Page 5 of The Secrets Behind Us

I slam my beer down on the bar, turning my back on her and stomping out. I leave just like she did all those years ago.

Chapter four

Hazel

Ican’t believe I let Ashley convince me to come to Gary’s Place. Though convince is probably a hard sell. She more demanded I come. She said it was to celebrate my return home, but honestly all I want to do is curl up on the couch, watching my favorite show. I would’ve even taken game night over this, but she was so excited I couldn’t help but say yes. She even got my mom on board.

“Please, Hazel?” Ashley asks, pleading with her eyes.

“You should go, honey,” my mom interjects softly.

I turn to look at my parents, feeling rejected. “But what about game night?”

“I’m not feeling well, sweetheart. Why don’t you just go out with your sister?"

“Yes,” my sister exclaims, jumping up and down.

“Alright. I’ll go.” I heave a sigh, already defeated.

I sip on my beer as we sit at our table, hardly being able to move without bumping into someone. Somehow, we were able to find one toward the front of the room. As I nurse my drink, I try to come up with an excuse to get me out of here. Before I come up with anything, the lights dim and a spotlight illuminates the stage.

Three ladies are introduced and take the stage. The crowd's cheer grows louder and I join in. Excitement rushes through me as Toxic by Brittney Spears comes over the speakers.

I look over at Ashley and grin as she dances while mouthing every word to the song. I can’t believe I’ve missed out on nights like this for so long. She looks over at me and catches me staring, laughing as she points back to the ladies on the stage. I return my focus to find the three of them doing the dance from the music video. A laugh bursts from my chest that brings tears to my eyes.

My sister leans in and starts singing along with the song. As the music takes over my body, I feel all the muscles relax as they move to the tune, getting lost in each word of the song and I join her in singing. I feel lighter. I don’t think about how sick my mom is, or why I left Rose Valley in the first place, or what it’s going to be like when I finally come face to face with Dexter.

Picking up my beer from the table, I try to take a sip when my brows pull into each other and I realize I'm out. I look back at the stage. It doesn't seem like this will be ending anytime soon.

I lean in close to my sister as I shout over the music, “I’m going to go get us another beer.”

She pulls back away from me and gives me a thumbs up, her eyes never leaving the spectacle on stage. When I approach the bar, my eyes lock on a set of familiar dark brown ones. The blood drains from my face as my body heats up.

He’s here. Shit, Dexter Hernandez is here and I’m not ready.

Those are the thoughts that are on repeat in my mind the whole time that he holds me hostage with his eyes. The look on his face is furious and neither of us seem capable of turning away.

I knew he would be mad, but the anger pouring off him was more than I expected. His fists are clenched at his side, his jaw taut, and shoulders squared. With no more than a blink, he's suddenly able to break the trance between us. He stands up from the stool and it falls to the floor with the sheer force of his movement. Without a second glance, he storms out the door.

My body moves on its own, making my way through the crowd. Shit, I need to get to him. I need to explain.

I burst through the door and the crisp air engulfs my skin, instantly cooling it. Frantically, I look around the parking lot, hoping that I’ll be able to find him. But I don’t see him.

Shit. This is so bad. All I wanted to do was find him first and let him know that I moved back. Have an opportunity to explain.

I run my hands through my hair, tugging at the roots. Fuck, none of this is going the way I want it too.

Since I don’t see Dexter, I head back to the bar to finish the night off with my sister. I came here to spend time with my family, not worry about the past. Rolling my shoulders, I shake off the short encounter and walk back into the bar. A large body blocks my way. I look up and find a different Hernandez brother staring down at me. Not any brother either, it’s Dexter’s grumpy older brother, Mateo.

Shit, could this night get any worse? His arms are crossed with a frown on his face. “Don’t mess with him. You hear me, Hazel?”

I scoff. “Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?”

“Hazel, you need to stay away from him.”

My face pales with his words, they're the exact same ones I've received over and over again. I can't help but wonder if it was him that texted me that night and all the other nights. “Is it you?” I mutter under my breath.

Mateos wrinkles his forehead, as he draws in his brows, seeming to be confused by my question. “Is what me? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

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