Chapter Eighteen
Zoey couldn’t believe how much she missed Bennett. Although they’d texted or spoken almost daily, it hadn’t been the same as having him with her. His last message was two days ago, saying he’d be back soon. Even in writing, he seemed stressed. Whatever he was working on was taking a toll on him.
When he gets back, I’ll help him forget. Zoey smiled, thinking how she’d greet him. Maybe I’ll wear some sexy lingerie to the door.That should brighten his mood.
She’d tried to keep herself busy each day so her mind wouldn’t be idle. It was times like this that she wished she had a job instead of just helping her brothers on the sidelines. It was the first time in her life she truly believed she could have something more. Something of her own. She was capable of making a difference, a real difference.
Being with Bennett empowered her. It wasn’t as much that he believed in her as she now believed in herself. Zoey knew what was in her heart, but she wasn’t ready to admit it to anyone yet.
While Bennett was gone, Zoey spent hours researching different directions she could go with her music. When all was said and done, she wanted to play for others, not just to make money. Instead of attending charity events, one day she might be able to host musical fundraising events. She could foresee herself doing that in the near future. And Sophie Barrington is just the person who will be able to guide me. When I’m ready, that is.
Not only had she spent time finding herself, she also took those two weeks building a closer relationship with the other ladies in the family.
They were all coming to lunch that day and should be arriving soon. Instead of her usual take-out, Zoey made mac and cheese and baked a chocolate cake from a recipe Renita had given her. Her kitchen smelled heavenly. When she questioned Renita about a menu, she told Zoey, “Keep it simple for them, and wow him with something more exciting in the bedroom.”
Zoey hadn’t expected such a candid response, but damn, that woman was right. No food would ever be as sweet as their lovemaking.
The doorbell chimed. Zoey took off her apron, put it back in the drawer, and went to welcome her guests.
“We figured we’d travel together,” Morgan said, as she entered. Lena and Tessa were close behind.
“Good thing my boss is in a good mood and doesn’t care that I take the afternoon off,” Tessa said as she hugged Zoey.
Lena laughed. “Oh yeah, like Dean would refuse you anything, Tessa. That man has only one word when it comes to you. Yes.”
Tessa smiled. “And Brice can tell you no?”
Zoey hadn’t fully realized how lucky her brothers were to find these women until recently. The more time she spent with them, she saw just how special and unique they were. What they all had in common was strength and kindness. It was nice to see but even nicer to experience. Today was another example of that. They all had their own lives to live, but they put them on hold to come for lunch, knowing she was missing Bennett.
“I truly appreciate you all joining me,” Zoey said as they all made their way to the kitchen. It was funny, they’d only used the formal dining room once, and that was during her Valentine party. It was too stuffy and impersonal, and that wasn’t her any longer. It never really was. It was who I was expected to be. Now, I’m just me.
“Did you make that?” Tessa asked as she pointed to the triple-layer chocolate cake. There was a layer of fresh whipped cream and a cherry filling between the layers.
“Renita has been sweet enough to stop by a few times, and she gave me a few cooking tips.”
“Really? Wow. I never knew she could cook,” Lena said. “Guess Vincent is rubbing off on her.”
Zoey understood people growing and changing for the better. She wasn’t the same person she was before Bennett came into her life.
“Let’s eat before we skip lunch and go right for dessert,” Morgan joked.
As they ate, Lena said, “I really appreciate you babysitting Nicholas for us last night. I can’t remember the last date night we had during the week. Normally we wait until I can take him to my parents’ home in Cape Cod.”
It was the first time she’d watched a child. When she thought about it, she’d never held a baby. It made her realize that so many common experiences for most women had been stolen from her. She was changing that. “He’s such a sweet boy. Except he seems to need to analyze everything. I swear if I closed my eyes for one minute he’d have taken apart every device in the house.”
“You can thank your brother for that. Nicholas is going to be an inventor just like Brice. I just hope our house survives the growing pains.” Lena laughed and threw up her hands in defeat.
“Have you thought about having children, Zoey?” Morgan asked. If only she knew that was how this all began.
“I’ve never been in a relationship with someone to even think about having kids.” Despite what her father had said.
“Well, I’m guessing that’s changed now. Have you and Bennett talked about it?”
No. We haven’t even... spoken of a future. “That’s a bit premature, I think.”
“Really? When he and I had coffee one morning, I had the distinct impression he was serious about you.”
“You met with him?”