Page 14 of More Than a Little Spark

“Hopefully, you don’t plan to roll a car again.”She pulls her chair closer to the bed.“Did you call your mom?”

“No.She has enough on her plate.”I’m not stupid, and I know why Rose brought up my family.

After I pretty much raised my siblings during middle school and high school, college was my escape.And moving out was the best thing for my mental health.Yet I still feel guilty about it.It’s not like I cut contact with my family.I still see them.Sometimes.It’s complicated.

Rose leans forward, her arms crossed.“Just think about what you want before you rush into anything.”

“I will.”I stare at the message I typed out.“But I do need to tell him about his coat.Can you check and make sure it’s in that closet?”

Rose opens the little cabinet in the room.“It’s here.”

“Good.I’ll let him know later.”I set my phone aside.Texting Carson can wait a bit.Waiting will give me time to think.

“So I’m not busy tomorrow?”Rose lifts her eyebrows.

I shake my head.“Tell me about your flowers.What are you growing now?”

For the next half hour, she updates me on her business.

My friend has found her happily-ever-after in every way possible.That’s not saying that her life is perfect.Her parents don’t talk to her, but in my opinion, she’s better off without them.And seeing her in love makes me crave that kind of a relationship even more.

But she’s right about deciding what I want.Running in with my eyes closed will only result in my slamming into a wall.Am I willing to take on the role of mom again?Maybe it’s different when it’s not my siblings.Or when I don’t have a mom telling me I’m not doing enough.

That afternoon,after thinking long and hard, I tap out a new text to Carson.

Me:Your coat is here.I’m sorry I forgot to give it to you this morning.

Carson:I might swing by and grab it this evening.How are you feeling?Any word on when you get to go home?

Me:Doctor just left, and he said that I can go home tomorrow.I’m sore but feeling okay overall.

Carson:If you want food other than what the hospital serves, I’m happy to bring you something.

Me:You are every girl’s dream come true.

Carson:Is that a yes?Barbecue okay?

Me:Sounds delicious.Thank you.

I want to get to know Carson.And I want to get to know Fred.It’ll be a bit until we meet, I’m guessing, and that’s fine.But the fact that Carson has an adopted son isn’t a deal breaker for me.

The phone buzzes in my hand.But it’s not a text from Carson.It’s my boss.

Austin:Is now a good time to call you?

Me:Sure.I’m just twiddling my thumbs in a hospital bed.

What does Austin need on a Sunday?

I let it ring twice before answering.“Hello.”

“Daphne.How are you?It’s hard to tell that kind of thing from texts.”

“Sore but fine.I’ll probably be leaving the hospital tomorrow.Did you need something?”Chitchatting with my boss feels strange.

“No.Just checking on you.Take as much time as you need before coming back to the office.I’ll get someone to answer phones and figure out the rest myself.You don’t need to worry about that.”

I slip into my work persona.“Thank you, Mr.Graves.”

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