“Did you always want to be a drummer?” she asked, reclining on her gray sofa. She adjusted some of the decorative pillows against her back. Why was it easy to talk to him?
“Not always.” He cleared his throat. “Can I be honest?”
“Sure.”
“I wasn’t popular in school. I was the...”
“Nerd? Geek?”
He laughed. “I think people would call that offensive today, but yes. I took advanced placement classes, mostly.”
“Smart guy,” she said. Was she grinning? Zoe shook it off. “When did the drums come along?”
“I’ve been playing since I was three or four but I didn’t take it seriously until middle school. I tried out for the school band, and things skyrocketed from there. Next thing I know, Tommy’s introducing me to your brother.”
Zoe swallowed. Was Jackson in earshot of Alex? Did he know he was talking to her? She ignored her quivering insides. She could make her own decisions. She focused on their conversation. “And playing the drums changed how people saw you.”
“Especially the ladies. I went from geek to bad boy overnight. I’ll admit. I liked the attention.”
“Has much changed since then?” Why did she ask that? It didn’t. Alex was only talking to her because she was the one who had his attention. As soon as something better came along, he would leave. Zoe ran a hand down her face. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I know my past isn’t perfect, Zoe.” Alex sighed. “I don’t know what you think of me, but I want you to know that I...”
“You what?” She sat up on the sofa.
“I meant what I said at Lisa’s place. I want to get to know you. Date you. You’re what I want.”
“For now?”
“Zoe, don’t assume the worst. I know nowadays most men string women along with no destination in sight. I’ve been that guy, but that was until... you. I think you’re amazing.”
She fell silent. He sounded sincere. He couldn’t have been lying.
“Zoe?”
Her heart rate quickened. Dr. Burns’ words flooded her mind. Should she give Alex a chance? “I’m not what you think I am.”
“What?” he sounded confused.
“I moved to Bridge Point, Alex, to start fresh. I was... reckless at one time in my life. I made some terrible choices. Between Jackson and my parents, I don’t think they trust me. I don’t blame them.” She heard a rustling noise. “Alex?”
“I’m here. Just sitting up on this couch. Go on.”
She blew out her cheeks. “I dated this one guy in college. We were wrong for each other, but I didn’t think that then. I was in love and refused to listen to my parents. We went partying one night and had too much to drink. I ended up driving us back to campus, but... we got into a wreck. I had a few scratches, but he was... paralyzed from the waist down.”
“Wow,” Alex said, as if her story took him by surprise.
“I’ve blamed myself ever since. He hated me for it.” Her voice broke, and she wiped a tear from her face. “I don’t want...”
“You think we’ll be a mistake?” he asked.
Her words must have crushed him. “Please try to understand, Alex.”
“I do,” he said. He was quiet for a moment. “I guess I thought the same thing.”
Her eyebrows shot up. She sniffled. “You did?”
“My Mom leaving damaged me, Zoe.” He paused but continued. “It broke my Dad. I haven’t seen her since, but between that and my high school girlfriend leaving me for someone else, I kept my relationships... shallow.” A mirthless laugh escaped his lips. “I’ve never told anyone that. It’s been a while since I... talked to a woman like this.”