Chapter 15
15
Sunday afternoon rolled around, and Michelle sat with Sarah at the church picnic. The breeze finally had a coolness to it that required a light jacket. It wouldn’t be long now before the leaves changed colors. Her favorite time of year. Sarah had made sure to introduce Michelle to everyone there.
“I want you to feel welcome,” Sarah said.
Michelle smiled when one of the ladies waved as they walked past. “You do realize that I know most of these people, right? My children were in school with theirs.” Michelle nodded toward a couple playing horseshoes. “Adam dated their daughter Kerri.” She turned to a single man. “Mr. Bowman’s son took Belynda to her junior prom. It was sad when his wife died.” Her gaze drifted around the group before landing back on Sarah. “It’s nice to see them in a social setting.”
“Don’t look now, but here comes Cade’s high school sweetheart’s mom. You do remember her, right?”
“Yeah, she hated Cade after they broke up. I hope she’s over his making her baby girl cry.”
“Should be. She’s married to a lawyer in Asheville now who has his sights set on state government.”
Michelle smiled just as a delicate hand rested on her shoulder. “Michelle? Michelle Conroy?”
“Hi, Carol.”
“I was so sad when I heard about Bill. It’s been how long now?”
“Thank you. Two years now.”
“I’m glad to see you out.”
“It’s time for me to get out again.”
“It took me a while when Arthur died. But I’ve met a man who’s really good to me. I’m sure you will too.”
“When the time’s right, I will.” Michelle smiled.
“So, are you dating?”
“Not right now, but I’m open to the idea.”
“Oh, girl, Arthur has a brother. Let me see when he’s coming to visit, and I’ll introduce you.”
“Oh, that’s quite all right. I’m not in a rush.”
Carol laughed. “At our age, we’re all in a rush.”
Michelle’s smile faltered. “Thanks for thinking of me, but it isn’t necessary.”
Carol patted her shoulder. “Let me see what I can do.”
Michelle watched her walk off. “Here we go. She’s going to call me, isn’t she?”
Sarah nodded with a sly grin. “Just like she did me and every other woman here who lost their husbands. She’s the sole member of the town’s matchmaking committee.”
“I don’t want or need that. Yes, I’m ready to date, but I’m not going to be the sacrificial maiden for the masses.”
“Too late,” Sarah said as her attention was drawn to Carol speaking with a group on the other side of the horseshoe pits.
Michelle covertly glanced over her shoulder. “Oh great.”
The afternoon passed with laughter, food, and comradery that she didn’t expect but was glad she experienced. One of Bill’s old golf buddies offered to drive her home as everyone cleaned up the area.
“Well, I rode with Sarah, so I’ll need to check with her.”
“You’re on my way home, so it’ll be no bother.”
Michelle smiled. “I’ll be right back,” she said as she walked over to Sarah. “Give me the lowdown on Gene. He’s offered to drive me home since I’m on his way.”
“Be careful. He has been on dates with several women who now don’t speak to each other. His investment firm is doing well, so he is too. I don’t think he’s looking for a relationship after he and his wife split. But he’s nice.”
“Would you mind if he drove me home?”
“Of course not. You came to meet people even though you already knew so many.” Sarah laughed.
“I know. But Gene’s familiar, I guess. He’s been to my home on more than one occasion. Granted, it was with his ex-wife.” Michelle looked up to see Gene smiling at her. “And since I’m not looking for a relationship either, this may be perfect.”
“Just remember what I said.”
Michelle hugged Sarah. “I will. Thank you for today.”
Sarah waved as Michelle walked toward Gene.
“Thanks for the offer to drive me home. I hated putting Sarah out, but she insisted that we ride together. I think she was afraid that I wouldn’t know anyone since I’ve basically hibernated for the past couple of years.”
Gene placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward his car. “I’m sorry I haven’t checked on you more. I feel like a bad friend.”
“We weren’t that close, and you had your own issues to handle. I wasn’t very good company, especially for people who Bill spent a lot of time with. I would have just sobbed hearing stories of the two of you on the golf courses.”
“And you’re better now?”
“I think I am.” Michelle smiled at him as he opened her car door. Talking to Gene was easy. He knew her and knew how Bill had treated her. Maybe this was the kind of companionship she was looking for.
The drive home was short, and they rode in silence. Neither knowing a topic to broach. When they arrived at her house, Gene opened her car door and walked her to the back porch. “Maybe we can have coffee sometime.”
“That would be nice. I’d like that.”
Gene’s lips pulled into a half grin. “Look, Michelle, I want to be honest right up front. I’m not looking for a relationship. Heather screwed me over pretty good up here,” he said as he pointed to his head. “I almost didn’t go today because I’ve gone out with a couple of women from church, and they instantly thought I’d propose.”
Michelle held up her hands. “You don’t owe me any explanations, Gene. I’m barely getting my feet wet with this whole dating thing. A cup of coffee would be nice with no expectation of anything else. I’ll pay for my own if that makes you feel better.”
“No, no. I’m too set in my ways for a woman to pay when I’m with her. Do you still have the same number as before?”
Michelle blushed. “I can’t part with it yet. Bill’s voice is on the recording.”
“I understand. Let me check my schedule, and I’ll give you a call later this week.”
“Sounds good.”
He turned toward his car as she opened her back door. She waved when he pulled out of the driveway.