Their shoulders remained connected when Sydney said, “I’ve been thinking. If your mom is looking for something new to try, she should consider the tennis center. They have a ton of classes, and it could be a good way for her to meet people. I could introduce her to Brian after the fireworks if you think she’d be open to that.”
Could a heart melt? Because that was what was happening to Reese’s right then.
“I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t think the world of you, Sydney,” she said. “You’re probably the most thoughtful person I’ve ever met.”
Sydney evaded the compliment but smiled anyway, a flush across her cheeks visible in the dim patio lighting. “So is that a yes?” she asked hopefully.
“I think my mom would really like that. And honestly, I’m starting to run out of stories about my life to keep her updated on.”
Sydney lifted an eyebrow. “I find that hard to believe.”
“Stories I can actually tell her,” Reese corrected.
“It is a tangled web we weave.”
Reese cleared her throat as she felt the moment growing serious again. “I don’t regret it, though. Any of it.”
The fairy lights, which had been set on a timer, turned off, signaling the fireworks would be starting soon.
Instead of heading back to find her group, Sydney slipped her fingers between Reese’s and squeezed. “Me neither.”
Within seconds, the firstboomcracked loud above them, vibrant colors exploding across the sky.
Reese watched in awe, sneaking a glance at Sydney’s features. As a roman candle illuminated the sharp planes of her cheekbones in the darkness, she found herself wondering what it would feel like to not lay eyes on her for an entire week.
“I amexhausted,” Hallie said dramatically. “I’d throw myself down in a chair, but I don’t know if I’d be able to get back up.”
“I’ve got the rest of the cleanup covered, Hallie. Thank you for everything.” Reese said the words as more of a statement than a request, hoping Hallie wouldn’t feel obligated to help, then put her hands on her hips to show that she meant it. “I just need to do one more sweep for any trash, and I think we’re good.”
“You sure?” Hallie said in that same endlessly helpful way that Sydney had about her, though her voice was tinged with exhaustion.
Reese nodded. “I promise. This was my brainchild, and I take full responsibility for its management, including cleaning up.”
“I am inclined to keep arguing about this, but I’m also worried that I’ll fall asleep standing up,” Hallie said. Her surrender seemed genuine; she was already making her way over to the patio doors.
“Good night, Hallie,” Reese called out before Hallie disappeared inside, giving a half-hearted wave behind her.
The fireworks had ended more than half an hour ago, and the stragglers had finally made their way into the innto head home.
Sydney, true to her word, had introduced Reese’s mom to Brian, and she’d loved the excited, lit-up look that had overtaken her mom’s face at the possibility of taking classes at the tennis center.
About ten minutes ago, Sydney had walked Jenna and her family, along with Brian and her mom, out to their cars. She lamented that she probably wouldn’t see Sydney before she left tomorrow morning, but it was likely for the best. Her feelings were getting increasingly mixed up in her fake relationship with her brother’s ex; she didn’t need to add fuel to the fire.
The fairy lights were back on, casting a soft glow onto the trees that dotted the landscape. Reese scanned the grass, noting that all the guests had done a great job of depositing any trash they’d made in the large bins she’d placed outside near all the exits.
Organizing an event was similar to building software, at least in some respects. You had to give people choices but make it clear that there were desired and expected steps to follow for an optimum experience.
The tables on the patio were also cleared, though she’d have the morning staff wipe them down. The important thing was that any woodland creatures didn’t smell a bag of potato chips or a candy bar and decide to come investigate if tonight was their lucky night. She didn’t need ‘Stone’s Throw guest mauled by hungry bear’ as a headline in tomorrow’sStoneport Gazette.
Contrary to popular belief, there was such a thing as bad publicity.
“You can’t even tell this place was just crawling with people,” Sydney said from behind her.
Reese’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of her voice, and she busied herself with picking up an errant piece of trash on the ground.
She had to get her physical response to Sydney under control. Pronto.
“I figured you’d be getting your beauty sleep,” Reese said, turning around to face Sydney who was only a few feet away.
