“Why is his family so threatened by the idea that Elliott is gay?”asked Craig.
“It’s all part of their image and family connections.His grandfather founded the bank Elliott has turned his back on.His father is an important man in town.And he’s supposed to uphold the family name.He’s Elliott Gladstone III.”
“I get it.Forgive me, but I think it’s a crock of shit,” said Craig.“If Elliott feels like talking to me, I’ll be happy to help.But don’t push him to do this.”
“Thanks so much,” said Hazel, rising.“You’ll see for yourself what a likable guy Elliott is.”
“It sounds like he has a lot to work out for himself,” said Craig.“Now that you’re here, I want to talk to you about the retail sales operation.”
Soon, Hazel was caught up in business and didn’t have the time to think about Elliott’s arrival.
CHAPTER TEN
Several days later, when Elliott pulled into Hazel’s driveway and got out of the car to stretch, Hazel’s breath caught.She’d forgotten how handsome he was with his blond hair and blue eyes, trim but muscular physique, and classic features.
“You’re here!”she cried, rushing toward him.
He opened his arms, and she ran into them.
They hugged and swayed together for several minutes before Hazel pulled away and stared into his face.“You look exhausted.Come inside and sit on the deck with me to rest before you bring your things inside.”
He followed her into the cabin and gazed around.“This is nice and cozy.”
“Come out to the deck with me.The view is lovely.”
They went through the kitchen and onto the wooden deck overlooking woods and beyond to the river.The call of a cardinal filled the air.
Elliott turned to her with a grin.“The real outdoors.I like it.”
“I’ve grown to love it.What would you like?Water?Coffee?Beer?”
“A cold beer sounds fantastic,” said Elliott, standing at the deck's rail.He sighed.“It feels soothing to simply stand right here.”
“I’ll be right back,” said Hazel, glad she’d taken the rest of the day off.She could see how much Elliott had needed to get away.There were circles beneath his eyes, and even as he smiled, she could see the tension on his face.
Moments later, she returned to the deck and handed Elliott a cold bottle of beer.
She clicked her bottle against his and said, “Here’s to best friends.”
“Ah, Hazel, you truly are my best friend,” he responded.“All these years.Thank you for allowing me to stay with you until I get my life squared away.It isn’t like I haven’t tried to talk to my parents, but they refuse to believe their only child isn’t the person they think he is.”
“You’ve done so much to please them.Baseball, football, and swim team at the club.”
“Being gay doesn’t mean you can’t be a sports professional,” said Elliott.“But I’ve worked hard to give nothing away.”
“There’s someone I want you to meet.Craig Evans is the financial manager of the Sports Center and is a person you can talk to about your situation.But no rush.Give yourself time to relax and see why I like Lilac Lake so much.”
“Sounds appealing.I need lots of rest.”
“I thought we’d grill up some chicken for dinner and have a relaxing evening.I get up early to practice tennis with a ten-year-old boy I’ve taken under my wing.He’s a foster kid who’s adorable and very talented.Mike Dawson, the tennis pro at the Center, thinks he has a natural ability to do very well.”
“That sounds like the Hazel I know,” said Elliott.“Let’s get my things inside.Your mother sent some of your favorite foods and treats.I’ve packed the frozen ones in a cooler.”
“What a lovely surprise,” said Hazel.There was no better food than that found in and around New Orleans.She loved it all.
They unloaded the car, and Hazel helped to store things out of the way in the large guestroom closet.
Elliott opened the window and breathed in the pine-scented air Hazel loved.“This is spectacular.I have a feeling I’m going to sleep like a baby.”
