The Last Time (6 page)

7

Hazel

The guys arrived at the apartment, wearing shorts and t-shirts.

“Thanks for helping me,” I said quietly.

“We got your back,” Mike said as he patted me on the back.

“We don’t mind,” Sean said.

Ryan was pissed. “Is the fucker going to be there?”

“I told him he shouldn’t be there if he wants to keep his legs.” My voice felt hollow, empty. I spent the last few days crying. My phone was off and I was cut off from the world. I didn’t even go to practice. I knew Flynn would be there, and I wouldn’t be able to avoid him.

I couldn’t believe this was happening. Flynn was the best thing that ever happened to me. And now he was gone… Our love ended so quickly, just as fast as it began. He was my whole world. He gave me strength and confidence when I didn’t have any. He put me back together and showed me that I could really be loved.

But that was all a lie.

I wasn’t special to him. I was just one of the many.

I knew how pathetic I was when I actually wanted to entertain the idea that he was telling the truth. But I reminded myself it didn’t make any sense. He was caught in the act and he was scrambling for an excuse. I’d already been taken advantage once. I refused to go through that again.

I zoned out, lost in my thoughts.

Mike rubbed my back. “It’ll be alright.”

My thoughts shattered. “Thanks…”

Sean
stood across from him. “You’re sure he really did this?”

There was no doubt. “Yes.”

He studied me for a moment before he nodded. “Okay. We’ll give him hell.”

I didn’t care what they did to Flynn. I just wanted to get my stuff so I could move on. I was sick of men. Maybe I would just start sleeping around instead of looking for a respectable guy. They were all selfish pigs. What was the point? I would quit dancing and find a better job so I could support myself. And then I would just move on without looking back. I couldn’t survive in theatre when Flynn was constantly around. I wouldn’t be able to avoid him.

I quickly realized my life was nothing but a collection of bad decisions. I never should have majored in dance. I never should have followed Kyle to the city. And I never, ever, should have taken a chance on Flynn. It was stupid. “Sean?”

“Yeah?” he asked, concern in his eyes.

“Can I have a job…?”

Sympathy moved into his gaze.

“I’ll do anything, even be a janitor. I just really need something.” I felt pathetic asking him.

He patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find you something. And it will be better than being a janitor.” He winked at me.

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much.”

“We’ll find you an apartment,” Mike offered. “Don’t stress about anything. We got you.”

I missed Cortland like crazy. He hadn’t been answering his phone since he went to Seattle. I stopped calling after the guys told me what happened. I didn’t mean to be insensitive and bother Cortland when Monnique’s dad died. I stopped calling. Fortunately, Ryan and the rest of the guys picked up his slack and treated me with equal love. I was grateful to have them.

“You ready?” Ryan asked. He was definitely more upset about everything than anyone else. While everyone tried to comfort me, Ryan marched around like he was going to war. I knew he cared about me, but I had no idea just how much until now.

“Yeah,” I answered.

“Let’s go.” He walked out the door first and the rest of us followed.

When we arrived at Flynn’s door, I took a deep breath then pulled out the key. It was heartbreaking to know this would be the last time I’d step into that apartment. I wasn’t even there long enough to really make it my home. We fell apart so quickly. Perhaps I was doomed to be alone.

I finally got the key in and opened the door. Flynn wouldn’t be here, not if he wanted to walk for the rest of his life, so when I saw him standing in the living room, I was surprised.

I stilled and locked eyes with him. Depression and sadness were heavy on his face. He looked like he lost the world. But that was
his own fault. I didn’t feel bad for him. I quickly looked down. “You shouldn’t be here.”

The guys came in behind me, their eyes darting to Flynn.

Flynn wasn’t alone. Ian and Johnny stood beside him.

“You think we’re scared of your cronies?” Ryan asked with a laugh. “We’ll still break your limbs, you piece of shit.”

Flynn ignored his words and stepped toward me. It was like he didn’t see anyone else. “Hazel, you’re making a mistake. I didn’t do anything with Zahara. Johnny and Ian can back me up.” He turned to them. “Tell her.”

“You think their words hold any value?” Ryan asked incredulously. “My boys would lie for me in a heartbeat if I asked them to.”

