CHAPTER ELEVEN
As soon as she could, Hazel left the Center to go home and check on Elliott. She hoped he hadn’t been bored by being left on his own.
She arrived home to find him lounging on a deck chair reading a book.
“I was hoping you’d relax today. What are you reading?” she asked him, relieved to see him like this.
“A mystery. Something to take my mind off my problems. But now that you’re here, I’m hoping you’ll give me a tour of the town.”
“No problem. I want you to see why I like it so much. We can get a late afternoon coffee at the Lilac Lake Café, and I’ll show you Main Street.
Tomorrow, I’ll take you to a few of my favorite places out of town.
And one day, we’ll go to Portsmouth so you can see what that bit of history is about.
Then, of course, we can get fresh lobster in Maine. ”
“Whoa!” said Elliott, laughing. “I’m not sure how long I’m staying.”
“We’ll do as much as we can in the time you’re here,” said Hazel, eager for him to understand her choices.
###
Later, after walking up and down Main Street, they sat on the patio of the Café drinking coffee and watching people stroll by.
“It’s a busy place,” said Elliott. “I can understand why. The downtown area is attractive with lots to offer. It’s a slice of Americana, with the white-steepled churches, the high-end stores, the American flag on each lamp post, and pots of flowers everywhere.”
“Yes, sometimes I think a picture of downtown should be on postcards mailed for everyone to see. But I, like the natives, don’t want the town to change too much,” said Hazel. She saw Taylor and waved her over.
“Taylor, I want you to meet my friend, Elliott Gladstone, who is here visiting me for a while. Elliott, this is Taylor Gilford Walker. She writes books under the name of Courtney Castle.”
“Hello. I’m pleased to meet you,” said Elliott in a southern drawl.
Taylor grinned. “You’re from the south, too? We sometimes tease Hazel about her accent, but we all think it’s charming.”
Elliott laughed. “It’s a little hard to get rid of, but I try.”
“See? It’s adorable,” said Taylor, chuckling. “Are the two of you going to be at Jake’s tonight?”
Elliott looked at Hazel.
“Yes, we’re planning on it.”
“See you later,” said Taylor. “I promised Whitney I’d take some coffee and a piece of cake to her. The baby has been sleeping during the day and crying at night, and she’s exhausted.”
Hazel turned to Elliott. “My friends and I were practically witnesses to the birth, so we all feel especially close to this little one. A girl named Lily. Her middle name is Eugenia after her great-grandmother Eugenia Wittner, who is sort of like the matriarch of this town. Her family owned The Lilac Lake Inn until she sold it a few years ago.”
“I guess in a small town everyone knows everyone’s business,” said Elliott.
“Yes, they do,” Hazel said.
Elliott took a sip of coffee and set down his cup. “I appreciate being here, Hazel. I’d marry you in a heartbeat if I could. I know I’ve put pressure on you, too, by not speaking up. Why haven’t you told your parents about me?”
Hazel gave him a steady look. “I wasn’t kidding when I called you my friend.
You’re my best friend. I’ve always known you were gay, even as a teenager.
But it’s not my news to share. I haven’t let it define our relationship.
We come from similar backgrounds and have needed one another. Time and choices haven’t changed that.”
“Both sets of parents are old-fashioned. My father, especially,” said Elliott.
“I’ve already disappointed him by not being the sports star he was.
That’s one reason I’ve held off on coming out to him.
I can’t imagine how he’ll feel about me then.
Grandfather, too. When you’re Elliott Gladstone III, it carries a lot of responsibility. Something I don’t want.”
“I know your parents,” said Hazel. “It’s going to be rough, but your parents will still love you underneath all the social standing concerns.”
“I hope you’re right,” said Elliott. “Because I have to be true to myself.”
“Agreed,” Hazel said. “Remember, I have someone I want you to talk to. Hopefully, he’ll be at Jake’s tonight.”
“Don’t tell me he’s gay,” said Elliott.
“Actually, he is,” said Hazel. “But he’s comfortable with it. He might be a reliable resource. That’s all I mean by it.”
“Sorry. I don’t mean to be difficult. I’m here for a reason, so any help you can give me will be appreciated. It seems ridiculous that someone in his late twenties should be so unsure.”
“Not everyone has the pressure you’ve had for all of your life,” said Hazel. “Let’s walk back home. I want to show you a special park a friend of mine created in memory of his sister.”
They strolled a couple of blocks from Main Street to a small garden bordered with colorful summer flowers on a pretty lot that held several benches placed strategically for comfort and privacy.
“You’ll meet David Graham tonight at Jake’s, I’m sure. He’s engaged to a friend of mine, Misty Owens. He and his family designed and keep this garden park maintained. I love coming here when I want some time to think things over,” said Hazel.
“It’s really beautiful,” said Elliott. He walked to the back corner and took a seat on the bench.
Hazel joined him and sat quietly listening to the sounds of bees hovering at flowers and birds chirping in the tree above them. It was a taste of nature at its best.
“I can see why you love this town so much,” said Elliott. “I might decide to stay awhile.” He glanced at her and chuckled. “I don’t mean at your place. Maybe find a place of my own.”
“I want you to stay with me as long as you want or need to,” Hazel said graciously. “Let’s be on our way.”
