THREE
Hey, you've reached Will Tippin's house. Clearly I'm not here right now, so leave a message and—
Sydney ended the call before the answering machine had finished its speech. She hit the redial button and this time there was a reply.
A woman's voice.
Uh, this is uh, Sydney. Um, I'm a friend of uh, Will's. Is he there? She stammered.
the woman asked.
Yes, Sydney.' Is Will there?
Sydney, it's Jenny.
Sydney swallowed hard and thought of what to say. Oh, Jenny. What a surprise. She rolled her eyes at her own lame diction. So are you and Will, uh, you know— She swallowed again. —back together?
There was a pause on the other end before Jenny continued. Well, not yet, I just decided to pay him a visit. Because I missed him. I'm sure you can relate.
Sydney said, growing irritated. Look, um, I really need to talk to Will.
Jenny picked up on Sydney's sense of urgency and went to retrieve Will. Sydney heard the two talking before Will finally picked up the phone.
I think she wants to go out with you, Jenny whispered.
Will assured her. She probably just wants to talk. We are friends, remember?
That's true, Jenny agreed. And I shouldn't be possessive anyway because we haven't officially started dating again.
Will said. You're right.
You're agreeing with me?! Jenny exploded.
Will urged and picked up the phone before she could protest.
Yeah, hey, Sydney replied.
Hey. How's it going? Will asked, starting to walk to his bedroom so he could be away from Jenny.
Um, pretty good, I guess. All things considering... she trailed off.
Will was suddenly worried. What do you mean, all things considering'? Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just— She sighed.
I'm coming over, Will told her.
No, it's okay, I was just going to tell you on the phone, you don't need to come over, Sydney asserted.
I'll be there in a few minutes. I just have to convince Jenny to leave. He whispered the last sentence.
Sydney laughed a little and discovered her eyes had begun to tear up.
I'll be over in a few minutes.
They hung up.
Will tossed the cordless phone on his bed and left his room to deal with Jenny. He saw her standing in the kitchen and deliberately ignored her as he went for his coat.
Right on cue, Jenny demanded, Where are you going?
Will stopped and turned around. I'm going to visit a friend. He adjusted the collar on his coat.
Jenny stated.
What's it to you? Will said, trying to keep a straight face as he watched Jenny literally explode over something that didn't even concern her.
Jenny said through clenched teeth. I thought something was going to happen here. With us.
Well, I guess you thought wrong. I have no problem with us being friends, but I broke up with you for a reason. I never had any intention of rekindling the relationship we had. He opened the front door and stood aside. So if you'll excuse me... He gestured toward the door.
Jenny glared at him for a moment, then left in a huff. Will leaned against the doorframe and watched her go. She turned around and yelled, I hope I never, ever see you again!
Trust me, Will said, grinning, you're not the only one.
grumbled Jenny angrily.
Will raised up a hand as if to wave. See you!
Jenny got into her car and sped away. Will grabbed his keys and headed for his Jeep.