Page 28 of When Sparks Fly

An unfamiliar noise from the front door draws my attention.

Orange paper peeks between the door and weather stripping. I pull the paper out for inspection. A reminder of my lease renewal in December. It goes on the bistro table with the other things to handle this week.

After unpacking, I sprawl on the living room floor, using the coffee table as a desk to edit the last of the Halloween mini-session photos. I could invest in a proper desk, but it doesn’t feel likea priority.

I’m not sure how long I’ve been working when my phone rings. Untangling myself from files, I dart for the dining table to retrieve it from my purse. Izzy’s name flashes on the screen.

“Hey!” My grin is huge. It’s been like I’m missing a limb with Izzy in Hawaii the last week. Not so much because I see my friends regularly—because it’s an area we need to improve—but because we are often the three amigos, instead of only Leah and me. “Are you calling me from Hawaii?”

“Hey, babe.” Izzy’s voice immediately relaxes me. “Yes, I’m having a slow morning in the condo and I wanted to check on you.”

“Okay, but first I need to hear about your trip.”

Reluctantly, Izzy fills me in on everything from the elegant condo her family is staying in, to local cuisine and gorgeous beaches, to details I don’t need like her brother hooking up with townies. But having the focus off me is appreciated. I’m so proud when she tells me all about learning to surf.

“You’re a total badass.” I easily picture her atop wild waves on a steady board, her ice-blond hair and pearly whites gleaming in the sun.

The fact my connection with Izzy and Leah survived the trials of high school, adding in long-distance friendships, is a miracle not lost on me. While Leah is a free spirit, willing to try anything, Izzy is everything grounded and thoughtful. Each of us compliments a part of the others.

“It’s easier than I thought it would be. I wish you guys could have come, but it’s been a trip to remember for sure.” She never lets compliments go to her head.

“I’m so glad you’re having fun.”

Her voice turns somber. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for the funeral.”

“I told you not to worry about it. I know you would have been here to support me if you could, but there’s nothing you could have done to change what happened.”

She’s quiet for a few moments. I exit my sliding glass door to the laundry room on my patio. “Are you back at your apartment?”

I begin moving clothes into the dryer. “Yeah, but it’s weird.”

“Oh?” Her voice lacks surprise. Izzy’s ability to tune in to me is uncanny. It’s how I imagine twins to be. Maybe sisters, but I never had one to know the difference.

“I think my emotions are just all over with everything going on. It feels like I should be at Nana’s.”

“Is anything going on today?”

“No. I’m supposed to meet Randi and Liv again this weekend.”

“I’m sure once it’s all settled you’ll feel better.” She pauses for a second before adding, “Unless you keep it.”

I accidentally drop a pair of jeans onto the ground and whisper a curse.

“No?” She hears it for what it is. A distraction from the topic. In true Izzy fashion, she doesn’t relent.

“No.” She waits a few beats for me to continue. I slam the dryer door shut instead and start the cycle.

She tries again. “So you don’t want to keep the house?”

“It’s not up to me.”

“It’s not.” It’s not a question, but the skepticism is clear. Even from two thousand miles away, I can feel her pointed look. The way her deep blue eyes always stare until you spill truths you didn’t know you were withholding.

“You’re right. It’s probably because everything is looming.”

She ignores the last comment. “Nana’s house was a second home to you.”

I sweep the empty concrete porch. “That’s true. I just don’t know what it will feel like to not have it as a haven anymore.”

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