Breakfast and the Pacific Ocean
Michael said softly as they were finishing up their eggs and bacon.
Sydney mumbled with her mouth full.
Listen, um, last night—was incredible—and um—
Heh. Sydney swallowed. She was desperately attempting to make something good come out of this situation.
—I just want to be sure that this is going somewhere, Michael continued. That this wasn't—
—Just a fuck, Sydney finished.
I hope so, too.
Don't worry, she assured him. I mean frankly, I have more respect for myself than that. Trust me. I didn't do this just to do it nor did I do it to get back at Will. I think something could happen here. She said the last sentence quietly, almost hoping he hadn't heard it. She did want to try something, but she thought things were moving way too fast. It was going to take her quite some time to get over Will.
God I still love him so much.
Sydney cleared her throat and swiftly picked up her glass to chug her milk.
Michael nodded slightly. So you do see this developing into something? I don't want to waste my time here if you don't feel the same way about me as I do about you.
Sydney swallowed hard. It was true that she didn't really feel the same way, but she did like him as a friend. She figured it might be possible to take their friendship to another level. She had been able to make it work with Will (for a while at least), so maybe...
Will.
Sydney sighed heavily. She still loved Will a great deal. She was so sure that he was the one.
Maybe he is.
She ran a hand through her hair nervously and shook her head involuntarily as if trying to erase the thoughts from her mind. There was a major jolt—
Compunction.
—In her stomach as she took Michael's hand.
he said suddenly, what do you say we go on our first grocery shopping trip as—
—A couple. Another jolt in her stomach made her breath catch in her throat.
Damn guilt bullshit.
Michael smiled and squeezed Sydney's hand. Yeah, as a couple. He kissed her cheek.
Can I take a shower first? I'm a little grimy from the seawater.
Michael asked curiously. He scoffed. What did you do? Go swimming in the Pacific Ocean at midnight or something? He laughed a little.
Sydney playfully punched him in the shoulder. I needed to relax. Water relaxes me. She stared ahead as she spoke, as if in thought. Something about it, you know? Especially the ocean and the waves. She gestured with her hand in a gentle wavelike motion. The way it flows. So peaceful and all.
Michael nodded and smiled.
You probably think I'm nuts, Sydney said, embarrassed. She shook her head and held her forehead in her palm.
Michael told her. You're right—water is relaxing.
Sydney nodded. Will liked it too. If one of us was having a bad day, we'd drag the other down to the beach. Just—you know—sit in the sand, let the waves lap at our feet, wash our troubles away. Sydney felt her eyes begin to tear up. Michael noticed and moved his chair so he could wrap an arm around her shaking shoulders. I'm sorry, she said quietly.
It's fine, Michael assured her. Besides, I'm here.
Sydney mumbled through her tears.
Michael stood and helped Sydney up. Come on, let's get you showered and changed. Then we'll shop. He kissed the top of her head.
Sydney nodded and let Michael lead her to the bathroom.