Hazel couldn’t help the wave of happiness that filled her, and then chided herself for thinking that his reaction was reality.He was simply playing his part well.So well that she was charmed by him.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Driving her mother to the airport outside Portsmouth, Hazel had mixed feelings.The visit had gone better than expected.But with her mother gone, where did that leave her and Mike?Especially worrisome was the idea that her mother wanted to return to New Hampshire so her father could meet and judge Mike for himself.
Hazel told herself to stick with the “just dating idea” so it wouldn’t be so disappointing if she and Mike “broke up.”
Another cause of concern was her idea of going ahead and becoming certified to become a foster parent in New Hampshire if the need ever became real with Jed.
“You’re very quiet,” said her mother.“Is everything all right?”
“I’m sad to see you go,” said Hazel.“But I’m glad your life is so full at home.I hope you have a much better grasp of why Elliott wants to stay here.I’m excited that he’s finally becoming himself, not hiding who he is from parents who’ve always expected too much of him.”
“I agree.Elliott and I had a long talk.I’ve loved him since he was a child, and I want him to be happy.I’m sure Cassandra will understand better after we have a chance to talk.”
“That’ll be a big help to Elliott.He’s never wanted to disappoint them,” said Hazel.
She pulled into a parking spot and helped her mother inside the terminal.
They stood staring at one another, and then her mother said, “I hate goodbyes.”She wrapped her arms around Hazel and kissed her.“See you another time.”
Hazel murmured, “Love you,” and thought of Jed and others like him who might never have been as lucky to have such a loving mother.
###
On her way back to town, she got a call from Mike.
“I’m on my way to The Meadows to look at the house Brad was talking about last night.Are you able to join me?I was serious when I said I needed a woman’s perspective on it.I want to see if it could be a suitable place for Jed if I should ever need to foster him.”
“I’m sure it will be fine for that, but I’m curious to see the house,” said Hazel.“I promise to be truthful.”She chuckled.“I hope you know I don’t normally deceive people.But in my mother’s case, I knew what would happen if I didn’t come up with something to keep her at bay.”
“Your mother is a very nice woman who wants the best for her daughter,” said Mike.“I admire her.”
“She really liked you,” said Hazel.
“Your mother was very pleasant to me, but make no mistake, I realize we’re from very different backgrounds.Your family has a housekeeper, belongs to a country club, and has always had a privileged life.”
“But that’s not me ormylife,” countered Hazel, upset by the thought of Mike thinking he wasn’t good enough for her.He was a lot more thoughtful than most of the so-called suitable men who came from her background.
“Well, it’s a moot choice.We did a satisfying job convincing your mother she didn’t need to put so much pressure on you.What did she think of the idea of fostering Jed?”
“I haven’t mentioned it,” said Hazel.“I need to get the training and applications done before discussing it with her.But if it happens, that’s my decision.Not hers.”
She ended the call with Mike and continued driving to The Meadows, lost in thought.If she were totally honest with herself, she’d admit that she was falling for Mike.Hard.And she had no idea what to do about it.
The sign for The Meadows appeared.Hazel drove into the development and over to the reception building.Mike saw her, got out of his car, and waited for her to join him.
Inside the office, Mike talked to Melanie Perkins from Lake Realty, who was handling sales for the development.Melanie was a middle-aged woman with bright red hair who kept track of everyone in town.If you had nothing to hide, you had nothing to fear.
Now, she rose from behind her desk and hurried over to greet them with handshakes and quizzical looks.“Who do we have here?Are you Mike Dawson?”
“Yes,” said Mike.“And this is my friend, Hazel Belmont.I’m the tennis pro at the Sports Center, and Hazel is the administrator there.”
“Aw, yes.I’ve heard such positive things about the Sports Center.I’ve been meaning to apply for a swim membership,” said Melanie.
“Now is a wise time to do it,” said Hazel.“We’re filling those memberships quickly.”
Melanie looked at her and smiled.“An enthusiastic administrator.Too bad you’re not interested in real estate.”
