Chapter 20 #3
“That’s actually correct,” Summer said, impressed. Hazel just sipped her drink, hiding her smile in a book.
“Spell Conscientious?” Norah asked suddenly.
“C.o.n.s.c.i.e.n.t.i.o.u.s.,” Hazel said without hesitation.
“How are you so good at this?” I asked, keeping my eyes on her, watching to see what other treasures would slip out unconsciously.
“It’s possible I participated in some spelling bee competitions as a kid,” she quietly said and shrugged as if it wasn’t impressive.
“Well, that’s not fair, she’s also the least drunk of us all,” Ethan added.
“Okay, honey, spell whiskey. You shouldn’t have a problem with this, knowing how much you love that stuff,” Summer said. Ethan froze but ultimately gave up.
Ava grinned. “Let’s get her drunk and test her skills.”
“Now we’re talking,” Alex agreed.
“Okay,” Hazel said to my surprise. “But I’m drunk after three cocktails, so no more than that.”
Half an hour later, she had flawlessly spelled Schizophrenia, algorithm, incarceration, acquiescence, inconsequential, Pythagorean theorem. We all took turns trying to make her fail, but no luck so far. Admittedly, some of us requested words like noble, ideal, and Hazel.
Her own name! Apparently, now we all know which words Ethan thought were hard to spell. Seeing no way to beat her, I decided to mess with her, so I threw at her words like—
“A.m.b.r.o.s.i.a.l.” she answered, holding my gaze. “Exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell.” I let my eyes linger on her lips, then drop to her neck.
Damn, the things I could do with them. She drew in a shallow breath, almost imperceptible, before reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. I hated how much I enjoyed seeing her body react to my words.
She finished her drink and raised a hand for a refill.
“What can I get you, guys?” A tall, clearly sunburned waiter approached.
“A gin and tonic, please,” Hazel asked, and I immediately imagined how ambrosial the gin would taste on her tongue.
“Sure. Can I see some ID?”
We all turned to him in surprise.
“We’ve been here for the last three hours,” Summer said.
“Sorry, new shift, I have to ask everyone,” the waiter shrugged.
“We’re all very much over 18, man,” I said, annoyed.
“It’s okay,” Hazel interjected. “I don’t mind.”
I grunted. She pulled out her wallet and handed him the ID.
“Thank you, Miss Ridley,” he winked at her slightly, and she averted her eyes, blushing. Asshole. Those blushes were mine. He just wanted to see her name.
“Hey, show me your ID photo,” Norah said, reaching for it. “Is it as bad as mine?”
“I don’t think everyone gets their ID photo while they have the flu, honey,” Logan teased.
Norah stuck out her tongue and looked at the little plastic card. “Oh my God,” she suddenly yelled out.
I leaned over, curious. “What, did they catch you mid-sneeze or something?”
“Hazel Ridley. Date of Birth: April 14, 1999,” she declared and looked at Hazel with piercing eyes.
“April 14?” I said, taking the ID.
“What’s today?” Ethan asked.
“The 12th,” someone answered, and I turned to Hazel.
“Why didn’t you tell us you have a birthday in two days?”
She glanced away, feeling a bit guilty. “It’s not like I was hiding it on purpose. If I said anything, Ava would’ve gone full wedding-caterer mode, and Alex would’ve planned some over-the-top party. I just didn’t want it to turn into a big deal.”
“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.