“I guess in a small town everyone knows everyone’s business,” said Elliott.
“Yes, they do,” Hazel said.
Elliott took a sip of coffee and set down his cup.“I appreciate being here, Hazel.I’d marry you in a heartbeat if I could.I know I’ve put pressure on you, too, by not speaking up.Why haven’t you told your parents about me?”
Hazel gave him a steady look.“I wasn’t kidding when I called you my friend.You’re my best friend.I’ve always known you were gay, even as a teenager.But it’s not my news to share.I haven’t let it define our relationship.We come from similar backgrounds and have needed one another.Time and choices haven’t changed that.”
“Both sets of parents are old-fashioned.My father, especially,” said Elliott.“I’ve already disappointed him by not being the sports star he was.That’s one reason I’ve held off on coming out to him.I can’t imagine how he’ll feel about me then.Grandfather, too.When you’re Elliott Gladstone III, it carries a lot of responsibility.Something I don’t want.”
“I know your parents,” said Hazel.“It’s going to be rough, but your parents will still love you underneath all the social standing concerns.”
“I hope you’re right,” said Elliott.“Because I have to be true to myself.”
“Agreed,” Hazel said.“Remember, I have someone I want you to talk to.Hopefully, he’ll be at Jake’s tonight.”
“Don’t tell me he’s gay,” said Elliott.
“Actually, he is,” said Hazel.“But he’s comfortable with it.He might be a reliable resource.That’s all I mean by it.”
“Sorry.I don’t mean to be difficult.I’m here for a reason, so any help you can give me will be appreciated.It seems ridiculous that someone in his late twenties should be so unsure.”
“Not everyone has the pressure you’ve had for all of your life,” said Hazel.“Let’s walk back home.I want to show you a special park a friend of mine created in memory of his sister.”
They strolled a couple of blocks from Main Street to a small garden bordered with colorful summer flowers on a pretty lot that held several benches placed strategically for comfort and privacy.
“You’ll meet David Graham tonight at Jake’s, I’m sure.He’s engaged to a friend of mine, Misty Owens.He and his family designed and keep this garden park maintained.I love coming here when I want some time to think things over,” said Hazel.
“It’s really beautiful,” said Elliott.He walked to the back corner and took a seat on the bench.
Hazel joined him and sat quietly listening to the sounds of bees hovering at flowers and birds chirping in the tree above them.It was a taste of nature at its best.
“I can see why you love this town so much,” said Elliott.“I might decide to stay awhile.”He glanced at her and chuckled.“I don’t mean at your place.Maybe find a place of my own.”
“I want you to stay with me as long as you want or need to,” Hazel said graciously.“Let’s be on our way.”
###
When they entered the driveway leading to the group of cabins along the river, Poppy Browning drove up beside them and stopped her car.“Hi, Hazel.Are you coming to Jake’s tonight?”
“Yes.I’m bringing my friend.This is Elliott Gladstone.”
“Nice to meet you, Elliott.See you then,” said Poppy, smiling at them both before pulling away.
“Poppy Browning is a fairly new neighbor of mine.A very sweet woman who owns The Wild Flower Boutique downtown,” explained Hazel.“She and Blake Loomis are together.I have a feeling she’ll end up moving back into the family home she sold him.”
“Wow!Everyone seems to be connected to everyone else.What about you, Hazel?You’ve lied to your mother about the tennis pro.Is there anyone you’re really interested in?”
“No.I want to keep my life simple.New people are moving to town all the time.I figure I’ll know when I’m ready for someone who interests me,” said Hazel.“I’m not in any rush.I like my new job.It keeps me challenged.”
“You’re a good friend and a very special person.I need to make sure you end up with someone worthy of you,” said Elliott, putting a protective arm around her.
Hazel laughed.She and Elliott did love one another.
###
Hazel waited at the door for Elliott before taking off for Jake’s.
He moved toward her, movie-star handsome in blue jeans and a black T-shirt that set off his shiny blond hair, worn brushed back.
