Page 13

CHAPTER 13

Zoey

W hen I get in my car, I sit and stare out the windshield. I thought Matt was going to kiss me twice today. The first time, I pulled away because there’s no way Matthew Carter wanted to kiss me, right? But the second time, I knew it. From the look in his eyes and the way he delicately tucked that piece of hair behind my ear, I knew it. Then when he didn’t, my stomach bottomed out. It was like I built it all up in my head and was being delusional. I hate that I was disappointed he didn’t kiss me. I hate that I stood there waiting for him to close the last few inches between us.

I bang my head back on the headrest a couple of times as I shout, “Ahhhhh.”

I know better. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up when it comes to Matt, because not only am I not someone he’d go for, I’m a relationship girl, and as much as I know a roll in the sheets with Matt would probably be mind-blowing, I’m not going to change all my ways just for him.

Needing to get out of my head, I blast music on my drive back to Henry’s. I haven’t been staying there long, but I’ve already noticed their house is not necessarily where I want to be when they’re both off. I’ve heard things I wish I could go my whole life never hearing. The night after Henry got back from his work trip was truly horrific. I couldn’t look either of them in the eye for a couple of days.

I breathe a sigh of relief when I pull into the driveway and see Kai’s car. Kai is nine years older than me and three younger than Henry, so the two of them were always closer. When I open the front door, the smell of baked goods hits me and my mouth waters. One bonus to living here has been Maggie’s food. She’s not only a great cook, but also an amazing baker. She always has something made and ready in the house for people to graze on.

Maggie comes out of the kitchen in her apron and smiles at me. “Hey! You’re home,” she says cheerfully.

I nod and follow her into the kitchen. The living room is right off the kitchen, and that’s where I see Henry and Kai sitting, each with a beer in hand as they watch some hockey game. Growing up, whether I was at the Carters or at home, the sport was always on, but I never bothered to learn it. I’ve learned some things since Josh and Liv got together and we’ve started going to more of their games, but I couldn’t understand a game on my own.

I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and take a seat at the kitchen island as Maggie opens the oven and pulls out a cake pan.

“There’s dinner leftovers in the fridge if you’re hungry,” she says over her shoulder.

“Oh, I’m good, thanks. I ate already.”

“What did you have?” she asks.

“We ordered some pizza.”

She turns and faces me, raising an eyebrow. “We?”

I take a sip of my water, prolonging the need to answer her. “Um, yeah. Matt and I.”

That catches my brothers’ attention.

“Matt, as in Matt Carter?” Henry asks.

I nod. “Yeah.”

Kai sits forward and turns to get a better look at me. “What were you doing with Matt Carter?”

I play with the lid to my water bottle, watching as I spin it on the kitchen counter. “He’s my friend, I thought I’d stop by when I finished shopping.” I avoid telling them about Jayden, because quite frankly he’s none of their business, and I also don’t want to deal with the Spanish Inquisition right now.

“Your friend,” Kai drags out.

“Yes, my friend. Nothing more.”

Henry opens his mouth, but before he can say anything, I say, “I’m going to head upstairs and read.” I slide off my chair and climb the stairs two at a time, wanting to be as far away from my questioning brothers as possible. After changing into comfy pyjamas, I slide into bed with my Kindle and open my latest book.

I have pre-date jitters the entire week. Liv texted me on Sunday morning with a restaurant, date, and time, saying the reservation was under my name. She didn’t tell me anything about the guy I’m supposed to be meeting, so I have no idea what to expect.

I spend hours getting ready on Saturday, cycling through different outfits, showering, doing my hair and makeup. I finally settle on a navy sweater dress and some knee-high boots with a heel. I adjust myself in the mirror, taking in every inch, and I look hot, if I do say so myself.

Grabbing my purse and jacket, I make my way downstairs and into the foyer.

“Well, don’t you look nice,” Maggie says as she stands with Henry in the kitchen, pouring a glass of wine.

“Thank you. I have a date.”