“They aren’t lying.” Flynn kept looking at me. “Just hear them out, please.”

“Don’t make t
his harder than it needs to be,” I said. “Just let me get my things.”

“No,” Flynn said firmly.

“Then I’ll knock you out so we can,” Ryan threatened.

If Flynn was scared, he didn’t show it. “Just listen to them.”

Johnny stepped forward. “Hazel, he’s telling the truth. We were watching the game when she came over and asked to use his phone. She walked down the hallway, and that must have been when she left her underwear. Flynn loves you. He would never do that to you.”

“Your words mean nothing to me,” I said quietly.

“We aren’t protecting him,” Ian said. “We love you like one of our own. We wouldn’t risk hurting you just to lie for him. Flynn is a great guy and he wouldn’t betray anyone like that. You know him just as well as we do. He’s honest, always honest. He wouldn’t do this, Hazel. And if he did, he would come clean about it.”

Flynn stared at me in desperation. “Baby, please. Zahara is manipulating you and you’re falling right into her hands.”

I marched past him and headed to the hallway. “Get out of my way, Flynn.”

Flynn grabbed me and pinned me against the wall. “I know this looks bad. I do. But you know me, Hazel. You know I would never, ever do this to you—not to anyone. Please. Give me some time to prove it to you.”

“Get off me.”

Flynn didn’t move.

Ryan grabbed him by the arm and jerked him off. “Give me a reason…” His eyes shined with murder.

Flynn turned to him. “Ryan, I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I’m not a cheater. Come on. You know how much I love Hazel. I would never do anything to hurt
her. Please help me out.”

Ryan stared at him for a few seconds before he punched him fast and hard. It happened so quickly I couldn’t even process it. “Bother her again, and you’ll get more of it.”

Johnny and Ian rushed forward, ready to defend Flynn.

“Don’t do anything,” Flynn said immediately. “Stop.”

His friends halted in their tracks.

Flynn went to S
ean. “Come on, man. Please hear me out.”

Sean stepped away. “Talk to me again and I’ll punch you harder than Ryan.”

Flynn sighed then looked at Mike. After Mike gave him a look of menace, he stepped back and didn’t even bother. “Hazel, you’re making a huge mistake. I didn’t do this to you. I didn’t!”

I walked into the room and grabbed my things. The guys helped me stuff everything into garbage bags, being quick about it.

Flynn paced back and forth in the hallway, gripping his skull.

I ignored him and tried to get my stuff as quickly as possible. I had to get out of here.

When we had our bags, we dragged them into the hallway outside the apartment.

Flynn was desperate. Tears were in his eyes and he was jittery. “What can I do?” His voice cracked. “What can I do to prove I’m being set up?”

I refused to look at him. This was hard enough. I wanted to break down into tears at every second, but I held it back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction. I cried too many tears over Kyle, and I refused to repeat that sadness with Flynn. “Just leave me alone.”

“I can’t!” He grabbed me
by the wrist and forced me to look at him. “Hazel, I love you. I love you so damn much. I don’t want anyone else but you.” I wanted to believe him, to just forgive him because I loved him so much, but I couldn’t. “Zahara is tricking you so she can get to me. Baby, please believe me. You know I would never do this to you. Think about our entire relationship. This makes no sense.”

I yanked my arm away. “Don’t call me.”

“I’m not giving up on you. I’ll prove it to you.”

“Just leave me alone.”

“No.”

Ryan came between us then looked down at Flynn. “Back off.”

Flynn closed his eyes for a moment and a few tears appeared on his cheeks. “Hazel, please.”

I knew he was really upset if he was willing to cry in front of five men. The notion pulled at my heartstrings but I stayed strong. “Please leave me alone. I’m sick of being treated like shit from every guy I meet. I want to start over and just be
by myself. Don’t talk to me. All you do is hurt me.”

“Don’t say that…”

“I thought you were the one.” My voice cracked as I said it. “You preyed on my vulnerability and insecurities. You knew how hurt I was when Kyle cheated on me and left me. But you had absolutely no problem doing the same to me. You have no right to tell me you love or care about me. And if you do, deep down inside, then just leave me alone. Don’t call. Don’t search for me. Don’t bug my friends. Just leave me the hell alone.”

