Carrie was quick to jump on the opportunity I'd just handed her. "Wonderful! You two have fun. We'll catch up later. By-yeee." She was already moving toward the front door before she finished. The other women stood for a moment, seeming unsure what to do but they soon followed after her, waving at Hazel and saying how much they'd miss her.

When they were gone, Hazel looked at me, moving her mouth as if debating if she was allowed to say something. Ultimately, she sighed, "Thank you."

"They're not really my crowd."

"Yeah. Mine either."

I wrapped my arm around hers. "How about you and I take advantage of the...