Hazel hurried to catch up to him.“I’m sorry.This must be so hard for you.”
Mike shrugged.“It makes me feel good to know there are some decent people out there.I just didn’t know many until I got a break by playing tennis, just like Jed.”
“I’ll continue practicing with him in the morning before work, and then maybe you can give him lessons,” said Hazel.“I can only give him a chance to practice.”
“I owe you some tennis lessons.We can do some evening lessons if that’s okay with you.It should be cooler by then.”
“It sounds great,” said Hazel.“I need to brush up on my game.”
He gave her a surprisingly shy glance.“It’ll give us a chance to practice convincing your family we’re together.”
“I’m very embarrassed about that,” said Hazel.“Hopefully, my family will stay away.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hazel returned to the Center with a list of things she wanted to buy for Jed.She decided to drive to Concord to pick out those items at Access Sports.This would allow her to consider what they might display at the Center for kids.
She checked in with Ross, who was in his office, and told him what she had in mind.
“I understand you’ve been helping this boy on your own,” said Ross.“Thank you.We need to encourage kindness and give everyone a chance at whatever sport they choose.”
“Yes,” said Hazel.She hesitated and then said, “I had no idea that Mike was a foster kid.”
Appearing solemn, Ross said, “It wasn’t an easy childhood.He doesn’t usually talk about it.”
“Helping Jed might be helpful to him,” said Hazel.“The family Jed is with are caring people.I don’t know how his foster mother does it.Four kids in the house, one disabled.”
“Keep me informed of any way we can help them,” said Ross.“I like that Jed will be part of a new scholarship program.Mike and I are very lucky to have hired you, Hazel.”
After Nolan Deere’s disapproval, Ross’s words touched her.She gave him a little wave and left to go to Concord.
On the way, she thought about the situation with Jed and wondered how he’d fare with the other kids in tennis camp.Kids who came from homes that could afford it.
###
Hazel met with Evie as planned, and after explaining what she was trying to do for Jed, she and Evie walked through the store.
“Such beautiful things for kids.But surely, they outgrow them.What about setting up a second-hand department for them?”asked Hazel.“Or we could have customers turn in outgrown clothing to the Center so we could give them away or sell them for next to nothing.”
“Yes!For those who turn in clothes that are in excellent shape, we can give them a discount to buy new clothes,” said Evie.She clapped her hands together.“I’m so glad we’re willing to work together.It’s not just good business, it’s just plain goodness.”
The women smiled at one another.
“I’ve sized up clothing and shoes for Jed in my mind, so I’d like to get a couple of choices, in case I need a different size.I’ll bring back the things we can’t use.Or better yet, come to the Center and I’ll treat you to lunch at the Lilac Lake Café,” said Hazel.
“I’d love that,” said Evie.“Let’s pick out some things for Jed,and you can let me know when you want to meet.I’m pretty flexible with store hours, so I can arrange to get together anytime.”
Hazel had seen Jed only in jeans and wearing old basketball shoes, but with Evie’s help, she could select several choices of shoes and clothes in a couple of different sizes.She also needed to think of styles that would be comfortable on and off the court.
When she was satisfied with their selection, Hazel bid Evie goodbye and drove to Office Depot for more office supplies, grateful for Mike and Ross’s support in making decisions about things like this.
###
That afternoon, Hazel walked over to the tennis court where Mike was giving a private lesson to Jed.Hazel could assess both of them sitting on a bench outside the fence.
Watching Mike play tennis was like watching a ballet dancer move around the court with one graceful move after another at high speed.Even the way Mike swung his racket was done smoothly and so quickly that it seemed part of a performance.
Tracy joined her on the bench.“He’s a star, huh?”
