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“WRATH IS CRUEL, AND ANGER IS OUTRAGEOUS: BUT WHO IS ABLE TO STAND BEFORE ENVY?” —PROVERBS 27:4

S ydney heard a single knock, then the door opened and Sean let himself in. He walked over and sat in his usual spot on the edge of her desk.

She turned in her chair. His nearness heightened her senses, like every inch of her body was standing at attention, but she didn’t want to show it, especially not after he’d humiliated her the other night.

“It’s Friday afternoon, Syd. Aren’t you ready to get out of this place? I thought you’d be anxious to get home and get all dolled up for the game so you could cheer on the famous coach.”

“What I do on my own time is my business.”

His eyebrow arched. “It was just a simple observation, that’s all.”

She studied his face and then relaxed. Why was she always so sensitive where Sean O’Conner was concerned? He was probably just trying to make conversation. “Well, if you must know, I’m getting your stuff ready for the safety training meeting on Monday.”

Sean picked up a pencil from her desk and began fiddling with it. “I’m so glad you’re keeping me on track.”

Sydney knew she’d touched a nerve and braced herself for the backlash. It never came though. In fact, it was fascinating to watch how quickly the irritation faded. His voice became conversational again. “Hey, I just want to talk to you a minute about tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, Depot Days. I think you ought to be there.”

Sydney planned to go to Depot Days. It was an annual celebration, centering around the old depot that dated back to the civil war. Her parents had always looked forward to the event. They would arrive early Saturday morning and then stay all day and go to the street dance that night. She could still picture them dancing close together. Figures in a music box, beating one heart, sharing one breath—locked so close together that the rest of the world faded away.

“Syd?”

She looked up to see Sean studying her. She was glad he couldn’t read her mind.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just listening to you.”

“I thought I’d lost you there for a minute.”

“No, just waiting for you to continue.”

“You’ve been saying you need to get to know the men down at the mill. I thought tomorrow would be a good opportunity. A lot of them will be there with their wives and kids. This is the biggest event in this town for the whole year. They’re expecting hundreds of people.”

“If hundreds of people are going to be there, I don’t think they’ll miss seeing me. What’s the big deal about Depot Days anyway?” It gave her a touch of satisfaction to see a cloud come over his handsome face.

“Depot Days ranks right up there with football and church in this town. You’ve been here long enough to know that.” He paused. “Why do I even bother? Anyway, it was just a suggestion. Suit yourself.” He shook his head and left her office.

Sean was right, of course. She needed to go to Depot Days, not only for her job, but for herself. She’d thought that Kendall would invite her to go with him, but he hadn’t mentioned it. That was proving to be the story of her life. For a split second, she thought about calling Kendall and inviting him, but then thought better of it. She wasn’t about to throw herself at him. She’d let him come to her.

The morning of Depot Days turned out uncharacteristically hot, letting the residents of Stoney Creek know that summer was still in control and not quite ready to relinquish her hold to fall. Sydney chose a pale blue cotton shirt and white cropped pants. Instead of applying makeup, she used a tinted moisturizer and brushed her lips with gloss . That was as good as it was going to get today . S he grabbed her sunglasses and shoulder bag and went out the door.

When Sydney arrived downtown, the sidewalks were already filling with people who were waiting for the parade to begin. She decided to cross the street and go to the old train depot and watch the parade from there. She followed the brick walkway that led to a gazebo where lush ferns hung like feathery caps, providing some shelter from the sweltering sun. Not surprising, all the seating in and around the gazebo was taken. Her gaze wandered to the mounds of colorful petunias, marigolds, and daisies bordering the walkways. She loved the wise old two-story storefronts with their big glass windows and creaky wood floors. It was good to see Stoney Creek revitalizing the downtown district. The streetlights from her childhood had been replaced with old-fashioned lampposts, and the white trim on the train depot looked like fresh milk glistening in the sun.

