“I give up,” said Tracy.“No matter what I try to do to help you, it backfires.I’m not even sure l should stay.”
“I’ll see you two later,” said Hazel.“I’ve got to go change.”She didn’t want any part in the argument brewing between the two of them.
###
Later, Mike approached her.“Thank you for caring about Jed and his family.It’s kind of you.”
“He’s an exceptional kid.And when I see how hard Lisa works every day, I am in awe of her.The neighbor who came to help says she’s a true angel.”
Mike looked down at the ground.When he caught her gaze, there was a sadness in his eyes that touched her.“Many foster parents are like that.Unfortunately, some are not.”
“I’m sorry you had some bad experiences,” Hazel said.“You must be very proud of how well you’ve done to overcome them.”
Mike studied her thoughtfully.“I’m off for a private lesson.See you later.”
Hazel watched him go, thinking how much she admired him.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
As soon as she could, Hazel left the Center to go home and check on Elliott.She hoped he hadn’t been bored by being left on his own.
She arrived home to find him lounging on a deck chair reading a book.
“I was hoping you’d relax today.What are you reading?”she asked him, relieved to see him like this.
“A mystery.Something to take my mind off my problems.But now that you’re here, I’m hoping you’ll give me a tour of the town.”
“No problem.I want you to see why I like it so much.We can get a late afternoon coffee at the Lilac Lake Café, and I’ll show you Main Street.Tomorrow, I’ll take you to a few of my favorite places out of town.And one day, we’ll go to Portsmouth so you can see what that bit of history is about.Then, of course, we can get fresh lobster in Maine.”
“Whoa!”said Elliott, laughing.“I’m not sure how long I’m staying.”
“We’ll do as much as we can in the time you’re here,” said Hazel, eager for him to understand her choices.
###
Later, after walking up and down Main Street, they sat on the patio of the Café drinking coffee and watching people stroll by.
“It’s a busy place,” said Elliott.“I can understand why.The downtown area is attractive with lots to offer.It’s a slice of Americana, with the white-steepled churches, the high-end stores, the American flag on each lamp post, and pots of flowers everywhere.”
“Yes, sometimes I think a picture of downtown should be on postcards mailed for everyone to see.But I, like the natives, don’t want the town to change too much,” said Hazel.She saw Taylor and waved her over.
“Taylor, I want you to meet my friend, Elliott Gladstone, who is here visiting me for a while.Elliott, this is Taylor Gilford Walker.She writes books under the name of Courtney Castle.”
“Hello.I’m pleased to meet you,” said Elliott in a southern drawl.
Taylor grinned.“You’re from the south, too?We sometimes tease Hazel about her accent, but we all think it’s charming.”
Elliott laughed.“It’s a little hard to get rid of, but I try.”
“See?It’s adorable,” said Taylor, chuckling.“Are the two of you going to be at Jake’s tonight?”
Elliott looked at Hazel.
“Yes, we’re planning on it.”
“See you later,” said Taylor.“I promised Whitney I’d take some coffee and a piece of cake to her.The baby has been sleeping during the day and crying at night, and she’s exhausted.”
Hazel turned to Elliott.“My friends and I were practically witnesses to the birth, so we all feel especially close to this little one.A girl named Lily.Her middle name is Eugenia after her great-grandmother Eugenia Wittner, who is sort of like the matriarch of this town.Her family owned The Lilac Lake Inn until she sold it a few years ago.”
