Page 25 of Sparks Fly

I picked up the torch again and worked until the light outside softened. By six fifteen, I finally shut everything down, cleaned my station, and washed my hands until the water ran clear, scrubbing away the dust and grease from my knuckles. My muscles started complaining the moment I stopped moving, like they had been waiting all afternoon for the chance.

* * *

Hollis met me at the bottom of the stairs when I got home, holding an entire pie.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“Soren told me about your new friend.” She smiled. “I thought you two might like some boysenberry pie.”

She winked, and I laughed. “You’re amazing. She’s actually coming over tonight.”

“Well, perfect timing, then.”

“Perfect.” I hugged her carefully around the pie. “Thank you.”

“Come tell me about her soon?”

“I will. Promise.”

I carried the pie upstairs, and set it on the counter, kicked off my boots, and went straight to the shower. The hot water loosened the ache in my shoulders, and for a few minutes, I stood there breathing while the day washed away.

Afterward, I pulled on clean jeans and a tank. I redid the braid at the crown of my head and left the rest of my hair loose, the colored ends falling wherever they wanted.

At seven thirty my phone buzzed on the kitchen counter.

Vic: You bailing on trivia night, Wilson? Nina says you’re scared of her.

I smirked while typing back.

Me: Can’t tonight. Got a date.

Vic: Ooh. Benji’s sister?

Me: Yup.

Vic: Good. Don’t overthink it. Be your charming gremlin self.

I rolled my eyes even though I was smiling.

About seven forty my phone buzzed.

Addison: Just got home. Quick shower, then I’ll be ready. Ten or fifteen minutes tops.

My body did that small pause it had started doing whenever her name showed up on my screen. I leaned against the counter for a second, reading the message again before answering.

Me: Take your time. I’m heading out now. See you soon.

I grabbed my keys and stepped into the hallway, locking the door behind me with a soft click.

I took the stairs two at a time and stepped out onto the sidewalk, rolling my shoulders once as I headed toward my bike. I wasn’t rushing, exactly. Just moving with a little more purpose than usual.

Something about Addison felt like a shift. Not dramatic, not sudden, but real enough that I could feel the ground tilting slightly beneath my feet, and I had no intention of showing up halfway.

* * *

8

Addison