“Reid? No way.” But a little bit of guilt seeped in. Was he bummed that I hadn’t invited him? Would he have wanted to come?
I replied.
Hazel: Yep. Western night. I am apparently the only person who hasn’t heard about this.
Reid: lol West has dragged me there before.
Reid: Have fun. Get home safe. Let me know if you need me. I’ll keep my phone on.
“Awww,” Jackson cooed again before I pulled my phone away. “He likes you, Hazel.”
I leaned into him. “I hope so.”
We danced the rest of the night, and I had one only unfortunate mishap on the mechanical bull that resulted in what would surely be a sore ass tomorrow.
When Jackson and I said goodbye to his friends and piled back into a car, I was almost tempted to head back to Reid’s house. But a larger part of me didn’t want my night with Jackson to end. When we ordered tacos to be delivered to his place, a quiet ease settled over me, soft and content.
For the first time, I felt like life was going to work out no matter what. I could handle what came next. I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Gran had raised me right. I could do this. I had to have faith I’d get Vermont back. I wouldn’t accept another outcome. I’d fight if I had to.
And as for everything with Reid…I was a catch. I’d tell myself that until I believed the words to be true. Anyone would be lucky to have me in their life.
Back at Jackson’s, eating tacos on his kitchen island, my eyes started to droop. Between the evening with Reid’s family and the night out with Jackson, I felt full. I didn’t want tothink about West’s comment. I didn’t want it to be real. But after giving it some time, and a healing night out, I could handle a mature conversation with Reid. If we were meant to be, we’d get through it. And I had very strong inkling that we would.
“I’m so glad you came over tonight.” Jackson smiled at me across the counter. “I was kind of worried you didn’t like me.”
“Really?” I asked, brows raised.
“Yeah, like, when we both first started, I’d always ask you to hang out and you never wanted to commit to plans.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were serious.”
He rolled his eyes. “Of course I was. I want to be friends, Hazel.”
“I want to be friends, too.” I propped my elbow on the island, resting my chin in my hand.
“Then let me in. I’m nosy and am terrible with secrets, but I’m fun.” He put two hands underneath his chin, pretending to frame his face like a prize.
I laughed. “Well, I have a small hill of credit card debt, and apparently don’t have my life together, but I’m also fun.”
He grinned. “The perfect combo, then.”
My phone buzzed on the table. I checked the time. Who the hell was texting me past midnight?
I flipped it over, half-hoping it was Reid. My heart dropped when I saw the new text from an unknown number. I already knew who it was.
Unknown Number: You’re running out of time. I’ll be sending the details for the exchange soon.
Dread washed over me when I opened it to see a picture of Vermont. Thankfully, he looked fine, as usual. Curled up on a rug, honestly looking like he didn’t have a care in the world. I sighed, slumping against the island.
With my thumb and index finger, I zoomed in on thepicture. There was a couch behind Vermont; some generic leather-looking one. That didn’t tell me much.
Then something caught my eye.
I sat straight up and zoomed in further. My eyes practically bugged out of my head.
“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, jumping from the stool.
“What?” Jackson asked, still chewing his last taco.
