This was my first time reading a romance short story by Barbara Delinsky, and I found her writing to be emphatic and easy to follow. The story centers around Carly Kelly, the owner of Plant People, a nursery and flower shop. She's offered a potentially life-changing opportunity to partner with Mayer’s, a major home store chain. With only four days to decide, Carly calls her friends Bibi and Hank to share the news—but she accidentally dials the wrong number. On the other end is a stranger named Charlie, whose sexy, intriguing voice catches her off guard. Instead of hanging up, Carly keeps talking. Charlie is kind, curious about her shop, and genuinely supportive. Their conversation flows effortlessly, and she finds herself opening up to him. Just as their connection deepens, disaster strikes—her phone drops into a bucket of water, cutting the call short. With no way to recover the number, Carly tries various combinations on her new phone but can't reach Charlie again. Still...
Hello and welcome! I’m Deliah Lawrence—an award-winning author, blogger, and workshop facilitator. Vocal Expressions is a curated literary space where storytelling, creativity, and conversation come together. Here, I spotlight authors, share insights from my writing journey, and celebrate the books, ideas, and creative moments that inspire us. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or fellow creative, you’re in the right place.