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I tapped on the photo and zoomed in on Terri. It was hard to tell, but there was a glint of gold on his right hand. It could have been Dad’s ring or something else.
My gut said it didn’t believe this was pure coincidence, but I needed more than this to confront Terri. He was going to be there tonight. After I got Hazel safely away I’d make sure I got answers.
On my way out the door, I grabbed the box and brown journal to read on my way to the venue. Rage simmered in my veins, and a calmness washed over me.
Perhaps revenge would be mine tonight.
CHAPTER 30
Hazel
Istood outside the building, waiting for Jess. The initial excitement building for tonight ebbed and flowed. If our date was such a big deal, where was Jareth? I knew finding out who had a hand in his father’s death was important. I supported his search, but was this how it would always be? Our time together would always come second. I didn’t want that just as much as I didn’t want his obsession to take over his life.
“Hey, lady. Your chariot awaits.” I smiled at Jess waving from the window of her beloved, bright, yellowy orange Aston Martin DBS Volante, Dahlia in front of me.
I grabbed the handle of the door and climbed in.
“Thank you for taking me. I wish I knew what was going on.” I twisted my hands in my lap.
“You’re welcome, boo. Just take a breath. You’re going to love it.” She pulled out onto the road.
Within seconds, her phone rang, and she pressed the button for her Bluetooth to pick up.
“Jess, is Hazel with you? I couldn’t get her on her cell.” I’d turned off the ringer after we had spoken earlier. I needed a little time to sit with my disappointment before I saw him.
“She’s already in my car.” Jess raised her eyebrows. “You’re on speaker.”
“Hey, Sunshine.”
“Hey. I’m on my way. Are you?” Bees buzzed in my belly. Something in his tone sounded off.
“You better have gotten her flowers, you dick, for being late,” Jess butt in.
I smiled. “I like sunflowers, anything purple, and?—”
“Pink carnations,” he said before I could finish.
“Yeah.” I loved these tiny moments that told me he’d been listening. I let out a breath. I was reading too much into everything.
“Okay, Lover Boy. We’re getting close, so I’m going to cut you off. Hurry up.” Jess hung up.
“He’s getting me flowers.” I sighed in happiness. “No one has ever bought flowers for me before, well except Gran, but that doesn’t count.”
Jess threw a grin my way. “He did good tonight.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, but the conversation was mostly one-sided. I had a hard time forming sentences. I was nervous and excited to discover what Jareth had planned, while at the same time a sense of unease whispered through me.
I tapped my fingers against the leg of my brand new one-shoulder, black, sparkly jumpsuit. I’d never worn anything like it, but Jess assured me that the outfit, combined with the ballet flats I insisted on, the chunky onyx jewelry, pale pink-painted nails, over-the-top makeup, and my blonde hair curled and artfully styled, was perfect.
When we pulled into the parking lot for The Wooden Nickel, I frowned. “Why are we here?” This was the last place I expected to be. Not dressed like this.
“It’s the first part of tonight,” Jess said with a wink, pulling into a spot near the door. “Now, let’s get inside and take a few pre-game shots.”
“You’re coming too?” My breath hitched in disappointment as I gave Jess a weak smile. I thought Jareth and I were having a romantic evening alone.
Jess laughed, locked her car, and linked her arm through mine. “I’m not letting you wait for him alone and wipe that sad smile off your face. Tonight is going to be epic.”
I gave her a side-eye as we walked closer to the door. Something niggled at me. Something seemed different. Not right. “Hi, Mike.” I gave him a one-armed hug as Jess dragged me along beside her.
