He winked at her. “I know. I’m kidding.”
She threw a napkin at him. “Not funny.”
The group laughed.
“I’ll send pictures and videos, Zoe.” Noelle said. “Don’t worry. You won’t miss a moment.”
Zoe smiled. “Thank you.”
“You have everything you need for your classes?” Alex asked.
She looked over at him. Her lips parted as if she was surprised that he asked her. “I think so. Between the school’s online bookstore and what I found here, I’ll be fine.”
“Good,” Alex said. Did his voice lower? He didn’t intend for it to, but the way Zoe’s eyes glossed over undid him. He looked away, only to catch Jackson staring. With her brother’s eyes narrowing at him, Alex didn’t have to wonder what Jackson was thinking.
***
“Hurry up and eat.” Zoe washed the dishes in her sink.
Jackson finished the last of the chicken Alfredo she had made. Just like her brother to visit on the nights she cooked. Only tonight, Lisa got called in to cover for a co-worker at the hospital, so Zoe needed to leave soon.
“Give me a minute,” her brother said. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
She eyeballed him. “I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself while you’re out on the road.”
He handed her his plate.
She pointed to the sink. “Wash your own.”
He winked at her. “Just checking. Mom rubbed off on you.”
She dried her hands with a dish towel. “I was grateful when we got a dishwasher, but it did teach us to take care of our stuff. I had a nasty roommate my freshman year in college. The girl would throw away real plates.”
Jackson’s nose wrinkled. “Disgusting.” His hand glided over his plate as he washed it with the towel. “Talked to Mom recently?” He turned off the running water.
“Not since we...” She raised an eyebrow. “Why? She called you?”
“No, I just wondered.”
“Why? I haven’t done anything.” She huffed, folding her arms over her chest
. “Does everyone think I’m a lost cause?”
Her brother sighed and step closer. He rested his strong hands on her shoulders. “No, I don’t. Calm down. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She shrugged. Yet Zoe couldn’t hide her irritation. “You just don’t trust me? I thought at least you would despite Mom needing more time.”
“I can’t speak for Mom or Dad.” He dropped his hands to his side.
“You’ve seen my progress, Jackson. I’m back in school. I have my own place. A job that pays well. What more can I do?”
Jackson rubbed at his eyebrow. “I don’t know, but can you do me a favor?”
“What?”
“I think its best you keep away from Alex.”
Her mouth fell open. “Why? We’re not dating. I only see him when I’m at his cousin’s house.”