CHAPTER SIX
The next day, the rainy morning kept Misty from her usual routine of walking to the park and into town for coffee.
She decided to make a lazy morning of it and stayed in her pajamas, working on posters to hang in her classroom.
Her theme for the year was going to be kindness.
Like everyone else, second-grade students needed a safe space, and she wanted her students to be sure that everyone would be treated well in her classroom.
Hazel showed up.
Misty fixed her a cup of coffee and sat to chat at the kitchen table.
“I wanted to stop by before I take off for home. I’m taking an Uber to Boston’s Logan Airport for my flight to New Orleans. I’ll be gone for only a few days. I’m prepared for my class and will be able to attend the training sessions for teachers as scheduled.”
“It’ll be nice to see family, I’m sure,” said Misty. “And don’t worry about a thing here. I’ll keep an eye on your cabin.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Misty walked Hazel to the front door, grateful for her friendship.
###
For the rest of the day, Misty kept busy with projects while the thoughts of going to David’s house for dinner filled her mind.
She felt comfortable with him, yet the idea of being alone at his house kept her on edge.
She hadn’t dated anyone since returning to Lilac Lake, and the thought of being with him both excited and worried her.
When David came to pick her up, his hair damp from a shower, her jitters evaporated. He’d taken care to put on clean clothes, and a smell of lemony citrus aftershave wafted gently around him.
“Right on time,” she said and grabbed her purse.
“You look great,” he said.
Her cheeks flushed, flattered by his compliment. She’d chosen to wear a long, flowing turquoise skirt with a white V-neck top that showed off the silver and turquoise necklace she wore.
He walked her to the driveway. He used a white truck with the Graham Landscaping banner on it during the day, but on his own, he drove a smaller, silver truck.
David helped her inside, went around the back of the truck, and got behind the wheel.
They saw JoEllen emerge from her cabin. When she saw them, she signaled for them to stop.
David pulled his truck up to her.
“Are you going to Jake’s?” JoEllen asked him.
“No,” said David. “But if you’re going there, have fun.”
JoEllen glanced from him to Misty and back.
Before she could ask any questions, David gave JoEllen a quick wave and took off.
“I suppose everyone will know we were seen together,” said Misty.
“Does that bother you?” asked David, studying her.
She shook her head. “No.”
“I’m glad. That’s how it should be. Sooner or later, everyone will know more details, but for the time being, let’s enjoy the evening.”
Misty realized David was only eight years older than she, but he seemed much older. Maybe because he was at peace with himself.
As he drove, David said, “Dinner won’t be fancy. As you learned the other day at my parent’s house, I know how to grill.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be delicious. The best thing is I don’t have to cook.”
He frowned. “But I thought you were a great cook. You helped at the café.”
“Yes, I can cook things in quantity and with easy orders, but preparing dinner for myself day after day is a real chore. Thank God for Jake’s.”
He laughed. “Amen.”
Curious to see his house, Misty leaned forward as they approached the small cottage on what was clearly a landscaper’s farm.
Row after row of trees and bushes filled the land around the cottage.
A large red barn nearby housed equipment, as seen through its half-open doorway, where the white truck was parked.
She got out and studied the landscape. “Are those Christmas trees?” she asked, pointing to a large section of spruce trees.
“Yes,” said David. “Our Christmas trees are the best in the area. People come from all around to pick one. It provides a nice income for us during the slow winter months.”
“It’s smart to provide your own plants for landscaping work,” said Misty.
“Individuals can order specific trees and bushes from us, even if we don’t plant them,” said David. “After graduating from Cornell, I was able to put to use a lot of new ideas for increasing productivity and income.”
“I didn’t realize this was such a big operation. No wonder you’re busy all the time.”
He grinned. “But not too busy to have fun.”
She laughed. “Guess we’re both ready for some fun.”
She stared at the cottage. It looked a lot like her cabin, with gray clapboards and white trim. “It’s cute.”
“And practical. We don’t want people on the land without permission.
By living here, I can keep watch. And it gives me the freedom I need from living with my parents.
As long as Lily was alive, I spent a lot of time at home with her.
Now, with both of us out of the house, my mother has been especially lonely.
I’m grateful that you and she are forming a friendship. It’s been a huge help to her.”
He took hold of Misty’s hand to lead her inside the cabin.
At his firm grip, she stiffened.
“Anything wrong?” he asked, giving her a look of concern.
“It’s something I have to get over,” she said, telling herself to relax. “Let’s enjoy the evening.”
They walked to the cabin, where the front porch overlooked the lake.
David led her up the steps and opened the front door.
When Misty walked inside, she immediately felt at home. The layout was similar to her cabin, with a large living and dining space and a kitchen visible from the doorway.
David showed her the master bedroom suite, the laundry/mud room, and the one-car garage, which was currently filled with equipment.
“Nothing fancy, but it’s workable,” said David. At the sound of whining at the back door, he went to answer it. “Meet Homer. My neighbor’s dog.”
He opened the door, and a big black lab stood wagging his tail at them.
“My elderly neighbor owns him. But when I’m around the cottage, Homer comes to visit me.”
