“But it IS a big deal!” Alex yelled. Hazel held out her hand toward him, proving her point. I snorted. Okay, she was right,but it was also funny. The thing is, I believe she actually does enjoy parties; she just didn’t want to impose.
“I’m not a big party person.”
“Yes, you smoking weed and volunteering to pierce ears really proves that,” Norah said ironically.
“Hazel,” I said calmly, handing her ID back. “Since we’re all friends here and you’re part of this, you’ll have to get used to the friendship perks.”
Friends. We are friends. Remember that.
“What’s your favorite food?” Ava asked Hazel, already in planning mode.
Hazel sighed, tired. “Vinegar burger.”
Alex immediately gagged, and I chortled.
I had this weird feeling in my chest that I couldn’t quite place. Hazel made me feel an overwhelming mix of emotions—happy, horny, slightly irritated, challenged, relaxed, brave, as well as vulnerable. The last one wasn’t pleasant, but it was new and exciting. She made me want to feel emotions that I wasn’t particularly comfortable with. But I was comfortable with her.
“Can we talk about something other than my inevitable aging?” she pleaded.
“Sure. Where are we eating tonight?” Summer changed the topic.
“I made reservations at a place Hazel suggested to me,” I said, glancing at Hazel. She looked confused. I raised my beer to my lips, winking slightly.
“Oh, right, I did, yeah,” she said convincingly. “Great food. Ava would approve.”
My girl.
“The thing is, I brought just beach stuff and a jumpsuit.” She laughed.
“No worries. We’ll fix you up,” Summer assured her, and the conversation steered away from us. When no one was listening, Hazel leaned in.
“Why did I just lie for you?”
“It’s a secret,” I whispered.
“Not good enough. Just tell me. I can keep secrets.”
“Don’t push me, Hazel. You’re gonna find out soon,” I said, my voice lower than I intended. She had drifted closer without me noticing, close enough that I could see the flecks of gold in her eyes. “I promise.”
She smiled to herself and murmured, “I thought you liked it when I push you.”
Oh, I liked it.
She didn’t even realize how much she was flirting with me.
Ah, Hazel. Don’t say that. There are only so many things you can do until I start pushing back.
21
Luke
I was standing outside a charming brick building. The restaurant stood right on a small hill overlooking the beach. I was not thrilled about that, but today’s jump with Hazel was definitely much higher. Scarier, too. The fear, however, was softened by the gentle glow of Hazel’s smile catching the sunlight beside me, a quiet reminder that I wasn’t facing this alone.
I sighed quietly to myself, the memory lingering as we waited for everyone to arrive. After the beach, the girls wanted to raid some shops for clothes and get their nails done, so we decided to meet here.
From the outside, the restaurant seemed like a casual, vintage spot, but the inside was brand new, elegant, and lavish. A string quartet and a piano in the corner, along with the dim lighting, was pure chef’s kiss. Perfect for the night ahead.
Alex joined me, hands in his pockets, all skittish. He glanced at me but didn’t say a word. I chuckled at the edgy mess beside me.