Of course, that piques Henry’s interest, forever the protective brother.

“Date?” he asks.

“Yes. Liv set us up.”

Knowing he at least knows one of my friends and she has my best interest at heart seems to relax Henry a little.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“Alchemy.”

His eyes widen slightly. “That’s a nice place.”

I nod. “It is.”

“Call me if you need anything,” he says.

I roll my eyes. “Henry, I’m sure I can handle myself on a date. I’m not a kid anymore if you hadn’t realized.”

“Still my baby sister.” He rounds the island and stops in front of me. Leaning down, he kisses my cheek before saying, “Seriously, Zoey, please call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

He steps back and nods. “Have fun.”

I leave and make my way to the bus and Skytrain and head for Alchemy. I don’t know much about the restaurant. I know they’re newer in town and have a reputation for being upscale and hard to get a table at.

Inside, I give my name to the hostess and she guides me to my table. I take my seat and settle in, and she returns with a man in toe, but he’s one I recognize. I could spot those waves and brown eyes anywhere. Why is Matt here?

I hold my breath as I watch the hostess lead him to the table beside mine. As she leaves the menu on the table, he spots me and stops removing his jacket as he stares at me.

“Zo,” he breathes out, and I swear goosebumps erupt over my entire body.

He stares at me, and I take him in. He’s very clearly dressed for a date in black dress slacks that fit him perfectly and a deep-red, almost burgundy, button-down. Despite the cool temperatures outside, he has the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair is styled perfectly so the stray curl that usually flops onto his forehead is held back. He’s started growing out his facial hair since Jayden came into his life, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make him a tad more attractive.

“Zo.” His voice is so low I barely hear it.

“Matt.”

So much is running through my head right now. Why is Matt here right now? How am I supposed to sit through a date knowing he’s at the next table? He settles into his chair, and I flag the waiter and order a glass of wine. At this point I’m saying fuck it to waiting for my date. If I’m going to make it through the evening, I need some booze. Matt must be thinking the same thing, because he orders a scotch. Usually my go-to would be to text the group chat or Liv, but I can’t. What am I supposed to say? Liv, your brother, who I’ve started to develop feelings for, is here. Nope. Nope. Double nope. Texting anyone about this situation takes these thoughts and puts them out in the open, and I’m not ready to accept that reality. I’d rather live in the land of delusion than admit to someone I might have more than platonic feelings for Matthew Carter.

When my wine is dropped off, I fight the urge to take a gulp of it, instead sipping it politely. I can’t help myself and watch as Matt takes a sip of his scotch, his tongue catching a stray drop on his bottom lip. I hold back a groan. Why am I all of a sudden having this reaction to Matt? How have I gone years—literal years—knowing him and spending holidays with his family and him just being my best friend’s brother to me sitting here in a restaurant fantasizing about licking a stray drop of scotch off his lip, maybe pulling it between my teeth and watching as his eyes dilate?

I force my eyes away and check my phone, confirming the time Liv texted for the date. Seven p.m. It’s now 7:10 p.m. and no word. I tell myself I’ll give him five more minutes and then I’m writing him off and calling this date a dud. I mindlessly scroll, only stopping when Matt makes a noise of frustration. I look up at him, and his eyes are now locked on me.

“So, it looks like my date stood me up,” he says, flipping his phone face down, his eyes never leaving me.

A small laugh escapes me. “Same.”

His smile is soft and grows. “What do you say, Zo? Join me for dinner?”

I gnaw on my lip as I contemplate the implications of this. Because years of knowing me means he can pick up on subtle things, he notices my hesitancy.

“Come on. It doesn’t mean anything, Zo. Just two people who have been stood up and are looking to make the most of their evening. After all, this is one of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation in, especially during busy season.”

I stare at him, pursing my lips, as I wonder if Liv used Josh’s connections to get a table. After a few seconds, I relent. I grab my wine and purse and slide out of my chair before slipping into the chair across from Matt. A look of triumph shines in his eyes. We each take a sip of our drinks, awkwardness filling the air between us. Matt focuses on his drink as he runs his finger up and down the side of the glass.

