Mark's eyes widened, his pupils slowly dilating as he took a step back, releasing my wrist. "Steve, man, I'm Hazel's friend, remember me? We've met before. I'm just trying to talk to her, I'm interested in her. No big deal," Mark said, trying to calm Steve down.

But Steve's expression didn't change. "I don't remember you. Leave her alone," he said coldly.

Mark quickly apologized and left, leaving me and Steve alone in the almost-empty bar. I felt a mix of emotions: relief that Mark was ...