“He’s a lot like Dani’s dog,” said Misty, rubbing Homer’s ears.
“I’ve promised my neighbor that if anything happens to him, I’ll take care of Homer. But, needless to say, I don’t want that to happen. Besides, Lily’s Dachshund, who she’d had for many years, died soon after Lily did, and neither my parents nor I are ready to take on a new dog just yet.”
“I love dogs,” said Misty, “but I understand you need time before getting another one.”
Homer came inside and plopped himself down on the kitchen floor. David chuckled. “That’s right, Homer. Just lie there in the way of everyone else.”
The dog wagged his tail, thumping it against the floor happily.
“We can sit on the porch while I grill the chicken,” said David. “What’ll you have to drink? How does a glass of wine sound?”
“Delicious,” she said, forcing herself to relax.
“I’ve got a nice chardonnay from Chandler Hill,” said David.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” Misty asked.
“Yes. When it’s time, you can toss a salad I picked up in a package. One of the pre-mixed ones from the store.” He got out a bottle of wine and two glasses, then poured some wine into each glass.
She and Homer followed him out to the porch. With a sigh, Homer flopped down on the floor beside her chair.
David clinked his wine glass against hers. “I’m glad you could come tonight. With my work schedule, I’m a stay-at-home kind of guy. Right now, I want to sit with you and watch the sunset.”
They were quiet as they sipped their wine and observed the sky change colors before darkening. The fact that they were content to sit like this meant a lot to Misty. Having grown up amidst chaos, peaceful moments like these were precious to her.
David turned on the porch lights and lit the gas grill.
Misty followed him into the kitchen and watched as he seasoned the chicken pieces and then carried them out to the grill.
“When the chicken is done cooking, you can put together that salad, if you will,” he said.
Happy to do something for him, she said, “No problem.”
###
Later, Misty let out a sigh of contentment as she finished her meal. David had surprised her with a homemade barbeque sauce that he’d spread on the cooking chicken, giving it a delicious taste. And the romaine salad was a tasty addition to the simple meal.
“I’ve got ice cream for dessert,” David said.
Misty shook her head. “Maybe later. Right now, I’m full.”
“Okay, then. Movie time.”
Misty followed him into the living room, where a large leather couch faced a brick fireplace and a television mounted on the wall above the mantel. She sat on the couch and waited while he signed in for a movie, and then they both leaned back against the cushion to watch.
The fast-moving story and action of the superheroes were amusing.
When David moved closer to her, she didn’t mind. But when he put an arm around her and pulled her closer, she fought the urge to push him away.
He sensed something was wrong and turned to her with a frown. “What’s wrong?”
Misty shivered. “I’m just sensitive about feeling trapped by anyone.”
“Good God! Is that how you think of me? As someone trapping you?” His look of hurt stung her.
He moved his arm away.
“No, no. Wait. Believe me, it’s not you. But with what’s gone on in the past, I’m still trying to get over that feeling.”
He stared at her with understanding. “I promise never to hurt you.”
Her eyes filled. “I know that, but that old fear sometimes surprises me.”
“Whatever it takes, I’ll help you through it,” said David. His voice was full of kindness, and Misty knew why he was so successful growing things and making plants and flowers thrive under his care.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his broad shoulder beneath her, shoring her up.
He looked down at her with a tender expression. “You’ll be safe with me.”
Again, she fought tears but was determined not to show it. She’d been raised to be strong, to survive in a way her mother hadn’t been able to.
They continued to watch the movie.
Aware of how close she was to David and how strong he was, Misty could hardly tune into the onscreen adventures. She’d thought she’d handled surviving Vince’s abuse well. Now, she knew it would take more time, but David gave her hope she’d overcome the demons of her past.
After the movie ended, David said, “Are you ready for that ice cream?”
Surprised at herself, Misty said, “I think I am.”
He got out chocolate-marshmallow-crunch ice cream and scooped some into two bowls.
Sitting at the table with him, enjoying the treat, Misty studied him. Handsome and kind, he was everything she’d hoped to find in a man one day. But would he have the patience to wait for her to heal from her past?
###
Later, David let Homer out of the cottage and walked Misty to his truck.
His hand brushed hers with every stride he took, but he didn’t grab hold of it.
When Misty could stand it no more, she took hold of his hand and squeezed it, and he squeezed back.
He faced her. “I’ll wait for you to let me know when you’re comfortable.”
“Thanks. It may seem silly, but control is very important to me. I’d lost it all.”
“I think I understand,” said David. “I don’t know the person who did this to you, but I hope I never meet him. It would get ugly.”
Misty’s stomach twisted. A meeting between David and Vince? That would be a nightmare too horrible to contemplate.
They climbed into his truck and were silent as David drove to her cabin..
“The stars are beautiful,” she finally murmured.
“Yes. It’s been a nice evening,” commented David, pulling up to her cabin. He turned to her with a questioning look.
“I had a great time,” Misty said, unhooking her seatbelt. Then, before she could think too much about it, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips before hopping out of the truck.
When she looked back, David was smiling as he waved goodbye.