Thinking of Zoe

by Daria White

  “I’m glad, but make sure it doesn’t interfere with—”

  “Mom, I’ve already told them that. It won’t affect my studies. If I need time off, I’ll let them know or I can study here in between watching Celine.”

  Her mother sighed. “You’re doing well, and I’m so proud of you.” Her mother paused. Was there more she wanted to say?

  “Mom? Mom, are you alright?” Zoe edged to the end of the couch.

  “I just…”

  Zoe rose from the couch and walked to the corner of the living room. A scented candle burned beside her as her skin itched with anticipation.

  “I know you’ve made progress, Zoe. I try not to worry, but I do. The fact that you’re making changes shows me you’re on the right track. Finishing your degree. It… just got me thinking.”

  “You can trust my judgment now, you know.” She kept her voice low, so she wouldn’t disturb the baby.

  Her mother sighed once more. Zoe squeezed her eyes shut. Would this be a moment of truth between mother and daughter?

  “I was so heartbroken when we lost Tony. I almost thought Jackson was a goner too since he was in the car. That night with you Zoe… I just don’t want to lose another child. You and Jackson are all I have left.”

  Zoe covered her face with one hand. The lump in her throat increased. This was the most her mother shared with her about her grief over Tony.

  Her mother sniffled. Was she crying? “I’m sorry. We’re working in our own ways to move on.”

  “I know.” Perhaps her mother had forgiven her. Zoe didn’t expect it overnight, but at least some progress was made.

  “I won’t keep you,” her mother said. “I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”

  “You too, Mom.” Zoe hung up and stared out the window for a moment.

  Why did it seem like yesterday when her mother came to visit her in the hospital? Zoe had looked at her mother, sitting in the chair next to her bed. Though her injuries were only a few scratches and a bandaged head, her mother’s eyes shimmered with tears.

  “Why Zoe?” her mother had asked.

  Zoe had run her hand down her face, despite the finger clip on her index finger. “I’m sorry.”

  Then she had made the dreaded walk to Jayden’s room. When he had opened his eyes, he sneered.

  “What do you want?” he had asked.

  “I’m so sorry.” Her bottom lip had trembled.

  “Too late for that.”

  “Jayden, I—”

  “I’ll never walk again because of you.”

  Zoe gasped. They had both been drinking, but she had been driving the car. Next thing she knew, a car plowed into them on the passenger side. Then she had blacked out. She barely remembered arriving at the hospital or riding in the ambulance. Then Jackson and her parents showed.

  Her father’s face had slackened, while her mother shook her head in disappointment. Though they appeared grateful she was alive, Zoe’s poor judgment had caught up with her.

  She sunk to the floor in Lisa’s living room, pressing a hand to her chest. It was her first and only offense and thanks to her father’s lawyer, she only served community service. She’d learned her lesson. She hadn’t been in trouble since.

  Zoe grazed her lips with her fingertips. Jayden. Paralyzed from the waist down. Because of her.

  Her phone buzzed again, and Zoe breathed easier seeing her friend’s face.

  “Hey Ros.” Did she hear the tremble in her voice?

  “What’s wrong?” her friend asked.

  Zoe shook her head. “My Mom called.”

  “How did that go?”

  “Better, but I can’t help feeling like she’s waiting for me to mess up again.”

  “I’m sorry, Z.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “Well... let’s talk about something else. Have you met any guys in Bridge Point? Do you need to come back to the city?”

  Zoe giggled. “I’m not here to meet men. I’m here to...”

  “For what? Be closer to your brother? It can’t be for school since you’re online.”

  Zoe’s lips parted. “I needed a change of scenery.”

  “So you ran away?”

  She shook her head. “No, but I couldn’t stay there. Too many painful memories.”

  Roslyn sighed. “I’m sorry, Z. Just know that I’m proud of you. You’re getting better. I’ve seen it.”

  Zoe gave a slight smile. “Thanks.”

  “So... back to my original question. Have you met any guys yet?”

