Lost and Found

Chapter 9

Sydney gave herself a once over in the mirror. She wore her favorite pair of pale blue denim shorts, worn out in a few spots and hit her mid-thigh, but comfortable, a pale green spaghetti strap tank top under a mostly sheer white peasant blouse. Bryce just said a drive along the coast, so she didn't know what to expect. Best to be comfortable. She was making sure her braid was tight when she heard a knock at the door. She smiled as she went to answer it. She smiled as she opened the door, but it faded a bit when she saw who it was.

"Oh, hi Andy."

Andy put his hand over his heart. "Ouch. One might think you're not happy to see me."

Sydney laughed. "Bryce is picking me up soon, and I thought you were him. Come on in." She moved aside and Andy went in.

"Bryce, huh? Then I'll be quick. Do you have any of those pain patches left? I think I tweaked my back last night at work."

"Are you ok? What were you doing?"

"I was moving the weights back after a session and I jerked up kind of quickly. It doesn't feel like a pull, but it kind of hurts. So, I figured I'd stay home and take it easy for the day."

"Sit at the counter and I'll grab them." Sydney started to turn towards the bathroom when she was stopped by another knock at her door. Andy looked at her as she turned back to answer the door. She smiled and opened the door.

"Hey stranger," She said as she leaned on the door.

"Hey beautiful," Bryce said as he stepped up and planted a soft kiss on her lips. He looked over her shoulder and stood up straight. Sydney stepped back and ushered him in.

"Bryce, this is Andy, my neighbor. Andy this is Bryce."

Bryce stepped forward and extended his hand towards Andy. Andy got off the stool and smiled as he shook the man's hand. "So, this is Bryce."

"Behave Andy, or you're going to be in a lot more pain than you are now." She turned to Bryce. "I'll be ready shortly. I just have to grab something for Andy." She ran a hand down his arm and gave him a smile. She looked at the two of them. "Play nice while I'm gone."

"No promises," Andy called after her as she ducked into the bathroom. He turned towards Bryce. "So, it's finally my turn to meet you." Bryce's eyes widened. "I've heard quite a bit about you."

"All good I hope," Bryce said.

"Mostly."

"So, what do you do?" Bryce asked.

"I'm a physical therapist at the hospital." Andy replied.

"Oh, wow. That sounds fulfilling."

"It has its moments."

Sydney walked out of the bathroom. "I think they're in my gym bag. I'll just be a few more minutes."

Bryce watched as she jogged to a room at the end of the hall. He turned his attention back to Andy. "How long have you two known each other?"

"Since she moved in. I had only moved in the week before, so both being the new kids on the block, we became friends immediately." Andy looked at Bryce. "She likes you a lot you know."

"Excuse me?" Bryce said unable to keep the surprise out of his voice.

Andy just looked at the daisies still on the counter with a single red rose in the middle. Bryce followed his gaze. "These are the first flowers I have ever seen in her place in all the time I've known her, and you and I both know why she doesn't keep them around." Andy shot a knowing look at Bryce. He nodded.