Chapter 5 I'm Trying To Protect You

SHAWN rang the doorbell to Hazel's apartment but after trying for the hundredth time, no one's buzzing him in. He sighed. The poor girl must still be at work and taking overtime again.

He glanced at his wristwatch. It was already eleven. He wondered if she had already eaten yet.

He fished his phone from his pockets and dialed Hazel's number. Her number was unattended.

Shawn finally decided to just go and visit Hazel at work. He got in his car and started the engine. When he reached the building where Hazel's office is located, he wasn't expecting to find her outside talking to the guy they met yesterday. It was Wesley, Christine's cousin. And they looked like the two of them were about to go somewhere because Hazel got inside the man's car. They drove towards the opposite direction of where Hazel's apartment is.

Shawn's forehead creased. Unbelievable. When will that girl learn that it's not okay to trust people that much? She only met Wesley yesterday and she is already letting him take her somewhere.

Where is he planning to take Hazel at this time of night? Before he knew it, Shawn started following them.

.

HAZEL took a very little sip on her martini and looked warily around the bar. Wesley was sitting beside her on the bar counter.

When Wesley asked her earlier if he could buy her a drink, she just automatically said yes. Even though she doesn't really drink and don't go to the bar often. She just doesn't want him to misunderstand if she says no because he might think that she doesn't want to go out with him and was just making excuses. Like she said, she wants to give Wesley a chance.

"You look a little uncomfortable, Hazel. Do you not like it here? We can find another place," Wesley said near her ear.

"Oh, no, no! This is fine." She placed the martini on the counter. "I just am not used to going to the bar."

Wesley looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. You should have told me. Do you want to leave?"

Hazel aggressively shook her head. "No, really, I'm fine," she replied, smiling. "You're here, so it's fine."

Wesley smiled at her remark. He stared down at his drink. "Can I ask you something, Hazel?"

She looked at him and nodded. She picked up her martini again and took another sip.

"Do you like Shawn? Like, romantically?"

Hazel almost spilled her drink in surprise because of what he said. She covers her mouth and grabbed a tissue from the counter.

Wesley gently rubbed her back. "Are you okay? Sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you."

"I'm fine. I just wasn't expecting the question. What makes you ask that?" Was she that transparent?

"You look very close. Even for someone who are best of friends," he explained.

She shrugged. "Well, we were practically raised like siblings ever since we were kids. So, Shawn became my best friend and probably the only person I can trust in the whole world. There is nothing I can't tell him."

Except, maybe one thing, she thought.

Wesley's eyes looked poignant. "I see."

Hazel smiled. "All I know is Shawn looks so smitten by Christine, so, I'm just really glad that we are getting along well, too."

He smiled back. "I guess you're right."

They talked some more and Hazel found Wesley such a good conversationalist. She felt glad that she went out with him that night or he might have missed a chance to get to know the man better.

"Should I order one more for you?" Wesley asked.

"Later, maybe. I'll just to go to the restroom first."

"Okay."

Hazel got off her chair and walked to the restroom.

.

SHAWN watched as Hazel leave the counter and walk towards the restroom. Wesley was left alone with his drink.

He approached him. He sat on the empty chair next to him. He turned to him with a surprised look when he heard him order a drink from the bartender.

"Shawn?" He asked. His face shifted from surprised to disappointed and annoyed in a matter of seconds as realization probably started to hit him. He scoffed. "Were you following us?"

Shawn glanced at the man. He shrugged. "I just happen to be drinking in the same bar as you tonight."

Wesley shook his head in disbelief. He paid for their tab and left his seat to follow Hazel to the restroom.

Shawn downed his drink in one go and followed Wesley, too. It was a good thing that no one was queued outside the door.

"Wesley."

"What's this, man? Are you actually keeping such a close watch on me because I'm dating your best friend? What do you think I'll do to Hazel?"

"I'm doing this because I don't want her getting hurt."

"I'm not going to hurt her."

"Well, I don't know you. And I can't trust you."

Wesley stared at his eyes, the intensity heavy. The tension hanging in the air. "You should leave."

.

RAN turned the faucet off when she thought she heard Shawn's voice outside the restroom.

No way, it couldn't be Shawn. Why would he be here anyway?

But her hunch was confirmed when she heard Wesley's voice, too. They sound like they were talking about her—no, arguing about her. But why?

"I'm doing this because I don't want her getting hurt."

Shawn's acting like her dad, again. She appreciates it. But he's doing it to the wrong man. Wesley's very nice and she doesn't want to feel embarrassed.

She got out of the restroom and both men turned to look at her.

"Hazel," said Shawn.

"What are you doing here, Shawn?"

"I want to have a drink," he simply said.

"The drinks are not in front of the restroom."

He scolded her with his gaze.

"More importantly, why are you arguing with Wesley?" She asked calmly.

Instead of answering her question, Shawn looked straight at her. "I should ask you why you are in a bar tonight with a man. You don't even drink."

Wesley looked astonished upon hearing that. He didn't know, obviously.

"We were just talking," she replied.

"Well, you can talk in a different place. Tomorrow. During daytime." Shawn grabbed her hand. He quickly looked at Wesley. "I'll take her home."

"Wait, Shawn!"

As soon as they were outside, Shawn let go of her hand. "That was very careless, Hazel. You would really go with a stranger to a bar at this time of the night?"

"Wesley didn't know. I didn't tell him."

"Why?"

"I don't know!" She blurted out. "Can we please just go back and apologize to him. What you did was so rude."

"No, you're going home." He grabbed her hand again and took her to his car. "Get in."

"What would your girlfriend say to this, huh?"

Shawn's forehead creased. "What's Christine got to do with this?"

Hazel folded her arms. "Wesley's her cousin."

"And I still don't know him. So, I don't trust him."

Hazel sharply exhaled.

"Get inside the car the now, Hazel. Don't make me do it."

Hazel shook her head. "No, I'm getting a cab." She sprinted towards the cab line and quickly got inside the first empty car, not giving Shawn the chance to run after her.