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“I agree. I love the feeling of community here. I’m sure you can find it in the city, but Bridge Point is my home.”
“You’ve never lived in the city?”
Alex shook his head. “Not that I can remember.”
“So tell me, who usually wins the steak cook off.”
Alex swallowed.
Zoe’s grin widened. “What? Are you all that competitive?”
“My aunt and my dad are entries.”
“Your father and your Aunt Pam? How did that even—”
“I don’t know, but every year it’s a thing.”
“Who usually wins?”
He cleared his throat. “Aunt Pam.”
Zoe giggled. “Well, she does own her diner. She cooks for a living.”
“That’s what I tell my dad, but he swears he can beat her this time. He’s a mechanic, but he likes to cook as a hobby.” He and Zoe continued their stroll down the street.
“Did he teach you how to cook?” she asked.
“I learned a few things.” Alex felt his pulse in his throat. Was his dad right? Was that why his father was willing to risk getting hurt? Alex stared for a moment at the potatoes on his plate. If his dad could do it, couldn’t he?
“There you are,” Noelle said. Her smile warm and bright. “We found some empty chairs to sit and eat. You two coming?”
Zoe walked ahead as Alex trailed behind the ladies. His mind rattled on what to do. Then they approached the group, sitting in lawn chairs. Tommy and Jackson appeared to be in a conversation.
Zoe sat next to Noelle, crossing her legs at the ankles. Alex spotted the empty chair. Next to hers. He sat down with his plate in hand, avoiding eye contact with the woman who was making his nerve endings tingle. He focused on eating.
“I can’t believe we’re leaving next week,” Bailey said.
“Sounds too good to be true sometimes.” Tommy sipped from his can of soda.
“Things we’ll never be the same for us. Thank you guys.” Jackson looked around at the group. “We’re here because of you.”
“You getting sappy on us, man.” Tommy patted his friend’s back.
“Shut up.” Jackson said, jerking away from him, but his smile gave him away.
Alex grinned.
“I think it’s sweet,” Bailey said.
“I already see Grammy nominations.” Noelle added.
Tommy draped an arm around her shoulder and kissed her. “That’s why I love you.”
Alex adjusted in his seat. Everyone here was a couple except for him and Zoe. His eyes drifted to her. Her chin dipped to her chest. Was she uncomfortable as he was? Alex would’ve done better sitting with his father and Noelle’s aunt.
“Now if I can convince this one to come with us, I can sleep better at night,” Jackson said, pointing to his sister.
Zoe’s head shot up. “I can take care of myself. How many times do I have to tell you?”
