I don't own "Hart of Dixie". If I did, Wade would be shirtless more often.

The night air was crisp and cool which was a real contrast to the oppressive heat that happened just a week earlier. Wade was sitting on his porch, using his night off to the fullest. He had his guitar out, strumming out a few chords and a 12 pack of beer next to him. After talking his father off the roof the night before, Wade wanted nothing more than be able to relax. He let out a sigh and took a deep breath, soaking the smell of autumn.

While his eyes were closed, he heard footsteps on the gravel walkway to his place. "What are you doing here, Lavon?" He asked. He figured the mayor would be the only one to stop by after last night. The rest of the town knew he usually liked to be along after talking his dad down.

"It's not Lavon." Replied a voice that was very unique to Bluebell. Wade opened his eyes to see Dr. Zoe Hart, herself.

"Hey Doc. To what I owe this pleasure?" Wade asked.

Zoe gave a small shrug. "I saw you out here and thought maybe you would like a drinking buddy."

Wade knew she was up to something, but he didn't feel like calling her out on it. "Are you sure? You might get my "generic beer breath" as you so nicely called it."

Zoe gave him a small grin. "I'm willing to take the risk."

Wade returned the grin and motioned to the empty chair next to him. "Well, then, you are more than welcome." As Zoe sat down, Wade popped a beer opened and handed it over to her. Zoe took a tentative sip and looked surprised at the taste of it. Wade couldn't help but laugh. "What, you never had a beer before?"

"A couple of times throughout college. But I never liked the taste of it. But this kind isn't too bad." Zoe said and then she took another sip.

"Probably because college kids buy the cheap stuff. Contrary to popular belief, I don't skimp when it comes to my beer."

"What about the hard stuff? You do skimp then?"

Wade shook his head. "I usually don't touch the stuff."

They were quiet for a moment before Zoe asked, "Is it because of your dad?"

Ah. So there was her angle. Being new to town, she didn't know the story and it seemed her curiosity got the better of her. Wade was silent for a moment while he debated on telling her the story or not.

Zoe took his silence as a "no". "Look, if it's too personal, I get it. I'm sor-" She began to apologize but Wade cut her off.

"It's fine. And you're right; I usually don't touch the hard stuff because of my dad." Wade let out a sigh and leaned back into his chair. "He wasn't always the town drunk. It wasn't until my mom died that he turned to liquor."

"What did your mom die of?"

"Breast cancer. She had been sick for a while, so it wasn't like it was a big surprise or anything. But it didn't make it any easier." Wade replied. He took a sip of his beer before continuing. "That was about seven years ago."

"I'm sorry." Zoe said.

Wade shrugged. "It happens." They were quiet for a couple of minutes before Wade spoke up again. "She's the reason why I have to sing Moon River to get my dad off the roof every month."

Zoe's eyes looked at Wade with a questioning look. "How so?"

" The movie Breakfast at Tiffany's was my mom's favorite. She always dreamed of going to New York City to actually have breakfast at Tiffany's. But that dream went down the tubes when she got sick. So she would just watch the movie over and over. I got sick of it, but I would watch it with her because it made her happy."

"So that's why you looked annoyed that you had to sing last night." Zoe said thoughtfully.

"That and I hate singing. In case you didn't notice, I can't carry a tune. I play guitar, not sing. But that seems to be the only way my dad will come down peacefully. So once a month, I endure the torture of singing."

By this point, the beers were empty and Wade could see that Zoe was getting slightly tipsy. Because she did something uncharacteristic of her. She stood up, leaned over Wade and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, giving him a hug. "You are a good person."

Wade closed his eyes, briefly allowing himself enjoy her touch. "Careful Doc. Say stuff like that more often and people might think you actually like me."

"I blame this on the alcohol." Zoe said, her arms still around him. After a moment Zoe straighten up. "I probably should go now. I have work in the morning."

"Yeah, you probably should go."

Zoe gave him a soft smile. "I'll see you around, Wade. Goodnight."

"See ya around, Doc. Sweet dreams." And with that, Wade watched Zoe as she made her way to her place. After a couple of minutes, Wade stood up and stretched. He wasn't really sure what just happened there, but he figured it was what some people call a break through. Whatever it was, he hoped it continued. Who knows; maybe they would actually become really good friends.

I got this idea last night and decided to see where it went. I feel that it does alright on it's own, but I might add more to it.

Anyway, as always, feel free to leave a review and happy reading!