Page 12 of The Prospect

I told her I’d swapped it out with something else a while ago just to appease her, but the reality is,I never will.

It’s too special, and although it may not be the best drawing she’s ever done, it will always be my favorite.

As for the photo I promised I’d draw for her in return? Somehow, I’ve managed to put it off over the last decade and a half. I’ll do it one day for her. I made a deal that I would after all, but like everything in life, the timing has to be right. Just like it was when our paths crossed.

I think the universe knew that Hazel and I both needed each other, more so now than ever before. Hazel has always been my crutch, my go-to, and the number one person I can count on.

I’ve learned that when you’ve got something special like that in your life, you protect it, take care of it, and when you feel as though they’re holding something back from you, you gently push when they continue to say, “Seriously, it’s nothing.”

“C’mon Hazel,” I say with a frown, brushing some hair away from her cheek. “I told you what’s up with me. Now it’s your turn. Tell your best mate what’s wrong.Please?” I pout.

Hazel releases her inner cheek from between the grasp of her teeth and peers up at me. “It’s just…” Her voice is so quiet that I have to lean closer to hear it. “You’re not the only one who’s painfully single out here. I am too, so hearing you talk about how alone you are only reminds me that I’m in the same boat.”

Over the years, I’ve had several girlfriends. Hazel’s known that. Hell, she's even become friends with most of them. Frankly, that was a non-negotiable with any girl I’ve ever been with. Hazel and I were a package deal. Take it or leave it, but never,ever, has Hazel mentioned anyone to me.

Not one boyfriend.

Not one crush.

Not one hook-up.

Nothing.

I have no doubt that it’s happened, that Hazel has had all three. I mean, it would only make sense.

Hazel is so many things…

Smart.

Bubbly.

Funny.

Talented.

Beautiful.

God, everywhere we go, she’s easily hands-down the most gorgeous girl in the room. She’s got these deep, brown, doll-like eyes. This infectious smile and a face that you’ll never forget. Imean, she’s any guy's dream. So really, it makes no sense to me why she’s single. No sense at all.

Now, I’m the one stiffening, unsure what to say and how to say it. I guess I’ve never thought about Hazel with someone else before, but now that I have, the thought becomes iffy in my mind, leading me to push it toward the back of my mind as I peer down at her with reassurance.

“Well, Haze,” I begin. “If I’ve learned anything about relationships, it’s that they can’t be forced. I’m sure both you and I will find the right person eventually, and if we don’t, we will at least have each other, right?”

Hazel’s rosy cheeks turn into a bright shade of flaming red, and just when she’s about to open her mouth to respond, someone calls out, “Wait a damn minute!”

Before I know it, a busty brunette barges toward our table with a shocked look on her face and a narrowed stare at Hazel.

“Crap…” Hazel mutters under her breath as she removes herself from underneath my grasp and raises her arms in defense. “Amira, I can explain.”

This is Amira?

I've always heard Hazel mention her roommate Amira to me over the years, but I've never once seen or met her. Odd, I know, but now that I have…damn, I wish I’d had a whole lot sooner.

Amira is quite literally the epitome of a bombshell. With her full lips, blown-out hair, intoxicatingly long legs and sultry smile, she’s the poster child of a wet dream.

“No need.” Amira places her hands on her hips, surveying the two of us up and down as a smirk forms across her lips. “All you had to do was tell me that you were going on a date, Hazel. You know I wouldn’t have been mad.Hey…is that my top?” She takes a seat on the other side of the booth as Hazel stumbles over her words.

I had a feeling this wasn’t Hazel’s top.

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