CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next day was as busy as everyone had planned. When it came time to go to Jake’s, Hazel, her parents, and Mike were ready to sit and relax.
“Mom’s already been to Jake’s, but Dad, I’m anxious for you to meet everyone. My friends are the so-called ‘movers and shakers’ of this small town. I think you’ll enjoy meeting them.”
“It’s a lovely group of friends,” said her mother.
“I’m looking forward to it,” her father said.
Hazel was glad to see most of her friends were already sitting at the locals’ tables when they walked into the bar. She waved and led her parents over to them.
After she’d introduced her parents and saw that they were seated, she sat in an empty chair next to Misty. She nudged her. “I showed Mom the house where you and David might live after his parents retire.”
“It might be sooner than we thought. David’s father is suffering from arthritis in his knees, and he can’t wait to get to Florida.” She shook her head. “There’s always something happening. Who would’ve thought you and Mike would be together? At one time, you weren’t interested.”
“I’ve gotten to know the real him, and I’m definitely interested.” She glanced at Mike talking to her Dad and felt a spark of happiness zing through her. Everything seemed to be falling into place.
The group was full of news of the town’s activities.
As usual, the Labor Day Weekend was a time for picnics and barbeques throughout the town.
This year, the high school was putting on a band concert on the town green, and the local summer drama club was presenting a play about the origin of Lilac Lake.
Hazel turned to Whitney. “Were you in charge of the play?”
“For most of the summer, until my sweet baby girl, Lily, arrived.”
Hazel and Whitney exchanged smiles.
Hazel’s mother seemed happy talking to Taylor about books, and her father was now talking to Gage about veterinarian matters. She felt Mike’s eyes on hers and returned his grin. She’d loved having her parents visit, but now she couldn’t wait for some alone time with him.
###
The next morning, Hazel woke to see her parents off to Boston for their return flight home. Mike had already left the house to give a tennis lesson, leaving Hazel to feel like a little girl again with her parents as she went outside with them to say goodbye.
Her father had his turn for a hug, giving her a big squeeze before pulling away and giving her a misty-eyed gaze. “Take care, Hazel. You know I’m always here for you.”
“I know. Thanks, Dad,” she said, feeling as if she were young again, and headed off to her first overnight camp.
“Say goodbye again to Mike for us. We enjoyed spending time with him,” said her mother, hugging her again before sliding onto the passenger seat of their rental car.
“I will,” said Hazel. She stood and waved as they pulled out of the driveway.
###
That night, when Mike was due to come home, Hazel was ready for him, wearing a swishy pink sundress he liked. In the kitchen, a bottle of white wine and a cheese and fruit tray waited for them.
When he walked into the house and saw her, he grinned. “Don’t you look delicious?”
She laughed. “I thought we’d enjoy this evening together because Lisa called to say they will leave early. The day after tomorrow, we’ll get Jed.”
“Guess there’s no holding back on that plan of ours,” Mike said. “It’ll be a real test to see how we handle it.”
“Yes, I guess it will,” said Hazel. “I’m glad we’ll have a few nights alone before he comes to us.”
He wrapped his arms around her. “Let’s not waste a minute. I’m going to take a quick shower, but I might need some assistance.”
“I’m happy to help,” said Hazel. She and Mike hadn’t done more than kiss and cuddle with her parents at her house, and she was ready for more. A lot more.
Later, after drying off, she dropped her towel and embraced Mike, loving the feel, the clean smell of him.
He rubbed her back and murmured, “I’m glad to have you to myself.”
They dressed and went into the kitchen, where they poured wine into two glasses and took the appetizers out on the deck.
“I heard from the realtor today. I can take over the house in a week. I’ve already talked to a paint contractor for Collister Construction about painting the interior.
He also liked your idea of a softer, warm gray for the walls.
With all the light from the windows in the house, he thought it was a better choice than white. ”
“I’m glad. It will blend the interior much better in that open space,” said Hazel.
“Will you help me furnish the house?” asked Mike.
“Of course. But we’d better not wait. Some of it will have to be ordered. Maybe we should drive to Concord. There are a couple of design and furniture stores there that you should probably check out.”
“Okay, I’ll cancel a couple of classes in the afternoon when it’s hot and we can go,” said Mike. “I don’t want anything to interrupt our time with Jed.”
###
The next afternoon, Hazel and Mike took off for their furniture shopping. Typical of Hazel, she’d made a list of things he’d need. The furniture he had in Florida would be left with the condo to be rented out. The condo here would remain for Paco and Mallory’s use.
As they drove, Hazel talked to Mike about her ideas and what kind of look he might prefer.
They both knew what they liked when they pulled into a new furniture store in town.
Hazel had made an appointment with a designer, and she met them when they walked into the store.
“Hi, I’m Eloise, here to help you. You must be Mike and Hazel. I recognized the tennis outfit.”
“Sorry,” said Mike. “I didn’t have time to change. Hazel and I have been talking, and what we like is what Hazel calls comfortable contemporary.”
Eloise, a tall, elegant-looking woman with silver hair pulled back into a bun, smiled. “I’m sure we can find exactly what you need. Hazel said the interior of your house will be done in a pale, but warm gray. Excellent.”
Walking through the huge store and going from one room setting to another was initially confusing until Eloise noted how one item might be used with another.
“Keeping the color tones on the neutral side will allow you to use a pop of color here and there for excitement,” Eloise said.
After three hours, Mike was ready to stop. “Okay, I trust the two of you to come up with a plan. You both know what I like. And Hazel, you can choose whatever you want.” He looked at Eloise. “I’m hoping Hazel will live there with me one day.”
While Mike answered his cell, Hazel sat down with Eloise to draw up a list of items.
“I’ll email the list to you both,” said Eloise. “But, Mike, we need your signature and a deposit.”
Hazel got up and walked away while Mike took care of the finances. They’d done a lot of work in selecting furniture, but the process of furnishing the house was far from done.
###
They drove back to Lilac Lake in silence.
Hazel was almost asleep when Mike said, “I meant what I said, Hazel. I want you to live in my house with me.”
“I know,” she answered.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” asked Mike.
“Are we going too fast? Too early? To be making this kind of decision?” she asked.
“What are you saying? Are you backing out of any plans for us?”
“No, no, but I don’t want to get hurt. You know how I feel about you …
“Yes, and I feel the same about you,” said Mike. “So, what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m just tired,” said Hazel, feeling confused by all the changes in her life.
He reached over and took hold of her hand. “You know how much I care.”
She nodded.
“So, let’s go home and relax. Or better yet, how do you feel about pizza?”
“Pizza sounds wonderful. I’ll order it online now, and we can pick it up on our way into town,” said Hazel, telling herself not to worry about details. Mike loved her and that’s all that mattered.