Page 19 of Sparks Fly

By the time I left, they were talking excitedly about timelines and open houses, and I had another listing secured.

My phone buzzed just as I slid into my car afterward.

Jason: Hey! Just wondering if we’re still on for tomorrow?

I stared at the screen for a moment without answering. Instead I grabbed a salad from the café next door and returned to my desk, exhaling like I had been holding my breath all day.

Mid-bite my phone buzzed again, dreading it was Jason again, I looked down and checked it.

Sawyer: Hey. Sorry for the delayed response. It’s been a busy day. Hope your Tuesday’s treating you better than your Monday. Your brother and I are doing an install together. Not bad so far, just a lot of work. I also have to pick up his slack.

I could practically hear the sarcasm in her voice through the text.

Me: Today’s been better. Just really fucking busy. But no tears or tantrums yet and only one client who wanted to FaceTime their dog mid-tour. That’s a win.

Sawyer: The dog part sounds like the highlight.

Me: It kind of was. His name was Sir Wiggles.

Sawyer: That dog has better vibes than most men.

Me: Speaking of… Jason has entered the chat.

Sawyer: Oof. Still talking to him?

Me: He texted asking if we’re still on for tomorrow. I haven’t answered.

Sawyer: Want help crafting your “sorry, I’ve got plans with someone cooler” message?

Me: Tempting.

Three dots appeared on the screen like she was typing something else.

Sawyer: I’ve got to get back to work, beautiful. Before your brother hurts himself without me… I’ll text you later?

I stared at the word for a second. Beautiful. No one had ever called me that so casually before, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. My stomach did a small, ridiculous flip and warmth crept up my neck before I could stop it.

Me: Yes, Go save the metal, you hero.

Sawyer: I will. Try not to let any clients cry in kitchens.

Me: No promises.

Sawyer: Talk later.

The conversation faded there, easy and unforced, like it wasn’t trying to be anything more than what it was. My brain circling back to that one word.

Beautiful.

I liked her.

I needed to do something about Jason.

I opened Jason’s text thread. My thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before I finally typed.

Me: Hey. Sorry for the delay. Tomorrow won’t work after all. Rain check?

There was no new date and no explanation. I hit send and felt my shoulders drop.