Sydney found a lamppost to lean against. It shouldn’t be too long before the parade began. She watched the people buzz back and forth. A group of majorettes were setting up their snow cone booth, and a little boy was tugging at his mother’s sleeve and pointing in the direction of a snack stand that was selling cotton candy, boiled peanuts, and popcorn. She closed her eyes and let the sound of the crowd take her to another time. Like an old movie reel playing the same scene round and round, she could see her parents laughing and dancing at the street dance—Avery’s protective embrace, Susan’s hair flying in the wind.

“Hey Sydney. Nice to see you again.” Emma’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Kendall’s here. He’s standing on the other side of the depot. I figured y’all would come together.”

“No, I didn’t tell him I was coming,” Sydney said, looking at Kendall’s younger sister.

Emma frowned and looked like she was going to question Sydney about her comment. Instead she said, “I love that blouse. Come on. I’ve got a blanket over here.” Sydney didn’t have a chance to respond before Emma caught her by the arm and maneuvered her through the crowd.

Sydney noticed several people gathered under the big oak tree next to the depot. From a distance, she could see two men engaged in what looked like serious conversation. When they got closer, she recognized first Sean, then Kendall. She frowned. “Why is Sean talking to Kendall? I was under the impression that they barely knew each other.”

Emma cocked her head. “You know Sean?”

Sydney nodded.

“Oh yeah, that’s right. He works at the sawmill with you. You were talking about him that night at Jessica’s.”

For a split second, Sydney thought Emma might be attempting to bring up that disastrous moment when her tongue had gotten the best of her, but Emma’s expression was without guile. Her curls bounced happily when she shook her head and chuckled. “Every woman in Stoney Creek under the age of sixty-five knows who Sean O’Conner is. He’s gorgeous.”

“You think so?” Sydney wrinkled her nose.

“Look at him and then tell me honestly. Is he not one of the hottest looking guys you’ve ever seen?”

Sydney glanced at Sean, not bothering to really look at him. She’d already committed him to memory anyway. “He’s all right, I guess.”

“You must really be nuts over my brother. That’s all I’ve got to say.” Emma grinned wickedly. “Chuck would just die if he heard me carrying on about Sean like this.”

Sydney put her hand over her heart, feeling a little like she was in junior high again. “I’ll never tell. It’ll be our secret.”

Emma stopped and stared at Sydney. “Talk about déjà vu. That was weird. You remind me of someone.”

“Oh?” Sydney’s heart began hammering in her chest.

Emma shook her head. “It’s gone. Maybe it’ll come to me later.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Emma waved at Kendall to get his attention. “Look who I found standing all by herself.”

So much for letting Kendall come to her . No matter what Sydney did, it always looked like she was throwing herself at Kendall’s feet.

Sydney waved at Kendall but her eyes met Sean’s. His expression was unreadable. She felt her face flush and wondered if Sean would tell Kendall that she’d been flying with him. Maybe he already had. Was that what they were discussing?

Emma plopped down on the blanket and motioned for Sydney to join her. “Here, you’ll need this today.” Emma reached into her bag and pulled out a bottle of insect repellent.

“Thanks,” Sydney said, her mind still on Kendall and Sean. She looked around. “Speaking of Chuck, where is he?”

“He went down to Gulf Shores to visit his mother.”

Sydney searched her memory. “Doesn’t she live here?”

“After his father died, his mother bought a condo down there so she could be next to her sister.” Sydney jumped when Emma slapped her ankle. “The mosquitoes are eatin’ me alive.” She doused herself with more repellent. “What happened to your arm?”

Sydney tugged at her sleeve. She knew she should have at least worn a quarter length sleeve. Now it was time to tell the age-old lie. “Oh, I got burned when I was little. My mom was making macaroni and cheese, and I pulled the pan of boiling water on top of me.”

Emma grimaced. Both girls looked up as Kendall and Sean joined them.

“Well, well, look who decided to join us,” Sean said to Sydney.

She didn’t answer.

Kendall had that same awkward, constipated expression on his face like he wasn’t sure how to approach Sydney. He sat down next to her and gave her a peck on the cheek, which she didn’t acknowledge. What gave him the right to act possessive when he’d not even called to invite her to Depot Days? Kendall sensed her coolness and became fidgety. Color crept into his face. Sydney looked at Sean and felt her face flame when she saw his amused expression.

