CHAPTER SEVEN
Hazel returned to the Center with a list of things she wanted to buy for Jed. She decided to drive to Concord to pick out those items at Access Sports. This would allow her to consider what they might display at the Center for kids.
She checked in with Ross, who was in his office, and told him what she had in mind.
“I understand you’ve been helping this boy on your own,” said Ross. “Thank you. We need to encourage kindness and give everyone a chance at whatever sport they choose.”
“Yes,” said Hazel. She hesitated and then said, “I had no idea that Mike was a foster kid.”
Appearing solemn, Ross said, “It wasn’t an easy childhood. He doesn’t usually talk about it.”
“Helping Jed might be helpful to him,” said Hazel. “The family Jed is with are caring people. I don’t know how his foster mother does it. Four kids in the house, one disabled.”
“Keep me informed of any way we can help them,” said Ross. “I like that Jed will be part of a new scholarship program. Mike and I are very lucky to have hired you, Hazel.”
After Nolan Deere’s disapproval, Ross’s words touched her. She gave him a little wave and left to go to Concord.
On the way, she thought about the situation with Jed and wondered how he’d fare with the other kids in tennis camp. Kids who came from homes that could afford it.
###
Hazel met with Evie as planned, and after explaining what she was trying to do for Jed, she and Evie walked through the store.
“Such beautiful things for kids. But surely, they outgrow them. What about setting up a second-hand department for them?” asked Hazel. “Or we could have customers turn in outgrown clothing to the Center so we could give them away or sell them for next to nothing.”
“Yes! For those who turn in clothes that are in excellent shape, we can give them a discount to buy new clothes,” said Evie. She clapped her hands together. “I’m so glad we’re willing to work together. It’s not just good business, it’s just plain goodness.”
The women smiled at one another.
“I’ve sized up clothing and shoes for Jed in my mind, so I’d like to get a couple of choices, in case I need a different size. I’ll bring back the things we can’t use. Or better yet, come to the Center and I’ll treat you to lunch at the Lilac Lake Café,” said Hazel.
“I’d love that,” said Evie. “Let’s pick out some things for Jed, and you can let me know when you want to meet. I’m pretty flexible with store hours, so I can arrange to get together anytime.”
Hazel had seen Jed only in jeans and wearing old basketball shoes, but with Evie’s help, she could select several choices of shoes and clothes in a couple of different sizes. She also needed to think of styles that would be comfortable on and off the court.
When she was satisfied with their selection, Hazel bid Evie goodbye and drove to Office Depot for more office supplies, grateful for Mike and Ross’s support in making decisions about things like this.
###
That afternoon, Hazel walked over to the tennis court where Mike was giving a private lesson to Jed. Hazel could assess both of them sitting on a bench outside the fence.
Watching Mike play tennis was like watching a ballet dancer move around the court with one graceful move after another at high speed. Even the way Mike swung his racket was done smoothly and so quickly that it seemed part of a performance.
Tracy joined her on the bench. “He’s a star, huh?”
Hazel nodded and turned back to the training game. “Jed is really something. Mike is so patient with him.”
Mike noticed them and called Tracy. “Come here and play with Jed so I can study his moves.”
Sighing noisily, Tracy grabbed her tennis racket and went onto the court.
Mike came and sat beside Hazel. “Okay Tracy, play an easy, slow game so I can take notes on Jed’s movements.”
Hazel kept quiet as Mike studied the game on the court. After several minutes, he stood and called Jed over to him. “Tomorrow, when you practice with Hazel, you will work on your backhand. Remember what I told you.”
Jed said, “I will.”
Hazel stood. “Jed, I have some things I want you to try on. Please come to my office when you’re through here.”
“Okay,” Jed said, his eyes lighting with excitement.
In her office, Hazel lined up shorts, shirts, socks, and shoes for Jed. Seeing them like this, satisfaction filled her. The Sports Center required tennis wear on the courts, and she didn’t want him to feel left out or unable to compete with the other kids socially.
###
When Jed walked into her office and saw the clothing laid out on her desk, he grinned.
“I’ve got different sizes for each item so we can make sure they fit you properly,” said Hazel.
“They’re all new,” Jed said, and Hazel realized he wasn’t used to that.
“Let’s see.” She held up various shorts for him to try on and quickly decided on the T-shirt size for him.
“Go ahead and try the shorts on in the men’s room and come show me. I’ll be standing outside the door. We want to narrow it down to one in white and another in black.”
Hazel followed him to the men’s room and waited for Jed to appear.
Grinning, Jed modeled three different pairs of shorts on him, and they quickly selected two. Then they chose four T-shirts with varying sayings of tennis and logos, plus two Sports Center shirts.
