Page 40 of Sparks Like Ours

“Oh, man. I leave for San Clemente on Sunday, but I could doFriday or Saturday.”

“Done. Stay tuned for details. We’ll all find out together.”

Gia was smiling when Autumn returned to work, but that smile cameright off her face when she saw public enemy number one walk through the door.

“Hey,” Isabel said to Gia. “I took off a little early today, so Ithought I would see what everyone was up to.”

“No way,” Gia said. “You can’t walk in here and be friendly. We’renot friends right now.”

Isabel seemed taken aback, but only mildly. “We’re not friends?Was there a memo I missed again? I suck at memos.”

“You can’t quip your way out of this one with your Izzy-talk.”

Isabel took a chair, turned it backward, and sat down. “Gonna haveto be more specific.”

“You’ve ruined my life and now my job.”

“Yeah, that was a lot clearer.” She softened. “Suggestion time.Why don’t you just tell me what’s actually going on, with details rather thanvague suggestions?”

“Fine. There was the Trainers campaign, and the sex dream, and nowI’m in this weird place with Elle where I notice her physically, and actuallylike her, and then the surfing just…sucks. All of it, your fault.”

“Riiiight,” Isabel said. “That makes a hundred percent sense. Allmy doing. No one would question that logic.”

Gia glared at her. “Don’t argue with me when I’m down. Don’t youdo it.”

“Who’s arguing? I’m a fucking support system of awesome, worriedfor your mental well-being. I’m also feeling intrigued and hopeful about yournew extracurricular life. Want to talk about it?”

“With you? Not a chance.” A pause. Gia dropped the ire from hervoice. “I’m waiting for Had.”

“The wide-eyed Cinderella of Seven Shores? I’m the one actuallyina relationship. Yourealize that, right? I’m fully capable here. In fact, the most capable.”

“Ahem,” Autumn said from behind the counter, indicating she’d beeneavesdropping on every word. Her capacity to hear each conversation in thecoffee shop was a mystery Gia had yet to crack. Like when your mom justintuitively knew you’d skipped school. That was Autumn, every damn time.

“Oh! Autumn, who is happily married, can also help,” Isabel saidin a loud voice. “She’s every bit a pro.”

Gia stood. “Thanks, guys, but I’m going to wait.”

“Unbelievable,” Isabel called to Gia’s retreating form. “Is thissome sort of single person solidarity? I’m feeling rightfully offended.”

“What you should feel is guilty as hell,” Gia said, whirling onher. “All. Your. Fault. You and your stupid sparks.”

Isabel seemed to suppress a smile, which only angered Gia further.“See, you never have fully explained what it is I did wrong, but if something Isaid helped you along your path to love, or even a little temporary lust, thenI will accept your anger in worthy sacrifice to the cause.”

Gia heard Autumn chuckle quietly from behind the counter. Sheglanced from one of them to the other. “You two are awful people who deserveeach other’s friendship.”

Isabel blew her a loud kiss and Autumn followed suit. She wouldforgive them both in around ten minutes. For now, it felt really good to focusher anger. She stomped down the sidewalk to Seven Shores and took in the emptycourtyard. Hadley was working the afternoon to evening shift at Silhouette, andif she was quick, maybe she could catch her before she left for work. Hadleywould understand. She’d help her figure this out.

“My dear goodness. Sounds like things have escalated,” Hadley saidfrom in front of her dressing table fifteen minutes later. She stared at Giathrough the mirror as she transformed into the sophisticated version of herselfsuited for the posh boutique on Rodeo Drive. A little blush, a little mascara,and an updo, and Hadley went from endearing to impressive.

“I don’t know that I’d sayescalated,”Gia offered, as nonchalantly as possible. “But the whole Elle thing has mewigged out and distracted. It’s starting to affect my surfing, and that can’thappen. You get me?”

Hadley swiveled on her stool and faced Gia, who sat on the sagecomforter atop Hadley’s bed. “You realize that this is the same Elle Brittonthat you’ve seethed over for the past several years, who you’ve made me despiseright alongside you. While it was fun to tease you about the chemistry and all,I never actually thought anything real would come of it. This has taken a turn,I say. Aturn.Hand me the hairspray. I’m short on time.”

Gia passed Hadley the bottle. “Nothing will come of it. It’s justa blip.”

Hadley deflated. “Why is that? Why are you so quick to decide?”She sprayed her hair and surveyed the results in the mirror.

“It’s impractical.” Gia stood because she was far too fired up notto. “It’s a phase. I’m sure I’ll be back to hating her next week, and theattraction will be gone.”

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