Page 16 of Sparrow

I smiled as I responded to him.

Me:

Hello, Owen. My day has been great. I've been productive.

I sent it and then I regretted saying something so vague and businesslike. I quickly typed another one.

Me:

It would be fun to try to picnic again before you leave.

Owen:

I am up for it whenever. My character could benefit from a little sleep deprivation, so late nights or early mornings would work for me pretty much any day.

My heart was full of happiness as I read the text. He wanted to see me again, and excitement bloomed inside of me at the thought of it. In those seconds, as I sat on my work stool, I imagined flashes of a story—a future—one where I got to know Owen and we fell in love.

The hope was too much of a temptation.

Part of me thought he was there to rescue me, that God had sent him there to rescue me from my life.

But I knew I couldn’t leave my mother. I knew there would be no permanent solution for me leaving Montana. God was giving me a temporary adventure, a scene from my journal. He provided me the perfect man for a brief encounter. I wasn't just blindly trusting him because he was gorgeous and wonderful. I knew for a fact that he could be trusted because he had too much to lose with his career.

This friendship was a temporary thing for both of us. I would get to know Owen for a brief moment of my life. I was thankful for this experience. I wasn't sure how many times I would allow myself to see him, but I knew I had to see him at least once more.

I typed a text.

Me:

What time in the evening?

Owen:

Tonight?

Me:

Tomorrow, maybe? I was wondering about the time.

Owen:

If it's not tonight or tomorrow, it'll have to be Sunday. Saturday is out. We're traveling that day. I'll be done by 9pm tonight and tomorrow.

Me:

Let me think about it for a minute. I have to figure out when and how I can sneak away. Morning might be easier. We may have to do it next week.

Owen:

You make the call and let me know.

I was reading that text and regretting trying to change it to next week when another text came through.

Owen:

I had so much fun today, Corey. I loved it.

My smile broadened when I read the words.

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