Page 25 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

“So…it’s forever. Right?”

Tom starts coughing and steps away from us. I reach over and touch his back. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” he chokes. “Just got something down the wrong pipe.”

“Oh, I hate that,” I whisper, rubbing his back.

“Look, Zoe,” he says, stepping away from my touch, hesitating as if searching for the right words. “If you’re happy, that’s what matters, I guess. But just… think this through, okay?”

“I’m thinking, Tom!” I say, my voice sharper than intended. “I’ve thought about it more than you know. I’m tired of being the joke, the girl who waits around for someone. He took a chance, asked me, and I guess his timing was just really good because I…want a companion. I want someone of my own. Someone who sees me.”

Elena glances between us and groans, “Oh man.”

“What?” I ask her.

Lexi grins, “Well, if you’re engaged, we should celebrate! Let’s grab some ice cream or something. A toast to Zoe’s new adventure!”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “That sounds great.” Looking at Samantha I tilt my head, hoping she’ll stop looking so worried and just be happy for me. “Doesn’t it, Sam? Please celebrate with me.”

Her gaze rises from the gum-dotted sidewalk, brow clearing. “I’m here for you.”

Stretching my shoulders I smile, “Good. Let’s all get some ice cream.” On a nervous laugh I add, “I could use something sweet right now.”

Tom stays quiet, jaw tight. It’s like I can feel the weight of his thoughts, unspoken words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. It’s unsettling, and for a moment, I wonder what’s really going on with him. If he’s this worried about me, that means he truly is a friend. Those who worry,care.

As we begin to walk, I notice Tom falling a step behind. I glance back at him, but he’s staring off into the distance, expression clouded. I can’t shake that there’s something in his silence which makes my heart ache a little.

“Tom?” I call softly, and he looks up. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he replies quickly.

As we head towards the ice cream shop, I glance over at Tom again. I’ve never seen his eyes so stormy. They’re usually so warm, so open and unguarded.

I push the thought aside, focusing on the excitement of my announcement. This is what I need — someone to share my life with, even if it’s a companionship and never turns into more. I can’t shake the feeling, though, that I’m leaving something important behind, something I can’t quite put my finger on.

“I’m going to be okay, Tom.”

He returns, voice low and somber, “I know you will, Zoe.”

Smiling, I face forward and take Lexi’s hand. “Thank you for pushing me to take a chance.”

“Boy, you took one!” she laughs, squeezing my fingers lightly.

I take Samantha’s hand, too, andHouse Threewalks together toward a future unknown to us.

Samantha inhales sharply. “Your brothers…”

“Let’s not think about that now,” Lexi says.

I counter, “They’ll support me.”

Lexi barks, “Ha!”

And I glance to her, “You don’t think so?”

“We’ll see, Zoe.”

Samantha offers, “Maybe?”

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