Page 22 of Love's Home Run

Melissa finished her toast and coffee and sat beside Nettie, who showed her a picture of a V-neck lacy gown with capped sleeves and a full skirt.

“What do you think?” asked Nettie.

“I want to see all the ones you like before making a decision,” said Melissa. She loved the excitement on Nettie’s face but couldn’t help wondering if the day would ever come when she’d be looking for her own wedding gown.

After looking through the other six magazines, Melissa knew she didn’t love the dress Nettie had chosen for herself. She didn’t know what to say.

“Okay,” said Nettie. “I want the truth. I get the distinct impression that you don’t like my choice. Fess up, girl.”

“Okay, I will. Nettie, you’re a beautiful woman, so I don’t understand why you’re leaning toward full-skirted, lacy choices that I don’t think suit you as well as some others.”

Nettie nodded thoughtfully. “Thanks. I don’t have a tall, lean body like yours, and with my job, I won’t be thinner for the wedding. I see what you mean, though. I need to go with simpler designs.”

Melissa let out a breath of relief. “Yes. You don’t need to hide behind some big, fancy gown. Choose one that shows your body. Jason loves you as you are.”

Nettie threw her arms around Melissa. “Thank God, you’re being honest with me. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Hide.”

Melissa gave Nettie a squeeze and smiled at her. “You’re beautiful, Nettie. Let’s look for something different. I saw a dress earlier that I think would look lovely on you.”

They went through the magazines more slowly, discussing different dresses.

“Found it!” said Melissa. She showed Nettie a simple, A-line, short-sleeve dress with a V-neck, whose skirt fit at the hips and fell softly to the floor in lovely, silken folds.

Nettie studied it and turned to Melissa with tears in her eyes. “It’s perfect. I see what you mean about letting it be simple. I’m so glad I asked for your opinion. When your time comes, I hope you’ll ask me for mine, though I must tell you that you'll look fabulous no matter what you choose.”

“Don’t hold your breath about helping me. At this point, I’m trying to get Dirk McArthur interested in me. I have a feeling it’s going to take time. But it’ll be worth it. On paper, he seems perfect.”

“Melissa,” said Nettie. “It’s more than about looking good on paper. The chemistry has to be there.”

Melissa waved away Nettie’s concern. “Oh, I know. But it’s a smart place to start.”

Nettie looked up at the kitchen clock. “I had no idea it was so late. I’ve got to head to the restaurant. Make yourself at home here. I’ll try to get back early. Sunday nights are slow.”

“Okay. See you then,” said Melissa. “I’ll go back to the hospital and see how Ross is doing. I feel bad seeing him in bed with monitors and his knee a mess.”

“You’re doing everything you can for him.”

As they said goodbye, Melissa hoped Nettie was right. It was the least she could do after the accident.

CHAPTER NINE

Ross was on his phone when Melissa walked into his hospital room. She stopped and waved at him, then turned away to give him some privacy.

“Melissa, come here. My father wants to talk to you,” said Ross.

She walked over to him and accepted the phone he handed her. “Hello?”

“You’re the woman who lives next door to Ross?” he said. “I want to thank you for your help. But I need to know if he needs family around, you’ll call me.”

“Yes, sir. I’m Melissa Hendrickson. I’ve promised to help him all I can. I’m the person who ran into him.”

“So, you’re a ball player?” he asked, teasing gently before chuckling.

“I caught the ball. That’s all I’m saying,” she said, enjoying his joke.

“It sounds as if you’ll be good medicine for him. I can’t come to Boston to see him. But I’ll keep in touch with you to make sure he’s all right. Is that okay?”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Melissa said. “It was nice talking to you.” She gave him her number and then handed the phone back to Ross.

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