Page 55 of Call Out
Zoe puffs out a breath. “Thanks, Viv. Maybe we can grab that drink another time. I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Yeah, sure.”Don’t call again.Drinks are never going to happen.
She rolls her shoulders and nods before strolling out of the office. The second I grab my mobile phone from the desk to call Danny, Louise pops her head around the door frame. “Can you help me with Myrtle?” She rolls her eyes. “The woman won’t swallow her damn pills again.”
To my surprise, the conversation with Zoe went reasonably well. She wanted to meet up for one last time, purely to let bygones be bygones. I told her there was nothing else to say and left it at that. Now I’m meeting my woman for a hot dinner date, and she better be wearing those fine stockings that get my pulse out of whack.
Parking outside the restaurant, I hang up my helmet and shake off the jitters in my hands. It’s our first proper date since we trailed all my skeletons out of the ground, and the beautiful woman still wants to be by my side. Finally, my life is on the right track.
When I get inside McClintocks and search the crowded bar, my heart drops to my boots.
Zoe.
I run my hand through my hair when she waves over at me. She’s propped up on a barstool with a glass in her hand. Dark roots fade to blonde curls, framing bright red lips. A purple polka dot dress accentuates a tiny waist which has become narrower over the years. Her flirty smile belies the torment on her pretty face.
“Hey.” I smile tightly, avoiding eye contact in the hope I can keep on walking.
“Hey you!” Zoe slides off the stool and trots closer. Hooking my arm, she beams up at me. “Have you got a reservation here too?”
“I’m meeting Viv. What are you doing here?”
“I’m staying in the local bed-and-breakfast. This place was recommended for food. When is Viv getting here?”
“Any minute now. So if you don’t mind, I’ll go to my table and wait.”
She licks her lips cautiously. “I’ll keep you company while you wait for her. Then I will leave you alone to enjoy your dinner together.”
After I killed Jeff, I didn't care about anything. Not even my soul. I was out of my mind and over my head in guilt. Zoe wangled herself into my life, readily available and in close proximity. She’d sit out on my parent’s porch, rolling cigarettes and drinking beer, reminiscing about Jeff. We hid in each other's misery and grew closer. Grief pushed us together, forming an ugly phoenix that she can’t control. Zoe has to find her own path, and I have to travel mine without her. Our association has faded.
“One drink. When Viv shows up, you have to leave. No bullshit drama.” I tactfully remove her arm from mine. “And when I say leave, I mean Sunnyville.”
Zoe takes a noticeable deep breath and nods. “I love Sunnyville. It’s such a friendly town. I can see why you like it here,” she babbles as the server escorts us to a table by the window.
“Would you like to order drinks before you eat?” The server asks, pen ready to take our order.
“I’m not eating… not yet anyway. I’m having a drink with a friend until my girlfriend arrives.” I feel the urge to inform the young woman that Zoe is only an acquaintance.
Zoe drums her nails on the tabletop. “I’ll have vodka with ice and a slice of orange.”
“Water for me, please.” I scratch my nails along my jaw and stare at the occupied tables beside us.
“Oh, Danny, have a beer.”
“I don’t want alcohol tonight, Zoe.” By the time Viv crosses the threshold I’ll be coiled like a spring and ready to explode. Maybe this isn’t a good idea. I’m not hungry anymore. “I’m going to call Viv and change our plans for the night.” I reach inside my jacket to grab my phone.
Zoe stuffs the side of her finger into her mouth and nibbles the nail. “Wait, Danny. You said Viv was on her way to meet you. She can’t answer her phone safely while she’s driving. Relax. Let’s toast to a happier future and your new love interest. That's worth celebrating.” Zoe turns to the server. “Bring my best friend a Bud. It’s a special night. And I’ll have the pasta. It smells amazing.”
My pulse trips. I’m not her best friend, and right now, I'm enabling her to drink. “Zoe, why did you leave rehab again?” I sigh, hearing my statement like Déjà vu.
“There’s a rehab facility nearby called Serenity Acres. I was going to check it out.”
Of all the fucking rehab facilities in America and she picks the one closest to me. “What makes it different to all the others you’ve tried over the years.”
She shrugs. “The pamphlet looked good.”
“Well, I hope this one works out for you. If not, there are a ton of others you can try. You really should give them a chance.”
Zoe shakes out her napkin and folds it across her lap. “You’re always trying to be my hero, aren’t you? What will I do without you?” Her bottom lip slips into her mouth, and she stares over the table with that familiar doe eyed look that once put me under a spell.
