Chapter 147 Johnson Conton was Alan and Eliana's only son. Sydney sipped her tea. "That's fine. I'll pick up some local specialties for you two to bring back." Eliana patted her head. "And what about you? Will you come with us this year?" She sometimes admired Sydney's thoughtfulness, yet other times pitied how alone and restrained she always seemed. Every year they invited Sydney to spend the holiday with them. Still, she knew Johnson and his family only came home once a year, so she always waited until the second day to visit.
This year, though, the house would be emptier than ever after her divorce from Caleb. Sydney only smiled. "I think I'll stay. I could use the downtime to rethink my research plan." The treatment was working for now, but the side effects still troubled her. She wanted to improve it. "You could still work on it if you came with us..." Eliana fretted. "That's enough," Alan cut in gently. "You know her temperament. She wouldn't feel comfortable tagging along. Better we stock up food for her before we go. Make extra of those snacks she likes.
Meatballs, fried meat..." "Alan..." Sydney ducked her head, embarrassed. "Fine, fine," Eliana said quickly, giving Sydney a mock glare. "Happy now?" "Very happy." Sydney leaned against her arm with affection. "Thank you, Eliana." Before long, her eyes slid shut, and she drifted into a deep sleep. Eliana smiled and glanced at Alan, gesturing for silence. Alan chuckled. "After running herself ragged on that project and drinking too? Not even thunder could wake her now." "Yeah. She's hopeless with alcohol," Marcus added as he placed a chess piece.
"Just let her sleep on the couch." "Are you going easy on me again?" Alan shot him a glare at the move. "Think I'm too old to play properly?" The wine kept Sydney asleep. By the time she stirred, sunset painted the sky gold, and the house was quiet and dim. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up groggily and noticed someone else in the living room. Julian lounged on the sofa. At the sound of her moving, he looked over. "Awake?" Sydney was startled to see him there. "Where is everyone?" she asked softly. Julian noted how she asked for someone else first.
Once, when she was just a child he had taken in, she clung to him for safety. Each time she woke from a nap and didn't see him, she would cry and beg for her brother. Now, she only looked disappointed that he was the one 1/2 waiting. Julian's expression stayed cold. "No idea." "Oh," Sydney replied. Only then did she notice his suit jacket covering her. The blanket Eliana had laid on her had slipped to the floor, and knowing Julian, he wouldn't pick it up again once it touched the ground. Sydney stood and held out the jacket. "Thank you, Mr.
Sterling." "No" Julian began to wave it off, but his eyes froze on a spot of dark red staining the fabric. Following his gaze, Sydney felt her stomach drop. She had gotten her period and stained his jacket. Her eyes darted to the couch. Thankfully, she must have bunched the jacket beneath her while she slept, sparing the upholstery. She tried to check her skirt, but the angle made it impossible. Julian said, "Turn around. I'll check for you." 2/2