Page 13 of Sweet Southern Memories

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?