Chapter 10
Sydney was in her office when the phone rang. “Hello.”
“I’m looking for Sydney Wagner.”
“Speaking.”
“Miss Wagner, this is Tara Fields with the Fields and Lowe Agency.”
“Yes.”
“I just finished your novel The Orange Sunset.”
Silence
“Miss Wagner, are you there?”
“Yes.” Her mouth was dry.
“I’d like to help you get your book published.”
Sydney mentally pinched herself. She must be dreaming. Sounding as calm as possible, she asked, “Who did you have in mind?”
“I have a few contacts in New York that I’d like to speak with. I like your original take on the historical—a roaring twenties twist. I’d like to stay in touch with you.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll overnight some company information and our basic contract. Look it over and let us know if we’ll be a good fit.”
“Okay.”
“I hope to hear from you soon.”
“Thanks. Goodbye.” Sydney placed her hands on her temples marveling at her Rain-man like communication skills. “Ugh!” She rested her head on her desk.
“What’s wrong, sunshine?” Courtney’s voice was light and cheery; that was unusual, especially lately.
“Nothing. I just got a call from an agent interested in my work.”
“That’s great! So how come you look like your dog died.”
“It’s so overwhelming.”
“It’s what you want.”
“I know. Everything is happening so fast.”
“Define everything.”
“My book, the business, your baby, falling in love with Pet…”
“Wait a minute, did you say love?”
“Yes. At least, I think so. Court, no guy has ever made me feel like this. I think about him all the time. Like right now I want to call him and tell him this news so I can hear his excitement.”
“Wow.” Courtney sat down with a stunned expression on her face. “I didn’t think you’d ever fall in love.”
“Really?”
“Well, yeah. I mean with this emotional baggage we lug around, I figured it was hopeless.”
“It’s not,” Sydney bristled.
“Don’t get defensive. I meant it as a good thing.”
“Yeah, okay.”
“If you can fall in love, it gives me hope. It means I might be able to find Mr. Right, too. He is Mr. Right, isn’t he?’
“I like to think Peter fits the bill.”
“What about Lance?”
“I haven’t dealt with that yet. I’m not sure what to tell Lance.”
“The truth.”
“I don’t want to tell him.”
“Why? Afraid he might fight for you?”
“No. I don’t really see Lance doing that.”
“It would be a first if he did.”
“What’s that mean?”
“It means the man has never given any effort towards you. You’re merely a convenience.”
“You sound like Gwen.”
“If Gwen knows anything, it’s men. She’s right.”
“I know. I don’t want to hurt his feelings.”
“Syd, Lance probably has feelings for you, but I doubt they’re as deep as you think.”
“I don’t want to lose his friendship.”
“If he’s your friend, he’ll stay your friend. The longer you procrastinate, the worse it’ll get.”
“Speaking of procrastination, have you told mom about the baby?”
“No.” Courtney was suddenly fascinated with the office flooring.
“To quote someone who's wise beyond her years, ‘the longer you—'”
“Okay, I get the idea.”
“You didn’t come in here to talk about my love life; what’s up?”
“I got my preliminary test results back.”
“And?”
“The baby is fine. The doctor was concerned about my stress levels, though.”
”Imagine that. Single motherhood is stressing you out.”
“Yeah.”
“You know, Court, whatever happens with Peter, I’ll still be here for you.”
“Thanks. Well, that was pretty much all I had. I better leave so you can call Lance.” Courtney rose from the chair, walking towards the doorway.
“I hadn’t planned on calling him today.”
“Why not?” Without expecting an answer, she left Sydney to ponder the question alone.
Sydney reflected on all that occurred. Less than two weeks had passed since she had made her way to the Passionate Prose Writing Conference and pitched her book. Now, it was headed towards publishing. Courtney was going to be a mother. Sydney was in love. It was too much to absorb. She needed to talk to Lance, to break things off with him. She hoped they could remain friends. She picked the phone back up and dialed his number.
“Lott of Design, may I help you?”
“Is Lance in?”
“May I ask who is calling?”
“It’s Sydney Wagner.”
“One moment, please.”
Sydney waited for him to pick up the line. This was probably a bad time to call him, at work, but she wanted to get this over with.
“Hello.”
“Lance, it's Sydney.”
“I’ve got a meeting waiting. Can I call you later?”
“It’s kind of important.”
“Spit it out then.” He sounded impatient.
“I’m seeing someone.”
“Is that all?”
“It’s a pretty big deal.”
“Okay.” He sounded distracted.
“I love him.”
Silence.
“Lance, did you hear me?”
“Sydney, I have to run. We’ll talk later.”
Sydney sat stunned with the phone still at her ear. Didn’t Lance get it? Their relationship was over or at least changed. She couldn’t fathom what he was thinking.