Tanner’s hair is darker than his sister’s and her eyes aren’t as deep blue. She’s pretty and I think she’s nice despite not seeming to want anything to do with me. We’ve barely spoken, and I get the feeling she wishes I were anywhere but here though I’m not sure why. Maybe she was hoping to spend some quality time with Tanner alone. Although she brought Corinne, so I don’t think that’s it.

A night of drinking on the patio and I’m sure we can fix whatever it is. For now, I’m content to sit back and let the two of them catch up.

I’m in my own little world as Tara tells him about school and people I don’t know. There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about being out on the lake that I can feel it easing my worries. It’s the change in Tanner’s tone that snaps me out of my serene moment.

“I told you that’s over,” he says, and his shoulders stiffen.

“But you didn’t say why, and Amelia won’t say a word either. She seemed so good for you. You can’t keep breaking up with girls every time you get bored or things get hard. Relationships take work.”

“I know… that’s not…” He glances over his shoulder and I’m quick to lookout into the water to give them the illusion of privacy. “It doesn’t matter. Sydney and I are together now, so you can stop worrying about me dying a single bachelor. I swear you’re worse than mom and grandma combined.”

21

TANNER

“Do you want another drink, babe?” I ask as I scoot back my chair.

“No, I’m good.” Her voice is deep and husky. She’s tired as hell but being a trooper to hang out with my sister.

Corinne went to bed an hour ago, but Tara is still drinking and chatting with no end in sight. I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like, so I suck up my own tiredness and grab two more beers from the fridge.

Sydney’s curled up, arms wrapped around her bare calves and face tilted resting on her shoulder. Tara’s staring down at her phone.

“Here you go.” I place one of the beers in front of Tara and then take a seat. “Last one for me. I’m beat.”

“I think I’m going to go to bed now,” Sydney says. She smiles apologetically to Tara. “It’s really great to finally meet you. I hope we can hang out more over the next week, after I’ve slept.”

Tara sets her phone on the table and wraps her fingers around the neck of the beer. “You too.”

I stand as Sydney does and place a kiss on her lips. “I’ll be there soon.”

Sydney nods and glances at Tara. “’Night.”