Amused by how Tracy had staked her claim on him, Hazel held out her hand.“Nice to meet you.”
As they shook hands, Hazel noted how strong Tracy’s fingers were and realized how fit she was.
More people arrived, and Hazel resigned herself to the fact that there would be no job discussion in this setting.She turned to Dani and began talking to her about the hardware store.
Because it was the weekend, people stayed longer than on some nights.By the time the group began to break up, Hazel was more than ready to go home.
As she walked out of the restaurant, Ross caught up with her.“Come see us tomorrow.We can talk.How does two o’clock sound?”
Hazel heaved a sigh of relief.“Perfect.Thanks.I’ll see you then.”
As he left, Whitney came up beside Hazel.“You’ve got an interview with Ross?I know how much you want this.”
“I’ve been pretty open about not wanting to return to teach under Nolan Deere.Hopefully, there’s a job for me at the Sports Center.”
“If that doesn’t work out, I’m sure we can all help you find a job somewhere in town,” said Whitney, giving her an encouraging pat on the back.
Hazel went to her car and climbed in, feeling optimistic.
###
The next morning, Hazel sipped coffee and nibbled on a piece of toast as she sat in front of her computer researching the Sports Center.Their website was very helpful, showing a map of the layout of the entire project.Ross Roberts and Mike Dawson were the majority owners with a few other investors.Very little was said about them on the website, but Hazel looked them up online.
She knew a lot about Ross’s background, growing up in New Jersey and playing baseball since he was a kid.He’d been a standout all his sporting life.Now, he was married to Melissa Hendrickson and living in Lilac Lake.Ross was easy-going and open as he made friends in town.
Mike was another story.He was a Florida state champion in tennis who’d gone professional, had grown up in northern Florida, and had run a tennis camp year-round for several years.The facts about him were pretty lean.Mike didn’t live in Lilac Lake, and though he was pleasant to everyone when he was visiting, he was guarded when it came to talking about himself.
Mike and she had dated one time, but Hazel lost any interest when she realized Mike had a female friend in Florida.Though she and Mike saw each other from time to time, they kept their distance.Now, she was in a difficult position because she needed his support to be able to work at the Sports Center.
###
As Hazel dressed for the interview, her instinct was not to fuss too much with her appearance.She doubted any job at the Sports Center would require more than very casual clothing.On the other hand, her training and her pride made her do her best with her hair, use a little makeup, and put on her favorite pair of slacks and a bright, floral, summer sweater.
She carried a leather folder containing two copies of her revised resumé.This updated version listed some of the work she’d done before she began her teaching career—things like the summer she worked as an administrative assistant, and the summer she worked at a children’s camp.
Hazel drove to the Sports Center, parked, and got out, interested to see some activity on the baseball field.She went to the main entrance and spoke to the person behind the reception desk.A pretty young girl who wore a T-shirt with the high school logo on it.
“I have an appointment with Ross Roberts,” she said.“I’m Hazel Belmont.”
The girl looked down at some paperwork on the desk.“Oh, I see a note here that says you’re to meet with Mike Dawson in the office.”She gave Hazel a quick smile.“You’re lucky.The office is to your right, first door on the right.”
“Thanks.I know,” said Hazel, feeling her fingers grow cold.Just her luck.Ross wouldn’t be there to support her.
Hazel walked down the corridor rehearsing pleasant things to say.
When she got to the office door, she knocked.
“Come in,” said a deep voice from inside.
Hazel opened the door and stared at Mike, who was talking on the phone.At his indication, she sat in a leather chair facing his desk.
“Okay, gotta go,” said Mike.“I’ll talk to you later.”He hung up the phone and stood, showing off his trim, muscular, sun-kissed body that would make any woman between the ages of twelve and ninety-two drool.His light-streaked brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail.But it was his green eyes that captured her as the corners of them crinkled from the smile on his handsome face.
“Well, Hazel, I was surprised when Ross told me you were interested in working here.Let’s talk about that.”
Hazel had felt uncomfortable in the principal’s office.This was even worse.
Gathering herself, Hazel said, “Hi, Mike.I understand that you’re back in Lilac Lake at least for the summer.”
