Thinking of Zoe Read online

  Thinking of Zoe

  A Bridge Point Romance

  Daria White

  (A Sweet Romance Novella)

  Thinking of Zoe

  Daria White

  Copyright © Daria White 2020

  All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this eBook may be copied or sold. This eBook is fiction. All characters, locations, and situations are purely fictional, coincidental, and for entertainment only.

  Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable, right to access and read the text of this book. Except for reviews or in promotional posts or similar uses, no part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Bonus Scene

  About the Author

  Stay in Touch

  Thanks from Daria

  Thinking of Zoe

  (A Sweet Romance Novella)

  Chapter 1

  Zoe could turn her life around. She’d made progress already. Sitting in a comfortable chair in Dr. Burns’ office, she squeezed the pillow on her lap. Despite the times she had been before, she could never get past the leather and upholstery scents in the air.

  She stared at Dr. Burns’ small fountain on her wooden desk, the trickling water filling the background. Zoe sighed. Today was the day. She decided what to do.

  Dr. Burns adjusted her glasses. “You told the Hayes family of your plans?”

  Zoe nodded. “My last day with them was yesterday. Though their twins are only ten months, I think they knew I wasn’t coming back.”

  “Are your nanny days behind you?” Dr. Burns asked.

  “Right now they are. I want to finish school.”

  “And you believe online is the best approach? At least for now?” Dr. Burns never failed with asking questions, always wanting Zoe to think things through.

  “I think... I want to finish online. Being on campus...” She paused. The thickness in her throat increased, but she continued. “It’s for the best.”

  Dr. Burns gave a bright smile. She flipped her medium length blonde hair and rested her manicured hands in her lap. “I’m happy for you, Zoe. Have you told your parents your plans?”

  She shook her head. “They only know I’m moving back to Bridge Point.”

  “Good. I think you’ve proven yourself enough already.”

  The corners of Zoe’s mouth turned up. She hadn’t told her parents of her visits with Dr. Burns. They wouldn’t understand. Not only did her salary as a nanny pay for her therapy sessions, but Zoe could take care of herself without the help of her parents. Working for an NFL football player and his entrepreneurial wife for almost a year paid well.

  The Mills family didn’t believe in therapy, not even after losing her oldest brother, Tony. They “moved on” with their lives. Zoe twisted her earring. She’d tell them later, once she proved herself.

  “I’ll tell them the rest later.” She set the pillow to the side. “I have to get going, if I’ll make it to Bridge Point by this evening.”

  Dr. Burns rose to her feet, her height towering over Zoe in her five-inch heels. “Keep in touch. I’m here for you.” She bent to hug her patient.

  Zoe blew out her cheeks, refusing to cry. “Thank you. You’ve helped me more than you know.”

  She exited Dr. Burns’ office and walked across the parking lot to her Chevrolet Sonic. Connecting her Bluetooth to her car, she called her mother.

  “How’s my baby girl?” her father answered.

  “Dad? Hi? Where’s Mom?” she asked, buckling her seatbelt.

  “She stepped away for a moment. How are you?”

  “I’m okay. I’m all packed for Bridge Point.”

  “Are you sure about this? You know how your mother’s—”

  “Jackson is there, so I won’t be alone. It’s better than... you know.”

  Her father sighed. “I know. I’m happy you’re doing what’s best for you. Here’s your mother. Love you.”

  “Love you,” Zoe said as she rested her head against the headrest.

  “Hi, honey?” her mother said, her voice sounding chipper.

  “Hey. I wanted you to know I’m leaving for Bridge Point. I should be there by this evening.”

  “Call your brother as soon as you get there,” her mother said, her protective tone coming through the speakers.

  Zoe laughed. “I’m not a little girl anymore, Mom.”

  “I know but I want to make sure you... get there safely.”

  Zoe ignored the flashbacks. Dr. Burns told her when they came, she needed to focus on the present. She didn’t have to deny her past, but she couldn’t let it hold her back anymore. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll call him.”

  “It does,” her mother said.

  Zoe tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “I’ll let you know when I get there.” With that, she hung up with her mother. She needed to get on the highway to Bridge Point.

  Chapter 2

  Zoe’s stomach growled at the meat grilling and the onions frying at Pam’s Diner. She managed to get a job as a waitress, while settling into her new apartment. She wasn’t too far from her brother’s place. He made sure of it.

  The stools squeaked at the counter as truckers sat in their seats. Zoe added Pam’s famous blueberry pie to the whiteboard of daily specials. Wiping her hands on her apron, she headed back to her customers. Mr. Baxter’s eyes sparkled. The man was only sixty-four, but he was handsome as ever, resembling the classic movie star Steve McQueen.

  “One more cup for the road, Zoe,” he said.

