Page 17 of From Rivals to I Do

“Why do you say that?” Sparrow asks.

“I think how I reacted and felt when I just merely saw your father today tells me I have no business being on there,” I reply. “It wouldn’t

be right to just thrust myself out there when I’m not ready.

“Is anyone truly ready to move on?” Sparrow asks with a shrug. “It’s hard but you’ve got to do it sometime.”

“Little bird, I chewed out some poor guy at the store that ran into me just because he was a man,” I say with shame at just the thought

of it.

“Yikes,” Sparrow replies.

“It was absolutely embarrassing,” I reply, sniffling. “How am I supposed to just move on or do anything like that when I can’t even

handle being around men?”

“It’s okay Mama, I’m sorry. Listen, you don’t have to be ready for that,” Sparrow replies. “I already told you it’s not just for dating, it’s

for friends too. You don’t have to use it to find a new partner, I’m sorry I pushed.”

“It’s alright. I know you mean well, sugar, but. . .” I trail off and try to hold back the tears. “I feel like I can’t trust anybody besides you,

little Joe, and Daniel now.”

“Oh, Mama. . .” Sparrow replies with a frown.

“The man that I gave my heart to, the one that I thought had my back and I was supposed to be with forever just. . . crushed me. And

then seeing him again today just further proved to me that I’m still a wreck over it. I’m not sure any new ‘friends’ are going to want to

deal with that.”

“That’s not true,” Sparrow replies. “I’m sure there are plenty of other women out there that will get it,” Sparrow insists. “You should

create a profile and find yourself some girlfriends. I’m sure there are other people in the area who have been through a lot of what

you’re going through.”

“You really think so?” I ask as I pat my eyes with a tissue.

“Of course,” Sparrow says with a smile.

“I haven’t really tried to make friends in years, not anyone besides from work anyways,” I reply with a shrug. “I always just hung out

with your father when we had time.”

“See? That’s precisely why you really should get out there and find some cool people to chill with,” Sparrow replies. “New people with

new ideas, new ways of living that maybe will help you want to get out and experience the world.”

“That. . . actually sounds nice,” I say as she swoops back in for another hug, and as she holds me tight, there’s a knock at the door.

“Hey, sorry to bother you guys, but Jade’s getting really tired,” Daniel says as he pokes his head in.

“Yeah, she definitely was far too busy being a hellion to nap today,” Sparrow replies and stands up. “We better get going, Mama.”

“That’s alright. I don’t want my little Jade bug to get cranky,” I say as I stand up and walk them out, peppering grumpy little Jade’s

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