Caught in Us (Lost 3)

One look at Hazel makes it clear I'm intruding on a girls’ night. "Err, is it really okay if I crash here?"

"Come in, Damon," Hazel answers. "You'd better prepare yourself to be surrounded by so much estrogen, you might grow boobs."

"Ewww, Hazel, come on..." Dani complains.

"I'll take what I can get. If it means I can get some time with my girl." I shrug then notice the open box lying on the floor. "And eat pizza. Can I eat that?"

"Yep."

I gulp down the pizza, looking from Hazel to Dani and back.

“So what kind of progress did you and James make today?” Dani asks.

“Some investors came to us today with a shitty offer. I told them I can smell bull from miles away, and they stink so bad, my eyes are almost watering.”

Dani gapes at me. “And James is okay with that?”

I nod. “He knew their offer would be shitty, but he must remain diplomatic. He gave me the go to call bull when I see it. That way, it won’t impact his relationship with them on the long term. After all, I’m just an intern with a big mouth—”

“And even bigger balls,” Hazel says. “Is this sort of a ‘good cop, bad cop’ thing?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Exactly like that.”

“And it works?” Dani asks.

“Yes. They sent us a higher offer a few hours later. James is considering it.”

Dani bursts out laughing. “I can imagine you in James’s office, playing off your bad boy charm with women and telling off anyone who crosses you.”

“No one bosses me around,” I say. “Not even your brother’s trying it.”

“Yeah, well, James is smart. I’m glad you two are getting along so well.”

The conversation fades after that, and Dani and Hazel exchange glances.

"Whatever guy troubles you're having, spill it, Hazel," I say.

"What?" Hazel sputters.

"Is it that obvious?" Dani asks.

"Now you just confirmed it. Maybe he was bluffing," Hazel says, elbowing her.

"He wasn't bluffing."

"I wasn't. It's written all over you. Don't you want a guy's opinion? I'm here anyway." When Hazel still looks unsure, I add, "Is this about Chase?"

Slumping her shoulders, she pulls her knees to her chest, leaning her head on the backrest of the couch. "Great."

"I think Chase likes you." At her surprised look, I add, "Wasn't that obvious?"

"That's how guys treat a girl when they like her? How do they act when they hate her? And they say girls are hard to understand." Hazel huffs.

"I don't know him well, but I bet he's never been in a serious relationship. He just doesn't have the balls to ask you out."

"This might be a good time to tell you that I talked to Chase yesterday and told him exactly that," Dani confesses, looking miserable.

Hazel pales. "You...why did you do it?"