Page 110 of Something Cheeky

Chapter 47

Zoe slumped into the wall of their favorite booth inside Hazel’s Kitchen. She’d been on her feet most of the day as they finalized the costumes for tomorrow’s tech run. Now that she’d eaten Andre’s delicious gumbo, all her achy body wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep for three days straight.

“Want a drink?” Keisha stopped by the booth on the way to the kitchen with dirty dishes she’d bussed from the tables. “He’s already closed the bar, but I know he’ll be happy to make you something.”

“Coffee with lots of sugar, please.” Zoe forced herself to sit up straight. “We have a long night ahead of us.”

The rest of the Boss Babes exchanged worried looks.

“I saw that.” Zoe pointed her finger at them.

“Zoe, it’s been five days and you haven’t talked about Derek,” Reina said gently.

“It’s over between us. There’s nothing to discuss.” Zoe groaned. “Can I at least have my caffeine before you grill me about my failed love life?”

Keisha ran into the kitchen and returned with the entire pot of coffee plus a restaurant-size squeeze bottle of sweetened condensed milk.

Zoe grabbed the bottle and kissed it. Sugar was a sad substitute for her beloved sweetener.

“Okay, now I’m really worried,” Josie said as she carefully pried the bottle from Zoe. She flipped the cap open to squeeze the sweetener into Zoe’s coffee. “Tell me when.”

“Keep going.” Zoe waited until the mug threatened to overflow before shouting, “When!”

“Wow,” exclaimed Keisha as Zoe tried to stir her coffee without spilling a single drop. “Does that mean you don’t want any leftover bread pudding?”

“We never turn down Andre’s bread pudding,” Trixie answered for the table. “Thanks for letting us hold the meeting here after hours.”

“Anything for my babe,” Andre called from the kitchen door. He held a large tray of dessert. “I’ll set up a spread and y’all can help yourselves.”

“Thanks, sweetie.” Trixie wrapped her arms around her boyfriend and pulled him in for a deep kiss.

Zoe looked away. It wasn’t their fault they were so stinking cute, but their public display of affection only reminded her of Derek. Or rather, how she’d probably never kiss anyone like that ever again.

“I love—lovedhim.” Zoe’s voice cracked. But none of that mattered now.

“Aha! She finally admits it.”

“Reina, you’re not helping,” Josie chastised the redhead before turning to Zoe. “She’s right. You can’t bottle your feelings like that.”

“He’s not the person I thought I loved,” Zoe replied before taking a sip. She let the sugary coffee coat her tongue before swallowing.

“I’m sorry.” Her roommate hugged her. “You’re allowed to be mad and talk about your feelings.”

Zoe had said awful things to him and she couldn’t take them back. She’d replayed that evening in her head over and over, trying to figure out how she could’ve handled it better. But the ending was always the same. She couldn’t be someone who was afraidto do the right thing. Someone who wasn’t strong enough to stand up for their values.

The bell over the door dinged.

“We’re here!” TJ announced as he held the front door open for the cast ofThe Brocaded Slipperand Th?o.

“Please, come in and help yourselves.” Keisha welcomed them and guided everyone to the huge buffet that Andre had set up.

“Wow, it smells amazing in here.” Katie Mai grabbed a plate and filled it with a scoop of everything.

The others agreed and followed suit.

“How did rehearsal go today?” asked Zoe after everyone had filled their bellies. She sat on a barstool so everyone could see her clearly.

“The lyrics are still in English,” Danny said dejectedly.

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