Before she could lose her courage, Hazel backed out of her driveway and headed to the new Sports Center in town.Ross Roberts and Mike Dawson were the major partners in this adventure.Both Ross and Mike were former professional athletes—Ross in baseball and Mike in tennis.Ross was also part-owner of the Lilac Lake Inn and was married to Melissa Hendrickson, a former local chef.Mike had traded in the grind of competition on the pro circuit for teaching tennis both in Florida and here in New Hampshire.
The red-brick Sports Center covered a huge tract of land just outside of the center of town and offered tennis courts, a baseball field, and training facilities, pickleball courts, basketball courts inside and out, an inside Olympic-size swimming pool, and a fantastic gym.It was unlike anything else in the region and was growing busier all the time.
Hazel got out of her car and went inside to the reception area.A male high school student was handling the front desk.
“Hi.Is Ross Roberts here?”Hazel asked hopefully.
“He’s outside checking the batting cage,” said the young man without looking up at her.
“Thanks.”Hazel wended her way through the center realizing it was a much bigger operation than she’d thought.
Outside, Ross was checking the fencing around the batting cage when Hazel found him.He looked up at her approach.“Hi, Hazel.What’s up?”
“I need to talk to you,” Hazel said.“Is this a convenient time?”
Ross walked toward her in an uneven gait.With sandy hair, blue eyes, and a boyish smile, he had been a favorite player for the NY Yankees before a knee injury from a motorcycle accident took him out of the game.
“It was time for a break anyway.What can I do for you?”he asked Hazel.
She straightened and spoke eagerly.“I’d like to talk to you about a job.Do you have an opening here?”
His gaze settled on her.“Don’t you teach at the elementary school?”
“I won’t be there after the school year ends.I’m leaving the teaching arena rather than being placed elsewhere.Though I love the kids, I’ve realized teaching isn’t what I want to do.”
Ross nodded agreeably.“I’m glad you love kids because we handle a lot of them here.Let’s go into my office to discuss this.”
They walked inside to an unpretentious office that held two desks and chairs, file cabinets, shelving for trophies and memorabilia, and some comfortable leather side chairs.
“Have a seat,” said Ross, indicating a chair in front of the desk where he sat.“Did you bring a resumé?”
“No, I didn’t.I came here on the spur of the moment at Misty’s suggestion.I don’t even know what kind of work you might be hiring for,” said Hazel, realizing how unprofessional she sounded.
“Tell me what you see as your strengths and what kind of work you do that would benefit us.And please don’t be shy about it,” said Ross.
Hazel drew a deep breath.“Okay.I’m very well organized with excellent follow-through.I worked as an Executive Assistant one summer while I was in college, and I’m good with details.I like kids and the freedom to do my job.I’m able to work without supervision.”
“Was that an issue teaching?”Ross asked.“I’ve heard the principal is difficult to get along with.”
“He certainly was with me.He found every excuse he could to criticize me.It would’ve been comical if it hadn’t become such a waste of time for everyone,” admitted Hazel.
“That’s too bad.I’ve been in a similar situation.Mike is due to arrive from Florida with a co-worker, a woman who will be teaching tennis with him.I have an idea I want to discuss with him, and then I’ll get back in touch with you.How does that sound?”
“That would be wonderful,” said Hazel.“I can be flexible and am willing to work hard at anything you need.I play tennis but haven’t played much since college when I was on the tennis team.But I might be able to help.My hours can be flexible as well.”
“Let me work on a couple of ideas.You’d want a full-time job with no summers off?”
“Yes.I’m looking for full-time work with benefits,” Hazel said.
Ross gave her an understanding look.“Got it.I’ll call you after Mike gets here, and we’ve had a chance to talk.Thanks for coming in.”He stood.
Hazel rose and shook his hand, which quickly covered her much smaller one.“How’s Melissa’s cookbook coming along?”
Ross grinned.“It’s a real chore testing recipes.”
Hazel laughed.One reason she loved Lilac Lake so much was because it was filled with such interesting people her age.
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