“I know who you mean,” said Mike.“She’s no longer working for us.C’mon, Ray, let’s get ready to hit the court.”
Hazel and her mother sat on a bench outside the tennis courts to watch the match.
Hazel’s mother turned to her.“Your father likes to win.”
“Mike is very generous in giving his opponents a fair chance,” said Hazel.“When I play tennis with him, he’s very sweet about letting me have opportunities to score.”
“You were an excellent player in college,” said her mother.
“I’m even better now.I’ve learned a lot from him.”Hazel grinned and cast an admiring glance at Mike.
Her mother put an arm around her.“You’re sounding more like a woman in love every day.”
The men seemed well-matched to begin with, but then Mike took over by placing some shots that were impossible to return.It was interesting for Hazel to see how in control Mike was without being too flashy.She clapped and cheered for both of them, delighted to see how well Mike and her father seemed to be getting along.
After a couple of sets, the men’s match on the court was over.
“Time for me to cool off,” said her father, taking a sip of water.
“Let’s go back and relax at the house for a while before we head to Elliott’s for dinner,” said Hazel’s mother.
“Okay, excellent game, Ray,” said Mike.“If you don’t mind, I’ll drop you off at the cabin and come back here for a private lesson I couldn’t rearrange.”
‘I’ll stay here and return home with you after your lesson,” Hazel told Mike.“I need to check on a few things so I can have the afternoon off tomorrow.”
“No problem.Your father and I appreciate the time both of you are making for us,” said her mother.
###
Alone in her office, Hazel checked her messages, made sure the calendar was up to date for tomorrow’s activities, went into the store to check on sales there, and moved outside to make sure the trash cans had been emptied on schedule and went to talk to the lifeguards at the pool to be sure they were on the schedule for the rest of the week.Morning exercise and swimming classes were filling up, and people were already asking about winter classes.
Slowly, but surely, the number of employees was rising.Keeping track of them was becoming a real issue because each one served a different purpose, a different sport at a different time.
She ran into Ross, who was supervising a junior baseball team match-up with some older kids.
“They’re looking better,” she said, stopping to say hello.
“It’s rewarding to see how much they’re growing with each game.It’s pretty low-key now, but it will be a very different scene in the winter, when we offer serious training for professionals.That’s when I’ll be super busy.”
“The Sports Center is growing very well,” said Hazel.“Paco and Mallory seem to be doing a commendable job.That’s a huge help.But I’m going to need to hire someone as my assistant soon.”
Ross gave her an approving nod.“Yes, Ma’am.Mike and I were talking about that the other day.”
“Well, I have to go,” said Hazel.“My parents are here.”
“How’s that going?What do they think of Mike?”he asked.
“So far, it’s been okay,” said Hazel.“He’s doing his thing, just being himself.”
“He’s solid,” said Mike.
“Let’s hope it keeps up.Mike just beat my father at tennis.”
Mike laughed.“That’s one way to make an impression.”
At the memory of Mike’s victorious grin, Hazel chuckled.Both her father and Mike had a lot of pride, but the match seemed to work to keep things open and friendly between them.
###
