Page 22 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“Absolutely! I want to hit up all the cool spots” she says, enthusiasm infectious.

A comfortable silence settles between us as we dig into our burgers, juicy flavor mingling perfectly with BBQ sauce. But it isn’t long before I sense Elena shifting in her seat, her playful demeanor returning. “So, what’s going on with you and the ladies, Tom? Anyone special on the horizon?”

I nearly choke on a bite of my burger, the question catching me off guard. She always talks about her dating life, never mine. I was expecting another wild story, a reason why she drove here without warning. “What do you mean?” I answer, wiping my lip with my napkin. “I’m just focused on work, going back to school, you know that. Tell me aboutyourguys. Of which there are always many.”

“I don’t want to,” she pouts, “Oh, come on! You can’t tell me there isn’t someone you’re crushing on.” Elena leans forward, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I saw that look on your face when I asked. Like you were caught! You almost choked! I know you too well. Spill it!”

I look down at my plate, picking at the fries and considering shoving one in my mouth rather than telling her. “Okay, fine. There is someone…” My heart races as I consider how to approach this. “It’s Zoe.”

Elena’s eyebrows shoot up, a grin spreading across her face. “Zoe? As in Zoe Cocker?” She leans back, arms crossed, clearly enjoying this revelation. “I had a feeling! When you told me she hired you I thought to myself, this is just a matter of time beforehe falls in love. She’s so sweet! I’ve never seen that girl say a mean word about anyone, and remember I used to work at that restaurant her parents own so we worked together side-by-side many nights before she bought that shop! She’s amazing, Tom. Why haven’t you asked her out?”

I exhale slowly, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. “I want to, but I feel like I should wait until I’m more stable financially. I don’t want to put her in a position where it feels like I’m asking her out, just some delivery guy.”

Elena narrows her eyes at me, a mixture of disbelief and concern. “That’s ridiculous! You’re a great guy who has broken many, many hearts over the years.”

“When?”

“Do you know how many of my girlfriends crushed on you?”

“I’m not going to date your friends.”

“See that! So many girls crushed on you and you’ve dated what, two people in your whole adult life? Always a reason for why it wasn’t theright thing to do.Blah blah blah. and I am positive Zoe likes you. How could she not? You’re adorable! Waiting until you have money might just make you miss your chance.”

I shake my head, the thought of rushing into things making me uneasy. “But what if she’s not interested in me? I can’t afford to embarrass myself. I need that job.”

Elena stares at me. “You need it so you can be around her, you mean. Because you could get hired anywhere. Everyone who knows you would easily give you a reference, and I’m first in line!”

“Yes,” I laugh, leaning back. “It’s true. I don’t want her to say no, fire me or force me to have to quit, because then I wouldn’t be able to see her anymore.” Glancing away I mutter an honest, “Couldn’t handle that.”

“Tom, you’re selling yourself short. You’re amazing! You’re one of the best human beings I know and I’m not just saying that because you’re my brother. And regarding your offering her more stability or whatever, what…are you going to wait until you have a house she can move into? Money isn’t everything. You need to be brave and ask her out now,” my sister urges, tone firm but encouraging. “What’s the worst that could happen? She says no?”

“Yes. That would be awful.”

“Then you move on and find someone else.”

“Can’t imagine anyone else.”

Elena stares at me blankly. “I have no idea what that’s like.”

“I just think she’s…different. In all the best ways.”

“Okay if you wait, you might never know what could have been.”

Her words resonate with me, and I feel a flicker of fear mixed with possibility. “It has been hard to wait. I almost asked her out today but then…didn’t.” I’m silent for a moment, thinking about Zoe. Meeting my sister’s impatient gaze, I ask, “You really think I should just go for it?”

“Absolutely! Life’s too short to sit around worrying about whatmighthappen. Just be honest with her. That’s what matters.”

I sit back in my chair, contemplating this advice. Could I really do it? The thought of being with Zoe sends fireworks into my gut, but the fear of rejection sits heavy on my chest. “You make a good point, Elena. But what if it doesn’t go as I hope?”

My sister reaches across the table, squeezing my hand, hazel eyes always reminding me of Mom when she gets quiet. “Then you learn from it, Tom. But you owe it to yourself to find out. Just imagine how great it would feel to be with someone you genuinely like, instead of holding back out of fear.”

I nod slowly. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll do it.”

Elena beams, clearly pleased with herself. “Good! I want to hear all the details when you finally do.”

As we finish our meal, the conversation drifts to where we’ll go while Elena’s in town, but I can’t shake the weight of her words.

She’s right. Maybe it’s time to stop waiting. To start living.

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