“We don’t want to leave you out,” Bailey said.
Alex smiled. Jackson picked a wonderful woman. If only he was that fortunate. “I’ll be fine. I’m tired anyway.”
“See you later,” Tommy said.
Alex waved goodnight and headed to his car. By the time he started the engine, his cell rang. Alex connected it to his Bluetooth. Aunt Pam?
“You home yet?” she asked.
“Heading there now. Why?”
“How did rehearsal go?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Fine. Are you checking up on me?”
“You’re the closest thing I have to a son, so yes.”
Alex couldn’t agree more. Since he and Lisa were only six months apart, they grew up like brother and sister. Aunt Pam had been a blessing from Heaven when Alex’s mother left him and his father. He would always love her for being the mother he always wanted.
“I’m on my way home, Aunt Pam. Don’t worry.”
“I should worry. I won’t see any of your exes again, will I?”
Alex’s stomach churned. It had only been one time. He and one of his exes got into an argument and of all places, at his aunt’s diner. Much to his benefit, the woman moved from Bridge Point. While the situation didn’t escalate into something worse, Alex didn’t bring dates to his aunt’s diner anymore.
“No ma’am, you won’t. I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Have you?” Aunt Pam asked.
Alex tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he waited at a traffic light. “Aunt Pam, don’t start.”
She sighed. “All I’m saying is, what are you proving? I haven’t seen you steady with one girl in a lifetime.”
“That’s not me.” He’d been committed to bachelor life. Sure it was lonely, but he’d rather be lonely than with another manipulative woman. A mirthless laugh escaped his lips. High school didn’t count. She wasn’t a full grown woman yet, but it didn’t hurt any less. That was the problem, and his heart had been shattered.
“Alex? I know you have a good heart, and if you gave it a chance, you’d find a woman who will love that heart.”
He adjusted in his seat. “Aunt Pam. I’m good. Tell you what, if I meet her, I’ll let you know. Okay?”
“Fine, I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to. You’re just like your father. Stubborn as a mule.”
Alex chuckled as he turned onto his street. “I wouldn’t be too sure. He may surprise us.”
“I’m not one to gossip, but I think there’s something going on with him and Francesca Johnson. She has a niece, right?”
“Noelle. She’s Tommy’s girlfriend.” Alex parked in his driveway and cut the engine. His Bluetooth transferred the call back to his cell. He exhaled. He couldn’t stop his dad from dating, but was that a smart thing to do? Noelle’s aunt seemed nice, but what if she hurt him? Alex rubbed at his forehead. He could barely protect himself. He didn’t want to pick up the pieces if his dad ended up hurt again. “I don’t know if that’s true, but keep it to yourself, auntie.”
She laughed. “I won’t tell anyone. I’m not one to gossip.”
“Yeah, right.” He looked over at Lisa’s place. Zoe’s car was in the driveway. Lisa must have had a late shift. Alex rubbed at his chin. Would she let him in if he wanted to visit? He could see Celine anytime he wanted to. Though he had a key, perhaps it was best to knock.
Alex slid out of his car and locked it. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Are you checking in on Zoe?”
Alex stopped in his tracks. “Why?”
“Just making sure, in case Celine’s turned off her charm and started getting fussy.”