Sparks - Wendy Higgins Page 0,42

had anything for me the following day yet.

“Robinson,” she said, clicking around. “Yes, you’ve been requested for a two-nighter starting at oh-six-hundred tomorrow.”

“Requested?” I asked. I’d never hear that before.

“Yes.” Her lips quirked just barely. “I was just about to text you. Copilot Russo asked for you to be on his crew.”

Russo. Wait, Silas? I smiled. “Cool! Thanks.”

My spirits were high the whole drive home. I was glad Silas had requested me. His company was so much better than the old farts. With two-nighters you were stuck with the same crew for three straight days, staying overnight in hotels, so if you didn’t get along well it could be brutally long.

I was nearly home when my phone whistled. A quick glance showed Shawn’s name and my heart went from zero to sixty. Okay, maybe not zero, since it was beating to start with, but it definitely kicked into high gear. I didn’t read it right away because I needed to concentrate. I found a parking place and peered up and down the street. It was only 7:30PM but already pitch dark. The first line of defense for a woman was being aware of your surroundings. Two men were standing in front of the hardware shop three doors down. A woman was going into the laundry mat across the street.

I peered down at my phone.

I got orders, it said. I leave in two weeks for Japan.

My heart swooped down and back up. That was so far away! How long would he be gone? A nervous buzz filled me as I fumbled to text him back. Wow! That sounds amazing! Are you excited?

Yes and no. Got in a disagreement with N. She wants me to fight to stay stateside. But this station guarantees I’ll promote to Major.

I shook my head. You have to take it.

I know.

Anger and jealousy rose up inside of me. How could she not support him in this? But then I remembered they had a son and she had a life in Charlotte, and things weren’t as simple for her as they were for me.

Where are you? I asked.

Charlotte. Outside in the garage pretending to take a work call. I know that’s bad. I just had to talk to you.

Oh, my gosh. Full body reaction. I felt warm and fuzzy, and then cold and dirty. It was wrong chatting with him while he was there at the same house as her.

Good luck, Shawn. I just got home. Can we chat when you get back to Lejune?

Yes, ma’am. Thanks for listening. I’m leaving here in the morning.

Okay, good night.

Sweet dreams.

I got out and grabbed my bag. I had one block to walk.

“How you doin’ Omega?”

I jumped and spun at the voice. Shit! The two men from the corner had moved closer and I hadn’t even noticed because I’d been so distracted. I was usually so careful. And, of course, the closest street lamp was burnt out. I could vaguely make out that they were in sweatshirts with beanie hats, one man huge and the other short.

“Hi,” I said, momentarily frozen.

“You good?” the big man asked. “Need anything?”

“Um, no. Thanks. I’m good.” I gave a shaky smile.

“All right then. We’ll watch to make sure you get home safe.”

Holy shit. My whole being filled with a positive glow that made me emotional.

“Okay. Thank you.” I speed-walked until I got to my door, then peered down the street and gave them a wave.

They both nodded before heading back toward the corner they’d been at. They were checking on me. It was unbearably kind, and I felt a rush of warmth despite the frozen temps.

I let myself in quickly. I was proud to realize when I got to the top of the three flights of steps that I wasn’t that out of breath. These stairs kicked my butt into semi-shape.

I let myself in and Holly squealed from the couch, almost overturning a bowl of popcorn.

“My babyyy!” She said through a mouthful, holding out an arm.

“Holly polly!” I dropped my luggage and ran to her, hugging her neck tight. “Let me go change. I feel disgusting.” From the closet I yelled, “Who else is home?”

“I’m here,” Rhea called from the room.

“Hey, boo!” I called back.

Holly said, “Beth just got called in for an overnighter an hour ago. One of the other FAs got the stomach bug.”

“Oh, thank God,” I breathed. “About Beth, not the bug.”

“Rhea told me everything.” I glanced over at Holly’s very unamused face on the couch. She shook her head and shoved