“Tracy is one of our tennis teachers,” said Hazel, moving them along.But she, too, had noticed how rude Tracy was.
At the baseball field, Ross was standing by as a baseball player was at batting practice, taking pitches from another player.
Ross saw them and walked over.“Hi, Hazel.I assume this is your mother.”
“Yes, meet Helena Belmont.You were talking business at the Lilac Café, or we would’ve stopped by your table.”
“And by the time we were through with our business meeting, you were gone,” explained Ross.“How are you liking our little gem of a town?”he asked her mother.
“It’s lovely.Very charming.I can see why Hazel wants to stay here,” her mother said, smiling.
“She’s been a terrific addition to the Sports Center team,” said Ross.“Are you going to bring your mother to Jake’s tomorrow?”
“Yes,” said Hazel.“I want her to meet everyone.”
“Then you’ll meet my wife and the group of friends who make this home,” said Ross to her mother.
“I can’t wait,” she replied.
Mike approached them wearing tennis shorts and a green shirt that complemented his eyes.Hazel couldn’t help staring at how his clothes outlined his masculine body, accentuating his broad chest, narrow waist, and muscular frame.
“Hello,” said Mike, coming closer.He stopped and smiled at her, and Hazel thought for a frozen moment that he might hug or kiss her to keep up appearances of dating.
“Sorry, I’m all sweaty, but it’s nice to see you here,” he said, grinning at Hazel.
“Thanks, we’re headed home,” said Hazel, hoping to forestall any conversation in front of Ross.
“We’ll see you shortly,” said Hazel’s mother to him.
Ross raised his eyebrows but remained quiet as Hazel gave both men a wave of her hand and took hold of her mother’s elbow to lead her away.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
While her mother relaxed on the deck, Hazel worked on getting dinner organized.Both Mike and Elliott were healthy men who enjoyed their food.
Hazel made a lemon-garlic blue cheese dressing for a tossed green salad and put together the lemon chicken casserole, which was a favorite, an easy dish to make.After sautéingthe chicken breasts, she put a sauce and sliced lemons on top of them in a casserole dish.She’d complete the main course with rice and her mother’s favorite steamed broccoli with a honey mustard dressing.
For dessert, Elliott was picking up something from the Lilac Lake Café.Mike had mentioned bringing a bottle of wine.
After preparing the food, Hazel set the kitchen table with floral placemats, matching napkins, wine and water glasses, and sparkling silverware.In the center of the table, she placed a single pink rose in a bud vase, one she’d picked from a rose bush outside the house.Since coming to Lilac Lake, Hazel had learned to cook, but she’d known since she was a small child that a table had to be well set.Her mother’s tables were sometimes elaborate with multiple crystal wine glasses and water goblets, along with an array of silverware for every course.
Her mother came inside and inspected the table setting.
“I’m very pleased to see you following family traditions of making each meal presentable, Hazel.”
“Elliott is due any moment.Mike will be along after his last tennis class,” said Hazel.
“I’ll go freshen up,” said her mother.“And please remind me to take a photograph of Elliot for Cassandra.”
“Okay,” said Hazel.She grabbed a glass of water and went out to the deck for a few quiet moments.Her mother was an easy-going houseguest, but it was still exhausting to try and keep everything running smoothly.
When Elliott arrived with a blueberry pie, Hazel was relieved to see him.
Hazel could tell from the tense look on his face that he was nervous about seeing her mother.But compared to his straitlaced parents, Hazel knew her mother would be much easier to be with.
She’d just given Elliott a kiss on the cheek when her mother walked into the kitchen.
“Why, hello, Elliott!It’s wonderful to see you.”Her mother gave him a warm hug.
