Page 5 of Sparrow

I'm at a spot where I have wi-fi, so I can text. I'm glad you found my note.

Me:

Is everything okay with the jewelry?

Owen:

Yes. Why?

My heart sped up as soon as I read his message. If he wasn't getting in touch with me about jewelry then…

I typed.

Me:

I thought maybe that's why you came by.

Owen:

No. Would you be willing to share a meal with me?

My heart pounded as I read the words.Share a meal? Was that a date? What was happening?I had been so attracted to him that this all felt too good to be true. Nothing like this had ever happened to me.Was he asking me out?Another text came in before I could compose a response.

Owen:

For the next few days, I'm only available early mornings or late nights.

Me:

I have some responsibilities at home at night. How about morning?

Owen:

Yes. Tomorrow? What time? I have to be back on set by ten for makeup. Can you meet for breakfast at seven?

My heart sank when he asked that. I could only think of two restaurants in Philipsburg that would work for breakfast, and there was no way I could sit down in either of them with a strange man. Everyone knew everyone around here. Stanley would find out in about ten seconds, and the questioning that would ensue would not be worth it. But I also didn’t know where else to go. I wasn't going to make a picnic…or could I?I didn't want to make it complicated. I stood there and tried to brainstorm ideas before I texted him back.

Me:

Yes. I was trying to think of where. Would you want to be in nature? A breakfast picnic?

Owen:

Sure. Any ideas for a spot?

Me:

I can meet you at a trailhead or boat ramp somewhere. We can go out on the creek.

Owen:

Sounds good. Just text me the place. I can maybe bring some food. We have a chef traveling with us.

Me:

It's not as fancy as a chef, but I make meal-prep breakfast burritos. That's what I normally eat. They're good, and I use good ingredients. I would be happy to make you one of those.

Owen:

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