“I’m relieved,” said Dani Collister, Whitney’s sister.“We need a touch of southern girl here.”It had taken them a while to get used to Hazel’s drawl, which appeared pronounced when she was especially flustered.
“Okay, y’all, I do declare all y’all are sweet as pah,” said Hazel with exaggeration.
Everyone laughed.
Hazel’s food came, and she sat quietly enjoying it and the conversation around her.Misty was telling everyone about fixing up the cabin where David lived.“We know that we’ll eventually move into his parents’ house by the lake, but the cabin is perfect for us now.”
“It’s not luxurious like Aaron’s cabin,” said David, “but it’s comfortable.”
Hazel turned to Sarah, Aaron Collister’s fiancée.“How are things going with you and the girls living there?”
“It’s a perfect place for all of us, including the dogs.Sometime this summer, we hope to have a party there,” said Sarah, looking to Aaron for approval.“We’ll have to see.”
“That sounds wonderful,” said Hazel, hoping she would still be living in Lilac Lake.She glanced at Ross, and he winked at her.
Conversation turned to Melissa’s cookbook, and Hazel relaxed.Everyone in town knew what a creative chef Melissa had been at her parents’ restaurant before it burned down.Hazel could well imagine how outstanding the cookbook would be.
“How’s the hardware store doing?”Hazel asked Dani.She’d recently bought a share of the business and was working with Sarah, whose parents had started the store years ago.
“It’s very exciting,” said Dani.“I’m dealing with the construction and renovation areas of the store while Sarah is handling gifts and housewares.”
Brad put his arm around Dani.“I like to see you settled and doing what you want.”
Watching them, Hazel felt a ping of envy.She knew she didn’t need a man to make her happy, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t like a special one in her life.
###
A few days later, Hazel was sitting in her classroom correcting math papers when Nolan Deere knocked on her door and entered the room.
“Ms.Belmont, it seems there’s been an increase in enrollment.I’ve received many calls from your students' parents requesting you to teach their siblings.I’d like you to remain at our school.”He stood beside her desk, looking down at her with an unpleasant expression.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Hazel, both delighted and furious with his request.She hadn’t heard from Ross and wondered whether Mike would be willing to hire her.He already knew she was never going to be a groupie of his.
“Just say yes, and we’ll forget the whole … firing thing … misunderstanding … happened,” said Nolan.
Wait a minute!Firing thing?“Well, now that I’ve had a moment to think about it, I’ll say thanks, but no thanks.I have other plans.”
“Other plans?But it’s only been a couple of days …”
“Enough for me to decide to make those changes I was forced to consider,” said Hazel, calmly but firmly.“Now, I’m pleased to explore other opportunities.”
“Like what?”Nolan sneered.
“That’s really none of your concern,” Hazel said, forcing herself to hold her temper in check.
“All right.You’ve had your chance,” said Nolan.He turned on his heel and left the room in a huff.
Hazel watched him go and then sat back in her chair, satisfied.Some days were full of surprises.She just hoped bad news from Ross wouldn’t ruin her decision.
###
On the way out of school, Hazel met up with Misty.
“Do you have time for a cup of coffee at my house?”Hazel asked her.“I want to make sure I haven’t been a fool because of my pride.”
Misty gave her a questioning look.“Sure.I’ve got time.It sounds important.”
They each drove to the cabins and parked in front of Hazel’s home.
