“I see,” said Hazel, unable to hide her surprise.
“Your father wasn’t wrong when he said he had his future planned by his parents.Both of us fell into those plans, and we’ve had a rewarding life together.But after my visit here, I realized how old-fashioned that whole concept is.You and Elliott were supposed to get married.Why?Because it would’ve been perfect for the social status of both families.I’m ashamed to admit it.”
“I love Elliott, and if he weren’t gay, I might have married him,” said Hazel.“But I’ve known since we were kids that it would never happen.And, Mom, with Mike, I’ve finally learned what love is.I’ve never felt this way about anyone else.It’s as if we click together.You know?”
“Yes, I do,” said her mother.“I see how you look at one another, the way he sometimes just touches your hand.It’s the sweetest thing ever.”
“I thought Dad was going to be difficult about Mike’s background,” Hazel said.
“As long as he knows Mike will never hurt you and will do his best to care for you, he’ll have no objection to you and Mike being together.”Her mother’s smile lit her eyes.“He’s pretty excited about playing a game with a pro like Mike.”
“Mike and I have talked about our future together, but he hasn’t proposed.Neither one of us wants to feel pressured into anything,” said Hazel, giving her mother a warning look.
“I’m glad.Now, tell me about the house Mike has bought.Is it in town?”her mother said.
“It’s outside of town some distance away.After we get dressed, I’ll take you there, and on the way back to town, we can stop at the Lilac Lake Inn for lunch.”
“I’d love that.I’ve missed our girl times,” said her mother.
“Me, too,” said Hazel, realizing she had.All her girlfriends in town had helped fill that space, but she was enjoying her mother in a new way.
###
The drive out to The Meadows allowed her mother to see the lake in its entirety.
“The scenery is beautiful,” gushed her mother.“I wonder if it’s easy to find a rental in the summertime.That way, your father and I could stay for longer without bothering you kids.”
“While we’re at the Meadows, I can introduce you to Melanie Perkins, a real estate broker.She can tell you more about rentals.Just be careful to be discreet.She’s the holder of every bit of news in town.I think that’s why she’s so successful.She knows of houses coming on the market before they’re ever put there.”
Her mother chuckled.“I promise not to mention an engagement between you and Mike.”
“Don’t say anything about us being together or she’ll not only have us engaged, she’ll have us married,” said Hazel.“Sound like someone you know?”
“Not anymore, remember?”her mother said gently but firmly.
“I’m glad I’m sharing this day with you,” Hazel said, glancing her mother’s way before returning her eyes to the road.
She drove through the entrance to The Meadows and parked in front of the sales office.“Come with me, and you can talk to Melanie.”
As soon as they stepped inside, Melanie stood behind her desk.“Ah, Hazel, is this your mother?I heard she was in town.”
Hazel couldn’t help grinning.Melanie already had the news.“Yes.This is my mom, Helena Belmont.She’d like to ask you a few questions about rentals in the area and then we’re going to drive by Mike’s new house.Any word on when the family is moving out?”
“Soon.And I understand the interior will be painted before he moves in,” said Melanie.“So, it’ll be a few more weeks before he’s ready to live there.”She offered them seats and after going through her files, she handed Hazel’s mother several sheets of paper showing rentals in the area.
“The best thing to do is rent a season ahead,” said Melanie.“These will give you an idea of the size and pricing for several rental properties in the area.Several are used as summer rentals and again for winter rentals for the ski season.”
“Thank you,” said Hazel’s mother.
“Have you seen the interior of Mike’s house yet?”asked Melanie.“The family is there now, which is why you can’t go inside unless you make an appointment.”
“No, we’re just going to drive by today,” said Hazel.“I wanted Mom to see it.That’s all.”
“Okay, then,” said Melanie, picking up her ringing phone.“See you later.”
Hazel and her mother got into her car, and she drove up the street into the upscale neighborhood.“There’s a community boathouse and club for the residents.It’s where a lot of people keep their canoes.Only motorboats with small engines are allowed on the lake to keep the area quiet and not disturb the wildlife.”
“A great idea,” said her mother.
