Oddly, I was too.
CHAPTER SEVEN
"So, you and Tolliver Stone, huh?"
Hazel dropped into the space next to me, shot me a sideways glance then bounced her brows.
"It's not like that," I said.
"Oh, really? What's it like?" she asked.
I honestly had no idea how to answer.
After a beat, I said, "We met a couple days ago. He gave me a concussion."
Hazel's eyes went wide in surprise.
"On accident," I added. "Totally an accident. A basketball was involved."
"But he doesn't play basketball," she said slowly.
I nodded. "Trust me, I know."
"This sounds super complicated. Tell me more."
I laughed softly at her enthusiasm. "Well, I also hurt my wrist which means no playing violin and no tour. We're in this weird phase where he feels guilty, and I'm trying to convince him not to. He keeps showing up, wanting to do things for me."
"Sounds awful," she deadpanned.
"It is," I insisted.
"At least you got a ride home out of it."
I nodded. "But I wish he would leave me alone."
Hazel studied my face. "Why? Do you have something against him? Besides the concussion thing, I mean."
"No," I said with a sigh. "I'm just depressed about the tour and my mom."
"Ah, that does suck," she said with sympathy in her gaze. That look confirmed what I already knew. She'd heard what I said earlier to Tolliver, and now, she and I were outside sitting on a bench as all the kids filtered out, getting picked up by their parents. I hadn't seen Tolliver since he dismissed them, but somehow I knew he wouldn't leave me behind.
"This whole summer sucks," I said.
"Maybe Tolliver could make it suck a little less," she said back.
"What do you mean?"
"Use him."
"What?"
Hazel shrugged. "You said it yourself. He feels guilty. I bet he'd do anything you want."
I frowned.
"Isn't there anything you need?" she asked.
"Not really."
