CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Hazel’s mother had conveniently flown into Portsmouth International Airport rather than having Hazel pick her up in Boston. It didn’t mean that Hazel was any less anxious about meeting her mother and taking her to Lilac Lake.
When she saw her mother walk across the terminal toward her, unexpected tears stung Hazel’s eyes. For all the friction between them, there was love.
In her fifties, her mother’s blonde hair, svelte figure, and lovely pink dress caught the attention of others.
Hazel waved and moved forward for a hug.
“Hi, Mom. How was the trip?”
“The flight to Boston was delayed, and then I almost missed the one to here. So, I’m ready to get to your place and get comfortable, maybe have a glass of wine. I hope you don’t have anything planned for tonight. I’d like to relax a bit. It feels like forever since you’ve been home.”
Hazel looped her arm through her mother’s, and they went to the luggage carousel.
Looking at the two large suitcases her mother had brought, Hazel tensed. This was supposed to be a short visit.
“How long are you planning to stay?” Hazel asked.
Her mother chuckled. “Don’t worry. I packed one of my suitcases with stuff from your room at home. As long as you’ve declared this is where you’re going to be living, I thought I’d change your bedroom into my exercise room.”
‘Oh, well, that makes sense,” said Hazel, feeling as if she’d been kicked out. Knowing she was being silly, she rolled one suitcase ahead of her mother and led her to her blue VW convertible.
“It’s handy that the top is down,” said Hazel. “We’ll put the suitcases in the backseat.”
Her mother lifted a scarf out of her handbag.
“Prepared as always,” said Hazel.
Her mother smiled and wrapped the scarf around her head. “I try to be ready for anything.”
Hazel loaded the suitcases and then climbed behind the wheel while her mother settled in the passenger seat.
“I’ve sent you photographs of Lilac Lake, but they don’t do justice to the real thing,” said Hazel as she pulled out of the parking lot. “I’m hoping while you’re here, you’ll understand why I’m so content.”
“I’m anxious to see what it’s all about, including your young man,” her mother said.
Hazel turned to her mother. “He’s not my young man. We’re just dating without it being too serious.”
“I’m still curious as to who has caught your attention, especially now that Elliott is out of the picture.” Her mother shook her head. “I promised Cassandra I’d spend some time with her son. She’s struggling with all of his life decisions. Both his parents are.”
“I’ve never seen him so happy,” said Hazel. “He’s already made friends and is busy setting up his partnership with the man who serves as Financial Director for the Sports Center. It’s a fantastic opportunity for him.”
As Hazel drove through town, her mother gaped at the scenery on both sides of Main Street. “Why, this is … precious! Postcards and photos don’t do this town justice.”
“Even better, the people behind the beautiful storefronts and restaurants make the town very special,” said Hazel, feeling a sense of pride over the town she’d adopted as her own.
As she’d done with Elliott, she admired the colorful awnings over the entrances to shops whose windows were filled with colorful displays of the tempting wares inside.
“What a cute idea to hang baskets of flowers from the decorative lamp posts,” said her mother.
“You should see the town at Christmas,” said Hazel. “Wreaths hang from the lamp posts, and they’re wrapped with white lights. All the pots outside the store contain greens and ornaments. It’s very charming.”
“If I had realized all that, I wouldn’t have insisted you come home for the holidays,” said her mother. “Maybe with your boyfriend living here, I can convince your father to come to Lilac Lake for Christmas.”
“Mom, please don’t count on anything happening between Mike Dawson and me. We’re just dating,” said Hazel, recognizing the panic in her voice. This whole situation could become an embarrassing episode in her life. Even Mike was concerned about the complication with Tracy.
Hazel drove to her cabin and parked the car in the driveway. Elliott’s car was absent, letting her know he’d gone to Craig’s house until he could move into Poppy’s cabin.
“Isn’t this pretty?” said her mother, gazing at the cabin. “It looks very … cozy.”
“It’s perfect for me,” Hazel said. Her parents' home seemed palatial compared to the cabin, but she loved it.
Hazel got both bags inside and led her mother to the guest room. “You have a nice view of the woods and the river,” she said, hoisting a bag onto a luggage rack.
