i b9efbdf1c066cc69 by Sweet Baby Girl Entertainment

right?”
    “That’s right. You can come and go as you need to and you’ll have a key. She just asks you respect the house and eat her cooking.” Kieran smiled.
    “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem,” Zoe shrugged, “your mother is obviously a nice lady since she’s raised you and your brothers and—”
    “No, not that,” Kieran shook his head as he navigated down the streets in St. George, “her cooking. You need to finish your plate.”
    Zoe had heard from Tiana about the infamous big meals Nicola had made for her family.
    She truly thought Tiana was just exaggerating. “That much food?”
    “That much food.” He repeated. They pulled up to his mother’s home and Kieran parked the rental truck. “All right, we’re here. Let’s go.”
    They got out of the car and walked up to the home. “Hey, ma! I’m here with Zoe.” Kieran called out.
    Nicola rushed downstairs and Joey was behind her. “Well, hello, Zoe! I’m glad you’re here! I’m Nicola and the mother of all these boys. You’ll be staying with me and you will have full access to the house and whatever you need,” Nicola introduced herself.
    “Thank you so much, Nicola,” Zoe smiled, “I feel at home already.”
    While Zoe and Nicola made small talk, Joey couldn’t help admiring the lithe beauty before him. She had light almond skin that seemed to be smooth like butter. She was much thinner than past girlfriends but he was willing to make an exception just for her. Her ebony bob-cut slightly bounced with her movements and whenever she smiled, her eyes danced. He was already in love with her. “Hi, I’m Joey.” He interrupted the ladies.
    “Hi, Joey. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Zoe lightly crossed her arms.
    “Good things, I hope?” Joey smiled.
    “No, not really.” Zoe shook her head.
    “Well, I need to head back to the shop.” Kieran grabbed his keys. “Zoe, did you need me to drop you off at the customer’s?”
    “That would be great! I have my day cut out for me!” Zoe began to pick up her bag when another hand grabbed her handbag.
    “Allow me,” Joey met eyes with Zoe. They were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.
    They were slanted, a sign of her Asian heritage, and hypnotizing. “Kieran, I can drop Zoe off.
    Don’t worry about it. You head over to the shop.”

    Nine
    “So is this your first trip to New York?” Joey started conversation as he navigated down the street.
    The sun was starting to set and a beautiful orange-tangerine haze overlooked the city. The autumn air was brisk and made Zoe bundle up a bit more. The New York air smelled crisp, causing Zoe to inadvertently inhale several times over.
    The weather was cooler, different colored leaves were on the ground; a sign of the
    changing season and temperature. It seemed every woman was wearing some variation of knee-high boots, jeans, and a sweater. Some were dressed out of the runway while others created their own funky and creative style.
    New York. It was completely different than L.A. It was almost exactly like L.A. The hub-bub of Times Square reminded Zoe of Hollywood. The Concrete Jungle. Everyone was in a hurry to get someplace; the sense of urgency was ever-present, a direct contradiction of the laid-back feel of Los Angeles.
    Zoe stared out the window, admiring what New York had to offer. She had many
    opportunities to travel to New York, either by herself or with friends, but always shied away from the state. It didn’t stop her from traveling and experiencing the world, but New York somehow put the fear of God into Zoe. Too many horror stories of people being mean and downright nasty. The media reported violent crimes that were sure to deter even the bravest person. Surprisingly, she wasn’t concerned about the cost of going to New York, though she knew it was going to be very expensive.
    She knew the real reason for never traveling to New York. It was the same one why she never traveled to Paris. The overwhelming fear of rejection