  Alex’s ice green eyes flashed in her mind. He’d been so close at the bridge. Letting him use her camera made Zoe’s eyes widened. No one touched her camera. It was too personal. Yet, she let him hold her prized possession.

  Why? He only wanted what he couldn’t have. Zoe wouldn’t give in to his charms. If he were serious, he would tell her his intentions. Enough guys had played with her emotions. Not to mention, she already ruined the life of one guy.

  “Nothing serious if that’s what you mean,” Zoe said.

  Roslyn huffed. “You’re being stubborn.”

  “Cautious is more like it,” she said.

  “If you build too many walls, no one can get in. Not to mention get out.”

  Zoe paused at her words. Did she have too many walls? No. She was protecting herself, not just from Alex. Zoe could be her own worst enemy. She’d seen firsthand the consequences of her poor choices. She wouldn’t repeat that. Not for a playboy like Alex.

  ***

  “Can I get you anything else?” the bartender asked.

  Alex finished the rest of his nachos. Then he used a napkin to wipe his fingers clean. He raised his chin and stared at the brunette behind the counter. Despite the dim lighting, her hazel eyes sparkled at him.

  Alex grinned. “No, thank you.”

  “You sure?” She tilted her head to the side, while placing a hand on her hip.

  Alex took her all in. The woman’s curves showed despite her black uniform. Olive skin and her dark features were breathtaking. He knew he could get her number. All he had to do was lower his voice and give her his famous smolder. Too easy.

  He felt a twinge in his chest. Even the music from the radio couldn’t silence his thoughts of Zoe. “I’m sure.”

  The bartender nodded. “Suit yourself. Let me know if you change your mind.”

  Alex bobbed his head. Would he? He paid his bill and headed for the door to the Main Street.

  Should he call her? Aunt Pam had given him her number as an emergency contact for Celine. Zoe had to have his number, but she didn’t use it. Alex rubbed the back of his head. Taking his cell out of his pocket, he found her name. Would she answer?

  “Alex?”

  “I see you saved my number,” he said. His insides quivered. She threw him off his rhythm. Why?

  “There’s no emergency if that’s what you mean. Celine is fine.”

  “I’m glad, but...”

  “But what?”

  “I wanted to talk to you.”

  Silence.

  “Zoe?” Did she hang up?

  “What for?”

  He laughed. She was a piece of work, but he... liked it. He liked her. “Tell me more about you. Why did you move to Bridge Point?”

  “Nosy aren’t we?”

  “Just a friendly question.”

  “Change of scenery. What about you? How long have you lived in Bridge Point?”

  Alex swallowed. “After my parents split.”

  “Sorry to hear that.”

  “Not a big deal.”

  “How old were you when they split?” Zoe asked.

  Alex had tried to block those memories out. His jaw set as it all came back. His mother had rushed down the stairs with his father at her heels.

  “I didn’t sign up for this,” his mother had said.

  His father’s expression looked pinched. “This is real life. What did you expect?”

  His mother had flung her arms in the air. “I thou
ght we’d be further along. I can’t live paycheck to paycheck. I told you when we met I wanted to be kept.”

  His father had sighed and reached for his mother. She only stepped back.

  “I can’t do this anymore. You’re not the man I thought you were,” she had said.

  Alex had hidden behind the stairs, listening to his parents’ conversation. His mother didn’t love his father anymore. She only wanted to use him to live a lifestyle she thought she deserved.

  As he grew up, the more Alex saw his mother in the women he dated. They didn’t care about him. All they wanted was what he could do for them. A woman wouldn’t love him for him.

  He learned that lesson with Layla. She had used him to get to his so-called friend. It left Alex devastated.

  “Alex?” Zoe said.

  He blinked. How long had he been quiet on the phone? “Sorry, what was your question?”

  “I guess I shouldn’t have asked.”

  That was a first. “I don’t mind.” He didn’t? Usually, he didn’t share his past with his women. Zoe wasn’t his woman. Was she? Alex wanted her to be. He wanted more.

