The morning flew by as Hazel reviewed schedules for the various sports activities, posted new ones, reviewed employee schedules, and worked on marketing ideas.
When Hazel drove home to pick up her mother, she was ready for a break.
“I’ve had a lovely, lazy morning,” said her mother.“But I’m looking forward to lunch.”
“The food at the Café is excellent.My friend, Crystal, used to own it, but now she helps her husband with his medical practice.”
As they headed back into town, Hazel swung by the Grahams’ small park and explained how the family had given it to the town in memory of their daughter, David’s sister.
“Such a sweet idea,” said her mother.
“After lunch, we can stroll up and down Main Street.I’m sure you’ll find plenty of things in the shops that you’ll like,” said Hazel.“And, of course, I want to give you a tour of the Sports Center.”
“Can’t wait,” said her mother.“Of all the jobs I imagined for you, I could never envision you at a sports facility, playing and helping to teach tennis.”
“You’re going to be impressed,” said Hazel confidently.It was so much more than ordinary.
Hazel parked the car and led her mother into the café.
“Where do you want to sit?It’s pleasant enough to sit outside,” said Hazel.
“Outside will be lovely,” said her mother.“It’s so much cooler here than at home.”
As they stepped onto the patio, Hazel saw Ross Roberts sitting with one of the other owners of the Inn.She waved to him and sat down at a table not far away.
“Is that Ross Roberts, the ex-baseball star?”her mother.
“Yes, he’s married to my friend, Melissa, and is part owner of the Inn.He’s a super delightful guy,” said Hazel.
A waitress came over to hand them menus and fill their water glasses.”Nice to see you, Hazel.”
“Thanks, this is my mother, Helena Belmont,” said Hazel.
“Welcome to Lilac Lake.You’ll love it here, if even for only a visit,” the older waitress said.
“It’s delightful already,” said Hazel’s mother.
After some discussion, Hazel and her mother each ordered a chicken salad plate garnished with a summer fruit selection and iced lemonade.
As they sat eating, several other people waved to Hazel as they went in and out of the café.
“You certainly know a lot of people,” said her mother.
Hazel chuckled.“Small town living.At first, it took some getting used to, but now I love it.”
“It reminds me a little bit of home because as big as the area is, we tend to stick to our crowd,” said her mother.
“You’re busy as ever with all the social activities.How’s Dad?Still at the top of his golf game at the club?”asked Hazel.
“Oh, yes.It’s important that he has that physical activity.It keeps him from getting too restless.I can’t imagine what it will be like when the time comes for him to retire.Even though it’s at least ten years or more off, I’m all for keeping him at his job.”
“I don’t blame you,” said Hazel, chuckling.“It’s good that he has his hunting and fishing buddies, too.”Her father was a social person, as well.
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After lunch, as promised, Hazel led her mother up and down Main Street, stopping at whatever shops interested her mother.
Sometime later, they headed over to the Sports Center.
