CHAPTER NINETEEN
The next morning, Misty sat with Hazel in her kitchen, rehashing the wedding.
“I’m relieved for Crystal that Emmett doesn’t want to be part of all the campaigning.
It makes her life much easier. Emmett’s father is someone I wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time with.
” Hazel shook her head. “But he didn’t ruin the wedding, after all.
In a way, it’s best he wasn’t there for the ceremony, which was so sweet. ”
“I agree,” said Misty. “Emmett is a great guy. Thoughtful too. I can only imagine the joy on Crystal’s face when she learns they’re flying to Paris for their honeymoon. She’s wanted to go there forever.”
“Just think of all the beautiful art, clothes, and fashion,” said Hazel. “I’ve been to England but not to France.”
“Crystal has wanted to travel there for the food,” said Misty. “Let’s hope she comes back with some great ideas for the gourmet dinners she and Melissa will put on.”
“Speaking of food, I’ve ordered a picnic from the café to take with us for our canoe trip on the lake,” said Hazel. “I figured we’d need it. Especially after celebrating at the wedding.”
“I was too busy keeping watch over everything to do much eating or drinking,” said Misty. “I couldn’t let Emmett’s parents ruin Crystal’s wedding. Thankfully, Emmett’s mother was as determined as I to see that Everett behaved.”
Hazel made a face. “Guess you didn’t see this in the online news.” She handed her phone to Misty.
The headline read: “Senator Everett Chamberlain takes time from a busy schedule to help celebrate his son’s wedding.” Beneath it was a photo of the Senator with his arms around Emmett and Crystal.
Misty felt her cheeks heat with anger. “That slime! I hope neither Crystal nor Emmett see this. He must’ve bribed the photographer into giving him the photo he asked her to take.”
Hazel placed a hand on Misty’s arm. “It just proves what an ass he is. I wouldn’t worry about it. Emmett and Crystal are, hopefully, having too much fun on their way to Paris to care.”
“You’re right. It’s useless to worry about it. Are you sure you don’t mind if Sugar comes with us?”
Hazel shook her head. “It’ll be fine. Let’s go. We’ll stop at the Café on our way.”
###
When they got to The Meadows clubhouse at the end of the lake, a lot of activity was taking place.
Many of the canoes from the storage rack were missing, and someone had brought a paddle boat and tied it to the dock.
Adults and kids were swimming in the designated area or sitting on a small beach. Sugar was curious about all of it.
Hazel held up the set of keys Dani had given her and pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. “I’ve got the instructions. They’re pretty simple. Dani’s canoe is green. And she’s given me a number for her locker.”
They unlocked the canoe from the rack and then took out the lifejackets, paddles, and cushions from the locker. As they were walking to the edge of the water, Misty heard a child crying and turned to see Brody huddled in the sand. A large man stood over him, talking loud enough for Misty to hear.
Listening to the man, who obviously was Brody’s father, berate him for being afraid to go into the water, Misty’s stomach curled. She walked over to them.
“Hi, Brody!” she smiled at him and turned to his father. “Hello. I’m Misty Owens, Brody’s teacher. It’s nice to meet you. Is there a problem?”
Brody’s father made a face. “Harley Kirk. Brody is being his usual self and doesn’t want to try something new. It’s a great day to be in the water.”
“Have you gone in with him?” Misty asked Harley.
“No, I’m sitting with a bunch of guys over there.” He indicated a group of workmen sitting under the shade of a tree several yards away.
“Is there any other family here?”
Harley shook his head. “No, I’m a single father. I try my best, but like I told him, Brody is just a chicken at heart. He never wants to do anything.”
Misty reminded herself to speak calmly. “He might need to get used to the water. Can he swim?”
“Not yet. Ain’t gonna happen if he doesn’t try.”
“Why don’t you help him get used to the water and go from there?”
Harley’s brown eyes flashed with anger. “Yeah? Why don’t you mind your own business? He’s my kid, and he’ll do what he’s told.” He turned to Brody. “You stay here. I’m going with my friends.”
Sugar growled and sat by Brody.
Brody did his best to hide his face, but Misty could see wetness on his cheeks.
She longed to pick him up and hug him. Instead, not wanting to increase his father’s anger, she sat down on the sand beside him.
“It’s okay, Brody. It takes some of us a while to get used to a new idea.
Even if you don’t go into the water, you can get your feet wet at the edge of it.
