Disclaimer: I do not own Hart of Dixie

The night was cold and breezy as Zoe and Joel walked to their car after a pleasant evening at fancies, where they ordered the same meals as last week and made the same small talk that had become their nightly routine. It was to be expected that dining at the one and only restaurant in BlueBell would see repetition yet Zoe was becoming more aware each week just how boring her life now was. Boring was not something that she would like to be known for. Short shorts, yes. Boring, not so much.

"The night is still young. How about we get a quick drink before heading home?" Joel asked opening the car door for her. Despite the cold it was a lovely night out with a full moon shining high and a drink seemed like a perfect end to date night.

"Sure, why not." Zoe answered with a smile. As much as she loved Joel and thought that she could spend her life with him she found herself maybe a little bit too excited at the prospect of seeing a handsome bartender. Maybe it was Zoe starting to see flaws in her relationship with Joel but Wade seemed to be on her mind more often these days. Butterflies swirled in her stomach as she saw him behind the bar. He was concentrating on his cocktails, his hands constantly moving and shaking whilst he charmed and chatted with the group of young ladies who giggled and flicked their hair at all the right times.

"I'll get the drinks" Zoe told Joel as he started small talk with Mayor Hayes and AB. Approaching the bar Wade looked up and watched Zoe walk towards him with a sparkle in her eye.

"Well wade, don't you have the pick of the cheerleading squad tonight. Make sure to protect yourself though, I've seen what goes on at the football locker room and I'm guessing a lot of those girls have too" Zoe said while taking a seat on her favourite bar stool. He gave a quiet laugh and leaned down on the bar closing the space between them.

"Doc, why is it I find you over here with me on what appears to be date night. Would you like to be in the running for-"

"Enough! Wine and beer please." Zoe interrupted, knowing where the conversation was going. Wade smirked and winked before turning away. Even when he was being an ass Zoe still found herself following his movements. Her eyes drifted down his back to his jeans when suddenly he turned around and caught her staring at his lower half. Looking down and away she mumbled a thanks before returning to the table and joining the conversation about the upcoming BlueBell Ball.

The next hour drinks and conversation flowed and Zoe tried her best to avoid eye contact with wade. Joel seemed to notice her squirming around and quietly asked if everything was ok. "I'm just tired after a big week at the practice, that's all. Brick has to have used up all his annual leave by now I think" Zoe answered with wave of her hand and a small yawn to emphasise the point.

"Z, you need to slow down girl, you're back in Alabama now, not fast paced New York City." Lavon said as he finished off his drink. She nodded knowing he was right. Picking up her bag she stood up and Joel quickly followed. "On that note I think it's time to hit the hay". Her eyes locked into wades from across the room who gave a sincere smile and a head nod before turning away to the next customer.

The car ride home was comfortably quiet and Zoe was glad she didn't have to make chit chat. Her mind ran through the nights events and she frowned at the thought of Wade going home with a blonde bimbo. Why did it bother her so much? She has Joel doesn't she? Did she expect Wade to wait around, pining for her while she moves on with someone else right in front of him. That didn't seem fair. Maybe she shouldn't have moved back to BlueBell, especially since she had found a new love so quickly. If Wade with someone else didn't sit right with Zoe, then how the hell was Wade feeling about the situation she had put him into. Perhaps this was all a mistake, even if it felt like she was home again.

She shook her head. New York wasn't home anymore. The thought of never seeing the town of BlueBell again was not an option, especially after falling in love with everyone in it. Everyone. Even Wade Kinsella.