Chapter 55 CHAPTER 55: Date and Chills
Hazel
I stood there as I watched Adam approach us; his eyes were fixed on me, but he had a blank expression on his face. When he got close, he halted, his brow furrowing in confusion.
“Haze?” he said, but made no attempt to hug me as he normally does.
"Really? Hopefully all good things," I responded.
“Adam” I reciprocated, initiating a hug that he returned with a distant pat on the back, as if we were strangers.
“This is my friend, Sophia, Sophia, this is Hazel” he smiled, introducing the blonde in his arms.
Sophia, entwining her hand with Adam's, extended a greeting. "Nice to meet you, Hazel. I've heard so much about you."
“Really? Good things I hope"? I inquired, eliciting laughter from the group, though Funke's playful pinch caused me to yelp.
“So, what brings you to Luca,” Adam asked.
“Sorry for my manners, this is Funke, my college friend and her two friends, Hailey and Debby. We went out to have lunch, "I said.
Adam nodded while Funke stood up and stretched her hands to him. “Nice to meet you, Adam. Hazel really knows how to pick them”. She turned to me and winked.
“Haze, how come I've never met Adam? Why were you hiding him”? She teased, her hands still holding Adam tightly.
Sophia cleared her throat, bringing her back to the present. Adam turned to her with a strained smile.
“I see you guys are leaving already” he said, looking at me.
“Yes, we are done here” I confirmed, turning to Funke, who seemed transfixed by Adam's presence.
"We could join you; we're not in a rush," Funke suggested, her gaze lingering on him.
"We'd love that, but we have some private matters to discuss," Sophia interjected, addressing Funke.
"Fair enough. We'll catch up another time, Adam," Funke said, bidding farewell with a handshake.
"I'll give you a call later, Haze," he said and moved to me, kissed me on both cheeks, then hugged him a bit too long.
"I moved away gently, “Have a good one”, I said, and waved.
“Sure” he replied, and we stepped out of the restaurant.
"Hazel, I need his number," Funke insisted once we were outside.
"You could've asked for it earlier," I reminded her.
“So, the bitch will scratch my eyes out”? No, thank you," Funke quipped, sparking laughter among us.
"I'll ask Adam first before passing it along to you," I assured her, knowing her persistence all too well.
“Yes, you will and i will be waiting for it. If not, you will not hear the last of it” she laughed.
Hazel
The morning air was crisp, tinged with the last whispers of spring as I slipped into the sleek black car beside William. William had called me the day before and told me he had arranged for an all-day outing the next day. According to him, a day away from our chaotic life could provide a breath of fresh air. I was awake very early preparing for our outing. My mother was worried due to my condition, but I had waved off her concern, insisting I was fine, and I was.
As we drove into the city, I cuddled up to William, whose presence was oddly soothing. Despite my condition, I found herself enjoying his company, laughing more freely than I had in weeks.
He turned to me, “Our first stop is GoodHood. He announced in a cheery voice.
Goodhood was a trendy, high-end store. The shop offered a wide range of designer street wear and shoes for both men and women, as well as homeware items. While it featured popular brands like Gucci and Prada, it also showcased lesser-known labels.
As we stepped down from the car, the security guard welcomed us warmly and escorted us in. The shopping complex was bustling as we arrived. One of the sales representatives, dressed impeccably, took us round, guiding us on what to choose. I saw lots of known brands and the ones I needed to know according to the very attractive sales representative who walked in front of us showing us the way. We finally settled on some very expensive but comfortable clothes and shoes.
Our next stop was the popular Thorpe Park. The park was filled up with people from all walks of life. It had a large water ride called Tidal wave, a dark ride known as ghost train and a number of rollercoasters. We strolled hand-in-hand through the bustling amusement park, cotton candy stuck to my fingers, a sticky reminder of our playful competition at the shooting gallery, and a goofy pair of sunglasses perched atop William's head completed the picture of carefree fun.
Later, we shared caramel-drenched popcorn and rode the Ferris wheel. I felt alive and free, like I was rising above the world and its problems, if only for a few moments.
As we left the ferris wheel, my phone buzzed inside my handbag. I took it out and checked and saw several missed calls from Adam and frowned. I had not spoken since our chance meeting at Luca Restaurant.
“Everything okay”? He asked, looking at me.
“I am okay” I replied, looking up at him and breathing out. I made a mental note to call Adam back when I got the chance.
As we were leaving the park, William took my hand in his and bent to whisper in my ears. “I made a spa appointment,” he grinned.
