By the end of the set, the four were sweaty but smiling.Hazel noticed Elliott sitting with Craig and Tracy, watching from behind the fence.She gave him a little wave and mopped her brow.
“Okay,” said Libby.“Let’s cool off inside.I’ve brought hors d’oeuvres and a couple of pitchers of margaritas, so there should be plenty for us and our audience.”
Hazel left the court with the others and stopped by the benches to speak to Elliott.“You three have been invited to join us for some drinks and appetizers.What do you think?”
Elliott glanced at the others.“I’m in.”
Craig and Tracy agreed, and they all went inside to join the tennis group.
The Sports Center had not one lounge, but two.The first was in the main reception area where couches and chairs were scattered.The second, a smaller one, was by the kitchen and could be used for small group functions with tables and chairs.
Libby placed the appetizers on a table placed against a wall, and Ray set up a small bar area at the opposite end of the table.
After they’d all been served a drink and helped themselves to food, they took seats on the couches and chairs that formed a conversation circle at one end of the room.
Libby held up her paper cup.“Here’s to a wonderful tennis match.Thank you, Mike and Hazel.It was such fun.”
Ray, Mike, and Hazel raised their drinks.“A great time,” said Ray.
“You all were outstanding,” said Elliott.“It was enjoyable to watch.”
Hazel smiled at him and noticed that Tracy looked put out.“I normally play with Mike,” she told Libby and Ray.“Maybe we can do that sometime.”
Mike shrugged.“This was an exciting teaching session.The group worked well together.”
Tracy pressed her lips together, and Hazel was sure that wouldn’t be the end of that conversation.
After some time, Hazel stood.“Thank you, everyone, for a delightful time.But I need to get home and get things ready for work tomorrow.My days usually start early.”
“I heard you’ve been working with Jed Abbott, the foster child who’s sparking a lot of interest.I admire that,” said Libby.
“He’s an extremely talented and very special boy.More than that, he’s one of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met.”Hazel’s eyes stung with unexpected tears at the memory of how Jed had tried to take care of his family while Lisa was sick.
She shook hands with Libby and Ray, then turned to go.
“I’ll go with you,” said Elliott, getting to his feet.
They left together.
Outside, Elliott turned to her.“Are you all right?”
“Yes, thanks.”They walked to her car.“I’m much more aware of children in foster care than I was before I met Jed.He’s in a good home, but that isn’t always the case.Even then, it’s hard,” said Hazel.“Though our families might be difficult sometimes, we’re the lucky ones, aren’t we?”
Elliott nodded.“Even now, when I know I might disappoint my parents in more ways than one, I do acknowledge that’s what makes it so difficult.I’ve always known they wanted me to be happy, to have and do nice things, to carry on for the family.They’ve never understood how hard I tried.”
“Have you had a chance to talk to Craig?”Hazel asked as they got into the car.
“Not yet, but he’s going to show me Portsmouth.He likes going there,” said Elliott.
“That’s very nice of him.I’m sorry I’m so busy with work,” Hazel said.
“It’s fine.I don’t want to put you to any trouble on my account.If it sounds fine to you, I bought a steak, and I’m willing to grill it up if you’ll fix a salad for us.”
“Oh, Elliott, that sounds perfect.After that tennis match, I’m hungry as a bear.”
He laughed.“I’d forgotten you played tennis in high school and college.You’re really good.”
“It’s starting to come back to me,” said Hazel.“But I’ll never be as talented as Mike, or maybe Tracy.”
