The date

Jason drove her home, while Hazel wondered in silence.

What just happened at the park? What did that man stammer on seeing Jason?

The man was visibly shaken… he even took off his hat in respect.

Who exactly is this Jason guy?

"You're quiet"

"What happened back there?" Hazel asked

"Back where?"Jason asked with an innocent look on his face.

Does he always get out things by bringing do cute? But back at the park, whatever he did, it wasn't him bring cutely.

Who is Jason exactly?

"The man back at the parking lot. He was stuttering when he saw you"

"Yeah. I'm a regular around there and I might have given him a terrible scare during one of my visits" Jason shrugs

"Terrible scare?"

Jason winked at her.

"Who exactly are you?" Hazel asked

"The man of your dreams"

Hazel rolled her eyes

"How about I tell you more ut our date tonight?"

Jason was dead serious this time but she didn't miss the twinkle in his eyes. He was excited about tonight…

"Okay then" Hazel replied

Jason smiled and pulled over to her place. Hazel felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her; her apartment was nothing close to impressive. The paint was faded and there were loose weeds at the entrance.

She didn't live in some classic building, nor does she have an impressive job.

She sure had an entire list of questions to ask Jason tonight.

"So..I'm going to leave now. You go get ready for tonight and I'll send someone to come get you"

Did Hazel arch her eyebrow?

"What?" Jason asked

"Seriously. You're going to send me a driver?"

Jason shrugs.

"You don't think I'm going to let you find your way to the restaurant do you?"

Hazel exhaled

"Fine. Thank you" she said with a smile.

"You're welcome"

Hazel got out of the car and headed towards the stairs just outside the building.

"Say hello to Rina on my behalf," Jason asked.

Hazel faced him in curiosity; why did he say her name as they'd met before? The last time, which was last night, when he did a video call, Rina didn't mention her name neither did she…

"Did you two have a discussion I am not aware of?" Hazel asked

Jason smiles as he walks towards her, hands in his pocket.

"Or let me guess, it was in my bio," she said in sarcasm.

Jason stood right in front of her, barely an inch away from her. He was way taller than she was and with him staring down at her like that, it was more than obvious; the height difference between them.

"Let's say I tend to do my research when a lady draws my attention." Jason pulled a strand of hair behind her ears.

Hazel felt her skin tingle at his touch…

"You researched me?" Hazel asked.

"Yeah." Jason placed a gentle kiss on her chin.

"See you later tonight," he said taking a step back.

Hazel chuckled. She couldn't bring herself to move away from where she stood. She was just staring at him smiling.

Goodness Hazel, get out of there!

Hazel cleared her throat. She must have seemed stupid to him. Standing there and watching him.

"Bye"

Hazel hurried up the stairs without a second thought. She could stand out there for hours if possible…..

The locks followed after the sound of jingling keys. Rina folded her arms with a dismissing look directed to Hazel's random clothing.

"You went to work looking like this?" She asked as though that is the most ridiculous thing she's ever heard.

"Good afternoon to you too," Hazel said and walked past Rina in exhaustion.

She needed a nap. At least two hours of uninterrupted sleep before Rina decides to doll her up for her supposed date.

"If I were awake this morning, I wouldn't let you dress yourself up like this."

"And if someone didn't turn my room into their little hangout spot, maybe I would have put on something better" Hazel shot back.

"And that's my fault?"

"Jason showed up at my work today and I was dressed like some refugee"

Rina studies Hazel in silence.

"Like you care"

"Of course, I'm doing" Hazel offered

"So….he picked you up today?" Rina asked in excitement.

Hazel rolled her eyes; here comes her majesty with her royal scroll of questions…

"He showed up, hands me an umbrella, drove me home in his car, told me to get ready and that he would be sending someone to come get me"

Rina squeaks in excitement. She was so happy for Hazel!

"This Jason guy is totally into you "

"That's ridiculous. We've only met once" Hazel heads for the refrigerator; she's famished.

"So? Ever heard about love at first sight? He even picked you up at work! This is so romantic!" Rina said dreamily.

"What is romantic about a stranger showing up at my work and offering me a ride home, and he knew my friend's name is Rina. How romantic" Hazel said in pure sarcasm.

"You're a total pain in the neck Zel. How many men are willing to pick their potential girlfriend up from work?"

"Care to tell me how he found out your name? The last time I checked, I never mentioned anything about you or Greg to him"

Rina bit her lower lip anxiously.

"What did you do?" Hazel asked

"What? I did nothing!" Rina said in her defence.

"Why can't you look me in the face then?" Hazel accused

"I'm trying to adjust my lense"

"Without the box?" Hazel asked

Rina groaned

"Why can't you let it go Zel?"

"I can't let it go when you're going too far, Rina"

"I only contacted him because I thought you'd bail out on the date and I want you to give this a chance"

"Did you ask about my opinion about this? Do you know if I don't want any relationship for now? Why do you think you can do this thing without telling me??"