CHAPTER TWELVE
That evening, Hazel approached the tennis court unusually nervous. Elliott hadn’t been the least bit disappointed. Instead, he’d promised to meet Craig, and they’d both come to watch them play.
Mike was talking to a couple in their late forties. The brown-haired man with a bit of gray at his temples had a sturdy build. His wife was medium height and looked very fit in her tennis skirt and halter top.
When he noticed her, Mike waved her over. “Hazel, I want you to meet Ray and Libby Norris. They are faithful members of the Club in Florida and have recently joined the Sports Center here.”
“Yes, I thought I recognized the name,” said Hazel.
“We try to spend as much time up here during the summer when Florida is so hot,” said Ray. “But I have businesses to run in Florida, so it’s more of a transient thing.”
Mike turned to Ray and Libby. “Hazel is the new administrator at the Center, which is why everything is so well organized with many new programs. Ross and I are grateful she’s agreed to work for us.”
“We visited the Center last summer and are very impressed with all the changes,” said Libby, pushing her sunglasses atop her head and shaking Hazel’s hand.
“In addition to her job as administrator, Hazel is helping to teach young children,” said Mike.
“That’s a challenge,” said Libby.
“I was teaching third grade at a local school, but I’m finding this is a better fit for me,” said Hazel.
“A happy choice for everyone, it seems,” said Ray. “Now, let’s get to it.”
He led the way onto the court.
As Mike and Hazel went onto their side of the court together, he spoke softly to her. “Remember, if you don’t think you can get a shot mid-court, I’ll be there to back you up. If you can get it, let me know, and I’ll stay out of the way.”
She knew how much cooperation was needed to play on a doubles team. Though she and Mike hadn’t practiced, she was determined to play her best.
Libby was a stronger player than Hazel and was very agile on her feet. Ray was an excellent server, but he was a little slow to move.
Mike, of course, was a professional player who seemed to fly like magic to get to a ball and whip it across the net.
As they each played, Mike encouraged them when he could.
Hazel’s initial nervousness fled, and she settled into one of her most enjoyable games. Her body and mind seemed to remember past tournaments, and she sometimes returned a ball without much thought.
By the end of the set, the four were sweaty but smiling. Hazel noticed Elliott sitting with Craig and Tracy, watching from behind the fence. She gave him a little wave and mopped her brow.
“Okay,” said Libby. “Let’s cool off inside. I’ve brought hors d’oeuvres and a couple of pitchers of margaritas, so there should be plenty for us and our audience.”
Hazel left the court with the others and stopped by the benches to speak to Elliott. “You three have been invited to join us for some drinks and appetizers. What do you think?”
Elliott glanced at the others. “I’m in.”
Craig and Tracy agreed, and they all went inside to join the tennis group.
The Sports Center had not one lounge, but two. The first was in the main reception area where couches and chairs were scattered. The second, a smaller one, was by the kitchen and could be used for small group functions with tables and chairs.
Libby placed the appetizers on a table placed against a wall, and Ray set up a small bar area at the opposite end of the table.
After they’d all been served a drink and helped themselves to food, they took seats on the couches and chairs that formed a conversation circle at one end of the room.
Libby held up her paper cup. “Here’s to a wonderful tennis match. Thank you, Mike and Hazel. It was such fun.”
Ray, Mike, and Hazel raised their drinks. “A great time,” said Ray.
“You all were outstanding,” said Elliott. “It was enjoyable to watch.”
Hazel smiled at him and noticed that Tracy looked put out. “I normally play with Mike,” she told Libby and Ray. “Maybe we can do that sometime.”
Mike shrugged. “This was an exciting teaching session. The group worked well together.”
Tracy pressed her lips together, and Hazel was sure that wouldn’t be the end of that conversation.
After some time, Hazel stood. “Thank you, everyone, for a delightful time. But I need to get home and get things ready for work tomorrow. My days usually start early.”
“I heard you’ve been working with Jed Abbott, the foster child who’s sparking a lot of interest. I admire that,” said Libby.
“He’s an extremely talented and very special boy. More than that, he’s one of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met.” Hazel’s eyes stung with unexpected tears at the memory of how Jed had tried to take care of his family while Lisa was sick.
She shook hands with Libby and Ray, then turned to go.
“I’ll go with you,” said Elliott, getting to his feet.
They left together.
Outside, Elliott turned to her. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, thanks.” They walked to her car. “I’m much more aware of children in foster care than I was before I met Jed. He’s in a good home, but that isn’t always the case. Even then, it’s hard,” said Hazel. “Though our families might be difficult sometimes, we’re the lucky ones, aren’t we?”
Elliott nodded. “Even now, when I know I might disappoint my parents in more ways than one, I do acknowledge that’s what makes it so difficult. I’ve always known they wanted me to be happy, to have and do nice things, to carry on for the family. They’ve never understood how hard I tried.”
“Have you had a chance to talk to Craig?” Hazel asked as they got into the car.
“Not yet, but he’s going to show me Portsmouth. He likes going there,” said Elliott.
“That’s very nice of him. I’m sorry I’m so busy with work,” Hazel said.
“It’s fine. I don’t want to put you to any trouble on my account. If it sounds fine to you, I bought a steak, and I’m willing to grill it up if you’ll fix a salad for us.”
“Oh, Elliott, that sounds perfect. After that tennis match, I’m hungry as a bear.”
He laughed. “I’d forgotten you played tennis in high school and college. You’re really good.”
“It’s starting to come back to me,” said Hazel. “But I’ll never be as talented as Mike, or maybe Tracy.”
“What’s up with her? She started to make a play for me and then realized I wasn’t into her.” Elliott shook his head. “I bet she’s used to a lot of looks from the guys.”
“She’s beautiful,” admitted Hazel. “And she has a fiery temper that’s attractive when it isn’t annoying.”
“It looks like she and Mike are a couple. That’s why you chose him to play the part of the man you’re interested in, huh?”
“Yes. I just pray my mother doesn’t come for a visit anytime soon. That would be a disaster,” said Hazel, shuddering at the thought.
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The evening with Elliott was fun. They were the best of friends, who could share history with a snort or a laugh at past experiences as they worked together on the meal.
Spending time with him, Hazel realized that when she was serious about a man in her life, she wanted someone with whom she was this comfortable. In social circles at home, there were a lot of pretenses. She was way beyond that.
After dinner, she and Elliott took a walk and automatically ended up at the little garden that David Graham and his family had created.
Even as dusk was turning into darkness, they found the light from the street lamp to be enough to guide them to a bench near a small fountain.
The sound of trickling water, the cries of birds getting ready to settle for the night, and the sweet smell of nearby roses combined to give Hazel a sense of deep-felt peace.
She clasped Elliott’s hand. “I believe things will work out for you. This is a pleasant place to get comfortable in your skin, as Craig might advise. Use the time here to make healthy decisions about your life going forward. What you’re asking for is everyone’s right—to be the person they are.”
He gave her a questioning look. “Are you a better person here, like you want?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “I’m still finding myself in some ways, but here I feel I’m more open, more honest, freer to be me. The real me.”
“That’s what I want for myself. As long as I’m taking this break from my family, I want to make it last. Can you think of a job for me?”
“Your best bet is to ask Craig about it. He knows a lot of businesses in the area. You might even want to ask at one of the local credit unions.”
“Something to think about,” said Elliott. “Ready to go home?”
“Yes,” she said, pleased that he felt so comfortable with her.
Later, when Elliott received a call from Craig confirming their day trip to Portsmouth, she was happy he already seemed to be making friends. But then, some small towns were like that. Lilac Lake was one of the best.