“Who were you here to meet?” he asks.

“The guy Olivia set me up with,” I say, taking a sip of my wine.

He nods slightly before leaning forward. “Well, he’s missing out, because now I get to enjoy your company.”

I roll my lips together, holding back my smile. “And who were you meeting?”

“Someone Liv was setting me up with. Liv just texted and said the girl had an emergency come up.”

“So, you and I get to enjoy one of the top restaurants in the city together,” I say, matching his position.

We stare at each other for a few moments before we finally pull back and settle in our seats. I quickly open the menu, needing to stop looking at him and just how good he looks tonight.

We both pick something to eat and opt to share an appetizer. Conversation is stilted and awkward for a few minutes, but we eventually slip back into our comfortability. We laugh, and I’m genuinely enjoying my night. The food is good. I share some of my mushroom risotto with Matt, and he shares some of his steak with me.

As the waiter walks away with our new drink order, I hear Matt’s name called from across the restaurant. Over his shoulder, I see a stunning tall blonde approach our table. As soon as she’s at his side, she’s leaning down and kissing his cheek and saying how nice it is to see him.

“Melinda,” he says, smiling politely at her.

“Oh, Matt, that’s all you’ve got to say? I’ve missed you. We should totally catch up.”

Her tone is extremely flirtatious, and it’s obvious she’s one of the many women Matt’s had fun with over the years. She’s stunning, so I don’t blame him. I watch as she drags her fingers up his arm and bats her lashes at him. She’s not being very subtle in letting him know she wants another round with him. Thinking of him leaving with her has my stomach turning. I don’t want to be here anymore. I have no right to feel this way, but I thought we were having a good time, even if it was just as friends.

“I’m here with someone, Melinda,” Matt says.

Her eyes flick to me, and her smile turns fake as she turns and leans into Matt more.

“Hi,” she says.

“Hi.” My voice comes out soft.

“Melinda, this is Zoey, Zoey, this is Melinda.”

I nod and start to gather my jacket and purse. “I should get going. Matt, dinner was nice, I’ll get you back this week.” I move to quickly get out of my chair when Matt grabs my wrist.

“Zo, don’t go. We just ordered new drinks.”

My eyes move to Melinda quickly before back to him. “I’m sure Melinda will enjoy it.” I pull my wrist free and push past her, making my way out of the restaurant, the cool air hitting my skin. I start to make my way towards the Skytrain station. I’m glad I didn’t drive. I need the walk to clear my head. I need to go on an actual date that’s good so I can get these stupid thoughts of Matt out of my head.

I’m almost two blocks from the restaurant when Matt’s car pulls up beside me and he rolls down the passenger window.

“Zo,” he calls, but I keep walking.

The sound of his car door closing echoes through the air before I hear him working to catch up with me. He grabs my wrist and stops me in my spot.

“Zo, look at me.” His voice is pleading.

I reluctantly turn around, and his eyes slowly take in my face.

“Why did you leave?”

I roll my eyes, using it as my defence to prevent me from saying it hurt to watch that woman fawn over him knowing I mean nothing to him besides being his sister’s best friend.

“Just thought I’d leave and give you and Melinda the chance to catch up,” I say.

His eyes widen, and he shakes his head. “I didn’t want to catch up with Melinda. I was enjoying my time with you.”

“Matt, you don’t need to lie. I know neither of us planned to be having dinner together, and I’m sure you went into that date thinking you’d be getting more at the end of the night. I was giving you the chance to get that.”

He sighs. “Yes, neither of us planned for the night to go the way it did, but I don’t regret it. I enjoyed having a nice meal with you. Talking, seeing you laugh.”

His words warm my blood, but I can’t fall into that feeling.

“Just go find Melinda, Matt.”

