CHAPTER EIGHT
That afternoon, Misty decided to visit GG at The Woodlands.
Genie Wittner had helped Crystal and her throughout the years, had even lent money to Crystal to enable her to open the Lilac Lake Café, and continued to be interested in their wellbeing.
Misty thought of her as the only “grandmother” she’d ever had.
Before she drove out of town, Misty stopped at Petals, the cute, green-painted flower shop in town that also sold imported chocolates. GG loved her sweets.
Debbie Sweeney, the owner of the store, greeted Misty. “How are you, young lady? I hear you’re going to be my granddaughter’s teacher. I’m delighted.”
Misty conjured up the list of student names she’d been given. “Oh, yes. Caro Sweeney. I hope she’s as excited as I am.”
“She’s very excited, unlike her older brother, who’d rather play baseball, especially now that Ross Roberts is living in town.”
“I understand. It’s exciting to think of all the sports opportunities here. Wait until the sports center opens. It’s going to be even better than the clinics held at the new baseball field.”
“I’m thankful the whole town is behind it,” said Debbie. “Now, how can I help you?”
“I need some special chocolates for Ms. Wittner,” said Misty.
Smiling, Debbie shook her head. “I swear that woman keeps my store going with all the purchases made for her.” She walked behind the counter and pointed to a selection. “These truffles came in this morning. I suggest a mix of flavors.”
“Perfect,” said Misty. “I’ll take a couple of pounds.”
“And because it’s Genie Wittner, I’ll wrap the box for you and add a fresh flower with the bow.”
“Thanks,” said Misty. “You make everything very nice.”
While Misty waited for Debbie to wrap the gift, she looked around. With so many different colorful flowers, it was such a cheerful place.
“Here you go,” said Debbie, handing her a box wrapped in silver and tied with a white satin ribbon. A pink rose was tucked into the bow.
“Lovely,” said Misty, handing Debbie her credit card.
Part of Debbie’s success with the shop was her ability to make even the simplest gift or bouquet elegant.
She did the flowers for the Inn, all the churches in town, and for many of the weddings and other celebrations, keeping the shop going year-round.
###
It didn’t take long for Misty to drive to The Woodlands. The attractive, one-story stained-brown building had been constructed by Collister Construction, giving Aaron and Brad Collister the credibility they needed to grow their company.
Inside, Misty was told by the receptionist that she could go along and see Ms. Wittner.
Misty walked down the hallway, stopped at GG’s apartment, and knocked on the half-open door.
“Come in,” called GG.
Misty walked inside and over to where GG was sitting on her couch.
“Good afternoon. I’ve brought you some treats,” Misty said, glad to see GG alert. “I thought you might be taking a nap.”
GG gave her a smug look. “I’ve already had a little cat nap.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Please sit.”
“This is for you. Debbie Sweeney sent the flower.” Misty handed the box to GG and was amused when GG very carefully removed the wrapping.
“Thank you. Everyone knows I love my sweets. This is very thoughtful of you,” said GG. She lifted the cover of the box and eyed the truffles inside. “Here. You take one, and then I will.”
Not wanting to disappoint her, Misty lifted a chocolate out of the box and waited for GG to choose one.
Then, together, they each took a bite.
“M-m-m,” said GG. “Delicious. Now, tell me why you’re here on such a nice day.”
“I had lunch with Susie Graham. She mentioned your name, and I realized it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. It’s always nice to chat with you.”
“Susie Graham, huh? My spies tell me you’ve been seeing David.”
Misty chuckled. No one knew exactly how she did it, but GG kept track of everyone in town.
“David and I have gone on a couple of dates. He’s very nice. His parents invited me to dinner, and Susie and I hit it off right away. She’s lonely after Lily died, and it’s been fun to think of her as a mother-type because I didn’t have one growing up.”
GG clucked her tongue. “It is such a tragedy for the family to lose Lily. I’m glad you’ve made that connection. Susie is a very special woman. I’m happy for you both.”
Misty gripped her hands together, suddenly emotional. “Susie knew my mother when she was about to have me and for a short while afterward. She told me how excited my mother was about me.” Tears filled Misty’s eyes. “That means so much to me.”
GG gave her hand a surprisingly strong grip. “It’s important for you to know that. As unorthodox as your upbringing was, there was love before your mother was lost to addiction.”
“Everyone in town has always been very kind to Crystal and me,” said Misty. “You, especially. I won’t ever forget it.”
“Just pass it along. That’s all I’ve ever asked of anyone I’ve ever helped,” said GG, smiling at her. “So, tell me about you and David.”
Misty shrugged. “There’s not much to tell.
We’ve had only a couple of dates. He’s a great guy, very caring.
I like him a lot.” She stared into the distance and turned back to GG.
“But it’s going to take me a while to get over my memories with Vince.
He was such an awful person. Whenever someone touches me unexpectedly, I flinch. I can’t help it.”
“Do you need to go back to therapy?” GG asked.
“I think it’s just going to take time. I worry David will get frustrated with my issues,” said Misty honestly.
“You couldn’t have chosen a better man than David. He’s a gentleman through and through,” said GG. “He’s always been the one among the kids who knew when to help someone. Growing up, David was instinctively kind.”
“Even though he’s older and I was the tag-along sister, I remember that about him. So, it makes sense that I can trust David.”
GG’s blue eyes bore into her. “The more you give yourself chances to get beyond your past, the better off you’ll be. But if you need to talk to a professional about it, do it. We can’t let anyone ruin your future, can we?”
“No,” whispered Misty. Damn Vince for what he’s done. I’ll never forgive myself for ignoring the red flags showing what kind of person he was.
She saw that GG was growing tired and stood. “I’d better go.”
GG gave her an encouraging smile. “It’s always great to see you. And anytime you need to talk about it, I’m here for you.”
Misty leaned down and hugged her. “Thanks. You always know how to make me feel better.”
“It’s my pleasure to see you,” said GG. “No news of Crystal’s wedding?”
Misty shook her head. “I know she’d like to elope, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. But I’m sure you’ll be among the first to know when they decide.”
GG’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m sure I will.”
Misty chuckled. “I’ll talk to you later. Thanks.”
She left GG’s apartment and walked through the lobby to the outside. She heard the cry of a cardinal, her lucky bird, and was very satisfied she’d come to see GG.
###
Misty wasn’t surprised when David called her that evening. “Can you talk?”
“Sure. I’m glad you called. I had an amazing time with your mother at lunch. We’re both eager to get to know one another better.”
“That’s nice,” he said, and Misty could hear the happiness in his voice. “Do you want to meet at Jake’s?”
“Yes, but I’ll only have something to drink. I’m still full of lunch at Chica’s. I guess it pays to know the owner. Mama Montoya couldn’t do enough for your mother.”
David chuckled. “They’ve been friends for a long time. Okay, I’ll see you at Jake’s. But, Misty, I’d like to take you out to dinner this weekend. Are you up for it?”
“Yes, that would be nice.” She didn’t care where they went. She just wanted to spend time with him.