Want You Back

Chapter 8

Zoe opened her eyes. They were puffy. It was a disgusting feeling. She hated to cry. It just felt weird. To get her mind off it, she wanted to make herself a very relaxing breakfast first. It was not the time to think about him. He didn't deserve it.

"Good morning." said Zoe, rubbing her eyes. "Hey." replied James. "What happened? Talk to me." She rolled her eyes and ignored her brother. "Did Ashton do something?" said James, getting up from the sofa. His hands clenched into fists. His anger boiled inside him. "I really don't want to talk about it." snapped Zoe. "If Ashton hurts you, I'll finish him. You can't put up with everything. He's an asshole. Trust me." James yelled at his sister. "That's enough. Stop treating him like shit. I can handle it. Dammit." replied Zoe, glaring at her brother. Her look was evil. She was ready to give everything for Ashton. He hurt her, but it didn't matter. Ashton is an important person for Zoe and she does everything to protect him.

"No. Tell him to leave you alone. You are hurt. You're not well and all because of some guy, who doesn't return your love." James replied and walked towards Zoe. He had a solid point. Zoe took her favorite cup from the cupboard and poured herself a coffee. She peered at cup, while her brother waited for a response. "Enough. I don't want you here. Get out! Now!" yelled Zoe at James. He widened his eyes and sighed. Stuffing all his things into his backpack, he walked towards Zoe. He took her arm and looked into her eyes. "He doesn't deserve you." he said with a very disgusting undertone and left.

Zoe leaned against her kitchen counter and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and shook her head. What just happened?

Zoe calmly finished her coffee and got ready to go out in public. Grace and Zoe had an appointment, because they wanted to go to the studio.

It had not been a good start to the day. Zoe kept thinking about Ashton and couldn't get the girl out of her mind. And then there was the argument with her brother. If one thing is for sure, it's that Zoe is in an absolutely bad mood and can't get excited about her big day. It was supposed to be such a happy moment, one of the best in her life.

"Hey. How are you?" inquired Grace as they both meet at Zoe's front door. Zoe sighed. "It's hard, if I'm being completely honest." replied Zoe. She got into the car. It was a great car, but it was nothing compared to Ashton's car. She missed him. She loved the moments with him.

Grace started to drive off. If there's something on your mind, feel free to tell me." Grace mentioned, smiling at Zoe. "This thing with Ashton and that girl hit me harder than I would have expected. I don't understand why. I mean we're not in a loving relationship with each other and he can do whatever he wants. But it hurt." Zoe replied, looking out the window. "I understand what you mean, dear. You can talk to him and tell him how you feel." Grace suggested. It was not a bad suggestion, but would it be the right decision?

"The problem is, I don't know how to feel or what to feel. And I can't tell him anything until I know what the feelings mean." Zoe said. "Take your time." replied Grace. "I kicked my brother out today." laughed Zoe. "What? Why are you laughing?" said Grace, looking at Zoe in wonder. "He was getting on my nerves. We got into a fight. He doesn't understand that it's not his business." replied Zoe. "Okay. All right." Grace laughed.

The two arrived at their destination. It was the moment of truth. "Are you ready?" asked Grace. "I think so." replied Zoe. She left Ashton and all negative feelings behind. It is a good day, which may change her life. She took a deep breath and was ready to present her song. Grace and Zoe walked through the many hallways of the studio until they came to the one particular door. Zoe knocked gently on the door. A "Come in." came from the other side and they both entered the room.

"Hello Zoe. Hi Grace. Nice to see you both." said Steve Barnett. "Hi. I'm glad to be here today." replied Zoe. "Hello Steve." "So, what's the deal? Did you bring a demo?" asked Steve, standing up to get to eye level. Zoe looked to Grace, who smiled at her, and Zoe handed Mister Barnett her demo. "Let's listen to it then."

"Tell me where your love lies
Waste the day and spend the night
Underneath the sunrise
Show me where your love lies
Tell me where your love lies
Waste the day and spend the night
Underneath the sunrise
Show me where your love lies" 

"I play guitar, which is why I played a couple chords on the side. But there are still a few elements to be added." Zoe explained. Steve propped his head on his hand and listened intently to the song. His expression couldn't give much away. Zoe was so excited that her heart almost stopped beating. "So..." Zoe's eyes got really big, like her life was based on it. "I think it's good. It had a meaning. The song wasn't created through boredom, it has a story to it. I like it." said Steve, a smile on his lips. Zoe couldn't believe it. She did. "Thank you so much. What's the plan?" she made sure. "I'm going to keep the demo and talk to some musicians to see what ideas they can contribute to it, as far as the melody goes. Is that all right?" asked Steve. "Of course. I'm looking forward to it." replied Zoe, who wanted to scream at the top of her lungs. "Perfect. I'll get back to you and then you can come back for the finished result." "Thank you so much!" said Zoe, shaking Mr. Barnett's hand.

"I can't believe it! I'm so proud of you." Grace squealed, hugging her friend. "Me neither. Thanks for coming with me." Zoe thanked her. "This calls for a celebration!" replied Grace.

No sooner said than done. The two of them had dressed up properly. Zoe was allowed to borrow a blue dress from Grace. The dress matched her eyes. It fit perfectly and made her boobs really shine. Zoe looked hot.

The two girlfriends came off in big club. Grace knew it through Luke. It was supposed to be one of the best. Whatever the criteria for it is.

"Hey, there's Luke!" yelled Zoe to Grace, so Grace could hear her. "Ahh. What's he doing here? He didn't tell me that he is going." said Grace, her face contorting. "I want to dance." said Zoe. "I'll be right there." replied Grace, walking over to Luke.

Zoe walked out onto the dance floor and started moving her hips to the beat. She closed her eyes and let the music flow through her body. As she did so, she didn't notice a very specific person watching her. Ashton was sitting at the bar with his drink, watching every move Zoe made. He let his gaze wander from top to bottom. First her pretty face, which had a smile on its lips and her body, which moved perfectly to the song. Ashton couldn't get enough of looking at her.

Head on neck and the drink was gone. He made his way over to Zoe. "Hey." He let his hands trace her curves. Zoe looked at him and grinned dirty. She still had negative feelings toward Ashton. But she knew exactly what she had to do. His closeness did not bother Zoe, she took the opportunity. "You know you're teasing me."