“It doesn’t excuse hurting you. I take responsibility for that.”
She gave a slight smile. “I guess you are different. You’re the first man to say that to me.”
“We make mistakes. I know I’ve been paying for mine, but like you, I want to do better. Be better.”
She dabbed at her eyes. “Me too. I know there’s love out there for me, but I know now that it starts with me.”
“I pray you find it too. You deserve it.”
“I am pretty great.” She winked at him. That was one thing he liked about Tabitha. Her humor.
Alex smiled and wrung his hands together. “Take care, okay?”
She hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You too.” Tabitha didn’t say another word. Next thing Alex knew, she went back inside her home and closed the door.
Alex turned to walk back to his car. For the first time, his lungs constricted at the pain he had caused the women he had dated. Tabitha wasn’t the first woman, but Alex decided that the last woman in his life would be Zoe.
***
Zoe followed the singing in the halls. Alex said he loved her on the radio. She practically slammed on the brakes when she heard him while leaving Roslyn’s place. Would she have to talk Jackson down? Would he care about them being official?
After seeing Jayden, Zoe felt as free as the winds that caressed the trees. Forgiving herself. She’d never forget that fateful day, but like Jayden, she could turn it around.
She’d taken the steps already. Finishing her degree. Both of her parents were in her life. Her brother’s band was taking off. She lived in Bridge Point; a town that loved her as much as she loved them.
Alex was one of those people too. Turning on the notifications back on her social media, she read the comments about Alex. While some held on to hatred against him, most of his fans came to his rescue.
So a person can’t make a mistake? He apologized. Even his ex said she was bitter. She’s getting help. Why are we so quick to judge with comments?
Can’t we listen to understand rather than having a response all the time? So we can’t speak our peace without being attacked? We can’t agree to disagree and still be civil?
The comment that stuck with Zoe the most was a response to Alex’s ex on Instagram. Wow. So we can’t have opinions anymore? As soon as someone says something, the trolls come out. There are over seven billion people on this planet. We’re not all going to agree! It’s okay. We can have a difference of opinion and still be civil. There’s no reason to hate. Should I hate people that love mustard because I don’t eat it? Should I threaten their life because I think I’m right? No. This woman is healing. Stop bashing her! She’s moving on.
That was the last one she read. After stopping by Alex’s place, Lisa told her he was at the studio.
Zoe entered the control room, spotting Bailey, who smiled. She hugged her, and Zoe noticed the men were in the performance area behind the glass.
“It’s good to see you,” Bailey said.
“You too.” She stared past her future sister-in-law. Alex bobbed his head as he played the drums. Zoe took a cleansing breath.
“Did you hear the interview?” Bailey asked.
“Yes.”
Bailey rubbed at her arms. “Are you okay?”
Zoe nodded. “I’m getting there. Are you guys finished yet? I wanted to talk to Alex.”
Bailey looked behind her. “We’re recording the rest of the music before I add my vocals. I’m not sure when.”
She sighed. “No problem.”
“You could stay. I’m sure your brother will be happy to see you. Alex too,” Bailey said.
Zoe shook her head. She didn’t want to break his concentration. “No, I’ll see you all later. Go ahead and finish.” She backed away and exited the room. Walking back to her car, she stopped in her tracks. She sent a text to his phone.
6:35 P.M... Zoe: Meet me at the park when u can