“Oh, how sweet! You’ve placed fresh flowers in the room for me,” said her mother.
Hazel smiled. “I thought you’d like them.”
“Oh, yes, zinnias are so colorful.” Her mother gazed out the window. “Lovely.”
“I’ll give you time to get yourself settled, and then we can sit on the deck with a glass of wine,” said Hazel. “Anything I can do for you?”
“No, thanks. I’ll take care of a few things and then meet you outside.”
Hazel left her mother, pleased that things seemed off to a comfortable start. She’d arranged for Mike to stop by before going out to dinner with Tracy. She was curious to see how that would go.
She set out nuts and olives for snacks and pulled a chilled bottle of pinot grigio from the refrigerator. Knowing her mother might be tired from making the trip, she’d planned to have a simple supper at home.
When her mother walked into the kitchen, she was smiling. “This is an attractive little place for you for the moment. You said friends of yours are building beautiful homes outside of town. That might be a smart investment for you or you and Mike together. When do I get to meet this man of yours?”
“He’s going to stop by before attending a business meeting,” said Hazel. “Tomorrow, he’ll come for dinner. I thought the two of us would have a simple meal to give you time to relax.”
“That’s thoughtful, thank you.” Her mother sniffed the air. “The scent of pine is always refreshing. “
“I love hearing and seeing the birds,” said Hazel. “It’s so peaceful.”
“Tell me about your job. And you mentioned a sweet little boy who plays tennis with you.”
“Jed Abbott is the sweetest boy I’ve ever met. He’s in foster care and living with a family in town. It’s given me a reason to think about my future. Someday, I’d like to consider adopting or fostering a child. Seeing how much need there is for it, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
“Don’t you think you’re rushing it a bit? Have you and Mike talked about this?” asked her mother.
“Our relationship isn’t like that,” said Hazel, hoping the whole visit wasn’t going to be about her mother putting her and Mike together.
As if he knew the trouble she was in, Mike rang the doorbell on schedule. At least, she assumed that’s who it was.
Relieved, she went to answer it.
He stood there gazing around.
“I’m so glad to see you,” said Hazel, opening the door and standing back so he could enter.
“Remember, I can’t stay. Tracy has made plans for us to meet up with a couple from the Sports Center,” said Mike. “A business deal.”
“I’ve explained that you have a business meeting to attend,” said Hazel.
Mike gave her an approving look. “This couple is in the doubles group and is important to the Center.”
Hazel led Mike out to the deck and introduced him to her mother.
After shaking hands politely, Mike took a seat next to her mother.
As they talked, Hazel had a chance to assess Mike.
After working with so many people helping them to play tennis, he had an easy way about him.
The fact that he was athletic and had striking features with brown hair pulled back into a sexy ponytail and green eyes that flashed with friendliness made him appealing.
Hazel grimaced as her mother asked Mike, “So, who is your family and where do they come from?”
Mike hesitated and sat straighter. “I have no idea who or where they are. I’ve been raised in foster homes.”
“Oh.” Hazel’s mother blinked in surprise. “I suppose that’s where Hazel gets the idea of you two adopting or fostering children one day.”
Mike shot Hazel a look.
“Mother, please, I said that Mike and I were just dating,” said Hazel, her cheeks burning.
Mike remained quiet, and Hazel quickly took over the conversation talking about her job at the Sports Center, and how Mike was the tennis pro there.
The time for Mike to leave couldn’t come fast enough.
When he checked his watch, Hazel jumped to her feet. “Is it time? You don’t want to be late for your meeting.”
He gave her a look of relief. “Yes, I’d better go. It was very nice meeting you, Mrs. Belmont.”
“Likewise,” her mother said, smiling at him.
Hazel walked Mike to the door. “Sorry about all that. Hopefully, we can fill the conversation with other things.”
“It was very interesting,” said Mike. “See you tomorrow.
He surprised her by leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.
Hazel returned to her mother.
“Mike seems like a decent man, but, darling, no family, a tennis pro?” Her mother’s gaze was disapproving.
“No matter what happens between Mike and me, I know he’s a good guy who’s worked hard to become the man he is. I will never forget that.” Hazel spoke firmly and reached up to touch the spot on her cheek where he’d kissed her.