  Zoe poured more coffee inside his mug. Though she’d only been at Pam’s Diner for two weeks, the regulars of the place already embraced and treated her like family. No wonder Jackson moved back to Bridge Point.

  “There you go,” Zoe said. “Anything else?”

  “How about Pam’s blueberry pie to-go?” He winked at her.

  Zoe giggled. “I’ll have that for you in a minute.”

  The bell jingled, signaling more customers. Zoe lifted her eyes to see her brother and his new fiancé. She held up a finger, and Jackson nodded, realizing she needed a minute. After serving Mr. Baxter his pie and receiving payment for his meal, Zoe walked over to visit with her brother. The rush of customers were dying down.

  Jackson stood and hugged her ti
ght. “How’s your day going?”

  Zoe patted his back and moved on to hug Bailey. “Busy. How are you two?” She sat across from them in the booth.

  Bailey tucked her hand in Jackson’s. “Well... our tour’s been extended!”

  Zoe’s eyes widened. “Seriously!”

  Jackson nodded. “We can’t believe it either. It’s not national yet, but not only are we booked again in Houston and Dallas, we got San Antonio and Austin this time around. Ticket sales are crazy according to Liam.”

  Zoe grinned, recalling meeting their manager. “That’s exciting. I’m happy for you both.”

  “You like your new place?” Bailey asked. “Let me know if you need help to unpack anything else.”

  They both had done so much for her already, even bringing in Tommy and Noelle to help. Alex didn’t show. Zoe rubbed the back of her neck. She didn’t care if he showed up. He probably was on a date with another woman.

  “I think I got it. Plus, I don’t want to impose on you two,” she said.

  Jackson’s eyebrows furrowed. “We want to help. How’s that imposing?”

  Zoe tilted her head to the side. “I can take care of myself, big brother.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her, but a slight smile gave him away. “Okay, I won’t push.” He pointed at her. “But you need to make sure you—”

  “If I need anything, I’ll call you,” she said, finishing his sentence.

  “I think she can handle it, Babe,” Bailey said.

  “Women sticking together, I see.” He gestured between the two of them.

  Zoe took the opportunity to high-five her future sister-in-law.

  ***

  “Where are you?” Zoe rummaged inside her purse for her cell phone. She stood outside of Bridge Point’s bookstore. The breeze stirred her long curls and slid across her cheeks. Roslyn’s, her friend from college, face showed on the screen.

  “I can’t believe you left me here in Houston,” Roslyn said.

  Zoe laughed. “You could come to Bridge Point. It’s not so bad here.”

  “Small town life? Maybe, but I like the city life. How’s your new place?”

  “Enough room for me. I have a book to pick up at the bookstore, and then I’m heading to the park.” Zoe patted her shoulder bag. She couldn’t get to the park soon enough.

  “Did you hear?”

  “Hear what?” Zoe raised an eyebrow.

  “About Jayden,” Roslyn said.

  Zoe swallowed. She hadn’t talked to Jayden since... she released a cleansing breath. “Not since... you know.”

  “Well... he’s married. I didn’t want you to find out on social media. His new wife posted a picture, and I recognized him,” Roslyn said.

  Zoe nodded. “I didn’t know. Thanks for telling me.” Was Jayden happy? She hoped it was true. She closed her eyes, recalling the dim fluorescent lighting in his hospital room and the soft drip of fluids. Hand sanitizer had mixed with the smell of latex gloves.

  Seeing her boyfriend in his hospital bed, she had touched a hand to her own bandaged head. When he opened his eyes, his nostrils had flared. Zoe’s chin had dipped. Her chest had tightened.

  “Zoe?” Roslyn said.

  Zoe blinked. Swallowing hard, she backed away from the bookstore. She could pick new favorites another time. “I’m okay. I hope he’s happy.”

  “After what he—”

  “Doesn’t matter. It’s not like he was wrong,” Zoe said.

  “Z?”

  “I have to go, so I’ll call you this weekend. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Zoe hung up and turned the corner for her car. The drive to the park didn’t take long, and she made herself comfortable on a bench. Birds chirped while squirrels leaped from tree to tree. The wind sighed through the trees, and Zoe took out her camera.

  Her right hand gripped the side while the other held her camera secured underneath the bottom. Clicks followed as she captured moments of small children playing with parents, while bikers rode along the trails.

  Zoe sighed as she clicked away, not caring if the shots were perfect or not. She wanted to forget, but she couldn’t forget Jayden. Her first love. He had moved on with another woman. Jayden married?

  She meant what she said to Roslyn. She wanted him happy. The pain in the back of her throat increased, but she clicked away. She’d delete the random photos later, but she needed a diversion. Yet, it didn’t blot out Jayden’s voice.

  “They don’t know what we have, Z,” he had said. “Don’t let them break us up.”

