Page 47 of When Sparks Fly

“I guess we need to make a list,” Liv says, breaking the silence after a moment. “This furniture can go. Right?”

Randi and I nod.

“I don’t know how Nana sat there for very long. That is one uncomfortable chair.” She stretches deeply then joins Randi at the window.

“Mom always wanted to add a fire pit out there.”

“I think it’s a great idea.” I indicate a large oak tree on the left of the yard. “That tree would be great with a bench seat around the base, right? It’s such a great space for entertaining.”

Randi and Liv exchange a look. “Yes. It is.”

Part of me doesn’t want to encourage them, but the question tumbles out anyway. “What?”

“Oh nothing,” Randi says, grinning as she turns away from the window and heads for the bathroom.

“Not you, too,” I call, following as Liv snickers behind me.

Not long after Randi and Liv leave, Izzy calls.

“Hey,” I answer happily.

“Hey. You busy?” Izzy’s serious tone has me curious what could be wrong.

“No. Randi and Liv just left. What’s going on?” I make my way to the front porch swing. With force, I push the swing backward, but as it sways and picks up momentum, I use my feet to keep us from slamming into the front wall.

“I wanted to talk to you about Leah.”

“Leah?”

“Yeah. We couldn’t talk yesterday, but I think we need to sit down and have a heart to heart with her. I’m worried about her drinking.”

My mind flies through my interactions with Leah over the last week and a half. The multiple visits to bars, the drinking at brunch. Separately, thesethings aren’t cause for concern, but mimosas with brunch aren’t the norm for us. The last time we spent so many nights in a short period of time at bars was when we were all turning twenty-one. With a few years of drinking under our belts, it’s not typically at the forefront of our interactions. And she’s never gotten dangerously drunk like she did recently. I blamed it partially on my inattentiveness, but when I look at the whole picture, Izzy may be onto something.

“I think something’s going on.”

The swinging isn’t going to cut it. I stand and begin pacing the length of the porch. “I hadn’t given it much thought until now, but you’re right.”

Leah’s family has its share of drama. Far different from mine. Her mother, single and raising two daughters, has struggled with substance abuse for as long as I’ve known Leah. Her sister, only a couple years older than the three of us, has several children with different fathers. Both women seem happy to take whatever the men in their lives are willing to provide for the time being, while Leah has always distanced herself from their choices. Unfortunately, she’s not always above self-medicating and I feel guilty for not checking in with her in recent weeks. Not the way she needed.

“Has she said anything about her mom or sister?” My voice is quiet and guilt-ridden.

In pure Izzy fashion, she calls me out before I can spiral too far. “Don’t beat yourself up. You’ve had plenty going on and I’ve been out of town. And you know Leah doesn’t ask for help. But I do think we should find a time to talk to her together.”

Chapter 20

Maci

Me:

You showing those cattle who’s boss?

Cowboy:

Depends. Who’s asking?

Me:

>crying laughing emoji<

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