Hazel unlocked her front door and waved Misty inside.“Sorry, it’s been a busy week, so it’s kind of messy.But let me get the coffee going, and we can sit outside on the deck.It’s such a perfect time of year to do that.”
“I miss my cabin here along the river,” said Misty.“But I love being with David.He’s easy-going, and we have a lot of fun.After living together for a while, it’s fantastic to know we’re compatible.”
“Nothing like seeing a roomie in the morning for several weeks to know what they’re really like,” said Hazel, fixing them each a cup of coffee.
Misty laughed.“David gets up very early for work.Sometimes, I don’t.”
They walked out to the deck and sat down.
Misty leaned forward and faced Hazel with a look of concern.“What’s going on?”
Hazel told her about Nolan’s visit to her classroom.“He was shocked that I said no thanks after he reluctantly admitted enrollment has increased and parents have been requesting me for the next school year.I’m glad I’d already made up my mind to do something different.Even if parents want me to stay.”
“Believe me, no one else wanted you to leave,” said Misty.
“I’ve grown to dislike even the sight of Nolan Deere.He’s so insincere.He didn’t look very happy about offering me my job back.”
“He’s not an easy person to get along with,” said Misty.“I tend to stay out of his way.There’s been talk of his transferring to another school.If that happens, I can’t think of any teacher who’d miss him.”
“I’m glad it isn’t just me who can’t seem to get along with him.I like to think I can deal with most people,” said Hazel.
Misty took another sip of her coffee and set her mug down on the table between them.“You’re a fabulous teacher.It’s a shame that Nolan has made you think about leaving.But I get it, if you want to try something else.You know you can count on me for a reference.”
“Thanks,” said Hazel.“I just needed to talk to you about it to make sure I wasn’t being stupid.”
Misty laughed.“One thing you’re not is stupid.I’m sure you have some exciting times ahead.I just don’t want you to leave town.”
“Me neither,” said Hazel.“I’m dreading a call from my mother until I can safely say I’ve already got another job.”
“Has Ross offered you a job?”asked Misty.
“Not yet, but I think he will.I just hope it’s something that can give me the same benefits as teaching.Other than that, I’ll be fine.Have you made plans for the summer?”
“David and I were talking about that earlier this week.I was going to take a summer course, but instead, I’m going to spend time with his mother, learning about the business end of the landscaping company.While the staff is busy working outside, I can take over the indoor plant business they have, taking care of plants in offices and professional buildings in the entire region.”
“I’m afraid I’d kill all the plants,” said Hazel.
“I’m learning a lot about them.Each variety of plant has certain requirements.Believe me, I’m still checking my notes,” Misty admitted.
“You and David make such a sweet couple.Thanks for listening to me.”
“Anytime,” said Misty, checking her watch.“I’ve got to be going, but I’m always here to support you.”
They hugged, and Hazel showed Misty out, then returned to the deck to collect the mugs.She hoped by the time the gang met at Jake’s over the weekend, Ross would have good news for her.
CHAPTER THREE
When Hazel walked into Jake’s on Saturday night, she felt a little jittery.She’d heard Mike was back in town, and she was hoping for an indication that he and Ross had reached a positive decision about a job offer.
She went to the back tables reserved for her and her friends and saw Ross and Melissa sitting with Mike and a dark-haired beauty, along with some other group members.
Ross looked up, saw her, and waved her over to a chair next to him, across from Mike.
She greeted everyone and sat down.
“I’m glad you could make it,” said Ross.“As you can see, Mike is back in town.And this is Tracy Rodriguez.She’s going to be working in our tennis program this summer.”
Tracy smiled at her.“Hi, I’m with Mike.”
