CHAPTER THIRTEEN
While Elliott used the next few days to get to know Craig, hunt for a job, and relax, Hazel worked hard overseeing some new changes at the Sports Center. A new doubles tournament program was set up, providing an opportunity for people to meet, socialize, and work on improving their game.
The retail operation was growing fast. A store manager, a pleasant older woman, was brought in to help keep it on track.
And, as she and Evie from Access Sports in Concord had discussed, they worked together on setting up a second-hand store exchange for children to help families. Every person who participated was given a discount coupon to buy new clothes in Concord or at the store on-site.
Even though she was busy, Hazel still met with Jed every morning. Their sessions had become so much more than a chance to play tennis. A real bond was developing between them. Hazel encouraged Jed to talk about the future and what he hoped to accomplish.
Hazel thought about the possibility of adopting or fostering a child one day. The idea gave her a new reason to be careful who she might date in the future. It would take a special person to agree to such a plan.
###
One evening, Elliott greeted her at the cabin when she came home from work and handed her a glass of champagne.
“What’s this for?” Hazel asked. “Good news? Did you get a job?”
“Better than that. I came out to my parents. I had a Zoom call with them earlier this afternoon. I admit I was nervous, but as soon as I saw them on my computer screen, I knew I was doing the right thing. By doing it online, I kept things pretty calm. I explained this was nothing new, that I realized I was gay at an early age, but didn’t want to disappoint them. ”
“How did they take it?” Hazel asked.
“My father got very quiet and wouldn’t look into the camera.
But my mother told me she’d love me no matter what.
After my dad got off the call, she explained it would take him time to get used to the idea, but that he was a kind man and would come around.
I don’t think she realized her eyes were filled with tears the whole time I was talking. ”
“It sounds as if it went as well as it could. Your parents have had plans for you your whole life,” said Hazel, hugging him. “I’m glad it’s finally out in the open. Now, my parents will understand why marriage wasn’t going to work for us.”
“Yeah, I know. It made me realize how unfair I’ve been to you for not telling the truth earlier. I hope you forgive me for that.”
“Of course, I do. I know what it’s been like for you,” Hazel said. “Any word on a job?”
Elliott shook his head. “Not yet. I have a meeting tomorrow with Brooks and Garth Beckman at their lumber company.”
“Oh, that would be a perfect job for you,” gushed Hazel. “Their business has grown by leaps and bounds, and I’m sure they could use a financial manager. I should’ve thought of that.”
“We’ll see,” said Elliott. He raised his glass. “Let me enjoy the freedom I feel from telling my parents I’m gay, and that while you and I are going to continue to be best friends, we won’t ever marry.”
“Yes! I’ll toast to that,” said Hazel.
They went out to the deck with the bottle of champagne Elliott had bought to celebrate and sat enjoying the scenery and each other until it was time to go to Jake’s for supper.
Before they could leave, Hazel’s mother called her.
“Hello, darling. I just heard from Elliott’s mother.
She was shocked by Elliott’s news, but then realized she should’ve seen it earlier.
We discussed the situation, and I told her I’d planned a trip north to see you this summer.
I’ve been thinking I’ll make that trip next week when Elliott is still there.
You don’t mind having another guest, do you? ”
No! No! No! Hazel gasped and then forced herself to say calmly, “Why don’t we see how things go with Elliott staying here? After he’s acclimated here, you could come next month when the summer weather will be at its best. Elliott might have moved out of my house by then.”
Elliott’s eyes widened. He whispered, “Your mother? Here?”
“What do you think?” Hazel asked her mother.
Her mother sighed. “My social schedule is so full, I only have a limited opportunity to visit. I’ll fly up on a Monday, after a Sunday golf tournament. Is that okay with you? I can stay at the Lilac Lake Inn if you can’t accommodate me.”
“How long do you plan to stay?” Hazel asked.
“I’ll fly home on Friday. I don’t want to miss out on a party that weekend. Does that timing work?” her mother asked.
Knowing she had no choice, Hazel said, “I’ll see what I can do about finding a place for Elliott to stay so you can be here at the house with me.”
“Okay, darling, that will do nicely. I’m anxious to see you. And a visit will give me time to get to know your new beau,” her mother said, sending a wave of panic through Hazel. “Can’t wait to see you. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” murmured Hazel, worried about the upcoming visit. She’d have to warn Mike.
###
At Jake’s, Hazel was glad to see a big crowd. The only person Elliott hadn’t met was Brooks Beckman. The fact he’d be meeting with Brooks tomorrow for an interview with Beckman Lumber made it that much more important.
Hazel waved to everyone and introduced Elliott to Brooks. Known as a cool guy who played guitar in a local band, Brooks was the younger brother of Garth Beckman. He did media work for the business.
Brooks was a handsome man in his early thirties with auburn hair and gray eyes who lit up at the sight of Elliott. “I understand my brother and I are going to meet with you tomorrow.”
If Hazel didn’t know Elliott as well as she did, she would’ve missed the gleam of interest he showed as he shook hands with Brooks.
Hazel studied them. Maybe things would work out better for Elliott than she’d thought. She’d hoped Elliott would find a place in town. Perhaps, business and friendship would both be available to him.
She turned as Mike and Tracy came into the bar. Tracy was still wearing a tennis dress, and every male eye watched as she walked toward them, aware she was on display.
Mike walked ahead, letting her take her time.
As Mike sat down beside her, Hazel quietly said, “We need to talk. My mother is coming to town next week.”
He nodded and then pulled out the empty chair next to him for Tracy.
“Am I interrupting anything?” Tracy asked, glaring at Hazel.
“Not at all,” Hazel said firmly. “Just some personal business.”
Hazel and Elliott ordered drinks and food, and then Hazel leaned back in her chair and listened to others talk about their latest activities.
Ross announced that he’d arranged for kids to sign up to attend a Red Sox baseball game. He’d secured several seats and arranged transportation for an afternoon game.
Hazel made a mental note to ask Jed if he’d like to go.
Sarah and Dani told them they were supporting a youth baseball league at the Center.
Hazel listened, pleased to know that the Sports Center was having such an impact on life in Lilac Lake. From across the table, Ross looked at her and winked. She’d met with him earlier that day, and he’d told her they were giving her a raise.
When Hazel was ready to go home, she turned to Elliott. “I’m ready to leave. Are you?”
He shook his head. “I’ll stay a while longer. Brooks told me he’d give me a ride home.”
Hazel saw the happiness on his face. “Okay, I’ll leave the front porch light on.”
###
The next morning, when Hazel arrived at the tennis court, Jed was sitting on the bench holding his head in his hands. She approached and quietly sat beside him.
“Everything okay?” she asked gently.
He lifted his face and shook his head. “Lucinda is sick.”
“Is she going to be okay?” Hazel asked.
Jed shrugged. “Lisa is taking care of her, but Lucinda has what Lisa says are serious health issues.”
Hazel put an arm across his shoulders. “I’m sorry to hear this. If you need me to help, please let me know.”
His eyes shining, he said, “I will. Lisa says Lucinda likes me best because I can make her smile.”
“It’s nice that Lucinda knows you care,” said Hazel. “That’s important. No matter what happens.”
Mike approached. “Are we ready?”
Jed jumped to his feet. “I am.”
Hazel rose, aware that Jed was embarrassed by his previous tears.