I clasped my hand to my mouth. “Really?”
“Yes, and that is our next stop. He said as I chuckled and shook my head.
William had made a reservation for a couples massage. We got into the spa, and we were welcomed warmly by the receptionist who was expecting us. Wrapped in plush robes, we sipped herbal tea and exchanged stories of our childhood and the dreams we had before we were called in. We were ushered into the same room, two spa attendants were already waiting with smiles on their faces. We took off our robes and my eyes caught Williams staring at me. He gave a warm smile and held my hand. The massage therapist was very friendly and chatty. As we relaxed, side by side, I felt the tension melting away from my shoulders.
It was already evening by the time we finished at the spa. I gave a big yawn as I rested my head on William’s shoulders. I was exhausted from all the activities, but the spa session was the last straw. I felt tired and exhausted, but William suggested we grab dinner at a cozy bistro near my place, so when I got home I would just sleep off. It was a great suggestion, so I agreed.
As we entered the restaurant, my phone buzzed incessantly, the screen lighting up with Adam’s name again. I looked over at William who was on his phone and heaved a sigh of relief and sent the call to voicemail.
After the light meal, we headed home. The ride was quiet, a kind of silence filled with comfort and unspoken words. As the driver pulled into our driveway, William leaned over, his eyes spoke volumes as he cupped my chin in his hands, his other hand caressing my cheeks. He leaned in and licked his lips. I could feel the intensity of his stare all over me as my heart began to beat fast. Yielding to his touch, I felt a rush of warmth engulf me.
"I love you," the words escaped my lips involuntarily, met with a gasp from him before he passionately pressed his lips to mine. He tasted like candy and flowers. I sank into his lap as he deepened the kiss, biting and prodding, eliciting longing moans from me. In between our kisses, Williams paused and looked me deep in the eye.
“I love you too Hazel, I've always loved you and I have been waiting to hear those words come out of your lips”, he traced my already swollen lips with his thumb before he kissed me again, then he crushed me to him in a searing hug.
We stayed that way for some seconds, which seemed like forever, because all I wanted was to be with this man forever. Then he sighed and pushed me gently away to look at me.
“Come home with me” he said, with so much longing and love that I had to blink from the intensity.
“I had already promised mom I would be back, but I promise you will have me soon. I want to come back to you "I said as his eyes lit up.
“Yes” he nodded, then kissed me on both cheeks.
“Go inside before I change my mind and kidnap you”, he teased me.
“Goodnight my love”, I replied, my heart fluttering against my chest.
“Goodnight. I can't wait to see you tomorrow” he smiled.
“Ditto. I love you” I said.
“Say it again.” William coed.
“I love you, William Thorn. I will wait here till you drive off”
He nodded “I love you too babe”, he replied before the driver drove away.
Still basking in the euphoria of the moment, I hadn't noticed Adam’s car parked across the street. As my hand gripped the door knob, a figure shadowed against the door frame. I froze.
“Hey Haze” his voice boomed close to me.
I turned to see Adam hovering above me. He smelt of cigarettes and alcohol.
“Jesus Adam, you scared me” I exclaimed, turning to him fully. He was disheveled, and his hair was in spikes like he had been drawing it out with his fingers.
“You look like shit” I stated.
“I feel like one,” he replied. Then I gasped. He had seen the kiss between me and William, knowing how he felt about me, I understood immediately why he looked like that. His face was a mask of fury and hurt. I gulped
“I thought you were home, Hazel! Ignoring my calls, and for what? This perfect display of marital bliss?” Adam’s voice was sharp, each word edged with an accusation that stung. I moved close to him and touched his cheeks. He flinched and retreated from my touch.
“Adam, I'm sorry for ignoring your calls” I said, attempting to placate him, my heart racing.
His eyes, usually so warm, were cold, distant. “No, Hazel! I can’t do this anymore.”
"Adam,” I croaked, my voice barely a whisper.
"Don't even bother," Adam spat, his voice icy. A wave of nausea washed over me.
"We can talk about this," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. I was not ready to lose my best friend. But before I could make him understand, his words cut through the air, sharp and final.
He locked eyes with me, his jaw clenched tight. "There's nothing left to talk about, Hazel. You will be hearing from my lawyers." He turned on his heel and stormed off, his retreating figure swallowed by the gathering darkness.
His words cut through the evening air, leaving a chill that seeped into my bones. I stood there, rooted to the spot, and stared after him, a cold dread chilling me to the bone as I watched his car drive off.