Page 53 of Sparks Fly

Jay smiled slightly. “Then we’ll be careful for you.”

“And if she breaks your heart,” Nina added, “we’ll key her car.”

“She drives a Mercedes,” I said.

Vic perked up. “Oh, that’ll be satisfying.”

I laughed as plates landed on the table and the conversation drifted toward other topics. Dating disasters, road stories, and the usual chaos filled the booth.

* * *

I got home a little after four with my thighs burning in that good, earned way from the ride. My workshop was washed in late-afternoon light that slanted through the high windows and caught on dust and metal shavings floating in the air.

I pulled the sculpture closer to the bench. Scrap steel twisted into soft curves that almost looked like a flower mid-bloom. It wasn’t finished yet, but it was getting there.

An hour disappeared while I worked, adjusting by feel brought the familiar rhythm back into my bones, the hum of the tools settling my breathing the way it always did.

Dinner was whatever required the least thought, Ramen with a fried egg. I ate on the couch still smelling like metal and sun, with my phone lying face up nearby.

At 7:08, I stopped pretending not to watch it and finally picked it up.

Me: Hope the rest of your day was good.

Addison: Productive. Folded laundry like a real adult.

Addison: Almost texted you while vacuuming.

I smiled.

Me: Flattered.

The next message came before I could talk myself out of it.

Me: When can I see you again?

There was a pause before she answered.

Addison: This week’s packed, but Wednesday or Thursday?

Me: Wednesday. Want to do something after work?

Addison: Perfect. Free by 5:30.

Addison: Pick me up at 6:30?

Me: It’s a date.

Addison: I like the sound of that.

I tossed my phone onto the couch and leaned back, staring up at the ceiling as the light slowly faded outside. I should have been exhausted after the ride and the work, but I wasn’t.

* * *

18

Addison

Monday nearly swallowed me whole.