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the mechanic shop, Alex drove around Bridge Point. He had no place in mind, and he used his free hand to rub at his dry eyes. Love. Did he love Zoe? He had to after all it took to win her over. He couldn’t deny what he felt for her was real.
In the past, Alex avoided love out of fear of not only getting hurt, but choosing the wrong woman. It was another reason he kept options. Putting all his trust into one woman was too much power. If she left, she would take his heart with her.
Alex’s dad then came to mind. The man was just now picking up the pieces of his life. Then again, didn’t he seem happy? His father couldn’t fake the smiles on his face. He’d seen him at his worst.
Keeping his eyes on the road. He could have stopped by the bar or even Mac’s place, but he wanted to be alone. A vein throbbed in his forehead. How long had he been alone? Too long without someone genuine in his life. Was it worth it to keep his freedom as he called it?
Alex didn’t detour but headed home. He had rehearsal later that evening with the band. He wasn’t looking forward to it. Though he and Jackson remained civil, the group could sense the tension between them.
Pulling into his driveway, he cut the engine and stepped out of his car. Not ready to go home yet, he banged on his cousin’s door since he spotted her car.
“What’s that about?” Lisa asked once she let him inside. She held Celine on her hip.
“You’re home early.” He walked up and reached for Celine, who gurgled in his arms. Alex held her to his chest, reminiscing his father’s words.
If a man treated his baby cousin the way he did his exes, who knew how he would react. Celine and her mother deserved to be treated with respect. After all this time, Alex never connected the dots. Sitting on the couch, Celine touched his face with her fingers.
Lisa folded her arms. “That’s it? You bang on my door and don’t tell me what’s going on.”
“You’re not on social media.”
“I like my privacy. Why? What did you do?” his cousin asked.
“Why does it always have to be the man’s fault?” He didn’t mean to raise his voice, and he was grateful Celine didn’t cry.
Lisa raised her palm to him. “I’m not the enemy, so watch your tone. Second, it’s usually the man’s fault. Third, what happened?”
Alex explained everything to her from the beginning. His cousin’s mouth fell open.
“Now you see my problem,” he said.
Her mouth twisted into a grin. “I’ve seen that look. You had it with Layla.” Then she sat next to him. Lisa rubbed his shoulder. “For the record, you’re not a dog. You’ve been hurt too many times, so you figured you’d get to the women before they got to you.”
Alex frowned. “I guess…”
“Guess what?”
Alex didn’t respond. Thankfully, Lisa took the lead.
Her eyes softened. “I’m always on your side. We’re family, but I want you to get out of your own way and choose something good for once.”
“I thought it was better to stay single. Now… all I think about is wanting to make things work with Zoe.” He rocked Celine in his arms. Her eyes were closed now.
“It works for some, but most of us want real love. If you’ve found it with a good person, fight for it. Zoe’s a good one. I can tell.”
Alex looked at his cousin. “I know.”
“Good.” She then rested her head on his shoulder. “Because if you didn’t, I’d say get ready for another lecture from my mother.”
Alex gave a slight smile. First his father and then his cousin. The last thing he needed was a lecture from Aunt Pam.
Chapter 20
Thank goodness Lisa gave Zoe the day off, assuring her that her mother could take care of Celine. Zoe didn’t hesitate to pack a bag and drive to Houston. She never considered seeing Jayden again, but Dr. Burns’ advice rang in her ears.
“Maybe this is a good thing,” she said.
Zoe’s forehead wrinkled. “It won’t rehash old wounds?”