  “How about you share something with me and I’ll share something of mine.”

  He smiled. “Deal.”

  “Go ahead.”

  He cleared his throat as he crossed the street. “I think I was in middle school when they split. I guess marriage and motherhood weren’t quite what my mother thought she wanted.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Really, I am.”

  “My dad raised me. He owns the mechanic shop in town.”

  “You didn’t take after him?”

  “I know a few things about cars, but music is where my heart is.”

  “That’s good that you’ve found your passion.”

  “Your turn,” he said.

  “I moved to Bridge Point to...”

  “To what?”

  “Make some changes in my life. I’ve made my share of mistakes.”

  Alex nodded. “I won’t ask you for details.”

  “Thank you. That’s all you’re getting.” Was there a hint of humor in Zoe’s voice?

  He chuckled. As he passed by the mom-and-pop businesses, he stopped in front of one restaurant. Looking through the large window, he spotted paintings on the wall along with customers sitting at tables. Alex blinked. Was that his father? A woman sat across from him.

  Alex focused his eyes on them. It was his father. Was he on a date?

  “Alex?” Zoe said.

  He backed away from the window. “I’m here.” He pivoted and walked further down the street.

  Chapter 9

  Zoe peeped over to see Celine was fast asleep in her stroller. She’d been grateful the bookstore carried some options she needed for school. The rest, she would have to purchase online as eBooks. After selecting what she needed, Zoe browsed for her personal reading. What would she choose today?

  She passed the corners and end displays, while customers mumbled around her. Zoe turned the corner with the stroller and scanned the murder mystery section. She grabbed a paperback, the ruffle of pages turning as she browsed the story. The dry scent of paper tickling her nose. Nothing like the smell of a paperback. Placing it back, she continued down the aisle.

  If only she could get Alex off her mind. Perhaps answering the phone wasn’t a good idea. He sounded... interested. So what? Zoe had been through this before. A guy showed interest, but it never lasted.

  Purchasing her books, she exited the bookstore and strolled down the street with Celine still asleep. She passed the well-tended businesses on Main Street: the deli, coffee shop, bakery, and ice cream parlor. Her mouth watered at the sight of the ice cream shop, but she needed to get Celine back to the house for a better nap in her crib. The baby’s head rested in an awkward position.

  By the time she returned to Lisa’s place and placed Celine in her crib, her cell rang. Bailey?

  “You’re not too busy are you?” Bailey asked.

  “No, why?”

  “I wanted to ask if you were coming to the town’s steak cook off tonight.”

  Zoe had seen the flyers on some businesses. She wasn’t used to the small town traditions after living in the city, but it sounded like fun. “I haven’t thought about it.”

  “Well, I’m inviting you,” Bailey said. “The band is using it as our last night of fun since we’re leaving for the tour. You’ve got to come.”

  Zoe checked her watch. Lisa had worked an earlier shift, so it was possible she could make it. “I can try.” Wait a minute? She would have to see Alex. She rolled her eyes at the thought. She was certain the man already had a date.

  “Good! I can’t wait. I think Alex’s dad is cooking. I can’t quite remember. Do you want us to pick you up?” Bailey asked.

  “No, I’ll meet you there.”

  “See you later.” Bailey hung up.

  Zoe returned her phone to her pocket. By the time Lisa made it home, she was ready to crash in bed. Zoe asked would she be attending the cook off, but Lisa preferred an evening at home with her daughter. Zoe then returned to her place for a quick change of clothes, deciding on Capri jeans and an off the shoulder top.

  She listened to the rhythm and blues station on the way, her smile widening at Carl Thomas’ “Don’t Kiss Me.” Cars packed Main Street, but she found a spot to park her car. Trouble was, she had to parallel park. She hadn’t done that since she’d taken the driver’s test.

  Blowing out her cheeks, she lined up with the vehicle beside her and put the car in reverse. She sighed. She turned the wheel too quickly. Pulling forward once more, she tried again.