  She had touched a hand to his cheek. Though her parents didn’t approve of their relationship, she wouldn’t lose Jayden. “I won’t. I love you.”

  Zoe rested her camera on her lap. She should’ve listened. Her parents were only protecting her. She squeezed her eyes shut. Jayden wasn’t a terrible guy, but they weren’t good together.

  Grabbing her cell, she found Dr. Burns’ name. She didn’t hesitate to call.

  “How are you, Zoe? Have you settled in yet?” Dr. Burns asked.

  Zoe tugged at her necklace. “I have a few more boxes left.” She blew out her cheeks.

  “Thinking about Jayden again?”

  Zoe brushed her fingertips across her lips. “Yeah. It’s not as bad, but...”

  “Can you tell me what triggered your memories this time?”

  “A friend of mine told me... he’s married.”

  “Good for him. Right?”

  “It is. I’m happy for him. At least... I want to be,” Zoe said.

  “What hurts the most? He’s married or that he didn’t choose you?” Dr. Burns asked.

  Zoe shook her head. “It’s not that.”

  “What is it then?”

  “His life will never be the same... because of me.” Zoe’s chin dipped to her chest.

  ***

  Alex tapped his drum sticks above his head, leading Infinity Signs in their last song. Who knew an amusement park performance would draw a crowd, but he swung his fist in the air when their manager, Liam, booked their latest gig.

  He bobbed his head, sweat trickling down the sides of his face. Performing outside was new too, but with the sun setting twenty minutes before, the temperature cooled even more.

  Thank goodness for the plugs inside his ears. Between him beating the drums and the crowd’s cheers and whistles, he would have blown out his eardrums.

  “Come on,” Jackson said from the keyboard as he pumped the crowd. Bailey waved her hand in the air, and the crowd followed as they rocked with her from side to side.

  Adrenaline rushed through Alex’s veins. This was his zone. His muse. Getting lost in the beats of a song. Alex felt free. The lyrics of their latest single enveloped him.

  I know... you’ll never let me go

  Your love… speaks to my soul

  Stay with me forever

  The music took over Alex’s body to the point where Tommy had to signal him. They were ending the song. Alex nodded, giving everything he had in the last beat. The audience cheered louder, mostly women who had gathered at the edge of the stage. Some had their hands up as they screamed, while others applauded.

  Alex grabbed his towel and wiped his forehead. He gave tonight his all. That was all that mattered.

  “Thank you all so much,” Jackson said, his voice reverberating through the speakers.

  Bailey waved to the crowd. “Love you!”

  A few crowd members dispersed, while others talked with Jackson and Bailey for their autographs. Alex chuckled. Could he get used to their growing fame? He didn’t care about the lights or the popularity. He only wanted to play the drums. His primary outlet.

  Stepping away from drum set, he grabbed his energy drink and gulped it. It would exhaust him in the morning, but that only proved they had an amazing show.

  “That was incredible!”

  Alex recognized Tommy’s girlfriend, Noelle, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His band mate twirled her around and kissed her a
s if they were the only two people in the world. Alex moved around them and descended the stage. First Jackson and now Tommy. Both of them had fallen in love. It would never happen for Alex.

  “You were great,” a fan said.

  He smiled. He needed food, so he headed for the vendors. Alex smiled at a few more faces and shook hands with others. His stomach growled. Pizza would solve his problems. He’d work off the carbs in the morning.

  He listened to the pin ball machines as he stood in line. When he approached the cashier, he ordered two slices of pepperoni pizza. Once he paid, he stepped to the side and waited.

  “Here you go,” the server said.

  He winked at the blonde, and she giggled. Alex walked to a secluded table. He bit into the hot slice of pizza, only to have it burn his tongue. He blew out his mouth as he chewed.

  “I thought nothing bothered you,” a familiar voice said.

  Alex focused his attention on the curvy woman with shoulder-length brown hair. Jacqueline. He swallowed his food. “What’s up?”

  She shrugged. “Nothing. I thought that was you. You look the same.”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “You look great. I like the haircut.”

  Jacqueline ran her fingers through it. “Thanks.” She looked back at the stage. “I see your band’s taking off.”

  “You pre-order our album?” he asked.

  Jacqueline only stared back.

  “I guess not,” he said.

  “Can you blame me?” She folded her arms over her chest.

  “It was a long time ago, J,” he said.

  She shook her head. “You don’t get to call me that anymore.”

  He sighed. “Sorry.”

  “I know.”

  “Is there a reason you’re here?” he asked. He didn’t want her usual drama. That’s why he called things off with her before. She should have been over it. Judging by her tight expression, Jacqueline wasn’t.

  “I don’t know.” Her gaze softened. “I came over to say... congrats on your success.”