“Now for the sneakers. Here are some socks. Try this pair. They look about right for you.”
Jed sat in a chair and slipped on the sneakers, tying them carefully.
Hazel checked for room in the toe. “This one will do.”
“These are all for me?” asked Jed.
“Yes. If you’re going to be part of the tennis program here at the Center, you need the right clothing and equipment.” She handed him a small canvas bag. “Inside are some towels, a visor, a cap, and a water bottle. Oh, and a can of tennis balls, even though we will provide them for the classes.”
“This is like the best Christmas I ever had,” said Jed, beaming at her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It’s wonderful to have you be a part of the Center. You’re a really good player, Jed. We’ll help you any way we can.”
“I’ll practice every day,” Jed said solemnly, and at the gratitude she heard in his voice. Hazel felt a sting of tears.
Mike knocked on the door and entered. “Is our young champion ready now?” He glanced at the clothes and shoes. “It looks that way. Thank you, Hazel, for taking care of this.”
“You’re welcome,” Hazel said. “It makes a big difference.”
Mike studied her and grinned.
Tracy stopped in. “There you are, Mike. I’m done for the day, and you promised me a dinner if I’d take one of your classes.”
He checked his watch. “Let’s say eight o’clock. I still have to give Hazel a lesson and then I’ll get ready. One of the staff will close up the tennis courts for me at dusk.”
Tracy’s lips formed a pout. “Well, you’d better not be late.” She glanced at Hazel. “Make sure he’s on time.”
Hazel bobbed her head but remained quiet. She didn’t want to get in the middle of any disagreements between those two.
After Tracy left, Mike said to Jed. “Do you want me to help you carry those things home?
Jed shook his head firmly. “No, I can get them.” He held up the plastic bag with his sneakers and clothing, and lifted the canvas bag.
He stopped at the doorway and turned to them. “Thanks.”
“The kid has gotta be overjoyed,” said Mike after Jed had walked away. “That’s like Christmas for him.”
Hazel gave him a wide smile. “That’s exactly what he said. I’m delighted we could do this.”
Mike studied her. “I used to think you were a spoiled Southern Belle. Now, I know you’re not.”
“We went on only one date,” said Hazel. “I know you better now, too.”
“Let’s get that tennis lesson in before I have to leave,” said Mike, glancing at his watch.
“Okay, I’ll meet you on the court in five minutes. I need to change,” said Hazel.
###
When Hazel stepped onto the court, she noticed Mike’s look of approval and was pleased she’d been able to buy a couple of tennis outfits for herself. She was normally healthy and in good shape, or so she’d thought, but activity here at the Center had her using muscles her body had forgotten.
Mike and she started volleying back and forth to warm up.
Though Hazel was very aware of Mike watching her every move, she thought she was holding her own until Mike stopped and waved her toward the net.
“I notice that your timing is just a bit off. Try moving more quickly in anticipation of the stroke of your arm so that you have better control. Especially with your backhand.”
“Okay,” said Hazel. “I want to be the best I can be. We’re forming a tennis league for women, and I want to be at least able to keep up with the best of them. We have some really good players.”
“You certainly can help with beginners. Especially with young children. Ross and I thought you’d fill that role perfectly.”
“I’ll try my best,” said Hazel, realizing she needed to fine-tune her schedule.
Now that the administrative job was under better control, she could be a help in other ways.
She knew Ross and Mike had hired more staff and would continue to do so as their activities grew.
Several people were required to oversee activities just to cover the hours of operation.
After hitting a few more balls, Hazel stopped. “Can we work on my serve?”
“Sure,” said Mike. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Hazel moved a basket of balls over to the baseline where she stood and started serving.
Mike came around the net and watched her from the side.
After struggling, Hazel finally hit a few good ones. “I guess I need more practice.”
“Yes. We’ll work on that another time. Take a break.”
He sat down on an outside bench, and Hazel joined him.
“Where did you learn to play tennis?” Mike asked her before taking a sip of water.
Hazel hesitated, then gave him a sly smile. “At the country club, like a spoiled Southern Belle.”
He laughed, almost choking on the water. “Sorry about that.”
Hazel checked her watch. “I guess we’d better get moving. You don’t want to be late for dinner, and I know you have other things to do.”
Mike frowned, but he got to his feet. “Okay, let me know when you’re ready to work on your serve. Maybe I’ll stop by some morning when I know you’re at the courts.”
“Okay,” said Hazel. They walked back to the facility, and Hazel went to her office. It felt comforting to know that she and Mike didn’t dislike one another anymore. Maybe they could get away with fooling her family if her mom visited as she’d mentioned.