Chapter Three
Sydney drove home that afternoon. She walked into the house to find Francie gone and Will sitting on the couch.
she greeted him with a smile.
Hey. How was your meeting?
It blew, Sydney said, plopping down next to him and laying horizontally. She adjusted her skirt and lifted her legs up and rested them on Will's lap.
What happened? Will asked, concerned, as he slipped off Sydney's shoes.
I have to go on a mission with Sark, Sydney explained.
Sark? You're going on a mission...with Sark? What the—how in the—argh. Will shook his head in disgust.
Sydney reached forward and grabbed one of Will's hands that was resting on her shin. It might be okay.
Will raised his eyebrows. Okay'? How would it be okay,' Syd? He's— Will shook his head again.
Sydney rubbed his hand with her thumb. I don't think he's completely the monster we've perceived him to be, she said thoughtfully.
Sydney dug her thumbnail into Will's skin to shush him. I'm serious. I think he puts on this—mask—to shield his true self.
Will scoffed and shook his head. Sydney dug her nail into his skin again.
Look, I know he's done a lot of terrible things, but it's like, he has different personas, you know? He puts on the killer dude' act and does his job. Then when he's around other people and work isn't being discussed, he changes, Sydney explained.
Will frowned at her and sighed.
I do that, too, you know. Sydney sighed and looked down at Will's hand in hers.
Yeah, but you're not a psycho maniac who murders people, Will insisted.
Doesn't matter, Sydney told him, letting go of his hand and resting her hands behind her head.
You might be right, but—you should be careful. You don't want to go trusting the wrong people, Will said, running his fingers across the silky smooth skin of Sydney's shins.
Sydney sighed. I know, she said softly. She grinned after a moment. I think you worry too much.
Will turned to look into her eyes. I'm a friend. It's my job to worry.
Sydney's heart suddenly ached when Will said friend.' But that was what he was, wasn't it? Sydney closed her eyes for a moment, thinking. Will's voice interrupted her thoughts.
You have pretty feet, Will said, as he took one of Sydney's ankles in his hand and turned it different ways to eyeball her feet.
Sydney burst out laughing. Are you kidding? She hid her face in her hands as she giggled.
Will gave her a look of mock hurt. I'm serious, though, I mean... He laughed. I guess I never noticed. But isn't that weird though? How you can just look at something in a different light and see something you never noticed before?
Sydney said with a smile. I know what you mean.
Will sighed contentedly as he continued to look at Sydney's feet. Sydney giggled suddenly and tossed a small throw pillow at Will.
Will protested and tickled the bottoms of her feet.
Sydney reacted quickly and removed her legs from Will's lap as she sat up. She looked far into Will's deep blue eyes. She wasn't sure what she was searching for, but she hoped she might find it there. Likewise, Will found himself gazing into Sydney's eyes.
A moment later, they closed their eyes and leaned in at the same time.
The phone rang.
Sydney mumbled after practically jumping off the couch. She laughed nervously and snatched up the phone.
Vaughn's voice. Joey's Pizza?
Wrong number, Sydney said quickly, placing the receiver back in its cradle. I have to go, she said with an apologetic smile.
Will returned the smile and looked down. I'll see you later.
Sydney lifted Will's chin up and turned his face towards her. Her lips parted slightly as if she was going to speak. She smiled again as she cocked her head to one side, looking into his eyes. She pressed her palm to his cheek, then stood up.
See you. She tapped his nose in an affectionate manner and walked to the door.