Hazel got both bags inside and led her mother to the guest room.“You have a nice view of the woods and the river,” she said, hoisting a bag onto a luggage rack.
“Oh, how sweet!You’ve placed fresh flowers in the room for me,” said her mother.
Hazel smiled.“I thought you’d like them.”
“Oh, yes, zinnias are so colorful.”Her mother gazed out the window.“Lovely.”
“I’ll give you time to get yourself settled, and then we can sit on the deck with a glass of wine,” said Hazel.“Anything I can do for you?”
“No, thanks.I’ll take care of a few things and then meet you outside.”
Hazel left her mother, pleased that things seemed off to a comfortable start.She’d arranged for Mike to stop by before going out to dinner with Tracy.She was curious to see how that would go.
She set out nuts and olives for snacks and pulled a chilled bottle of pinot grigio from the refrigerator.Knowing her mother might be tired from making the trip, she’d planned to have a simple supper at home.
When her mother walked into the kitchen, she was smiling.“This is an attractive little place for you for the moment.You said friends of yours are building beautiful homes outside of town.That might be a smart investment for you or you and Mike together.When do I get to meet this man of yours?”
“He’s going to stop by before attending a business meeting,” said Hazel.“Tomorrow, he’ll come for dinner.I thought the two of us would have a simple meal to give you time to relax.”
“That’s thoughtful, thank you.”Her mother sniffed the air.“The scent of pine is always refreshing.“
“I love hearing and seeing the birds,” said Hazel.“It’s so peaceful.”
“Tell me about your job.And you mentioned a sweet little boy who plays tennis with you.”
“Jed Abbott is the sweetest boy I’ve ever met.He’s in foster care and living with a family in town.It’s given me a reason to think about my future.Someday, I’d like to consider adopting or fostering a child.Seeing how much need there is for it, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
“Don’t you think you’re rushing it a bit?Have you and Mike talked about this?”asked her mother.
“Our relationship isn’t like that,” said Hazel, hoping the whole visit wasn’t going to be about her mother putting her and Mike together.
As if he knew the trouble she was in, Mike rang the doorbell on schedule.At least, she assumed that’s who it was.
Relieved, she went to answer it.
He stood there gazing around.
“I’m so glad to see you,” said Hazel, opening the door and standing back so he could enter.
“Remember, I can’t stay.Tracy has made plans for us to meet up with a couple from the Sports Center,” said Mike.“A business deal.”
“I’ve explained that you have a business meeting to attend,” said Hazel.
Mike gave her an approving look.“This couple is in the doubles group and is important to the Center.”
Hazel led Mike out to the deck and introduced him to her mother.
After shaking hands politely, Mike took a seat next to her mother.
As they talked, Hazel had a chance to assess Mike.After working with so many people helping them to play tennis, he had an easy way about him.The fact that he was athletic and had striking features with brown hair pulled back into a sexy ponytail and green eyes that flashed with friendliness made him appealing.
Hazel grimaced as her mother asked Mike, “So, who is your family and where do they come from?”
Mike hesitated and sat straighter.“I have no idea who or where they are.I’ve been raised in foster homes.”
“Oh.”Hazel’s mother blinked in surprise.“I suppose that’s where Hazel gets the idea of you two adopting or fostering children one day.”
Mike shot Hazel a look.
