt and the navy silk blouse?
Sydney was ridiculously indecisive this morning. She resolved firmly to get up 15 minutes earlier from now on, just so she could avoid this rush of deciding what to wear and whether to eat breakfast.
Misty rubbed affectionately, or was it impatiently, at her ankles. "Oh no! Your breakfast! I'm sorry," said Sydney, scooping her up and taking her to her glaringly empty dish.
Outside it was pouring. The rain sounded like hail against the dining room window and Sydney just knew this would be one of those mornings. "Better leave the hair curly," she thought.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt. The blackberry vibrated.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:12 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Shoe Dilemma
Red shoes would be best, but if you don’t have those, go with the beige ones. Are they strappy? And make sure your purse goes with your shoes. ☺
Sydney stuck her tongue out at the blackberry. Olivia was one of her best friends, and had a small case of OCD - she tended to match (or coordinate, as she put it) everything, right down to her underwear. Nevertheless, Sydney grabbed her strappy beige shoes and threw them in her tote bag, put on her flip flops, switched from her pink to beige purse, grabbed her plaid umbrella, silently apologizing to Olivia for the non-matching accessory, and dashed out the door.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:20 AM
From: Summer Richardson
Subject: Good Morning
Hey guys, it’s wet out there. I feel for you two taking the TTC. At least it’s dry in my car. Hopefully it won’t break down on the way to work! Have a good day, and no cookies or ice cream today Syd. ☺
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:21 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
Summer Richardson, I’ll have you know I didn’t eat anything bad last night, and I did sit-ups this morning.
Brrrrrt. Brrrrrt.
Received Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Opened
To: Sydney Maxwell
To: Summer Richardson
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:23 AM
From: Olivia Bodnar
Subject: Re: Good Morning
And I ate junk at my desk all day. I don’t have the willpower you guys have. Chat later my friends.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Delivered
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:26 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
But you have the metabolism, Liv. OK, heading down into the subway. Ciao for now.
Sydney realized that it was very hard to type on her blackberry, hold an umbrella, and avoid puddles. She decided to pay attention to where she was going, and as she walked down the subway platform towards "her spot" (calculated to let her off immediately in front of the stairs to the southbound trains at Yonge station), she noticed a very tall, very handsome, somewhat damp and frazzled looking man.
Sent Using: Peer-to-peer
Message Status: Sending
To: Summer Richardson
To: Olivia Bodnar
Sent: July 9, 2007 7:27 AM
From: Sydney Maxwell
Subject: Re: Good Morning
OMG ladies! Hottie alert at Woodbine station! Deets later!
She snapped her blackberry back in its case and looked up at the man, who just happened to be staring at her.
"No signal down here," she said, pointing to her blackberry.
1.1 Tim
This was not the way today was supposed to start. At least not the way Tim had imagined it. Instead of the grey skies and persistent drizzle, he pictured brilliant sunshine. Instead of his now creased and somewhat limp looking suit, he imagined looking natty and well turned out, crisp French cuffs snapped precisely into place. And instead of being jammed onto this crowded subway platform with miserable, dripping commuters, he had planned on flying down the highway in his sparkling silver Carerra, top down, sunglasses on, and radio blasting.
But it was not to be, for he was awakened this morning by a shout, a crash, stunned silence, and finally frantic chatter. He stumbled out of bed to look out the window and the first thing he noticed was the rain. “So much for putting the top down,” he thought. Then he noticed the tree plunked squarely down across the middle of his beautiful baby car!
He wasn't sure if the cries of pain were from him or his car.
Now, as he stood waiting for the subway, he supposed that it was not worth killing someone over a crushed car. The workers were stupid, yes - who cuts down trees in the rain? But at least they had insurance.
It's just that it was his first day at his new job on Bay Street. VP, Mergers & Acquisitions for a new upstart company, and he wanted to make a good impression. This included being on time.
Well, he decided, "I will have to do that with my charm and winning smile." But as he looked around him, he realized he was as defeated looking and grumpy as everyone else. Making a good impression would require significant effort, and perhaps an act of God.
Suddenly he noticed a woman walking towards him on the platform. Tall, brunette, and curvy. "Well there's 3 on my 10 point scale right off the bat," he thought. She was dressed in a linen skirt, a silk blouse, and... Hmmm... Flip flops.
But it was not to be, for he was awakened this morning by a shout, a crash, stunned silence, and finally frantic chatter. He stumbled out of bed to look out the window and the first thing he noticed was the rain. “So much for putting the top down,” he thought. Then he noticed the tree plunked squarely down across the middle of his beautiful baby car!
He wasn't sure if the cries of pain were from him or his car.
Now, as he stood waiting for the subway, he supposed that it was not worth killing someone over a crushed car. The workers were stupid, yes - who cuts down trees in the rain? But at least they had insurance.
It's just that it was his first day at his new job on Bay Street. VP, Mergers & Acquisitions for a new upstart company, and he wanted to make a good impression. This included being on time.
Well, he decided, "I will have to do that with my charm and winning smile." But as he looked around him, he realized he was as defeated looking and grumpy as everyone else. Making a good impression would require significant effort, and perhaps an act of God.
Suddenly he noticed a woman walking towards him on the platform. Tall, brunette, and curvy. "Well there's 3 on my 10 point scale right off the bat," he thought. She was dressed in a linen skirt, a silk blouse, and... Hmmm... Flip flops.
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