CHAPTER FOUR #2
Misty entered a back entry hall that served as a mud room and entered the up-to-date kitchen that had a homey, country feel to it.
The three window greenhouses on the outside wall added a pleasant touch of greenery.
An island with bar stools lined up on one side filled the center of the room, and two long interior walls held appliances and white cabinetry.
One end of the room opened into a dining area, which opened to the living room. A riverstone fireplace sat on the exterior wall between the dining and living rooms, adding a warm touch to each.
At the sound of their approach, a tall, gray-haired man rose from the leather couch and turned to face them. A smile lit his tanned, weathered face, and he walked over to them.
“Hi, you must be Misty Owens all grown up,” he said. “I’m Rod. I’m glad you could join us. It’s nice to have a young woman in the house again.”
“Thanks for inviting me,” Misty said, noting the sadness in Rod’s hazel eyes.
Rod clapped a hand on David’s back. “Great to have you here, son.”
“Now that the game is over, let’s sit in the sunroom,” said Susie. “It’s such a lovely day.”
The four of them went to the front room, where three outside walls held large windows with views overlooking the lake. Beyond the sunroom was an open porch that curved around the corner, so the views from there were of the water or a small flower garden.
“This is very pretty,” said Misty, taking a seat on the couch. “You have the best views across the lake to the Lilac Lake Inn.”
“It’s relaxing to see what’s going on there without being part of it,” said Susie. “It’s nice now that the Inn has been renovated.”
“How about something to drink before dinner?” Rod said. “We have beer and wine or something stronger.”
“Or lemonade, if you prefer,” said Susie.
“A glass of wine would be lovely,” Misty said. “Red, if you have it.”
“I have a nice Chandler Hill Inn pinot noir,” said Rod. “Sus, does that suit you?”
“Lovely,” she said, smiling at him.
Misty looked out the front windows and saw a boathouse on the shore.
“That’s where we keep a canoe and a fishing boat,” said David, who’d noticed her looking at it.
“It’s a beautiful property,” Misty said. “Everything’s right here.”
“It’s getting a little large for us,” said Susie. “We’re hoping the day will come when David wants to take it over so we can move to a smaller house with less upkeep.”
“I’m not ready, and I don’t think you’re quite ready for retirement. Are you?” said David, looking at his father.
Rod shook his head. “Not yet, but I don’t want to wait until it’s too late to enjoy it. But I’m slowing down, which is why I’m satisfied you’re more or less in charge now.”
“Some days more in charge, some days less,” said David, making his father laugh.
Misty listened to the conversation, enjoying the gentle sparring between the two men. Having had no father in her life, she didn’t know what to expect.
Susie caught Misty’s eye and gave her a wide smile.
Misty returned it and accepted the glass of wine Rod handed her.
After everyone had been served, Rod lifted his glass. “Here’s to life.”
As she held up her glass, Susie blinked back tears and murmured, “To life.”
Touched by how it must affect David’s parents to say that after losing their daughter, Misty joined in. “To life.”
Sitting next to her on the couch, David touched his glass to hers.
The conversation turned to Misty’s job and eventually to matters in town, including the restaurant called Refresh by the owners of Fresh, who were taking over the space vacated by Fins.
“We might join the Hendricksons in Florida for a couple of weeks next winter,” said Susie. “We’ll see. After losing Fins, I believe they’re planning on staying there for the entire season.”
“I loved Florida, but this is a better place for me right now,” said Misty. No way she was going to mention her trouble with Vince. She didn’t want David’s parents to know how stupid she’d been, especially when they had a son as kind and supportive as David.
“I hope you enjoy steak,” said Rod. “I’ve got some beautiful strip steaks marinating. I’ll get those grilled whenever you’re ready, Susie.”
“In time. I’m enjoying the company,” Susie said in an easy-going manner. She turned to Misty. “Tell me about the cabin you’re renting. I heard they were cute, and the location couldn’t be better.”
Misty described it and said how nice it was to live close to Hazel so they could travel back and forth to school together.
“And what will you wear to school? I know fashion is much more casual. Lily taught school for a couple of years before she got sick. She always loved working with the kids but said pants were more comfortable because of how active she was.”
Rod stood. “While you women talk clothes, David and I will check on the grill. Okay?”
“Sure,” said Susie. “Everything else is ready to serve. Let me know when the grill is ready, and we’ll go from there. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy some girl time.”
After the men left to go outside, Susie turned to Misty. “I’m so happy we have a chance to chat. I’ve missed them with my daughter. It also allows me to tell you what I know about your mother. It’s not much, but it’s something that I think is important for you to hear.”
Misty sat anxiously on the edge of her seat.
“Years ago, I worked occasionally as a maternity nurse at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital. That’s how I met your mother.
She was there for prenatal care and delivery.
” Susie gave her a tender look. “She was so excited about having you and worked hard to remain sober during the pregnancy. And she was thrilled when you were born. She thought you would help her straighten out her life.”
“But when I was old enough to realize something was wrong, it was clear that her life hadn’t changed,” said Misty, trying to absorb Susie’s words.
“All I know is that she tried. She really tried. I met with her a couple of times after you were born, but soon, she refused to talk about her life, and there was nothing I could do beyond helping her get into treatment programs, which I did a couple of times.”
“Do you know who my father is?” Misty asked.
Susie shook her head. “No. Your mother wouldn’t talk about him. I’m not sure she knew. But I wanted you to understand that no matter what else happened, you were loved and wanted. Every child needs to hear that.”
Tears stung Misty’s eyes. “Thank you. I’m glad you told me.”
Susie came over to the couch and sat beside her. Gazing at her, she said, “I hope we can become friends. It would mean so much to me.”
Misty studied the gentle expression on Susie’s face and realized Susie needed this connection as much as she did. Wordlessly, they hugged one another.
Tears wet Susie’s cheeks when they pulled apart, and Misty knew Susie was thinking of her daughter.
Clasping Susie’s hand, Misty said, “Now, how about that girl talk? Ask me anything you want.”
Soon, they were laughing as Misty told Susie about the plant David had given her for the cabin and how she said a little prayer of thanks each morning it lived.
“I seem to lack a green thumb,” said Misty.
“Sweet words of love can do wonders,” Susie said. “It’s that way about life, too.”
David approached them. “Dad says the grill is hot. Okay if he starts to cook the steaks?”
Misty and Susie glanced at one another and nodded. Misty thought they both might be ready for something more than one dinner together.