“No.” The word comes out strong, sure. “Zoey, I’m not ending our night like this. I’m definitely not letting you take the train home when I can drive you. If you want to call it a night, fine, but I’ll be driving you home.”

I open my mouth to argue, but he takes a step closer, and it’s like the air in my lungs freezes. He tucks a piece of windblown hair behind my ear. “Let me take you home, Zo.”

I melt, wishing there was more meaning to those words. A gust of wind comes through, and I shiver slightly. His hand moves from my face to rub up and down my arm.

I know that, like his sister, Matt is stubborn and won’t let me just walk away. I nod, relenting, and he leads me to his car, opening the passenger door for me.

I don’t want to talk right now, because I’m sure the second I open my mouth, I’m going to say something stupid. Relief hits me when Matt puts on music, and we make the drive to Henry’s in silence. When he pulls into the driveway, he quickly rounds the front of the car and opens my door, helping me out. I thank him, and he walks with me to the front door. I stop and face him, unsure of what to say.

“I had fun with you tonight, Zo.”

I can’t help my soft smile, and even though the night didn’t end in the best of ways, I did enjoy myself. “Me too.”

He leans down and places a soft kiss on my cheek, and I fight the urge to lean into it.

“Sleep well, Bug.”

My heart skips a beat. Matt is fucking with my head. I slip inside the house and wait until I see his headlights pull out of the driveway before I make my way to the kitchen for a glass of water.

“So, you’re dating Matthew Carter.” Henry’s voice scares the shit out of me, and I jump.

I fully enter the kitchen and see him standing at the sink with his ankles crossed and his arms folded over his chest.

“No, I’m not.”

“You said before you left you were going on a date, and he just dropped you off. How does that not equal you guys dating?”

I fill a glass with ice and water from the fridge and turn to face my brother. “I got stood up, he was at the same restaurant for a date and also got stood up, we decided to make the most of it and had dinner. Nothing more.”

No matter how much I wish that were the case.

His brows furrow. “That seems like quite the coincidence.”

I shrug. “I guess. I don’t know. It’s not like I chose to be stood up.”

“I’m not saying that, Zo. I’m just saying be careful with him. I don’t want him hurting you.”

Anger boils in me. What is that supposed to mean? Does Henry really think I’m not capable of taking care of myself?

“And how exactly do you think he’ll hurt me, Henry?”

He runs a hand over his face, probably sensing my frustration. “Zoey, I’m just looking out for you. I remember what he was like in high school, and if he’s anything like that still, I just don’t think that he’s the guy for you.”

I scoff. “You’re nine years older than Matt. What do you mean you remember what he was like then? Do you really think that people don’t change or that I can’t take care of myself?”

I can tell I’m overstimulated and emotional, because I’m picking a fight with Henry, and I haven’t done that since I was a teenager.

“Do you really think I wasn’t checking out who you were hanging out with when you were growing up? Of course, I think people can change, but it’s never a guarantee. I’m your big brother. I’ve spent years taking care of you, making sure you’re safe and taken care of. I can’t just turn that off.”

I slam my cup on the counter. While my anger grows, tears gather behind my eyes. I hate that when I feel any emotion strongly, I cry.

“I’m not some kid anymore, Henry. I can take care of myself. I appreciate everything you did while I was a kid—” A sob leaves me as the tears begin to fall. I’m feeling too many things at once right now. Disappointment over what really happened with Matt, anger at my brother for treating me as if I’m still a kid, and sadness about being stood up and still living this single life.

“Zo?” Maggie rounds the corner into the kitchen wearing her bathrobe, and her eyes bounce between Henry and me. She takes a step closer, reaching for me, and I crumble in her arms as the tears fall in earnest. I can barely make out their whispered words through my sobs.

“I don’t know. We were talking and then she started crying,” Henry says.

“What did you say?” Maggie says accusatorially.

“I was looking out for her.”

Maggie runs her hand over my back and helps me stand before taking me upstairs and getting me settled in bed. She lies with with me until I’m so tired I fall asleep.