Page 107 of Sparks Fly

Dinner was already set. A roast sat perfectly plated in the center of the table, surrounded by roasted carrots and crispy potatoes. Polished silverware caught the overhead light and linen napkins were folded into careful triangles beside each plate.

Of course.

We settled into our seats, and my mom poured the wine before asking the question she always asked first.

“How was work today?” she asked while passing the potatoes.

“Busy,” I said as I reached for the serving spoon. “I had a last-minute buyer call right as I was walking out the door, so I haven’t really sat down since ten.”

“Well, good for you,” she said as she sliced neatly into the roast. “It’s always better to be in demand.”

Benji rolled his eyes subtly across the table. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

The conversation stayed light for a while after that. My dad asked about the market, and I explained that inventory was still tight but interest rates were stabilizing. Benji filled us in on a project he’d been working on at the shop, describing a bike he was rebuilding from the frame up.

My mom nodded politely through most of it while occasionally asking questions about my office through me like Cassidy was a distant employee rather than someone I worked beside every day.

It was fine. Not warm. Not cold. Just practiced. Halfway through the meal, my mother set down her fork and glanced toward me.

“I was thinking the other day,” she began carefully. “Addison, have you considered bringing someone to Lilly’s wedding?”

My fork paused halfway to my mouth. “Excuse me?” I asked.

“Well, it’s a lovely event,” she said as she reached for her wineglass. “Black tie, dancing. You’ll be surrounded by couples. It might be nice not to go alone.”

“I’m not worried about going alone,” I said evenly.

“Well, I am,” she replied. “I don’t want you to feel left out or pitied or—”

“I’m not going to feel pitied, Mom,” I interrupted gently. “I’m a grown woman. I’ll survive a night without a date.”

Benji snorted quietly into his wineglass.

My mother ignored him entirely. “I ran into Madeline at the club yesterday,” she continued. “Her son is back from Los Angeles. You remember Brandon, don’t you?”

“Vaguely,” I said.

“He’s a lawyer now,” she added. “Family law. Very bright. Handsome. I told her you’d meet him for coffee.”

“You what?” I asked before I could stop the sharp edge in my voice.

My mother lifted one eyebrow. “You’re thirty-two, Addison,” she said calmly. “There’s nothing wrong with exploring your options.”

Benji leaned back in his chair with a quiet groan. “Here we go,” he muttered.

I set my fork down carefully and folded my hands together.

“I’m not broken,” I said slowly. “I’m not incomplete. And I’m not going to Lilly’s wedding to audition suitors like it’s The Bachelor.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“Well, don’t.”

Silence settled heavily over the table. My dad shook his head slightly and looked at my mother. “You really need to let them live their lives,” he said softly.

“Thanks, Dad,” Benji and I said at the same time.

I softened a little and glanced back at my mom. “I appreciate that you want me to be happy,” I said more gently. “But I’m fine. I promise.”