Mike frowned, but he got to his feet.“Okay, let me know when you’re ready to work on your serve.Maybe I’ll stop by some morning when I know you’re at the courts.”
“Okay,” said Hazel.They walked back to the facility, and Hazel went to her office.It felt comforting to know that she and Mike didn’t dislike one another anymore.Maybe they could get away with fooling her family if her mom visited as she’d mentioned.
CHAPTER EIGHT
When Taylor called to invite Hazel to a girls’ day of relaxation at the Lilac Lake Cottage, Hazel was delighted to have some downtime.She’d been working hard and staying late at the office.With no scheduled meetings, she quickly accepted and followed up with a note to Mike and Ross that she would take the day off after seeing everything was okay.
That morning was what some New Englanders would call a “high sparkler,” with bright-blue skies and plenty of sunshine spreading warmth and light.For once, Hazel allowed herself to stay in bed after the alarm went off.She loved moments like these, where she could lie quietly and sort through thoughts and ideas.
After she dressed for the day in her swimsuit, Hazel packed a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes in a canvas bag.Then she pulled together some food items.She’d promised to bring a coffee cake from the Lilac Lake Café, a bottle of wine for later, and some munchies.The Gilford sisters were generous about opening their cottage for parties, but everyone else provided most of the food for those events.Today was no different.
Because so many people were working, the party was limited to the three Gilford women, Misty, Crystal, Melissa, and her.A few other women promised to come after work.Hazel was excited to be able to spend some time with these women.It would give her a better idea of what it must have been like being together during their growing-up years.
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When she arrived, she saw that the six other women were dressed in bathing suits with cover-ups, as well.
Taylor greeted her with a hug.“So glad you could make it, Hazel.I know how busy you are with the Sports Center.”
“I’ve needed this break.Thank you so much for inviting me.”
A group of women chatted in the kitchen.When they saw the coffee cake Taylor had brought, they eagerly waited for her to cut and distribute pieces of it.
Whitney, who was due to have her second baby any day, turned to Hazel.“I heard you’re setting up a babysitting service at the Sports Center for mothers who want to play tennis and pickleball.That’s fantastic.So many positive changes are taking place there since you became Administrator.”
“I hope so,” said Hazel.“I did a lot of research as to what other clubs and gyms were providing their customers.”
“Ross admitted to me that programming and running the Center needed a woman’s touch,” said Melissa.“He’s used to working with men.Now, he’s even talking about having the girls’ high school softball team come in for practice and pointers.”
“It’s wonderful for the community to have the Center.Ross and Mike should be proud of themselves for pursuing that idea,” said Taylor.
“Okay, ladies, we have had the coffee cake from the Café,” said Melissa.“Now I want you to taste test a recipe I’ve created for my cookbook.Please let me know both the good and the bad aspects of its taste, texture, and overall appearance.It’s easy to make, so I have that factor covered.”
Hazel helped herself to a piece of the apricot crumble cake that Melissa served on individual plates.Hazel was an adequate cook, but that was all.Growing up, her family had a housekeeper who cooked, and Hazel was never excited to be in the kitchen.
“Well?”asked Melissa after everyone in the group had taken a taste and more.She held a notebook in her hand.
As they all gave their responses, Melissa wrote them down.“Okay, it seems like everyone loved the flavor but wanted it to be a bit moister.I can take care of that.Thank you, ladies.”
“It’s such a beautiful day, let’s take our coffee down to the rock,” said Dani.
At the lake’s edge, a huge granite rock rose out of the water.Its large, almost flat surface provided plenty of space for sunbathing and conversation.
“If I sit on the rock, at least two of you will have to help me up,” said Whitney, rubbing her belly.“Carrying this baby, I’m so out of balance that it’s almost impossible for me to move normally.”
“We’ll bring a chair,” said Crystal.“It might be easier for you.”
The women grabbed water bottles, towels, and sunscreen and headed down the sloped green lawn to the rock, with Crystal carrying a chair and Dani helping Whitney.
“We used to spend hours on this rock during the summers,” Misty explained to Hazel.“Growing up in Lilac Lake was a great place for a kid.”
“It’s nice that y’all are still friends,” said Hazel, gazing at the group.She had friends at home, but lately, their life choices were pulling them apart.Not that Hazel would change her mind about going back to Louisiana.
With their towels spread on the rock and Whitney settled in her beach chair, the women grew quiet as they lay, eyes closed, faces toward the sun.
Whitney broke the silence.“Uh-oh.Wait.Oh, my God!My water just broke.”
Crystal, who assisted her husband at the Emergency Center, was the first to get to her.“Yes, I see.Okay, Whitney, we’ll get you to the hospital.”
