“Don’t worry, I’m always on your side. And I’m really happy we finally get to meet,” I say to Parker after we sit down.
He looks stunning with his jet-black hair and fair skin. His eyes are an almost-unnatural blue, framed by long, thick lashes that I immediately envy. Everything about him looks British, from his clean-cut facial features and the shape of his lips to the burgundy-colored chunky knit sweater he’s wearing.
“I’m happy too,” he replies, and he even has a slight British accent. His smile is so sweet that I completely understand why Caleb is smitten. “Your brother tells me you’re a ballet dancer?”
I sigh exaggeratedly and give Caleb a reproachful look. “Is that the only thing you can say about me?” I tease him.
“No, but I’m proud of you, so let me be.” He taps my nose.
I have to laugh, but it doesn’t feel entirely genuine. “That’s not fair—I can’t be mad at you that way.”
“You’re not supposed to be,” Caleb says with a grin, reaching for Parker’s hand. Their fingers intertwine, and my heart quickens as I think about Jase. He still hasn’t reached out, and I’m really starting to worry.
“He also showed me videos of you, if that helps in any way to be mad at him.” Parker winks, and I push my worries about Jase aside. He’ll text soon. I’m sure he will.
“Unfortunately not.” I sigh. “But thanks for your help.” I’m pretty sure I know which videos he means. Mom and Dad have seen and taped every one of my performances, but my brother knows exactly which videos are allowed to be seen and which are not.
“It was worth a try,” Parker says with a shrug, while Caleb looks from him to me, relieved.
He gives me a silentthank you, and I smile at him because Parker really is great.
* * *
“It was so nice to meet you all,” Parker says with a warm smile as we say goodbye to each other outside the restaurant a few hours later.
“It was nice for us too,” Mom says, hugging him. She’s beaming. She’s been doing that all evening, as have Dad and Caleb.
I can’t help but feel like I wasn’t quite present this evening, and I have a terribly guilty conscience about it.
“Everything okay?” Caleb whispers, so no one else can hear him. “You seem a little distant. Don’t you like Parker?” A worried expression crosses his face, and I feel a stab of guilt.
“Of course I do! He’s wonderful, honestly. You’re perfect together.”
“Then what’s going on?”
“Nothing at all,” I lie, because I can’t tell him about Jase. Not today.
Caleb doesn’t look convinced, but he gives in. “Okay.”
I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Zoe, can we give you a ride back?” Mom puts a hand on my shoulder.
“That would be great, thank you.”
“Of course. We’re going in the same direction.” She winks at me, smiling.
I hug Parker and Caleb and follow my parents to their car. The whole drive, they talk about Caleb and Parker, and while Dad isn’t quite planning the wedding yet, the next family celebration will certainly be a vacation together. I only listen with half an ear, mumbling in agreement from time to time so they’ll at least think I’m taking part in the conversation. But I’m checking my phone every few seconds.
But—surprise—Jase still hasn’t texted.
“Zoe? Honey?”
I look up. Mom is looking at me questioningly. “What? I’m sorry, I was thinking about something.”
“We’re here. Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” I say, lying again. I squeeze out a smile. “I’m just tired.”