Flynn gripped his skull and sighed. “Hazel, I didn’t do it. You’re throwing us away for no reason. You need to trust me.
If you did from the beginning then you would see through the bullshit of this situation. Think logically and you will see all the flaws in this mess. It makes absolutely no sense for me to cheat on you. Why would I ask you to live with me if I wanted to get laid by someone else? Come on, Hazel. Pull your head out of your ass.”

The words hurt. I turned away, unable to look at him.

“I should kill you for that,” Ryan threatened.

Flynn
ignored him.

“The only reason why I haven’t beaten the shit out of you is because Hazel asked me not to. But if you bother
her, that restraint is out the window.” Ryan gave him another glare before he walked out.

I grabbed the last bag then headed out the door.

Flynn grabbed me. “Think about it, Hazel. Take the time to think.”

“You’re making a mistake,” Johnny said. “He’s not lying.”

“He’s not,” Ian said. They both looked just as desperate.

“I can’t be with someone I feel this uncertain about,” I said quietly. “Everything between us was a mistake. I never should have trusted you.”

“Don’t say that to me.” More tears fell down his face. “I love you and you love me. I want to marry you, have kids with you.” He hell to his knees and looked up at me. “Please, just trust me. I know everything makes me look bad, but I swear on anything and everything, I haven’t touched or looked at anyone but you.”

This was too much. I couldn’t handle it anymore. “Goodbye, Flynn.”

“No…” He took a deep breath and stilled the tears. “Don’t do this.”

I couldn’t look at him anymore. I walked out and shut
the door behind me. When I was outside the door, I heard Flynn cry.

8

Flynn

This couldn’t be happening to me.

No. It couldn’t.

But she was gone. Gone. I’ve never been more broken or hurt my entire life. She took all her stuff and walked out on me, leaving me cold and alone. I wished she would believe me. She knew me better than anyone. I would never do that to someone, especially her. Hazel was my life. My whole world revolved around her.

But I couldn’t blame her for not believing me. If only I had told her about Zahara wanting me back when it actually happened, she may have believed me.  But I was stupid and kept it to my self like a damn idiot.

I stayed on the floor, not caring about crying in front of my two closest friends. I’d never cried in front of anyone but Zahara. But I was so desolated that I couldn’t control the agony. I lost my whole world.

My friends didn’t judge me.

Johnny patted my shoulder. “It’ll be alright, man.”

I covered my face and controlled my emotions.

“We’ll figure it out,” Ian whispered.

“She left…” My apartment was empty of her things. She was really gone.

“We’ll figure out how to convince her,” Johnny said. “We will.”

“How?” I wiped my tears away. “I have nothing to prove my innocence.”

“Zahara,” Ian said. “You could ask her to tell Hazel the truth.”

I laughed despite my broken heart. “After she screwed me over, you really think she’s going to make it right? I don’t think so. This is exactly what she wanted. But if she thinks she’s getting
anything out of me, she’s sadly mistaken.”

“Maybe we can wait a few days then try to talk to her friends,” Johnny said suggested.

“If I show up at Ryan’s place, he’ll kill me.”

“What about Cortland?” Ian asked. “If anyone will listen to you, it’s him.”

“No,” I said immediately. “He’ll rip me apart before I can get a word in. And he’s taking care of something else right now. I can’t bother him.”

My friends sat on the floor on either side of me.

“We’ll get her back,” Johnny said. “I promise. We’re with you in this.”

That should make me feel better, but it didn’t.

When I went to work a few days later, I was hoping Hazel would be there. I needed to talk to her. I’d do it as many times as it took to get her back. Even though we’d been apart for a short while, her absence was unbearable. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t do anything.

“Where’s Hazel?” I asked the choreographer without saying hi. I noticed a new girl had taken her place. I wasn’t sure why.

She looked at me with a stern expression but didn’t snap at me for my rudeness. I knew that was because I was the assistant director. If I were anyone else, she’d chew me out. “She quit.”

“What?” My voice came out louder than it should. “When?”

“Yesterday. She submitted her resignation and contract breach.” She walked away and started the next set.

My head was spinning. She actually quit her job, something she loved. Because of me. I didn’t even do anything wrong. God, everything was so fucked up. What the hell do I do?

