Did she want closure? Why did most women always want closure? It was over between them. End of story.
He only nodded.
“Good luck, Alex. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for.” With that, Jacqueline walked away.
Alex pushed away his plate, his stomach souring. He didn’t deceive any of the women he had dated. He always told the truth. Alex wasn’t looking for anything serious.
Why did Jacqueline think she could change his mind? Sure, she was a wonderful woman, but that didn’t mean he wanted long term with her. Alex ran his hand down his cheek.
“Can I get you anything else?”
His eyes noticed the server at his table. Her eyes sparkled.
Alex licked his lips. Did she gasp? “No, beautiful. Thank you.” He wouldn’t let his past with Jacqueline ruin his night.
Chapter 3
Zoe stared at the marquis listing the movies and show times. When Jackson called and asked her to hang out, she figured their mother called and told him to check up on her. Zoe didn’t mind hanging out with her older brother. Ever since Tony’s death, they were more intentional about spending time together.
“Nothing too mushy, please,” Jackson said.
She hugged his waist. “Aww, you don’t want to cry like you did last time.”
He peeled her hands away. Zoe giggled.
“I wasn’t crying. Allergies.”
“Okay, I’ll buy it. For now.”
He pointed to the marquis. “Pick something, please.”
Zoe compromised with an action/adventure film, and Jackson paid the cashier behind the glassed-in box. Once inside, popcorn, butter, and salt greeted her nose. Shoes clacked against the tile floors as people walked.
“Popcorn?” Jackson asked.
“Sure,” she said. She squinted her eyes at him. “Who put you up to this? Mom?”
Jackson swallowed. “She’s worried about you.”
Zoe sighed. “Still? Jack, admit it, I’m doing fine on my own.”
“Mom knows that. So does Dad.”
“And you?”
He looked at her, and his eyes softened. “They just want to be sure you don’t...”
“Don’t what?” Zoe tapped her foot on the floor. “I get it. They’re waiting for me to mess up again.”
Her brother shook his head. “I didn’t say that, Z.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “You didn’t have to.”
Once he bought their snacks, and the attendant checked their tickets, Zoe walked beside her brother. She paused.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I’ll meet you there. I need to use the ladies’ room.”