Page 16 of Sparks Fly

Me: You wore heels all day?

Addison: Of course. I have a reputation. Elegant. Composed. Slightly unapproachable.

I huffed out a quiet laugh and shifted deeper into the couch.

Me: I think I have already approached you.

Addison: You snuck up on me. That’s different.

My fingers hovered for a second before I typed again, softer this time.

Me: Want to tell me about the rest of your day?

There was a pause, long enough that I wondered if I had pushed too far, but then the typing bubble appeared again.

Addison: Flaky clients. A lockbox that jammed. A barista who misspelled my name twice. Also, still recovering from yesterday’s dinner with a man who thinks crypto is the future and calls financial planning a fun time.

I let out a quiet groan and rubbed my forehead.

Me: How many dates with this visionary?

Addison: six—no seven…ish? My friends adore him.

I frowned slightly at the screen.

Me: And you?

Addison: I used to think he was fine, but now not so much…

Me: Fine? Sunshine I’m not sure that’s how you’d want to describe someone you’re dating.

I hated that she felt like she had to settle for some rich douche bag.

Addison: Yeah, I’m starting to see that now.

Me: Let me guess, he’s a finance bro. Great teeth. FaceTimes his mom weekly?

Addison: Nailed it. He also said, “networking is a lifestyle.”

Me: That sounds exhausting.

Addison: It is. He asked one question about me… after dessert.

Something tightened in my chest at that, a quiet irritation I didn’t entirely bother to hide.

Me: You deserve someone who asks as soon as you sit down, not before the check comes.

There was another pause. I could almost picture her staring at her phone the way I was staring at mine.

Addison: You’re dangerously good at this.

Me: At what?

Addison: Making me feel seen.

I leaned my head back against the couch and stared up at the ceiling for a second before answering, warmth spreading slowly through my chest.

Me: Then maybe we should hang out in real life, Sunshine. No pressure. Just air. And someone who actually listens.