When they pulled up to the sprawling, brick-faced building, Hazel’s mother gasped.“I had no idea it was so big.”
“It has everything.An indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and pickleball courts, a baseball diamond and a baseball training facility, an indoor climbing wall, basketball courts in and out, and the normal gym and training facilities.”
As they walked inside, Hazel explained, “The vision is for year-round opportunities for sports enthusiasts to find something available right here in town.In the winter, skiers may look for a change of pace at our center.The Inn is working on special marketing with us for their guests.”
“With all the different programs, it sounds like the whole town will be part of it,” said her mother.
“Yes, the county made a deal for Ross and Mike to buy the land,” said Hazel.“They’ve come through with all they promised.”
“I’m impressed,” said her mother.
A young woman behind the welcome desk spoke to them cheerfully when they walked inside.“Welcome to the Sports Center.May I help you, Hazel?”
“I’m showing my mother the entire operation here.Thank you for asking,” said Hazel sincerely.It had taken several training sessions to make sure the young students handling the front desk understood the importance of greeting visitors.
“I’ll show you my office,” said Hazel.“It’s not fancy but is nicely laid out.”
As they headed down the hall, Craig Evans approached them.“Afternoon, Hazel.”
“Craig, meet my mother, Helena Belmont.She’s visiting me for a couple of days.”
“Yes, that’s why Elliott moved in with me,” said Craig.“Welcome to Lilac Lake, Ms.Belmont.”
“Thank you.It’s such a lovely little town.You say Elliott is staying with you?I’m hoping to meet up with him.I promised his mother I’d spend some time with him and see how he’s doing.”
Hazel and Craig exchanged knowing glances.
“I’ve already arranged for Elliott to have dinner with us one night,” said Hazel.
“Oh, that’s good then,” said Craig.“See you later.I’m off to a business appointment.”He turned to Hazel’s mother.“Enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you,” her mother said.“I will.”
“Craig is the person Elliott is going into business with.He’s very agreeable and very smart.He’s started a successful financial consulting company that services a lot of the small businesses in the area,” said Hazel.
“Hmm, I see,” said her mother thoughtfully.“Are he and Elliott …
“No, they’re not together.Just friends,” said Hazel.“He’s staying with Craig because you’re in town.As you can imagine, Elliott is working through manythings right now.He’s started a new business and is trying to build a consulting list of his own.”
“It sounds overwhelming,” said her mother.
“I think it is,” Hazel said, not giving away the times she’d seen Elliott second-guessing himself, torn by the disappointment he’d caused his parents.She didn’t want to speak for Elliott, so she kept quiet.
They walked into her office, and Hazel proudly showed her some of the calendars and organizational work she’d done with schedules and with the retail and second-hand shops.
“I’m very proud of you, Hazel,” said her mother, giving her a quick hug.“These are a lot of details to handle, and you’re doing a great job of it.”
“Thanks.I enjoy the work, which I think is more suitable for me than teaching.Still, I help with camp for the kids and various kids’ classes and enjoy that too.”
They walked through the rest of the facility, watching different people and groups enjoying various activities.
When they walked out to the tennis courts, an intermediate class for children was in session with Tracy.Hazel was delighted to see Jed and stopped outside the fence to watch him play.She pointed Jed out to her mother.
“He’s a cute boy,” her mother said, and waved back when Jed waved to them.
“Jed Abbott, pay attention,” shouted Tracy, turning to give Hazel and her mother dirty looks.
“My!Who is that?”said her mother.
