Sparks - Wendy Higgins Page 0,18
talking to a lot of girls on here?
Lol, that’s sort of the nature of these apps, isn’t it? But I wouldn’t say ‘a lot.’
I didn’t know what to say next. I sat there feeling like I should return to the shuffle of man cards until an ellipsis popped up to show he was typing again.
Have I scared you off? Are you ready to get married and have kids?
I shivered a little at those words and how close I’d come to just that. Was I ready? That was the eventual goal, when I found the right partner, but no. I wasn’t ready.
I’d like to start with just a boyfriend, lol
Fair enough. I’m sorry I can’t give you that but if you’re willing we can still chat.
You still want to chat even if I’m not interested in being FWB?
Lol. Yeah. I understand if you don’t want to talk to me but you seem cool.
Okay then. Friends without benefits.
Good old-fashioned friends.
I was collecting male friends like baseball cards.
Well, I better get off and take a shower. I have to fly out in a few hours.
Ooh. Shower time…
I caught myself giggling as I typed back. Friends don’t say “Ooh, shower time”
My bad. I can’t promise I’ll keep all of my non-friendly thoughts to myself. I keep looking at your cute pictures. That one in the bathing suit.
Shit, he’d seen it.
Good-bye!
Wait! What will you do in the shower?
I laughed again.
Wouldn’t you like to know? Bye for now.
I clicked out of the app with a stupid smile on my face. I couldn’t say I hated flirting with him. A warm fullness had filled my lower abdomen. I reached down into the inside zipper pouch of my suitcase and took out my small, purple, waterproof vibrator. It’d been a couple weeks since I felt turned-on enough to pull it out. Still smiling, I headed for the shower.
After I showered and got ready for today’s flight, I sprawled out on the bed in my polyester pant suit and went on a marathon swiping spree.
Match, left, match. Left, left, left.
I had to admit; it was kind of addictive. Like a video game. Every time the message popped up that we’d matched it felt like I’d earned points. I was winning!
Silas texted me to meet him downstairs, so I silenced my phone and checked the room and bathroom to make sure everything was packed up. I gave myself a once-over in the mirror, smoothing back my hair to the loose bun, pressing my plum-colored lips together, adjusting my neckerchief. Ready to fly.
My pulse picked up when I got downstairs, wondering if Shawn would be there. A quick scan told me he wasn’t. Silas wasn’t there yet either. He was probably still primping in the mirror. But I caught sight of Jerome Smith and he came over with a sly grin.
“Saw your profile on Sparks.”
My face fell, and my cheeks heated. I made a sound like, “Ermgsh.”
He gave a hearty laugh. “Ain’t no thang. I didn’t swipe you, though. You Cap’s girl.”
I felt my eyebrows pinch as my stomach somersaulted.
“Uh, no.” My throat was dry. “He’s engaged.” Duh. Surely Jerome knew that.
He pulled a ‘whatever’ face and shook his head. “That shit don’t make him happy. Just between us.”
The somersaulting commenced. I took a moment to breathe before responding.
“I don’t want to be a homewrecker.”
He leaned in and whispered, “They don’t got a home to wreck.” Shiiiiit.
“You know what I mean,” I said. I could see how Jerome might see the situation in its simplest form, but to my eyes it couldn’t be more complicated.
He pulled back and shrugged. “I’m just sayin’. It was good to see him laughing and smiling.”
“Yeah, he’s a nice man.” Relief soared through me when I saw Silas getting off the elevator. I sent Jerome a smile. “I’ll see you on the flight, ‘kay?”
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am. And hey…” He touched my arm. “I didn’t mean no offense.”
“I know.” I smiled again to put him at ease, though I felt edgy.
Marcelle and our first captain came out of the elevator after Silas and the four of us greeted one another.
“Let’s get this show on the road,” the captain said. “Supposedly the roads and runways are cleared enough.”
When we left, I used all my will-power not to look over my shoulder to see if Shawn had come down. I’d see him soon enough on the flight. Part of me wished I didn’t have to see him again. Why’d he have to be so wonderful?
I made my way