9

Hazel

The moment I stepped out of the taxi, I know I will be doomed. The girls will have a discussion for the night. My brow creased when I found the place quite and the sign was showing closed. “Am I at the correct place?” I said to no one in particular checking my phone. It is the correct address but why is the place locked. I dailed Kylie’s number.

“Hey, where are you guys. The restaurant is locked” Some part of me was scared. What if they got angry and left. Tired of waiting for me.

“Did you open the door and find it locked?” Came through her question.

“No. I didn't”

“Then do so” She said much like commanded. I marched my way forward my heels making the sound they were supposed to. I don't even know why I wore the heels. I should've worn something light. Just the way I went for a simple denim jeans and top topping it up with jacket.

I was surprised when I pushed the door and it went on like a bolt. Not that I put in too much force on it. The lights were off. I just hope the girls are not playing prank on me. Because I know they can do it. More than that.

I didn't take more than two steps when the light came on all through followed by the cheering and confetti all over my head. Well, I've gotten showered with it for the second time today. Speechless was the state I was in at that moment. Seeing how everywhere was decorated with balloon and flowers. Few miles away from me sat a table of five with different kinds of food and delicacies. A cake was positioned at the center.

My inside build up and I didn't try to stop the tears out of my eyes. “Oh my God! Why am I shedding tears” I uttered trying to stop the tears from falling.

“You girls, this is too much” I said amidst tears. They all closed the remaining distance between us pulling me in for a hug. “You guys are making me emotional”

“That’s the deal girl. You deserve it” Kylie profound patting my back lightly. I pulled away watching each of them one by one. “Thank you so much for this”

“And I'm sorry for coming late. I actually slept off. And-”

“Let’s keep that issue for now. We'll get back to you later. Right now is a time to celebrate”

They dragged me along towards the big table. The aroma of the food beating through my nostrils immediately. And my stomach churning at the sight of it. Well done Hazel. I was given the seat at the center while they grabbed the seat that was side by side mine.

I scanned the table. From crabs, meatballs, steak, and other sea foods. Followed by dessert were all present there. “When did you guys make all these?” I asked.

“Well, all thanks to Nick. He rented the restaurant for us. All services was offered by them” That was when I notice the restaurant was empty. Like they rented the whole place. All because of me.

“Thank you so much for. I got to thank Nick too. He's such a gentleman”

“Not as gentleman as Damon” I had to stop the smile that planned to make it's way out of my mouth. I sent Layla a knowing look.

“Why bringing up another specie here” I threw her a glare.

“He’s not a stranger but your boss. It's a normal thing” Talking about Damon in my happy moment ain't a normal thing. Like just the mention of his name piss me off.

“Whatever. I'm here to celebrate not to talk about a playboy” I said attacking one of the meatballs with my fork.

“You’re right Hazel. Cut her some slack Layla. We’re not here to talk about the bachelor playboy of New York. We’re here to enjoy the happy moment of our best girl’s life”

“Yes! Let’s have a toast” Kylie reach for the drink bottle.

“I hope that drink isn't strong” I eyed it my mind going to the night I got drunk and engage with Damon. Thinking about it send goosebumps down my skin. I wouldn't let them know about it. That will be a secret inside me. Though they know about the night I shared with the stranger. If I mistakenly tell them the stranger is none other than Damon, they will have a story to gossip on for the whole week.

“Don’t worry. You're not going to get drunk” Kylie pour in our glass cups and we raised it up for a toast. “Congratulations on your promotion babe” Kylie cheered. Sofia and Layla followed. We clicked our glass together.

I took a sip of it, the chillness getting in contact with my tongue. I'm going to be extra careful not to get drunk. “Now that you've taken a new step in your life, isn't it time for you to settle down?” Sofia commenced intertwining her fingers on the table.

Okay, I think the congratulatory party is about to turn to something else. “Why do you guys think I need to settle down. I need no man” I ended with a roll of an eye.

“Is that so? Girl drop that cliche line. This is not a reason but an excuse” Kylie remarked. I didn't fail to roam my eyes to her fingers.

“I’m not giving an excuse. That's the fact. I'm just starting out on my life journey. I need no man to give me headache”

“Really? Does Damon give you headache?” Sofia asked. I had to spare her two second glance to make sure It was coming from her. Sofia barely talks about Damon. Layla is always the one bringing his topic out of the blue.

“Are we talking about myself or Damon here?” I asserted my eyes darting to the three of them.

“Both” Kylie chuckle out. Great. Just great.

I sunk in a deep breath. “Let me clarify some things to you. First, Damon and I aren't in any sort of thing. I'm not among the women he toys with. Our connection is strictly business. You girls know what I mean by that right”

“What’s the second thing?”

I leaned over resting my hands on the table. “He’s not the type of man I want to associate myself with. You know who he is. An arrogant, playboy, womanizer and selfish man. I don't want that type of man in my life” I exclaimed.

“You’re right. He's out of your league. I'm supporting you on this. Even though I can't deny the fact that he's hot and has that perfect body”

“Don’t let Nick hear you praising another guy”

“Well, he knows it himself. He can't compare himself with Damon”

I seriously don't know what they see in him. He's nothing but an arrogant and womanizer. I doubt he has any act of kindness inside him. I have to look at the days I will keep up with his behavior. I said nothing only sip my drink.

We finished off the rest of the delicacies while chatting. Moving from one topic to another. We left quite early as Sofia had to leave for work. She has night shift. Kylie dropped me off in her car.

“Goodnight ladies. Thank you so much for today” I profound as I closed off the car door. I will one day get that car for myself too.

“You deserved it dear. Your late night shift didn't go to waste”

“I know right. Alright bye” I waved at them as they drove away. I stare at the disappearing figure of the car. Today was indeed one of the best day of my life. I have the people supporting me. When I know who to turn to when thing gets hard. I made a mental note to call my parents first thing tomorrow morning. I haven't told them about the news. And my salary will be paid tomorrow. I will send the amount I usually send to them. Then I will keep the rest to manage.

My pay will increase but that will be the following month. It will cover up a lot of expenses for me. Maybe I will get to finish paying off the debt. I heaved out a sigh and sauntered my way to my apartment.

As I entered and turned on the lights, I dropped everything on the couch together with the flowers I got as a present. I remember I have an empty vase. I put them in and placed the vase on the dining area for the night before I think of the position to change it back to. I put in the cake in the refrigerator too.

As a yawn escaped me, I knew I was tired and needed to find my way to the room. I was about to do so when my phone buzz with message. A nerve wrecking message I receive every end of the month. A message I dare no to dodge. It has become like a charity for me. I know tomorrow will be one long day.