All of this was lost on Emma. She was too busy scanning the street to see when the parade would begin. She turned her attention to Sean. “Is Jessica coming?”

So it was true, Sydney thought. Sean and Jessica were an item.

Sean looked at his watch. “She should be here any minute now.” He looked up and smiled. “Speak of the devil. Here she comes.”

All eyes turned to Jessica. She made her grand appearance, looking terrific in her white pleated shorts and red shirt. Her sandals had just enough of a heel to emphasize her shapely calves, and her curly hair was expertly pulled up in a high ponytail. She removed her sunglass and put them on her head when she got close to the group. Sydney hated herself for it but couldn’t stop the jealously that stabbed at her when Jessica sat down by Sean and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

Jessica’s makeup was perfect, making Sydney wish she’d done more to herself. Makeup wouldn’t last long in this heat though. Before long Jessica would have mascara running down her face. Oh, one could only hope. Sydney shook her head. She was going to have to learn to temper these horrible thoughts.

“What have I missed?” Jessica asked.

“Nothing,” Sean said. “The parade is just about to start.”

After all was said and done, the parade really wasn’t much to brag about. There were several civic groups with banners and the high school marching band. The cars came through last, as if signaling the grand finale. Girls wearing formal dresses were sitting on top of the cars waving and smiling while trying to keep perspiration from dripping in their eyes.

During the course of the parade, Jessica managed to position herself between Sean and Kendall. “Jess, I would’ve thought that you’d be up there too,” Kendall said.

Jessica laughed and nudged Kendall with her elbow. “I’m afraid my time for that is past.”

“Jessica was homecoming queen and county junior miss,” Kendall said to Sydney.

“Oh,” Sydney said, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.

“Our little Jess is a woman of many talents,” Kendall added.

“Oh, Kendall, you’re just biased,” Jessica said, beaming.

Sydney couldn’t handle any more. She looked at Jessica and smiled. “Then we didn’t really need to come to watch the parade. We could’ve just sat and watched Jessica parade around.”

Jessica’s face went scarlet, and Kendall looked shocked. Sean was the only one who chuckled.

Sydney stood. “I’m going to get something to drink. Does anyone else want anything?”

“I’d like a Dr. Pepper,” Sean said.

Sydney glared at him. Of course he wouldn’t miss a chance to have her fetch something for him. “Anyone else?” Everyone else shook their heads. “Okay then.” So much for making a good impression. She should have kept her big mouth shut about Jessica. When would she ever learn?

She headed in the direction of the concession stand and then stopped in her tracks. Walter and Maurene were sitting in lounge chairs on the sidewalk.

“Well, hello,” she said, a broad smile on her face. Walter looked up and then right past her like she was a stranger.

Her smile faltered, and she stumbled by them. She felt something touch her arm and looked up to see Sean standing beside her.

“Do you know them?”

“What?”

“That couple. It looked like you were trying to talk to them.”

She shook her head, all the while trying to make sense of what had just happened. Why did Walter treat her like a stranger? Was he trying to protect her? Maybe he didn’t want to arouse Maurene’s suspicions. Yes, that was probably it. She had to agree that Walter used good judgment in pretending not to know her, but that didn’t stop the hurt from washing over her like a tidal wave.

Sydney turned to Sean. “What are you doing here? I told you I’d get your Dr. Pepper.”

“I decided to get some popcorn too.”

“Oh? I’m surprised you could pry yourself away from Jessica for that long.”

Sean laughed. “You’re not jealous are you, Syd?”

“Of you? No, quite the opposite. I’d say the two of you are perfect for each other.”

“Ouch! Somehow I don’t think that was meant as a compliment.” He paused. “I guess Jessica and I are about as well suited as you and Kendall.”

She laughed. She hated to admit it, but Sean was right. She and Kendall were an odd match.

He linked his arm through hers and held her hand so she couldn’t pull away. “Shall we?”

“Let’s.”