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Zoey looks back over her shoulder and our eyes connect. Hers narrow, her brows furrow like she’s confused.
“You never called me Jayson, so don’t start now.”
“Like I said before, things are different.”
“So we can’t be friendly?”
“Friends,” she says with determination.
“Just friends?”
“Yes.” She doesn’t waste a second. “I don’t have room for anything more.”
I want to tell her that she and I could never just be friends. It’s a disaster in the making, but I think she already knows this too. So instead I shrug, “Okay.” I nod, trying not to smirk. “We’ll be friends then.”
I let go of her wrist.
“Friends have dinner together, maybe even a cup of coffee or a drink out with other friends. Friends also go to movies together and take walks.”
“That sounds more like dating.”
“Oh no.” I can feel myself smirking but it’s pointless to wipe it clean now. I can sense by the smile on her face that she’s picked up on my sarcasm. “Just friends,” I assure her.
“Jayson,” she says as I start to back away.
“It’s Jay,” I correct her. “So dinner tomorrow, or coffee in the morning?”
“Neither,” she says trying to hide her smile.
“It’s cute how you think this can be avoided.” I motion between the two of us. “It’s Magnolia Grove, Zoey, we both know by tomorrow morning the entire town will think you and I are having some secret affair. Hell, it’s probably already circulating around town that I showed up here late and the two of us disappeared into the back of your shop alone.” Her eyes widen as she registered my words. “So you and I sharing a meal or a cup of coffee is nothing compared to the stories already being created.”
Again she says nothing as I reach the doorway that leads back to the front of her store. I pause with my hand on the doorframe. “By the way, my grams says that I should taste your cobbler.”
“Excuse me, what?” Her cheeks redden.
“Bye, Zoey.” I don’t answer her as I leave the shop feeling like there is a little less weight pressing down onto my chest. I didn’t expect to show up here and have her falling into my arms,however I did say a lot of things I’ve been holding onto for years. It won’t be easy because nothing worth it ever is.
eight
. . .
Zoey
Me: Wine down NOW!!!! Forget the Wednesday!
Lucy: Uh oh?
Emma: Oh shit!
Me: Girls are with mom, I’m on my way home.
Emma: Is this a bash on the ex wine down?
Me: Oh it’s an ex, but not the one you are thinking of.
Lucy: Dr. Sexy?
Me: Dr. What?
