Chapter 1
Zoe could turn her life around. She’d made progress already. Sitting in a comfortable chair in Dr. Burns’ office, she squeezed the pillow on her lap. Despite the times she had been before, she could never get past the leather and upholstery scents in the air.
She stared at Dr. Burns’ small fountain on her wooden desk, the trickling water filling the background. Zoe sighed. Today was the day. She decided what to do.
Dr. Burns adjusted her glasses. “You told the Hayes family of your plans?”
Zoe nodded. “My last day with them was yesterday. Though their twins are only ten months, I think they knew I wasn’t coming back.”
“Are your nanny days behind you?” Dr. Burns asked.
“Right now they are. I want to finish school.”
“And you believe online is the best approach? At least for now?” Dr. Burns never failed with asking questions, always wanting Zoe to think things through.
“I think... I want to finish online. Being on campus...” She paused. The thickness in her throat increased, but she continued. “It’s for the best.”
Dr. Burns gave a bright smile. She flipped her medium length blonde hair and rested her manicured hands in her lap. “I’m happy for you, Zoe. Have you told your parents your plans?”
She shook her head. “They only know I’m moving back to Bridge Point.”
“Good. I think you’ve proven yourself enough already.”
The corners of Zoe’s mouth turned up. She hadn’t told her parents of her visits with Dr. Burns. They wouldn’t understand. Not only did her salary as a nanny pay for her therapy sessions, but Zoe could take care of herself without the help of her parents. Working for an NFL football player and his entrepreneurial wife for almost a year paid well.
The Mills family didn’t believe in therapy, not even after losing her oldest brother, Tony. They “moved on” with their lives. Zoe twisted her earring. She’d tell them later, once she proved herself.
“I’ll tell them the rest later.” She set the pillow to the side. “I have to get going, if I’ll make it to Bridge Point by this evening.”
Dr. Burns rose to her feet, her height towering over Zoe in her five-inch heels. “Keep in touch. I’m here for you.” She bent to hug her patient.
Zoe blew out her cheeks, refusing to cry. “Thank you. You’ve helped me more than you know.”
She exited Dr. Burns’ office and walked across the parking lot to her Chevrolet Sonic. Connecting her Bluetooth to her car, she called her mother.
“How’s my baby girl?” her father answered.
“Dad? Hi? Where’s Mom?” she asked, buckling her seatbelt.
“She stepped away for a moment. How are you?”
“I’m okay. I’m all packed for Bridge Point.”
“Are you sure about this? You know how your mother’s—”
“Jackson is there, so I won’t be alone. It’s better than... you know.”
Her father sighed. “I know. I’m happy you’re doing what’s best for you. Here’s your mother. Love you.”
“Love you,” Zoe said as she rested her head against the headrest.
“Hi, honey?” her mother said, her voice sounding chipper.
“Hey. I wanted you to know I’m leaving for Bridge Point. I should be there by this evening.”
“Call your brother as soon as you get there,” her mother said, her protective tone coming through the speakers.
Zoe laughed. “I’m not a little girl anymore, Mom.”
“I know but I want to make sure you... get there safely.”
Zoe ignored the flashbacks. Dr. Burns told her when they came, she needed to focus on the present. She didn’t have to deny her past, but she couldn’t let it hold her back anymore. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll call him.”
“It does,” her mother said.
Zoe tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “I’ll let you know when I get there.” With that, she hung up with her mother. She needed to get on the highway to Bridge Point.
Chapter 2
Zoe’s stomach growled at the meat grilling and the onions frying at Pam’s Diner. She managed to get a job as a waitress, while settling into her new apartment. She wasn’t too far from her brother’s place. He made sure of it.
The stools squeaked at the counter as truckers sat in their seats. Zoe added Pam’s famous blueberry pie to the whiteboard of daily specials. Wiping her hands on her apron, she headed back to her customers. Mr. Baxter’s eyes sparkled. The man was only sixty-four, but he was handsome as ever, resembling the classic movie star Steve McQueen.
“One more cup for the road, Zoe,” he said.
Zoe poured more coffee inside his mug. Though she’d only been at Pam’s Diner for two weeks, the regulars of the place already embraced and treated her like family. No wonder Jackson moved back to Bridge Point.
“There you go,” Zoe said. “Anything else?”
“How about Pam’s blueberry pie to-go?” He winked at her.
Zoe giggled. “I’ll have that for you in a minute.”
The bell jingled, signaling more customers. Zoe lifted her eyes to see her brother and his new fiancé. She held up a finger, and Jackson nodded, realizing she needed a minute. After serving Mr. Baxter his pie and receiving payment for his meal, Zoe walked over to visit with her brother. The rush of customers were dying down.
Jackson stood and hugged her ti
ght. “How’s your day going?”
Zoe patted his back and moved on to hug Bailey. “Busy. How are you two?” She sat across from them in the booth.
Bailey tucked her hand in Jackson’s. “Well... our tour’s been extended!”
Zoe’s eyes widened. “Seriously!”
Jackson nodded. “We can’t believe it either. It’s not national yet, but not only are we booked again in Houston and Dallas, we got San Antonio and Austin this time around. Ticket sales are crazy according to Liam.”
Zoe grinned, recalling meeting their manager. “That’s exciting. I’m happy for you both.”