Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Chapter 30

HAZEL

(FIVE YEARS AGO)

Stacking up fried chicken into a carton can be a very delightful thing to do. I prefer doing this to serving customers or taking the packed chicken for delivery. Stacking up the last piece, I stood up and stretched my back to relieve some ache from having to squat for so long.

“Hazel?” Oscar called from the doorway, I turned to him.”A lady is asking for you out front.”

Crinkling my nose, I walked over to the sink to take off the gloves and wash my hands. “Did you get a name?” I’m in no mood to see a stranger.

“Elenor.” He responded. “She said her name is Elenor.”

Ravel’s sister? How did she find me? “I’ll be there shortly.” Wiping my hands with a towel, I got rid of the apron before walking out to meet her. Honestly, this isn’t how I hoped to see any of Ravel’s family.

I’m no fool, I’m sure his mother will want someone better for him.

I found her seated at the corner of the restaurant. Suddenly nervous, I dragged myself over to her table and sat down. “Hi.”

Elenor looked up from her phone and the moment she saw me, her face brightened with a warm smile.

“Hazel!” How does she know my name? That’s interesting. “I’m sorry for intruding on your work.” She pointed at a car parked outside through the window. “I’ve been sitting in there for ages, waiting for you to get off work.”

“Oh…” Still confused, I relaxed back. “How did you find me?”

Dropping her phone, she leaned forward. “Raymond told me.” She bit her lower lips. “I’m sorry if you’re uncomfortable with that, I just wanted to meet you and thank you for what you did last night.”

“It’s fine, you don’t have to.” Imagine my surprise when Oscar served me a soft drink and chicken wings. I arched a brow at him and he shrugged.

“I ordered that,” Elenor announced. “I didn’t think it was right to leave your side of the table empty while I eat.”

Glancing at the order on the table, I slowly lifted my gaze to Elenor. “I’m sorry, but I really have to get back to work I’m still on duty, so I shouldn’t be relaxing around eating.”

“Your boss said it was okay.” She pointed out. “He said you can go off work if you want.”

I blinked rapidly. “You met with Harrison?” She nodded. I was instantly reminded of Ravel. He did the same thing the first time he met with me. “What did you offer him?”

Flipping a shoulder, she picked a chicken and dipped it into a sauce. “I offered to buy all the chicken you were packing in there.” I’m not surprised. I find it rather annoying that people think they can buy my time. “I’m sorry.” She apologized abruptly, seemingly noticing my displease over her action. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s fine.” She’s Ravel’s family, and what his family will think about me matters a lot to me. Not sure what to say, I picked up the chicken/wings and dipped them into a sauce.

“Why exactly did you help me?” Elenor asked, watching me closely. “Did you do that because you know I’m Ravel’s sister?”

Chuckling, I took my time swallowing. “If you’re asking whether I did what I did to gain some bro wnie points from you, the answer is no. I didn’t even know you were his sister until Raymond and Ravel walked in.”

She tilted her head, her brows furrowing, “Then why did you help me? I watched the footage and that man would have easily beaten you up, or probably raped you too, yet you chose to stick around. Why?”

That’s quite simple. “Because I still have a functioning conscience.” Every normal human would have done what I did.

Maybe they wouldn’t have charged in there themselves, but they’ll definitely call for help. “Besides I’ve seen a lot of douc hebags in my life.”

Staring at me unblinkingly, Elenor suddenly smiled. “I like you.” She waggled her brows at me teasing.

“I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends and I also owe you one.”

Oh… I doubt she’ll say that if she finds out the same secret I’m keeping from her brother. “Don’t judge my character just because I helped you.” She needs to be smarter than that. “What if I’m the one who sent that dude to try molesting you, just so I could save you and earn your trust.”

Laughing shortly, she shook her head in disagreement. “Why would you want to gain my trust when already have my brother’s trust?”

Is she for real? “You’re his family,” I stated matter-of-factly, “gaining your trust and that of your mother should be important to any woman who claims to love Ravel.”

Her grin widened. “A lady who understands the concept of family.” She winked at me. “I like you.” Well, I’m glad she does. “Don’t bother winning my mother’s trust,” she added, “she’s a lost course.”

I winced involuntarily. I’d give anything to have my parents back. “Don’t you think it’s rather a harsh thing to say about your mother?”

Scoffing, she wiped her hands, her lips curling. “She’s my mother, and I know her very well. Don’t ruin your relationship with Ravel just because of my mum, she’s not worth it. I love her, but she can be a royal witch sometimes.”

Now I’m getting more nervous about meeting her someday. “With what you just said, I can’t say I’m looking forward to seeing her.”

She giggled. “You shouldn’t.” Her phone vibrated on the table but she simply ignored it. “What are you doing on Saturday night?”

Hunting for jobs online. “Nothing.” I tried not to glare at Harrison who just walked past our table. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m hosting a party on Saturday, and I’ll love to see you.” The glint in her eyes reflected just how excited she is about the party. “It will be fun, I promise, plus I can’t wait to lavish Ravel’s debit card.”

“No offense to you Elenor,” she nodded, an indication that I should go on, “judging from the fact that you almost got raped last night, should you really be thinking about partying?”

She laughed at my comment as though I said something hilarious. “That I almost got raped isn’t an excuse not to party, besides I’m not always that drunk.” I scoffed under my breath, but somehow, she managed to hear it. “Really, I don’t drink in a stupor. I had a huge fight with my _” She paused and tilted her head.

Confusing her sudden silence as hesitation, I intervened. “You don’t have to talk about your relationship problem with me if you don’t to.”

“Relationship problem?” She scoffed, “he’s not my boyfriend just someone I’m seeing. I was actually looking for the best term to classify him hence the reason for my silence.” Smacking her lips together, she resumed her explanation. “So yeah, I got drunk because of him and I can assure you it will never happen again.”

She got drunk for someone who isn’t her boyfriend but someone she was seeing; and here I was, thinking my love life is complicated. “You don’t have to explain things to me. If you feel you can handle another party, then that’s cool too.”

“Great!” She clapped her hands. “So you’ll be coming right?”

She went out of her way to invite me, why shouldn’t I? “There won’t be any drugs at the party right?”

She arched her brows. “I didn’t take you as one to judge.”

I shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t like being around drugs Elenor.” I’m afraid of relapse even though I don’t say it out aloud to anyone. “So if there are drugs at the party, I’ll have to decline.”

Chapter 30

She stared at me for a beat moment before responding. “You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t do drugs, and nobody is bringing that sh it into my house.”

“A house party?”

“Mhmm. So you’re going right?” I nodded which made her squeal with excitement. “I’m going to pick you up tomorrow afternoon so we can spend Ravel’s money!”

“I have work.”

She waved me off. “Don’t worry about that, Ravel will handle it.” She placed both hands on the table and squirmed with excitement. “Your boyfriend gave me his black card, Do you know what that means?”

I shook my head.

“It means we should spare no expense at making you look breathtaking on Saturday!” She winked at me. “He’s your very own sugar daddy.”