Thinking of Zoe
Page 13
She gave a slight smile. “I guess you are different. You’re the first man to say that to me.”
“We make mistakes. I know I’ve been paying for mine, but like you, I want to do better. Be better.”
She dabbed at her eyes. “Me too. I know there’s love out there for me, but I know now that it starts with me.”
“I pray you find it too. You deserve it.”
“I am pretty great.” She winked at him. That was one thing he liked about Tabitha. Her humor.
Alex smiled and wrung his hands together. “Take care, okay?”
She hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You too.” Tabitha didn’t say another word. Next thing Alex knew, she went back inside her home and closed the door.
Alex turned to walk back to his car. For the first time, his lungs constricted at the pain he had caused the women he had dated. Tabitha wasn’t the first woman, but Alex decided that the last woman in his life would be Zoe.
***
Zoe followed the singing in the halls. Alex said he loved her on the radio. She practically slammed on the brakes when she heard him while leaving Roslyn’s place. Would she have to talk Jackson down? Would he care about them being official?
After seeing Jayden, Zoe felt as free as the winds that caressed the trees. Forgiving herself. She’d never forget that fateful day, but like Jayden, she could turn it around.
She’d taken the steps already. Finishing her degree. Both of her parents were in her life. Her brother’s band was taking off. She lived in Bridge Point; a town that loved her as much as she loved them.
Alex was one of those people too. Turning on the notifications back on her social media, she read the comments about Alex. While some held on to hatred against him, most of his fans came to his rescue.
So a person can’t make a mistake? He apologized. Even his ex said she was bitter. She’s getting help. Why are we so quick to judge with comments?
Can’t we listen to understand rather than having a response all the time? So we can’t speak our peace without being attacked? We can’t agree to disagree and still be civil?
The comment that stuck with Zoe the most was a response to Alex’s ex on Instagram. Wow. So we can’t have opinions anymore? As soon as someone says something, the trolls come out. There are over seven billion people on this planet. We’re not all going to agree! It’s okay. We can have a difference of opinion and still be civil. There’s no reason to hate. Should I hate people that love mustard because I don’t eat it? Should I threaten their life because I think I’m right? No. This woman is healing. Stop bashing her! She’s moving on.
That was the last one she read. After stopping by Alex’s place, Lisa told her he was at the studio.
Zoe entered the control room, spotting Bailey, who smiled. She hugged her, and Zoe noticed the men were in the performance area behind the glass.
“It’s good to see you,” Bailey said.
“You too.” She stared past her future sister-in-law. Alex bobbed his head as he played the drums. Zoe took a cleansing breath.
“Did you hear the interview?” Bailey asked.
“Yes.”
Bailey rubbed at her arms. “Are you okay?”
Zoe nodded. “I’m getting there. Are you guys finished yet? I wanted to talk to Alex.”
Bailey looked behind her. “We’re recording the rest of the music before I add my vocals. I’m not sure when.”
She sighed. “No problem.”
“You could stay. I’m sure your brother will be happy to see you. Alex too,” Bailey said.
Zoe shook her head. She didn’t want to break his concentration. “No, I’ll see you all later. Go ahead and finish.” She backed away and exited the room. Walking back to her car, she stopped in her tracks. She sent a text to his phone.
6:35 P.M... Zoe: Meet me at the park when u can
Zoe drove in silence after hitting the send button. Alex didn’t respond. By the time she made it to the park, the sun was setting. She noticed the silhouettes of trees as she took a stroll. By the time she made it to the bridge, she clutched her cell. Still no word.
Her muscles twitched. Should she call him? No. Zoe stuffed her phone inside her pocket. He would come.
“You waiting for me?”
Pivoting, she saw Alex. She couldn’t hold back her squeal, which only made them run to each other. Alex caressed her back, holding her to his chest.
He whispered in her hair. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too.”
“About the interview—”
“I have something to tell you first.”
“Okay.”
“I um... saw my ex.”
Alex didn’t respond.
Zoe continued. “He’s a motivational speaker. I saw him on stage encourage hundreds of people from a wheelchair.” She shrugged. “I honestly thought I ruined his life. I didn’t... I didn’t want to ruin yours. It wasn’t just your past, I had some baggage too I needed to work through.”
“You feel better?”
Zoe rubbed his shoulders. “Much better.”
She focused her eyes on him. Raising his hand, he cupped her cheek, trailing his fingers along her jawline.
She said, “Now, about this interview…”
“You have no idea how beautiful you are,” he said.
She blinked. “Alex, I…”
He drew closer, and her knees weakened at the smell of his cologne. Alex kissed the space behind her ear. Zoe’s breath caught. She couldn’t think with his gentle touches.
“Alex?”
“Yes.” He brushed her lips with his.
“You’re distracting me and I’m trying to have a heartfelt conversation. About the interview—”
“I love you.”
