Page 57 of More Than a Little Spark

“No.He said not to call or text because he didn’t want Fred to see.”I’m starting to wonder if this is some sort of scam.Was Carson’s phone hacked?Are his contacts being targeted?

“Weird.So I have to wait until after four for an update?”

“Yes.Because that’s how time works.”

“Phooey.I want the happy ending now.”

I flop back onto my pillow.“Please, Rose, let’s not talk about happy endings right now.I can’t get my hopes up.”

“Alright.I’ll keep those thoughts to myself.But please call me tomorrow.Don’t let me die of curiosity.”

“You aren’t a cat, Rose.”

“True, but I did buy the coolest cat suit.It’s actually a leopard costume.Cami, a friend of Tandy’s, was getting rid of a bunch of stuff.I can’t wait to show Dallas.”

I shake my head.“I’m hanging up now.”

Laughter echoes through the line.“Love you.And call me.”

After ending the call, I set my phone aside.What does Carson want to talk about?

Chapter25

Carson

Carson

Fred is showered and dressed without any prompting from me.He’s growing up, and I can’t say I’m sorry about that.It definitely makes mornings easier.

“Can I hang out at Mason’s tonight?I’ll just go straight over there after school.”

“That’s fine.I’ll text Kent and make sure?—”

“Mason already asked them.They said it was cool if I stayed.”He bobs his head, emphasizing their approval.

“Sure.Why don’t you pack a bag right now, and I’ll drop it off this afternoon.”

“Okay.”He takes off for the bedroom.

I yank on my boots, then reach for my phone.It’s not in my pocket.Have I even had it at all since waking up?I start the hunt for my phone.It’s not on my nightstand, which is where I normally keep it during the night.

“Fred, have you seen my phone?”

He walks out of his room, with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.“Not since last night.It was in the kitchen.”

And there it is, plugged into a charger on the counter.But I have no memory of putting it there.My fitful sleep is making me lose my mind.

We have breakfast in the mess hall.Then Poppy takes the boys to school.That’s become a Friday routine, one that I love because it makes life easier all around.And Fred loves it because she treats them to donuts.

I tackle assorted chores before lunch, and after lunch, Kent and I spend the afternoon mending fences.We don’t talk about my dating life, or lack thereof.When we’re finished, we climb into my truck.

“On the way to your place, I’m going to swing by my house and grab Fred’s bag since he’s staying with y’all tonight.”

“I hadn’t heard about that, but sure.”

I make a mental note to talk to Fred about the importance of having the parents’ approval before arranging sleepovers.“Sorry.He said y’all knew.”

“Maybe they talked to Poppy.”

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