Not tonight. Let’s meet when I’m back.
“Okay, another question.” I put the phone down, giving her my full attention.
“Shoot.”
“How much for the dinner?” She gestured toward the empty containers.
“It’ll cost you,” I paused, “one book.”
“What?”
“Lend me any book from your massive collection. Your pick.”
She looked at me as if I’d lost it, but then her expression softened. Hazel stood up from the rug that had clearly seen better days, walked over to the bookcase, and carefully examined each row.
“Are you more of a romance guy or mystery kind of man? Ah, don’t answer that,” she scoffed before I could answer.
“I’m not big on romance,” I said. She huffed quietly, but I caught it. “Pick something you think Ishouldread.”
The focus on her face intrigued me. She stopped and smiled to herself. “Okay,” she said, “this is one of my favorites—Before I Fallby Lauren Oliver. Long story short, it’s about a girl who relives the same day over and over again, but each time she wakes up, it feels like a new story. It has everything you want—love, hate, death, friendship, family, time, ethics, choices, existential crisis, you name it.”
“Sounds... interesting.”Just like you, Hazel.
She handed me the book, and I flipped through the pages quickly, noticing a few highlighted sentences but deciding not to spoil it for myself. I’d let it surprise me.
We talked for about half an hour until she checked her watch. “Oh damn, it’s late already.” A slight disappointment colored my heart, but I ignored it. I wasn’t the type to miss a woman. I took it as my cue to leave.
“Yes, of course, I’ll let you pack for tomorrow.” I grabbed my jacket and headed to the door.
“Thanks again for helping me. I appreciate it,” she said, her gaze lowering as she offered a warm smile.
“Thanks for all the info on publishing.”
She smiled, crossing her arms. “Glad I could help.”
“Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow on my way to the airport?”
“It’s fine. Mady offered to take me. Thanks.”
“Then see you tomorrow at the airport.”
“Sure. Are your friends gonna gang up on me? Wait for me at the gate and talk about me before I arrive?” she laughed nervously.
“Not if you arrive first.” I winked and walked backwards down the hall.
She laughed and closed the door. I lingered for the faint click of the lock, then turned and headed downstairs.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. Another message from Vanessa.
You sure?
I paused at the bottom step, thumb hovering for a moment before I typed back.
Yeah. I’m sure.
12
Hazel