Her chest swelled. He did mean it.
“It wasn’t a slip up if that’s what you thought. I love you, Zoe Mills.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I think I’ve loved you the first time I saw you. I don’t care where you’ve been or what you’ve done. You’re the woman I’m in love with. That’ll never change.”
She hugged his neck tight. Alex didn’t let go. He loved her the way she was. Her past didn’t matter to him, and his didn’t matter to her. They were here now.
“I love you too,” she said in his ear.
Alex pulled back to face her. He never lost his grip on her waist. “You do? Really?”
She giggled, shaking her head at him. “Really? We’re playing this game now?”
“I don’t think it’s asking too much since you gave me the run around,” he said.
“I gave you the what?”
He grinned. She loved that he was teasing her. “I mean, there I was in the hallway. They could have called the police on me, but I stayed. I’m glad you opened the door. That was a news special waiting to happen. #3monthAlex would have been #stalkerAlex.”
Zoe giggled.
Then his eyes turned serious. “For the first time in my life, I didn’t care about my fears. I didn’t care that they dragged my name through the mud on social media. The only opinion I wanted was yours.”
Her mouth twisted into a grin. “I love you.”
He kissed her mouth and traced her lips with his thumb. “I love you too.” Alex lowered his mouth to hers once more. Zoe dug her fingers into his shirt, wanting him closer.
Bonus Scene
Bailey watch Zoe leaned into Alex’s embrace, as he wrapped his arms around her. She was glad they worked things out, and even more grateful that Jackson supported their relationship.
She faced Jackson. Her husband. They were sharing their dance as husband and wife. The ceremony was held at Bridge Point Community church with both the bride and groom’s family in attendance. They kept the ceremony simple, but allowed the town to gift them with a reception.
He held her close by her waist. “You look amazing.”
She smiled. “You said that already. Twice.”
“It’s true, Mrs. Mills.”
Jackson cocked his head to give her better access and kissed her back. The crowd cheered and whistled. When they broke the kiss, Bailey looked at her friends and family who clapped for their happiness.
The lights twinkled above them as the music enveloped them. “Her” by Isaac Carree blasted through the speakers. Jackson mouthed a few words to her, and her skin prickled. Was that a buzz? He promised he would turn off his phone.
She raised an eyebrow. “Jackson?”
He took his phone out of his pocket. “It’s a text from Liam.” Jackson’s eyes widened. “I have to take this, Babe.”
“Is something wrong?”
“I don’t know.” Jackson walked to the corner of the room.
“Everything okay?” Noelle asked. Her friend gave her a side hug.
“Not sure. He said it was Liam.”
Zoe came around them and hugged her sister-in-law. “Is Jackson okay?”
“He didn’t say. I’m sure it’s fine. I just hope it’s not another tour. I at least want a honeymoon,” Bailey said.
Next thing she knew, Jackson walked over to them. Tommy joined them.
Her husband sighed. “We got a problem.”
“Like what?” Tommy asked. Noelle walked over and touched his arm. He seemed to breathe easier.
Bailey stared at Jackson. He rubbed the back of his head and stuffed his phone inside his pocket. He bit at his lips. She froze in place.
“Liam called,” he said. “He wants to meet with us. Moore Records is merging with another label.”
“That’s a good thing, right?” Bailey asked. Her husband didn’t answer. Bailey swallowed. “What does that mean for us?”
“Who’s the other label?” Tommy asked.
“That’s what Liam says they want to talk to us about.” Jackson sighed again. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this. He didn’t sound like himself.”
“Why’s that? We’re good with them. The album sales are great. Haven’t we sold out almost all our concerts?” Alex asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t like it though,” Jackson said.
Bailey’s chest heaved. She hoped Jackson was wrong. The band was gaining momentum. Merging labels was a good thing. Wasn’t it?
To be continued in Something about Bailey Coming Soon!
###
Thank you for taking the time to read my book! If you enjoyed Thinking of Zoe, please leave a review at any of your favorite retailers.
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Daria
About the Author
Daria started writing as a teenager. Since she loves romance novels, she figured why not write them too? She graduated with a degree in health care management, so writing was not in the cards for her. It’s rare that you won’t catch her reading. Aside from that, she loves Turner Classic Movies, painting, Pilates, the piano, and chocolate.
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Thank You from Daria
Wow! Bridge Point only gets better the more I write about it. I thought for sure it was over, but more stories are coming to mind to write. I’m not sure how much more is coming, but stick around for more in the Bridge Point Romance Series! Thank you for loving these stories as much as I enjoy writing them!
Again, if you enjoyed this story, please take a few minutes to leave a review. If it’s only a few words, it’s perfectly fine with me. Unbelievably, it helps other readers to decide if they want to read my work or not. I look forward to sharing the next story with you. There’s more to come!
God Bless,
Daria
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