“I moved to Bridge Point to...”
“To what?”
“Make some changes in my life. I’ve made my share of mistakes.”
Alex nodded. “I won’t ask you for details.”
“Thank you. That’s all you’re getting.” Was there a hint of humor in Zoe’s voice?
He chuckled. As he passed by the mom-and-pop businesses, he stopped in front of one restaurant. Looking through the large window, he spotted paintings on the wall along with customers sitting at tables. Alex blinked. Was that his father? A woman sat across from him.
Alex focused his eyes on them. It was his father. Was he on a date?
“Alex?” Zoe said.
He backed away from the window. “I’m here.” He pivoted and walked further down the street.
Chapter 9
Zoe peeped over to see Celine was fast asleep in her stroller. She’d been grateful the bookstore carried some options she needed for school. The rest, she would have to purchase online as eBooks. After selecting what she needed, Zoe browsed for her personal reading. What would she choose today?
She passed the corners and end displays, while customers mumbled around her. Zoe turned the corner with the stroller and scanned the murder mystery section. She grabbed a paperback, the ruffle of pages turning as she browsed the story. The dry scent of paper tickling her nose. Nothing like the smell of a paperback. Placing it back, she continued down the aisle.
If only she could get Alex off her mind. Perhaps answering the phone wasn’t a good idea. He sounded... interested. So what? Zoe had been through this before. A guy showed interest, but it never lasted.
Purchasing her books, she exited the bookstore and strolled down the street with Celine still asleep. She passed the well-tended businesses on Main Street: the deli, coffee shop, bakery, and ice cream parlor. Her mouth watered at the sight of the ice cream shop, but she needed to get Celine back to the house for a better nap in her crib. The baby’s head rested in an awkward position.
By the time she returned to Lisa’s place and placed Celine in her crib, her cell rang. Bailey?
“You’re not too busy are you?” Bailey asked.
“No, why?”
“I wanted to ask if you were coming to the town’s steak cook off tonight.”
Zoe had seen the flyers on some businesses. She wasn’t used to the small town traditions after living in the city, but it sounded like fun. “I haven’t thought about it.”
“Well, I’m inviting you,” Bailey said. “The band is using it as our last night of fun since we’re leaving for the tour. You’ve got to come.”
Zoe checked her watch. Lisa had worked an earlier shift, so it was possible she could make it. “I can try.” Wait a minute? She would have to see Alex. She rolled her eyes at the thought. She was certain the man already had a date.
“Good! I can’t wait. I think Alex’s dad is cooking. I can’t quite remember. Do you want us to pick you up?” Bailey asked.
“No, I’ll meet you there.”
“See you later.” Bailey hung up.
Zoe returned her phone to her pocket. By the time Lisa made it home, she was ready to crash in bed. Zoe asked would she be attending the cook off, but Lisa preferred an evening at home with her daughter. Zoe then returned to her place for a quick change of clothes, deciding on Capri jeans and an off the shoulder top.
She listened to the rhythm and blues station on the way, her smile widening at Carl Thomas’ “Don’t Kiss Me.” Cars packed Main Street, but she found a spot to park her car. Trouble was, she had to parallel park. She hadn’t done that since she’d taken the driver’s test.
Blowing out her cheeks, she lined up with the vehicle beside her and put the car in reverse. She sighed. She turned the wheel too quickly. Pulling forward once more, she tried again.
Using her side mirrors, she did her best to get close to the curb, but it only made her skin tingle since she had to start over. Too crooked. Then she heard a tap on her hood. She looked in her rearview mirror. Alex. Great.
She faced forward but let down the window when he came to the driver’s side.
“Need help?” he asked.