  Using her side mirrors, she did her best to get close to the curb, but it only made her skin tingle since she had to start over. Too crooked. Then she heard a tap on her hood. She looked in her rearview mirror. Alex. Great.

  She faced forward but let down the window when he came to the driver’s side.

  “Need help?” he asked.

  “I have it.” She put her car in reverse. She bit at her top lip. If only they made this easier.

  “I could be your guide,” Alex said.

  Zoe stopped. She looked out her window again at him. He was alone? She shook her head. His date had to be waiting for him. She even spotted a few townspeople walking down the street. “What do you suggest?” She would hate to miss the cook off due to being unable to park her own car. That would be the talk of the town.

  Alex stood on the sidewalk, using his hand to direct her. His smile reached his eyes. Was he laughing at her? Zoe put the car in park after following his directions. She then cut the engine and got out to meet him on the sidewalk.

  “Nice job,” he said.

  “I would have gotten it.” She adjusted the strap on her wristlet. She wouldn’t carry her purse around today.

  “Sure you would have.” He winked at her.

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Shouldn’t you get back to your date?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What date?”

  She looked around her. “I assumed you brought a date. Famous drummers like you must have dozens of women begging to be with you.”

  “Not you though.” He stepped closer. “You’re not the type, right?” He licked his lips.

  She focused her eyes on him, ignoring the flutters in her chest. “Correct.”

  “You want to know what my type is?” he asked.

  “I didn’t ask.”

  He chuckled. “A woman who’s not afraid to speak her mind. I like it—a lot.”

  Zoe should have walked away. Instead, she gazed into his eyes. His expression was soft, and he skimmed his fingers over his strong jawline. Zoe inhaled.

  “Hey sis!”

  She jerked and turned to see her brother walking hand in hand with Bailey. She hugged her brother, but not before noticing his face tighten. He’d made statements of Alex staying away from her. Zoe hoped he didn’t interfere. She could take care of herself.

  “So glad you could come,” Bai
ley said as she hugged her.

  “Me too. Are the steaks that good?” Zoe asked.

  “The best. Let’s go.” Jackson wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Zoe didn’t dare to look back at Alex.

  Chapter 10

  Zoe thought he brought a date. Why would she assume that? Alex wrung his hands together. Of course she thought that. He didn’t give her a reason to believe otherwise.

  His stomach growled at the smell of smoke from the hissing grill nearby. He passed a few townspeople eating off paper plates, waving to a few of them. Alex stared ahead, careful not to lose Zoe in the crowd. His hands moistened, and he wiped them on the front of his shirt. He needed a distraction. Where was his dad?

  Alex moved through the crowd, spotting his father sitting in a lawn chair, talking with a few of their neighbors. As he focused his eyes on the group, he watched his father throw his head back in laughter. A woman sat next to him. Noelle’s aunt? Was she the woman his father was with the other night?

  Alex paused. His dad had to be kidding. He wasn’t dating her. Was he? Judging by the way Noelle’s aunt placed her hand on top of his, it wasn’t just friendship between them. Alex moved closer.

  His father turned to face him once he spotted his son. “There you are. I thought you changed your mind.”

  Alex stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Can’t miss the town steak cook off.” His eyes diverted to Noelle’s aunt. “Ms. Johnson.”

  She beamed a bright smile. “Alex, great to see you.”

  “You two look like you’re having fun.” Alex wiggled his eyebrows at his dad.

  His father rose from his chair. “Excuse us, Francesca.” He walked over to his son. “What was that about?”

  “You tell me, Dad.”

  His father sighed. They walked further into the street. Between the other laughter and voices around them, no one paid attention to their father and son moment. “It’s new.”

  “What’s new?” Alex asked.

  His father’s eyes softened. “She’s an amazing woman. We’re getting to know each other.”

  “You’re dating?”

  His father nodded.

  Alex’s shoulders drooped. “Are you sure about this?”

  His father folded his arms over his chest. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”