Evie | H.S |

12. Hazel: part one

Hello! Sorry for my absence. Here's a little something - let me know if you like it!

Reaching my room I took a moment to run a brush through my now wind-swept hair, I fixed my lipstick and gave myself another few spritzes of perfume.

Neck.

Wrists.

Ankles? No Evie, get a grip.

Fluffing my hair and giving myself a once over in the mirror again, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

"Where they hell are ya?" Rory hollered and I could almost smell the alcohol through my phone that I had to pull away from my ear.

"You sound drunk" I chuckled nervously. "I didn't realise it was that kind of night..."

"Oh boo! It's one of Harry's crews birthday - there's lots of tequila" he exclaimed before an unfamiliar voice interjected.

"Evie! You have to come!"

It must have been that girl, Chloe. I assured them I'd be there in a moment as I rushed for the door but not before checking myself over just one more time.

I nervously alternated my weight across my two feet as the elevator ascended upwards and the trill bell as it announced my floor arrival before the doors opened up saw me jump in a jitter. I stepped out and spied the door to the rooftop, catching Mitch and Sarah slyly leaving which was a little disappointing.

"Leaving already?"

"Just getting a cake" Sarah assured with a smile, giving me a quick hug as I approached before disappearing.

I hadn't yet ventured up to the roof since we'd been staying at this hotel. The rooftop was floored with weathered wooden floorboards and a big pool, all lit up in blue with the stars and moon above illuminated in its reflection. It was a balmy, clear night - almost perfect. Sam waved me over, sliding from the stool at the tall table he was sat at.

"Where have you been?"

"You're all acting like I disappeared for a month" I laughed, embracing him in a quick hug. "What'd I miss?"

Sam didn't need to respond, instead pointing his thumb over his shoulder. I looked in that direction to spy Rory sat on an outdoor lounge looking very wrapped up in Chloe. I waved at the two of them, making my way over in their direction.

"Don't even say it, I know I'm late" I told them with a sigh, moving to sit down beside Chloe who looked like she was ready to give me a spray.

"Ror said it's never a party till Evie arrives" she said excitedly and I briefly raised a brow and shot a look in his direction at the fact that she'd used his nickname so comfortably. Rory clocked on and shot me a wide eyed, wordless shut up that only two best friends could understand.

"I hope he hasn't told you stories" I chuckled to Chloe, reaching across to slap Rory's arm with the back of my hand.

Rory loved telling stories about me and my partying past. It probably wasn't healthy but my God we had fun. Chloe assured me he'd only shared positive ones. We got talking so I could find out a little more about Chloe as at this stage, all I knew was she was drunk. She got talking about her dental nursing and to be honest, I could feel my eyes glazing over when a hand with different coloured polished finger nails interrupted my blank stare, holding out a fruity looking cocktail.

"Martin's birthday" Harry urged. "I can't have you here empty handed."

I accepted the drink from his hand as he made move to sit at the other side of me.