“It sounds as if it went as well as it could.Your parents have had plans for you your whole life,” said Hazel, hugging him.“I’m glad it’s finally out in the open.Now, my parents will understand why marriage wasn’t going to work for us.”
“Yeah, I know.It made me realize how unfair I’ve been to you for not telling the truth earlier.I hope you forgive me for that.”
“Of course, I do.I know what it’s been like for you,” Hazel said.“Any word on a job?”
Elliott shook his head.“Not yet.I have a meeting tomorrow with Brooks and Garth Beckman at their lumber company.”
“Oh, that would be a perfect job for you,” gushed Hazel.“Their business has grown by leaps and bounds, and I’m sure they could use a financial manager.I should’ve thought of that.”
“We’ll see,” said Elliott.He raised his glass.“Let me enjoy the freedom I feel from telling my parents I’m gay, and that while you and I are going to continue to be best friends, we won’t ever marry.”
“Yes!I’ll toast to that,” said Hazel.
They went out to the deck with the bottle of champagne Elliott had bought to celebrate and sat enjoying the scenery and each other until it was time to go to Jake’s for supper.
Before they could leave, Hazel’s mother called her.“Hello, darling.I just heard from Elliott’s mother.She was shocked by Elliott’s news, but then realized she should’ve seen it earlier.We discussed the situation, and I told her I’d planned a trip north to see you this summer.I’ve been thinking I’ll make that trip next week when Elliott is still there.You don’t mind having another guest, do you?”
No!No!No!Hazel gasped and then forced herself to say calmly, “Why don’t we see how things go with Elliott staying here?After he’s acclimated here, you could come next month when the summer weather will be at its best.Elliott might have moved out of my house by then.”
Elliott’s eyes widened.He whispered, “Your mother?Here?”
“What do you think?”Hazel asked her mother.
Her mother sighed.“My social schedule is so full, I only have a limited opportunity to visit.I’ll fly up on a Monday, after a Sunday golf tournament.Is that okay with you?I can stay at the Lilac Lake Inn if you can’t accommodate me.”
“How long do you plan to stay?”Hazel asked.
“I’ll fly home on Friday.I don’t want to miss out on a party that weekend.Does that timing work?”her mother asked.
Knowing she had no choice, Hazel said, “I’ll see what I can do about finding a place for Elliott to stay so you can be here at the house with me.”
“Okay, darling, that will do nicely.I’m anxious to see you.And a visit will give me time to get to know your new beau,” her mother said, sending a wave of panic through Hazel.“Can’t wait to see you.Love you.”
“Love you, too,” murmured Hazel, worried about the upcoming visit.She’d have to warn Mike.
###
At Jake’s, Hazel was glad to see a big crowd.The only person Elliott hadn’t met was Brooks Beckman.The fact he’d be meeting with Brooks tomorrow for an interview with Beckman Lumber made it that much more important.
Hazel waved to everyone and introduced Elliott to Brooks.Known as a cool guy who played guitar in a local band, Brooks was the younger brother of Garth Beckman.He did media work for the business.
Brooks was a handsome man in his early thirties with auburn hair and gray eyes who lit up at the sight of Elliott.“I understand my brother and I are going to meet with you tomorrow.”
If Hazel didn’t know Elliott as well as she did, she would’ve missed the gleam of interest he showed as he shook hands with Brooks.
Hazel studied them.Maybe things would work out better for Elliott than she’d thought.She’d hoped Elliott would find a place in town.Perhaps, business and friendship would both be available to him.
She turned as Mike and Tracy came into the bar.Tracy was still wearing a tennis dress, and every male eye watched as she walked toward them, aware she was on display.
Mike walked ahead, letting her take her time.
As Mike sat down beside her, Hazel quietly said, “We need to talk.My mother is coming to town next week.”
He nodded and then pulled out the empty chair next to him for Tracy.
“Am I interrupting anything?”Tracy asked, glaring at Hazel.
“Not at all,” Hazel said firmly.“Just some personal business.”
