Page 6 of Click of Fate

“Sure, but I also know you’re not gonna charge me for the sweets, so I’m just keeping a tally of how many free photo shoots you get when you finally own this place,” I tell her as I shove a ten dollar bill in the tip jar.

She sighs a dreamy little sigh. “Someday.”

“It’ll happen,” I say confidently. She nods.

“I know Lilly wants brownies. What else?” She goes to work putting the sweets in the box as I suck down my pre-game energy drink.

“What are you up to tonight?” I ask Hazel.

Her face lights up. “Oh! I scored last minute seats to Disney on Ice tonight. I’m taking Harper and Lillybean. Have you not talked to Harp?”

I shake my head. “No, I haven't. I texted her a few minutes ago, but she hasn’t replied. That sounds like so much fun. Lilly is gonna die. I’m assuming she doesn’t know yet?” I’m not at all jealous of not getting to go to Disney on Ice. I suppress a shiver.

“Oh totally. The girl is gonna freak. One of my regulars who works at the radio station stopped in this morning and told me the winner of their contest never claimed the tickets. They me if I wanted them.” She tapes up the box.

“Was he flirting?” I chuckle.

“Uh, he’s like twenty year’s older than me.” She scrunches her nose.

“So he wanted in your pants.” I snort.

She can’t fight the smile and starts nodding. “Probably.”

“You’re gonna have to do something about these crushes, Hazel. Between the kid you’ve got working in the mornings and now this old dude, you’re gonna need a boyfriend or at least start going on dates with them.”

Hazel glares at me while she wipes down the counter. “You hush. It’s not my fault. I’m not asking for this attention. And I don’t string anyone along. I make it very clear I’m not interested but grateful all the same.”

I believe every word she’s saying. She’s so genuine; it’s hard not to have a crush on the woman. I’m one hundred percent into men, but even I have a crush. It’s gotta be the brownies and coffee.

“So what are you gonna do with your quite night off?” she asks.

“I’m going out,” I announce. Set on the fact that, despite the fact that I’m as independent as they come, I’m not one to go outby myself on the lookout for a one-night stand. This is a new thing for me. I’m oddly excited.

“Niiiice,” she says, drawing out the word. “Where?”

“Well, that’s the million-dollar question,” I tell her.

“There’s this super cute bar in Fleter’s Place—it’s called The Trading Post. It’s family-owned, and it’s not uppity, but it’s also not a hole-in-the wall. You’d like it,” she tells me as she glances at the clock.

“What’s the clientele look like?” I ask. I’ve got a goal, for goodness’ sake.

“Oh, I’ve seen a good amount of sexy single men there.” She winks at me as she walks to the door, closes it, and flips the switch on the neonopensign.

“Sold.” I raise my drink in that air. “Alright. I’m gonna get going so you can get out of here.” I adjust the camera bag slung across my body and pick up the box of goodies.

“Right. I need to get my prince makeup on, glitter and all.” She giggles.

“Better you then me,” I tell her as I wave good bye.

“Hey, hope you find what you’re looking for tonight, love!” She sing-songs as I walk out the door.

I shoot her a peace sign over my shoulder. I have to walk a good block to the lot that I parked in, so I enjoy the August sun on my face.

As I get to my car, I hear my phone ding from in my bag. I peek at my watch to see it’s Harper. The message takes over the screen.

Harper:

Hazel got Lilly tickets to Disney on Ice tonight. So we won’t be home. Got plans?

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