###
When they entered the driveway leading to the group of cabins along the river, Poppy Browning drove up beside them and stopped her car. “Hi, Hazel. Are you coming to Jake’s tonight?”
“Yes. I’m bringing my friend. This is Elliott Gladstone.”
“Nice to meet you, Elliott. See you then,” said Poppy, smiling at them both before pulling away.
“Poppy Browning is a fairly new neighbor of mine. A very sweet woman who owns The Wild Flower Boutique downtown,” explained Hazel. “She and Blake Loomis are together. I have a feeling she’ll end up moving back into the family home she sold him.”
“Wow! Everyone seems to be connected to everyone else. What about you, Hazel? You’ve lied to your mother about the tennis pro. Is there anyone you’re really interested in?”
“No. I want to keep my life simple. New people are moving to town all the time. I figure I’ll know when I’m ready for someone who interests me,” said Hazel. “I’m not in any rush. I like my new job. It keeps me challenged.”
“You’re a good friend and a very special person. I need to make sure you end up with someone worthy of you,” said Elliott, putting a protective arm around her.
Hazel laughed. She and Elliott did love one another.
###
Hazel waited at the door for Elliott before taking off for Jake’s.
He moved toward her, movie-star handsome in blue jeans and a black T-shirt that set off his shiny blond hair, worn brushed back.
“Ready? Even though it’s a short distance, I’ll drive. It might make it easier later.” She was excited for Elliott to meet her friends.
A short while later, when they walked into Jake’s, all eyes turned to them. Hazel knew they weren’t looking at her and kept walking to the back tables where the locals hung out.
Dani and Brad, Taylor and Cooper, Melissa and Ross, and Mike and Tracy were already there.
Hazel and Elliott sat down, and Hazel quickly introduced Elliott and then each person introduced themself.
When it came to Tracy, she beamed at him. “I’d love to show you around.”
It seemed such an obvious move that Hazel wasn’t the only one amused by it, and the way she was fluttering her fake eyelashes at him.
Poppy, Blake, and Craig appeared along with others, and the two tables became full of conversation as people chatted, ordered drinks and food, and caught up on local news.
Ross, sitting next to Hazel, wanted to talk about the tennis camp for beginners, and Hazel ignored what else was going on until Mike got up to leave.
“See everyone later,” he said. “And, Hazel, I’ll see you tomorrow morning for our practice session with Jed.”
Tracy remained in her chair, arms crossed in front of her, a furious look on her face. “I’m staying.”
Mike waved to the crowd and walked away.
“I’ll drop you off on my way home,” Craig said to Tracy.
“Thanks. Mike knows I’m not ready to go home. He’s such a party pooper.” She turned to Elliott. “But this will give me more of a chance to get to know you better.”
Elliott shrugged. “Not that much to tell.”
Hazel knew he was uncomfortable. He and Craig had exchanged friendly words but hadn’t had a real chance to talk. Hopefully, that would change.
Elliott caught her eye, and she understood his silent message. “Elliott and I are going to head out. It was great to see everyone.”
Elliott held her chair, and Hazel got to her feet.
As they started to walk away, Hazel heard Tracy say, “What a bummer of a night.”
###
The next morning, Hazel made her way out of the house for her early morning tennis practice. She was relieved when she got to the Sports Center and saw both Jed and Mike waiting for her.
“’ Morning,” she said cheerfully. “It’s going to be a hot one, so this is a smart time to practice.”
“Elliott doesn’t mind?” asked Mike.
Hazel’s eyes widened. “Oh, you think we’re together? No, he’s why I had to lie to my mother.” She glanced at Jed and back to Mike. “After we’re through here, I’ll explain.”
“Okay. Now, we’ll rotate, two against one.”
“Me first,” said Jed, and Mike and Hazel chuckled. Jed was gaining a lot of self-confidence.
The practice was a successful one. As the three of them sat on a bench afterward, Hazel wiped the sweat off her face and sipped her water.
“How would you like to play mixed doubles with me tonight?” Mike asked her.
“Don’t you usually play with Tracy?” she asked.
“It wouldn’t be fair to the other couple to have to play against both Tracy and me. You and I would make a better team, and this will give me a chance to see how you play a real game of doubles.”
“Okay,” said Hazel. “I’d be honored to play with you. But after this, you might decide to choose a different partner.”
“We’ll see. I’ll be tough on you,” said Mike, grinning.
“I’ve got to go home,” said Jed. “Thanks.”
He left, and Mike turned to Hazel. “So, what’s the deal with Elliott? And why does it include me?”
Hazel filled him in on the story. “So, he’s going to stay with me for a while. I’m hoping he has a chance to talk to Craig.”
“Craig’s a good guy,” said Mike. “Smart, too.”
“What time is the doubles game tonight?” asked Hazel.
“Six o’clock. The group usually has drinks and snacks afterward. The other couple will provide them, so you don’t need to worry about it.”
“Who’s playing us?” Hazel asked.
“I’m not sure. It’s on a rotating schedule.” He winked at her. “Check the new bulletin board.”
She laughed. “Okay. I guess I’d better get to work.”
She hoped Elliott wouldn’t mind that she was playing tennis. But the opportunity to be on a team with Mike was too tempting to turn down. She just hoped she wouldn’t embarrass them both.