Page 82 of Hazel and Elijah Find Out: First They F*cked Around

“She was thinkin’ about some alone time with Remi. She bought his vet services at the auction, and then was like, ‘Oh no, I don’t have a pet.’” I paused, stirring the frying vegetables to gesture with the spatula as I spoke.

“That girl… I remember her from when you were kids. She has grown into the woman version I would have imagined her teenage self to be. Lots of strategy on the back end of a problem she caused.”

Hazel nodded. “That’s her.”

“In her defense,” Mom started, “he is a very handsome man, and he seems so nice.”

“He is; he’s very nice. We’ve been friends for years now.”

“I can’t believe he’s not taken. He was married once, right?”

“Yeah, his divorce was about five years ago…” Hazel looked up at the ceiling in thought. “Just over five years ago?”

“Does he just like being single?”

I held my hand out to stop the conversation. “Mom, what is this, a fact-seeking mission? Leave Remi alone.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right. The Euchre Club ladies are turning me into a gossip. I don’tshare, but I like to listen. Hazel, please don’t judge me; it is my worst trait.” Whispering mostly to herself, she added, “I just like knowing things.”

“It’s so fun to sit around and dish with your friends,” Hazel agreed.

“And some gossip feels so harmless, but some isn’t. I probably should not thrive on it. I’m sorry if I was being too nosy about your friend.”

“You weren’t, but thank you. I know many a mom in the area is wondering what combination of casserole is going to tie him down.”

Mom snorted. “Oh goodness, they are.”

Dinner was full of easy conversation and stories from my childhood.

The dirty dishes from dinner were sitting in the sink after we cleared the table to play some cards. We’d decided on rummy since we didn’t have a fourth player for Euchre.

Mom considered her hand. “I heard Chelsea Thelen’s oldest daughter started working at the clinic.”

“Yeah, Crystal started just a couple of weeks ago, she’s a good kid,” Hazel remarked. “I’m glad it works for Chelsea, too.”

Hazel still struggled to share responsibilities of the clinic, but she was trying. She was taking coaching from Ben, and little by little, she was striking a healthier balance. It wasn’t easy for her, but I made sure she knew how much I appreciated it.

A few minutes before Mom planned to head back in her rental car, I ventured out into the cold to start it.

It was early, but we were calling it a night so I could prepare to drive back to Detroit in the morning. She hugged me as I walked her to her car, the frost on the windshield melting away from the defroster. “Thanks for warming my car up, son.”

“You’re welcome.”

Nodding toward Hazel’s front door, Mom said, “I like her.”

“I like her, too.”

“Will you be up here next weekend?”

I nodded.

“That drive has got to be getting old.” She opened her driver’s door. “I’d love to cook for you two if it works.”

“I’ll check with Hazel.”

We said goodbye, and I walked back into the house before she’d pulled onto the road—it was a blistery February evening. I found Hazel on the sofa, and I pulled a blanket around the both of us when I snuggled next to her.

“Oh, you’re so cold.” She scooted tighter against me.

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