She gave a slight smile. “Why are you telling me?”
“I think deep down, I know it’ll be different with you. Thank you for sharing with me.”
Zoe pressed a palm to her cheek. “You’re welcome. Thank you for telling me.” She swallowed. “Alex?”
“Yeah?”
“If we do this, can we keep it between us for now?”
“I’m not lying to your brother, Zoe,” he said.
“I don’t want you to, but I need to be the one to tell him. Please?”
“Is that what you want?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay. I won’t say a word, but if anyone asks, I’m not lying, Zoe. I won’t lie about how I feel about you.”
“I won’t either.”
“Won’t what?”
“You’re going to make me say it?” she asked, a grin taking over her face.
“I think it’s fair since we both poured our hearts out.”
She rubbed at her shoulder. “I like you, Alex.”
“I like you too, Zoe.”
***
Fans screamed and yelled at Alex’s drum solo. They debuted their latest song, “Now that You’re Here.” The crowd sung along as Bailey waved her hands in the air, standing in front of the mic stand. They sang at the top of their lungs.
An expanded feeling in his chest took over once the music kicked back in with Jackson’s keyboard and Tommy’s guitar. Alex gave everything he had in tonight’s perfor
mance. He hit the last beat, and the cheers only amplified.
He grabbed a towel and wiped his face. Grabbing a bottle of water, he gulped the liquid. He descended the stage as Bailey and Jackson said their last goodbye. Alex returned to his dressing room backstage.
He looked in the mirror. His shirt soaked with sweat, so he grabbed another from his duffel bag. He had a few minutes, so he called Zoe.
“How was the show?” she asked.
His heart perked up. “Amazing. How are you?” He sat on the couch.
“I’m okay. Celine’s asleep.”
“Tell me your favorite food,” he said.
She giggled. “What?”
“What’s your favorite food?”
“Italian food. Why?”
“That’s where we’re going when I get back.”