“My mother called and told me she hired you on the spot.”
“I hope that’s not a problem. I know you don’t know me but if you need to talk with my previous employer—”
Lisa held up a hand to stop her. “I trust my mother. She’s never steered me wrong. The only time I didn’t li
sten was with my ex-husband...” She covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m rambling.”
“Don’t worry about it. We all need to share sometimes.”
Lisa smiled. “I think my Mom made a good choice.”
“Thank you.”
Lisa walked over to the kitchen. Zoe followed.
“You met my cousin?” Lisa asked. She retrieved a bottle of water from the refrigerator.
Zoe forced a smile. “I did.”
Lisa laughed. “I know he can be... interesting, but he’s my best friend. I can’t thank him enough for helping me with Celine.”
“It’s great to have that support from family.” Zoe’s parents flashed in her own mind. She rubbed at her arms. She needed to go home. “What time should I be here tomorrow?”
Lisa sipped from her bottle. “Tomorrow I’m off, but I go back the following day for an afternoon shift. In the emergency room, it’s unpredictable.” Then she pulled out her phone.
Zoe did the same, saving Lisa’s cell as she dictated her number. “I’ll be here when you need me. I am starting classes online soon, so I can bring my work here.”
Lisa nodded. “That’ll work.”
Zoe walked back to the living room and grabbed her things. “Thank you for the job. Celine is a beautiful baby.”
“Thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Zoe waved goodbye, and the door clicked behind her. She made the walk to her car. Her heart melted at the thought of Lisa’s family rallying around her, supporting her and Celine.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, Zoe rested her head against the headrest. Her family rallied around her at one point, but at least Lisa’s mistakes were out of her control. Zoe brought hers upon herself. She’d never forget the look on her mother’s face. Her father’s had fallen with disappointment.
How could she have been so stupid? Her choices back then not only altered her life, but Jayden’s. His eyes had burned against her. He laid in his hospital bed.
“You ruined me, Zoe,” he had said. “You’ve ruined me.”
Her bottom lip had trembled. She was to blame. He’d never forgive her. She destroyed their chances of ever working out. Even Jayden had moved on with someone else. Zoe was alone. That’s what she deserved.
A knock on her window startled her. She jerked in her seat. Alex was on the other side of her door.
His eyebrows drew together, and he motioned for her to roll the window down. Zoe did, despite her rapid heartbeat. She couldn’t have waited until she got home to reminisce on her jaded past?
“Are you okay?” Alex asked.
“Uh, huh,” she said. It was a lie, but she would not spill her guts to him. “What are you doing spying on me?”
He shook his head. “I wasn’t. I got up to get a drink of water. I saw your car out here.”
Zoe tugged at her ear. “I’m okay. Just taking a breather after my first day at my new job.”
Alex tilted his head to the side. “I’m not sure I believe that.”
“Believe what you want to believe.”