“It’s so nice that people your age can play a part in maintaining the quality of life in this community,” said her mother.“I hope that lovely woman who owns the Wild Flower Boutique will be there.”
“That’s Poppy Browning.”
They parked behind the bar and walked around to the front entrance.
As they entered, Hazel saw that several people were already sitting at the tables in the back, reserved for the locals.
Smiling, she waved and led her mother over to them.
Still standing, Hazel introduced her mother and asked everyone there to introduce themselves, which they did, going around the tables in a big circle.
Her mother chuckled.“It’s lovely to meet y’all.Please forgive me if I don’t remember all of your names.”
Hazel chose to sit in the empty chair next to Mike, with her mother seated on her other side.
From across the table, Melissa said, “Mike was just telling us that Tracy moved back to Florida and someone else will be coming to Lilac Lake to replace her.”
“I did find her a bit abrasive,” said Sarah, sitting beside Aaron.“Maybe it’s a good thing.”
“Ross and I were doing her a favor by having her join the staff for the summer,” said Mike.
“We had no idea that she was unwilling to put in much effort,” said Ross.“But then, our business has grown at an outstanding rate due to our administrator.”He grinned at Hazel.
“I knew she’d do a fantastic job,” said Misty.“She’ll be sorely missed at school this year.”
Their waitress came to the table with drinks and food for some of the others, and Hazel and her mother ordered.
Brad began talking about Collister Construction and The Meadows, the upscale housing development outside of town.“We’re having our first family move out of the neighborhood.They just notified us of their intention to do so because he’s got a new job on the West Coast.”
“So, it’s for sale?”asked Mike.
“It’s not on the market yet, but it will be,” said Brad.
“Can I take a look at it?”Mike said.“We’re going to move our new tennis pro into the condo I’m renting, and I think it’s time for me to have something more permanent here.And with Ross and Melissa in the neighborhood, it kind of makes sense for me to be there too.”
Brad grinned.“That would be great.”He looked over to Aaron for his approval, and Aaron gave his silent agreement.
“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow to set up a time,” said Mike.He turned to Hazel.“Maybe you’ll look at it with me.I need a woman’s opinion.”
“Sure,” she said.“I love looking at real estate.”
Hazel could feel her mother beaming at them without even looking at her.But she remained quiet.Not everyone knew what fake dating scheme she and Mike had cooked up.
The waitress arrived, and to Hazel’s relief, her mother’s attention became focused on the fish dinner she’d ordered.
Other locals came and went, giving her mother a very complete introduction to Hazel’s group of friends.
When it came time for them to leave, Mike said, “I’ll walk you out.”
They made their way to the door and stepped outside.
Her mother stood and gazed around.“I love all the sparkly lights.Honestly, this is such a charming town.”
“I know you’re leaving tomorrow morning, but I wanted to say how nice it was to meet you,” said Mike politely.He held out his hand, and Hazel’s mother took it, gazing into his face.
“And it was lovely to meet you, Mike.I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you.I see how you and Hazel are with one another.”
Mike glanced at Hazel and winked.