Maybe even build something with the sand. Would you like that?”
Brody shrugged, still keeping his face averted. They both looked up as his father approached.
“I told you to mind your own business,” Harley said to her forcefully. “C’mon, Brody, we have to go.”
“It’ll be all right,” Misty told Brody, giving him a hopeful smile. But inside, her pulse was racing so hard she thought she might collapse. She knew she’d have to tread carefully. But if that man spoke to Brody like that in public, she could imagine what he was like in the privacy of their home.
She placed a hand on Brody’s thin shoulder. “I’ll see you at school on Tuesday.”
Brody studied the ground.
As Brody’s father strode away, making it difficult for Brody to keep up, Misty turned away from them, and her distress grew. Sugar, sensing her unhappiness, stayed by her side.
Hazel hurried over to her. “What’s the matter? Is that the student you were worried about?”
Unable to speak, Misty unclenched her fists. She felt so damned helpless. Things in that household weren’t right, and she was worried. Brody was a little boy who didn’t seem to have anyone to talk to. She’d speak to the school counselor about it.
“I’m really concerned,” Misty said and drew a deep breath to calm herself. “Okay, let’s go.”
They got the canoe into the water and loaded it with their picnic and equipment. With Hazel sitting in the bow and Sugar in the middle, Misty pushed the canoe out onto the surface of the lake and quickly hopped in, rocking the canoe a bit.
Sugar yapped and then quieted as Misty began talking to her. Misty was thrilled for her presence. She was sure if Brody’s father had attacked her physically, Sugar would’ve reacted.
Out on the water, they took some time coordinating their strokes. Misty used her position in the stern to guide the canoe while Hazel continued to dip her paddle and pull in the water consistently.
“I thought we could picnic at the Lilac Lake Cottage,” said Hazel.
“I’ve got a better idea. David’s parents own a cottage across the lake from the Inn. It would be a perfect place to set up a picnic on the shoreline. I know they wouldn’t mind, and it would give us more room with the dog.”
“Okay, let’s do it,” said Hazel. “How much farther? My arms are aching already.”
Misty chuckled. “Keep going. Paddling a canoe isn’t as easy as it looks sometimes.”
The sun beat down on them and glistened off the water.
Misty gave Sugar some water and took some sips herself.
The heat didn’t bother her, especially because she could detect something in the air that smelled of autumn to her.
And she knew that fall and then winter would be here all too soon.
As much as some in their group enjoyed winter sports, Misty preferred the summer months.
###
They passed the Inn, Lilac Lake Cottage, and the end of the lake, where ducks swam among the reeds, before heading up the other side of the lake.
She was as relieved as Hazel when the Grahams’ dock appeared. No one was sitting on it.
Misty guided the canoe to the side of the dock and turned to Hazel. “Wait here. I’ll go check to see if anyone is home. I’m sure it’s okay, but I want to ask for permission, if possible.”
Misty climbed out of the canoe and told Sugar to stay. Whining, the dog did as she was told.
“I’ll keep her here,” said Hazel. “Go ahead.”
Misty climbed the wooden stairs to the front of the house and knocked on the door.
When Susie answered, Misty was pleased to see her face light with pleasure at the sight of her.
“Misty! Nice to see you.”
“My friend Hazel and I are wondering if we could have a picnic on your shoreline. We have Sugar with us, and I thought it would be easier away from everyone else.”
“By all means, you’re welcome to set up on any part of the shore. You may use the dock if you prefer.”
“Thank you, but we’ll sit in the shade on the shore. We’ve had enough sun,” said Misty.
“Then, help yourselves. I may come down to say hello in a while. I’ve got a cake baking in the oven and can’t leave until it’s done.”
“Okay. I want to introduce you to Hazel. She’s new in town and teaches with me at the elementary school.”
“Lovely. I’ll see you soon.”
###
Misty and Hazel spread a blanket on the ground beneath a tree and opened the picnic basket Nettie had given them. As curious as she was about the food, Sugar caught sight of a squirrel and took off running.
Chuckling, Misty turned to Hazel. “Guess Sugar will stay busy.” She leaned forward to peer into the basket. “What did Nettie pack for us?”
“A feast,” said Hazel. “I see deviled eggs, sliced tomatoes, a green salad, and a couple of sandwiches.” She started laying the dishes on top of the blanket. “There are cookies, too.”
Misty opened a can of soda and took a long sip. “That tastes delicious after working hard.”