Jackson nodded, and Zoe escaped to the restroom. She placed both hands on the sink and stared into the mirror. She released a deep breath. When would her parents trust her again? Zoe didn’t need a reminder of her mistakes. They played in her mind every day.
Giving herself something to do, she washed her hands. She stared as the soft soap lathered on her fingers and the water cleansed them clean. If only her mistakes were easier to clean up. Zoe rolled her shoulders back and dried her hands. She didn’t want to keep her brother waiting and cause him to worry too.
Exiting the ladies’ room, she noticed a familiar face in the hallway. Alex? Jackson’s band mate? Great. He was probably with another woman. Zoe scanned the hallway. There was no way to avoid him seeing her.
Then Alex pivoted with his cell in his hand. He raised his chin and locked eyes with her. He grinned. Why did it make Zoe feel like prey and he was ready to strike?
He walked closer. No sense in running now. Zoe played with her long braid and draped it over her shoulder.
“Well my night just got better,” Alex said.
Zoe laughed. “In your dreams.”
She moved past him, but he followed.
“Don’t be like that, beautiful,” he said. He was a major flirt. His smile only grew wider, and he drew closer.
“I appreciate the compliment, but my name’s Zoe,” she said.
He stared as if taken aback, but then he nodded. “I stand corrected, Zoe.”
“On a date?” Her curiosity got the better of her.
“Just checking out a movie,” Alex said.
“Does she know you’re just hanging out? Most women take dates seriously,” Zoe said.
Alex shook his head. “Always expecting a marriage proposal.” Was that sarcasm in his voice?
Zoe’s eyes narrowed at him. Her body temperature rose. “Not all of us. Mostly we want a commitment. We want to know that we matter.” Her forehead wrinkled. Why was she letting him get to her?
He raised his hands in a surrendered gesture. “No need to get upset.”
“I’m not upset. I’m just tired of it all.”
He rubbed at his eyebrow. “I apologize then. Can we agree to disagree?” He extended his hand to her. “Can’t have my band mate’s sister upset with me?”
Zoe took his hand and ignored the electrical jolt that shot up her arm. Did Alex graze her hand with his thumb? She released her grip. The man was impossible.
“Forgive me, Zoe,” he said.
“Nothing to forgive.” She adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “Enjoy your evening. I mean your date or... whatever you’re calling it.”
Alex chuckled. Zoe went to find her brother, refusing to look back.
***
Alex stared after Zoe as she disappeared down the hall. He wanted to know more about her. Did her lips part slightly when they shook hands? Even his own knees felt weak at the touch of her skin.
Even when their conversation took a downward turn, his mouth flooded with moisture when her eyes narrowed at him. The hairs on the nape of his neck rose as her apparent annoyance showed. Zoe. She’d corrected him and said to use her name. Why did Alex find that irresistible?
Alex shook his head. He’d met beautiful women before. He even managed a date with the cashier from the amusement park. Should he have told Zoe he came to the movies alone? Aside from music, movies were his outlet. Another way to unwind.
When his phone buzzed, he saw a name that only made him pull at his collar. Perhaps he needed to cut Tabitha off. He wanted nothing long term.
6:45 P.M... Tabitha: Hope you’re okay
6:48 P.M... Alex: Thanks. I hope you find what you’re looking for