Page 25 of High Stick Heartthrob

That’s what we did.

We walked off the stage to cheers and yells.

Ellen quickly began to talk about her charities again.

There were more things happening for the night and I didn’t care one bit.

I found the closest door and led Hazel out.

Two more doors and we were outside.

I took a breath.

So did she.

We looked at each other.

She looked as pissed as I felt.

I was still holding her hand.

“Right down here,” I said to her.

I opened the door to the corner bar and held it open for Hazel.

She chose the corner of the bar - the perfect place to sit - and she pointed to the bartender.

“Glass of whiskey,” she called out. “Quick.”

“Double that order,” I said.

The bartender nodded.

Hazel looked at me.

I looked at her.

I offered my right hand. “Guess we should do the introductions properly now. I’m Atlas.”

She placed her hand against mine.

I curled my hand and my thumb rubbed the back of her hand.

“Hazel,” she said. “That’s me.”

“That’s you,” I said.

The bartender put our drinks down on the bar.

We reached for our glass at the same time.

“Cheers to you, Hazel,” I said. “What a weird night.”

“You have no idea, Atlas.”

“Then give me an idea,” I said. “I’m not going back there tonight. In fact…”

I stood up and took the suit jacket off.