After work, I cal
led her but she didn’t answer. I left her three voicemails before I finally gave up. She would never return any of my phone calls. I’m surprised her phone was even on.

I went to Ryan’s apartment even though I knew he would punch me hard in the face. I wasn’t going to give up. That wasn’t an option. Hazel was the best thing that ever happened to me. I couldn’t lose her.

I knocked on the door and waited.

Janice opened it. “Flynn?”

“Please let me talk to her.” I sounded so desperate, even to me.

Her eyes burned in hatred. “I should kick your ass right now.”

I knew she meant it. “I didn’t cheat on her! I swear on my life I didn’t. My ex-girlfriend set me up. Please let me talk to her.”

“She’s not here.”

“Where is she?”

“Work.”

Work? “Where does she work?”

“Sean gave her a job at the company.”

So, Hazel was serious. Her dance career was over—because of me.  “Is she still staying here?”

She gave me a hard stare. “I suggest you don’t come back here. If you do, I’ll slap you so hard it’ll make Ryan’s punches feel like the wind.” The threat was in her gaze. “And you better leave before he gets home. Honestly, I think he might kill you.”

“I don’t care,” I said honestly. “Do whatever you want to me. I didn’t do anything wrong and Hazel is supposed to be with me. You think physical pain affects me at all? There’s nothing you can do to make me feel worse than I already do.”

She held her gaze for a moment, but her eyes started to soften.

“As long as she’s here, you should expect to see me often.”

“Then you should expect two black eyes.”

“When will she be home?”

“I’m not telling you anything.” She shut the door in my face.

I sighed then gripped my head. What the hell do I do?

I walked to Sean and Mike’s company a few blocks away. I knew which skyscraper it was because it had the logo right on the side. It was a huge building, and I knew it would be nearly impossible to find her inside. But I could find Sean. Of the two
brothers, Sean was the more logical one. I figured I’d have better odds talking to him.

When I walked inside, I tried to get into the elevator.

The security man stopped me. “ID?”

“I’m a friend of Sean’s.” I held his gaze, trying to appear confident.

He nodded to the counter. “Check in.”

I didn’t realize this would so difficult. I walked to the counter and approached the woman. When she saw me, her eyes lit up in attraction. For the first time since I met Hazel, I was glad a woman was attracted to me.

“Hi,” I said. I rested my arms on the table, flashing her my tattoo on my forearm. I knew a lot of girls were into ink.

“Hi.” She smiled wide, smitten by me.

“I’m a friend of Sean Preston. I wanted to meet him today but I forgot to call ahead.”

She nodded. “I see. Well, I’ll give him a call.”

Damn. I knew he wouldn’t let me into the building. “Tell him it’s about Scarlet.” I knew that was low but I had to get inside.

“Sure.” She picked up the phone and made the call. I couldn’t understand what she said because she kept her voice low. Then she hung up. “Take the elevator to the top floor.”

I was in? “Thank you.” I winked at her then got into the elevator. I had a feeling Sean would punch me in the face when he found out I lied, but he was probably going to punch me anyway.

When I reached the floor, I looked around for his office. People passed me in the hallway, wearing suits and classy clothes. I felt out of place in my jeans and t-shirt. I walked into the room and noticed the two large offices covered in glass. Sean and Mike were in their separate rooms.

I approached his office then walked inside.

“Baby, have you spoken to Flynn today?” He was on the phone. His eyes met mine and angered crept into his face. “I got to go.” He hung up. A fire rose in his eyes. “You have something to tell me about my wife?”

“Okay, I lied,” I admitted.

He came around his desk, looking formidable in his expensive suit. “Don’t ever fuck with me like that again.” The fierce look in his eyes told me he was trying not to strangle me. “My wife is off limits.”

“I’m sorry.” I meant it. “I really need to talk to you.”

“About what?” He kept his hands in his pockets.

“Hazel.”

His eyes narrowed. “And what could I possibly do for you? I care about Hazel since she’s a member of our group, but I’m hardly the close
st person to her. I suggest you ask Cortland to help you, that is, if he doesn’t kill you when he gets back.”

“Janice told me you gave her a job.”

“I did.”

“Take me to her.”

