“What’s up with her?She started to make a play for me and then realized I wasn’t into her.”Elliott shook his head.“I bet she’s used to a lot of looks from the guys.”
“She’s beautiful,” admitted Hazel.“And she has a fiery temper that’s attractive when it isn’t annoying.”
“It looks like she and Mike are a couple.That’s why you chose him to play the part of the man you’re interested in, huh?”
“Yes.I just pray my mother doesn’t come for a visit anytime soon.That would be a disaster,” said Hazel, shuddering at the thought.
###
The evening with Elliott was fun.They were the best of friends, who could share history with a snort or a laugh at past experiences as they worked together on the meal.
Spending time with him, Hazel realized that when she was serious about a man in her life, she wanted someone with whom she was this comfortable.In social circles at home, there were a lot of pretenses.She was way beyond that.
After dinner, she and Elliott took a walk and automatically ended up at the little garden that David Graham and his family had created.
Even as dusk was turning into darkness, they found the light from the street lamp to be enough to guide them to a bench near a small fountain.
The sound of trickling water, the cries of birds getting ready to settle for the night, and the sweet smell of nearby roses combined to give Hazel a sense of deep-felt peace.
She clasped Elliott’s hand.“I believe things will work out for you.This is a pleasant place to get comfortable in your skin, as Craig might advise.Use the time here to make healthy decisions about your life going forward.What you’re asking for is everyone’s right—to be the person they are.”
He gave her a questioning look.“Are you a better person here, like you want?”
“Yes,” she said firmly.“I’m still finding myself in some ways, but here I feel I’m more open, more honest, freer to be me.The real me.”
“That’s what I want for myself.As long as I’m taking this break from my family, I want to make it last.Can you think of a job for me?”
“Your best bet is to ask Craig about it.He knows a lot of businesses in the area.You might even want to ask at one of the local credit unions.”
“Something to think about,” said Elliott.“Ready to go home?”
“Yes,” she said, pleased that he felt so comfortable with her.
Later, when Elliott received a call from Craig confirming their day trip to Portsmouth, she was happy he already seemed to be making friends.But then, some small towns were like that.Lilac Lake was one of the best.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
While Elliott used the next few days to get to know Craig, hunt for a job, and relax, Hazel worked hard overseeing some new changes at the Sports Center.A new doubles tournament program was set up, providing an opportunity for people to meet, socialize, and work on improving their game.
The retail operation was growing fast.A store manager, a pleasant older woman, was brought in to help keep it on track.
And, as she and Evie from Access Sports in Concord had discussed, they worked together on setting up a second-hand store exchange for children to help families.Every person who participated was given a discount coupon to buy new clothes in Concord or at the store on-site.
Even though she was busy, Hazel still met with Jed every morning.Their sessions had become so much more than a chance to play tennis.A real bond was developing between them.Hazel encouraged Jed to talk about the future and what he hoped to accomplish.
Hazel thought about the possibility of adopting or fostering a child one day.The idea gave her a new reason to be careful who she might date in the future.It would take a special person to agree to such a plan.
###
One evening, Elliott greeted her at the cabin when she came home from work and handed her a glass of champagne.
“What’s this for?”Hazel asked.“Good news?Did you get a job?”
“Better than that.I came out to my parents.I had a Zoom call with them earlier this afternoon.I admit I was nervous, but as soon as I saw them on my computer screen, I knew I was doing the right thing.By doing it online, I kept things pretty calm.I explained this was nothing new, that I realized I was gay at an early age, but didn’t want to disappoint them.”
“How did they take it?”Hazel asked.
“My father got very quiet and wouldn’t look into the camera.But my mother told me she’d love me no matter what.After my dad got off the call, she explained it would take him time to get used to the idea, but that he was a kind man and would come around.I don’t think she realized her eyes were filled with tears the whole time I was talking.”
