“I thought that was you, but...” His voice shook as if in disbelief.
Zoe hoped her voice didn’t crack. “I heard you were speaking.”
“I’m Roslyn.” Her friend shook Jayden’s hand. He returned the gesture. Then Roslyn turned to Zoe. “I’ll meet you at the car.”
Zoe bobbed her head, leaving her and Jayden alone.
“You look great,” he said. His smile reached his eyes.
“Thanks.” How did she return the compliment? He looked the same, but his small afro was gone. He was bald, his brown skin still smooth, despite a few scars above his eyes. His smile still gleamed. He was still suave as she remembered.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t bother me anymore,” he said, pointing to his wheelchair.
“Are you happy, J?” Her nickname for him came out without her realizing.
He smiled. “No one’s called me that in a long time. Yeah. I’m happy. How about you?”
She exhaled. “I’m getting there. I can’t tell you how sorry I am—”
Jayden shook his head. “Don’t be, Zoe. It was an accident. Besides, that was a long time ago.”
“But I ruined your life.”
Jayden bowed his head for a moment. “I shouldn’t have said that, Zoe.” Then he lifted his gaze. “I had no idea how angry I was. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”
Her chin quivered. Despite the surrounding chatter, she only saw Jayden. After all these years, the weight lifted from her chest. “I’m glad you’re doing well. I heard you got married.”
“Last year. How about you?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Not yet.” Alex’s face flashed in her mind.
Jayden reached out his hand. Zoe took a deep breath but shuffled forward. Clasping his hand in hers, she exhaled. Jayden didn’t speak, but his eyes lowered to their joined hands.
“It’s great seeing you,” Zoe said. An unexpected release of all tension left her body. The anxiety that hung over her like an impenetrable cloud dissipated. Was this what she needed all along?
Jayden’s mouth curved into a smile. “Same to you, Zoe.”
***
Alex read over his post once more. The downside of social media? No matter what he said, there were going to be naysayers. Most of Infinity Signs’ fans defended them on their Facebook account, but their manager, Liam, suggested that he make a public post. Things like this would blow over, but the longer Alex stayed silent, Liam noted the more the public would assume his guilt.
He recognized a few of the names in the comments. Alex didn’t read them all since he didn’t care. All he cared about was Zoe. People could call him a “player,” “liar,” and a “cheater.” He’d made his share of mistakes, but he was changing. If they couldn’t see that, it was the public’s loss. He wouldn’t be the first celebrity to mess up. He wouldn’t be the last.
Alex pressed his fingers to his forehead. One touch of a button, and he would make a public statement. Posted. Done. Infinity Signs had its first interview at the radio station. Alex grabbed his jacket and headed out the door for his car.
No music played in the background. The only sound he wanted to hear was Zoe’s voice, and he would call her later to check on her. Pulling into the parking lot, he cut the engine. The interview started in ten minutes. He had time to spare to clear his mind. Once inside, he made eye contact with Jackson. They hadn’t spoken since he and Tommy showed at his home.
Alex didn’t break his stride but moved forward. Jackson didn’t speak. Bailey and Noelle appeared from behind the corner, while Tommy sipped from a Styrofoam cup.
“You guys can come in now.” A woman invited them inside the room. Alex shook her hand as she introduced herself as Miranda, the host of the show. He returned the gesture, took his seat, and adjusted his headphones on his head along with the microphone in front of him. Noelle stood outside, looking through the glass. Tommy sat next to Alex, while Bailey and Jackson sat adjacent to Miranda.
The interview started with questions of how they formed their band, but Miranda then asked Jackson and Bailey about their relationship.
“I’m excited about the future,” Bailey said, looking lovingly at her fiancé. “I love that we share a love for music, which carried over into bringing us closer together.”
Miranda seemed to beam at their love story. “When’s the wedding?”