Tracy’s lips formed a pout.“Well, you’d better not be late.”She glanced at Hazel.“Make sure he’s on time.”
Hazel bobbed her head but remained quiet.She didn’t want to get in the middle of any disagreements between those two.
After Tracy left, Mike said to Jed.“Do you want me to help you carry those things home?
Jed shook his head firmly.“No, I can get them.”He held up the plastic bag with his sneakers and clothing, and lifted the canvas bag.
He stopped at the doorway and turned to them.“Thanks.”
“The kid has gotta be overjoyed,” said Mike after Jed had walked away.“That’s like Christmas for him.”
Hazel gave him a wide smile.“That’s exactly what he said.I’m delighted we could do this.”
Mike studied her.“I used to think you were a spoiled Southern Belle.Now, I know you’re not.”
“We went on only one date,” said Hazel.“I know you better now, too.”
“Let’s get that tennis lesson in before I have to leave,” said Mike, glancing at his watch.
“Okay, I’ll meet you on the court in five minutes.I need to change,” said Hazel.
###
When Hazel stepped onto the court, she noticed Mike’s look of approval and was pleased she’d been able to buy a couple of tennis outfits for herself.She was normally healthy and in good shape, or so she’d thought, but activity here at the Center had her using muscles her body had forgotten.
Mike and she started volleying back and forth to warm up.
Though Hazel was very aware of Mike watching her every move, she thought she was holding her own until Mike stopped and waved her toward the net.
“I notice that your timing is just a bit off.Try moving more quickly in anticipation of the stroke of your arm so that you have better control.Especially with your backhand.”
“Okay,” said Hazel.“I want to be the best I can be.We’re forming a tennis league for women, and I want to be at least able to keep up with the best of them.We have some really good players.”
“You certainly can help with beginners.Especially with young children.Ross and I thought you’d fill that role perfectly.”
“I’ll try my best,” said Hazel, realizing she needed to fine-tune her schedule.Now that the administrative job was under better control, she could be a help in other ways.She knew Ross and Mike had hired more staff and would continue to do so as their activities grew.Several people were required to oversee activities just to cover the hours of operation.
After hitting a few more balls, Hazel stopped.“Can we work on my serve?”
“Sure,” said Mike.“Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Hazel moved a basket of balls over to the baseline where she stood and started serving.
Mike came around the net and watched her from the side.
After struggling, Hazel finally hit a few good ones.“I guess I need more practice.”
“Yes.We’ll work on that another time.Take a break.”
He sat down on an outside bench, and Hazel joined him.
“Where did you learn to play tennis?”Mike asked her before taking a sip of water.
Hazel hesitated, then gave him a sly smile.“At the country club, like a spoiled Southern Belle.”
He laughed, almost choking on the water.“Sorry about that.”
Hazel checked her watch.“I guess we’d better get moving.You don’t want to be late for dinner, and I know you have other things to do.”
