Page 56 of Hazel and Elijah Find Out: First They F*cked Around

By some miracle, my community fund surprise for Hazel had remained a surprise. The local gossips hadn’t caught wind, and in just a few hours, I’d get to announce it. Maybe that’d take some of the pressure off her—knowing she wasn’t alone in her mission. That this town supported her.

“Where’s Hazel?” Sterling yelled over the crowd. He was taller than me, but judging by the way he kept swiveling his head, he couldn’t find her, either.

“I don’t know. She hasn’t texted me back,” I said. When I couldn’t find the top of her head, I searched for Dennis, figuring he wouldn’t be far from her. My stomach twisted with an ugly jealousy. I snapped my eyes forward, changing my mind. If he was with her, I didn’t want to see it.

Nora stepped on the stage first. It only made her about two feet taller than usual, but it was enough that she was visible. Ben stood to her right as she picked the microphone off its stand.

Chatting had already begun to die down, but at her amplified “Hello, everyone,” it ceased.

Never one to waste time, she continued, “Hazel and everyone down at Grand Ridge Animal Clinic would like to thank you for coming out. The fine men of our town have volunteered their time and expertise, and we are preemptively grateful. So, get your money ready, folks. We’re doing this for the dogs, cats, and animals who need someone to take care of them. And the town of Grand Ridge, Michigan, does not turn away from anyone in need.”

“We also don’t turn away from a beer or two, now do we?”

Cups went into the air as the group called out in agreement.

Nora’s smile was wolfish, knowing we were in the palm of her hand. “That’s what I thought. My friends, my townfolk, my neighbors, I want you to be so loud tonight that my ears are ringing when I walk out of this building. And fellas,” she cocked a playful hip, “don’t be shy… let’s see what you’re working with! It’s for a good cause!”

This time, when the crowd screamed, it was primarily female voices. Sterling laughed, gripping my shoulder. Even through my concern for Hazel, my smile spread.

Everyone was still losing their minds when Nora cooly handed the microphone to Ben. She descended the stairs and joined the rest of us.

Ben held up a calming hand. “All right, all right. I see our girl got you all worked up. Now, let’s get our first bachelor up here. The order is random, so if there is anyone or,” he lifted an eyebrow, “a service you’re looking for, there’s no telling when they’ll be up. Just be ready.”

I hoped the pattern wasn’t too random, especially since some of our bachelors were already drunker than others. I found Shane with a drink in one hand, swaying his body to music that wasn’t playing anymore.

“Shane Briar, will you join me on stage?” Ben swept an arm in welcome.

So, not too random.

“Hell yeah!” Shane hollered.

My phone buzzed. Pulling it out of my pocket, I found a new text from Hazel.I’m here. By the bar.

Not bothering to text back, I made my way through the crowd. The music had started up again and hands shot into the air to cast their bids.

I found her with Nora. Hazel’s long dress draped her body, brushing over her curves, and her blue jean jacket hit just above her hips. She was my girl next door dream come true, and just the sight of her thrilled me. A smile spread across her face when she saw me, even if it didn’t quite meet her eyes.

My jealousy from a few minutes before was an embarrassment I wished I could forget.

I snaked my arm around her back and kissed her. I pulled back, and she rested her head on my shoulder.

“How are you doing?” I yelled, unsure if she could hear me over the noise.

“Um… I’m here. How are you?” She leaned more of her weight onto me.

“Great. Everyone’s excited! There weren’t any brimstone fires or pitchforks on our way in tonight, so I don’t think any of us are going to go directly to hell.”

She chuckled.

“Why were you late?” I asked.

Her shoulders tightened under my arm. “Working. Lost track of time.”

This auction was important to her. She was under a lot of pressure to produce money for the humane society, and she was taking a risk getting that money this way. And still she had “lost track of time.”

You gonna be late on your weekend you come to me?I didn’t say the question out loud. It was shitty enough that I’d thought it.

“Sold,” Ben’s voice boomed, “for one hundred and twenty-five dollars to Lindsey Goodman! That is a great price for 18 months of oil changes!” He marked off something on the sheet on the stand in front of him. “Ladies, this next guy is going to look grumpy, but don’t let that discourage you. Ransom, come on up, you surly bastard.”

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