Blake put an arm around Poppy.“She’s made me a happy man.”
“You guys are perfect together,” said Hazel, making room for Whitney and Nick Woodruff to join them.
Whitney and Nick commented on the engagement, and Hazel eased away.She was ecstatic for Poppy, who in her early forties had all but given up on finding the man she wanted to marry.This would be Blake’s second marriage, and this union couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Hazel’s excitement faded as she realized that everyone else seemed to be moving ahead with a new love.She reminded herself of the importance of staying strong, not falling for someone she knew she wouldn’t be content with for the long haul.
She walked into the kitchen to deliver her gifts and found Mike with Tracy, the beautiful woman he’d been with last night.
“Hi, Mike.Hi, Tracy.It’s so nice to see such a crowd here.”
Tracy didn’t say anything.Mike gave Hazel a quick grin and moved away, Tracy trailing behind him.
Hazel’s self-confidence took a beating.She told herself that this wasn’t the place to discuss business and that it was in her best interest to stay away from them.For some reason, she didn’t think Tracy liked her.
Misty and David walked into the kitchen, and soon Hazel and Misty joined a group of female friends.
Time flew as the party grew bigger and louder, and more food was offered.
By the time Hazel headed home, she wasn’t worrying about her job at the Sports Center.She had a lot of people behind her.She’d get the job or not.
###
At school the next day, Hazel looked out over her class and felt a pang of regret that she wouldn’t continue to follow their progress in school.All of them mattered to her.
Nolan Deere stuck his head into her classroom, walked over to her, and said quietly, “Are you sure you won’t change your mind about staying?”
Feeling as if fate were calling to her, she nodded.
Grimacing, he left the room.
Hazel wasn’t sure what the future would bring.She just knew it was time for things to change.Wasn’t that what life was all about—taking chances and meeting new challenges?
###
Hazel was packing up school papers to take home when her cell phone rang.Ross.
“Hi,” said Hazel, unable to hide the note of hope in her voice.
“Mike and I are wondering if you can stop at the Sports Center on your way home,” said Ross.“We want to talk to you about a position here.”
“Excellent.I’m just about to leave school.I’ll see you shortly,” said Hazel calmly, though her heart was pumping blood through her at an alarming pace.
She ended the call and did a little dance by her desk, thanking her lucky stars she hadn’t been wrong about moving forward.She stopped suddenly, hoping she wasn’t being premature.She had no idea what the job was.
Hazel hurried to her car and took off for the Center, pleased she wouldn’t have to wait long to find out.
She went inside the Center and was satisfied to see that the high school student behind the desk was wearing a Sports Center T-shirt.
“May I help you?”the student asked her.
“I’m here to meet with Ross Roberts and Mike Dawson,” Hazel replied.
“Oh, yes.Let me show you to their office,” said the student.
Hazel didn’t have the heart to tell her she knew the way and dutifully followed her.
When she knocked on the door and opened it, both men stood.