He shook his head. “She needed a job so she could support herself. She’s broken and hurt. I want her to feel safe at work, as I do with all my employees. I will not, actually, I refuse to let you bother her. You can chase her down after work, not during.”

I was meeting a blockade everywhere I turned. “Look, I know t
his looks bad. I know it looks like I cheated on her, but I swear on my parents’ lives, I didn’t. Of all people in the world, I know you will understand.”

“Me?” he asked. “I don’t see how.”

“Hazel told me about your relationship with Scarlet—from the beginning. Your ex manipulated you and tricked you. Scarlet didn’t understand that, at least not a first. But she did eventually. My ex is doing the exact same thing to me. She wants me all to herself, so she set me up.”

“Why was she in your apartment to begin with?”

God, I was never going to convince anyone. “She said her boyfriend and her got into a fight. He broke her phone and took her keys. She needed to call her roommate for help. I had no idea she was tricking me. She took the phone and sent that text while she set up my room. Please believe me.”

Sean stared at me but didn’t say anything.

“I would not be working this hard to get her back if I really did that. Come on, you’ve seen me with her. It’s obvious I love her with every word I say and everything I do. It doesn’t make any sense for me to cheat on her. I’m not like that.”

Sean rubbed his chin then fixed his tie. “When Ryan first told me the news, I admit I was skeptical about it. It did seem far-fetched.”

That was music to my ears. “Thank you. Thank you.”

“But…the evidence is pretty incriminating.”

“My friends were witnesses. They told you the truth.”

He shrugged. “I know my guys would lie for me if I asked them to.”

“No, they wouldn’t,” I snapped. “If you cheated on Scarlet, they would all turn on you, even your own brother. My friends love Hazel. Believe me, they wouldn’t lie and let her walk into a trap.”

Sean held my gaze for a long time. “Okay, for argument’s sake, let’s say I believe you…a little bit. What could I possibly do to help you?”

“I…I don’t know. I just need someone to be on my side.”

“I never said I was on your side,” he said simply.

“I need someone to help me convince Hazel that I’m not lying.”

“I
don’t think I can do that.”

“It’s better than nothing,” I said desperately. “Talk to Ryan and Mike. Make them see reason.”

“I’m still unsure if I completely believe you,” Sean said.

“If there’s any doubt, then you know the story isn’t true,” I said firmly. “From one man who fucked up to another, please help me. Please. Ryan stuck his neck out for Scarlet to give you another chance. Stick your neck out for me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You know a lot about me and Scarlet.”

I shrugged. “Cortland told Hazel everything, and Hazel told me. I think your story is amazing, honestly.”

“Kissing my ass?” he asked with a smirk.

“No, but I will if it gets you to help me.”

Sean sighed. “I have to think about this…”

My heart was falling. “I’ll give you anything you want.”

He smirked again. “I already have everything, including a beautiful wife carrying my child.”

I sighed in depression. “Can I talk to
Hazel?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, man. I’m very
strict when it comes to work policies. After my wife was harassed, which I’m sure you know about, I feel obligated to protect my workers, particularly my women. As long as Hazel is clocked in, I will protect her from you.”

He was such a stickler. Maybe I should have
went to Mike. “Could you tell her I’m here and I want to talk to her? Let her decide.”

He shook his head. “No. I already know what she’ll say.”

I was defeated. I knew I should pack up and leave. “Well, thank you for talking to me.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry.”

I turned and walked out. “Please think about talking to her for me.”

“I will.”

I shut the door and headed back to the lobby. I knew Sean was sympathetic toward me, but he wasn’t convinced. I didn’t know who to turn to, who would help me. Then I realized something. There was one person in the group that ran the show. Everyone listened to her even though they acted like they didn’t. When she jumped, they all jumped. If I could convince her to help me, perhaps she could convince Sean. And then I would have two allies.

I knocked on the door and waited for her to answer. I heard her feet behind the door. I assumed she was looking through the peephole. She finally opened the door. “Flynn?”

“Hey, I’m sorry for dropping by like this.”

She stared at me timidly, suspicion in her eyes. “What can I do for you?”

“I was hoping I could talk to you.”

Scarlet crossed her arms over her chest, staring me down. “About what?”