Page 32 of After You Returned

“That’s it?” a man yells. “I paid one-hundred dollars per plate for that?”

Hazel rushes to him. “Don’t worry, sir. The show isn’t over.”

“Itbarely began.”

He stands to get in her face and I spring to my feet. I position myself in front of Hazel to shield her. “Do not yell at her.”

Hazel tries to push in front of me. “This is my job. I don’t need you to save me.”

“I know, Blaze. But I’m not going to sit there while some guy is an asshole to you.”

She snorts. “What? The role of being an asshole to Hazel is reserved exclusively for you?”

I palm her cheek. “I’m not an asshole to you.”

She cocks an eyebrow.

“Not anymore.”

“Hello! Did you forget I exist?” The man thumps a fist on the table.

I growl at him. “You’re done.”

“Done?”

“Get your shit. Your evening is over.”

“I want a refund.”

I dig my wallet out and remove a few fifty-dollar bills. “Here. Consider this your refund.”

The man snatches the money. “I’m writing a bad review,” he grumbles as he marches away.

His dinner companion sighs as she stands. “Don’t worry. He’s too lazy to write a review.”

“You’re free to stay,” Hazel shouts after her.

The woman waves in response.

Hazel’s shoulders fall. “I hope he’s nicer to her than he was to me.”

I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “You can’t save everyone, Blaze.”

She scowls. “I told you. We’re not together anymore. I’m not Blaze. You may refer to me as Hazel.”

She doesn’t wait for my response before marching away. She’s glorious with her red hair flying behind her.

We’re not together yet, Blaze. But it will happen. And then I’m never letting you go.

Chapter 12

This is why I don’t enjoy karaoke.

Hazel

“Let’s go!” Sadie pushes me toward the bar.

“I’m tired. I don’t need a night out. I need a night of sleep.” Searching for a new job on top of working two jobs is exhausting.