Page 6 of Hazel and Elijah Find Out: First They F*cked Around

“But then you were always such a cute kid. I remember, you had the most mischievous little smile. You probably don’t remember me.”

“I think I do.” Looking at Mom, I asked, “We went to the same church, right?”

Mom laughed harder and gripped Ginny’s elbow. “Yes, he loved you because you swore under your breath at church.”

Throwing her head back, Ginny cackled at the ceiling, drawing the attention of other diners, who went right back to their meals. “Oh shit, that does sound like me.”

“Oh goodness, Ginny, it’s so good to see you.”

“You, too. How long will you be in town? We’d love to have you over for dinner—a bunch of us ladies get together and play Euchre.”

“That’d be lovely. We’re around for a couple of months, actually. We’re planning on spending the whole fall up here. I’m retired, and he works remotely now, so why not?”

“Really? What do you do?”

“I co-own a business in network securities. We protect businesses from ransomware.”

“I did not understand any of that.”

I was used to that response, but her matter-of-fact tone made me chuckle.

I was ready to explain, but Ginny lifted her pad and pen, then shoved them both into her apron pocket again. “You know who you just missed? Do you know Hazel who took over the vet clinic? She was just on the patio with her young man.”

My stomach dropped. Hearing someone else acknowledge that they were together only added to my simmering disappointment.

Mom’s smile pinched, and I knew she was thinking about the dog again. “I haven’t met her, but Elijah did last year.”

“She’s doing a great job. That young lady works so hard.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Ginny pulled the items out of her apron again. “What can I get you two?”

After taking our order, she promised to be right back with everything.

“She is a hoot.” Mom slid back into her seat.

“She seems fun.” I draped my arm over the back of the booth.

“If she actually invites us over, will you come with me?”

“Of course, Mom.”

“She was always so nice to me, even when… well, when it all got bad.” She left unsaid how the community had ostracized her, blaming her for tearing apart our home. They couldn’t understand how she would leave such a kind, godly man, and they refused to believe the truth of who he was.

“I know,” I said simply.

I shifted the conversation to Mom’s plans for the following day. Our talk was easy enough that I could devote only half of my attention to it, while the other half wondered what it meant that Hazel and I didn’t even say hello. Was there really only one night between us? Had it just been sex for her? Something to get out of her system? Had I fabricated our connection?

Or had she heard something about me that made her change her mind? Had she realized just how bad associating with me could be for her reputation in this little town that thrived on credibility?

That cut into a wound that was always tender. I’d winced at the slightest pressure on it—a pain that had always been there, a whisper that I was bad news.

“You okay?” Mom’s concerned voice cut through my line of thought.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m good. You good?”

“I am. I’m glad to be here with you.”

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