Page 30 of Love's Home Run

Melissa laughed. “The more the merrier. Let me know if I can do anything else. And, Ross, let me know when you’re due to go to rehab. I’ve scheduled my time, so I can take you any morning.”

Ross gave her a little wave, and she left, feeling happy about all she’d done for him. She’d never forget the sound of the two of them hitting the ground with a jarring thud.

When she returned to her house, she showered and changed for her shift at the restaurant. Cooking for others and giving them pleasure with excellent food was an important part of who she was.

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At the restaurant, her mother smiled. “How did it go with Ross?”

“He’s home. He’s using a walker to steady himself. I have a feeling he will recover quickly because he’s in great physical condition.”

Her mother lifted her eyebrows and studied her.

Melissa pushed away her mother’s hopeful look with a wave of her hand. “Mother, it’s not like that. Besides, most men in my social group are in shape, including Dirk.”

“How was your evening with Dirk?” her mother asked.

Though she was concerned and uncertain, Melissa forced a smile. “Nice.”

“He’s a likable man,” said her mother with approval. “Everyone who’s been to the dentist lately has told me how professional he is, how gentle.”

“He’s going to open an orthodontics practice at the office. That’s what he studied,” Melissa said, hoping for more approval.

Her mother smiled. “With our growing population, something like that is needed.” Her mother checked her watch. “You’d better head into the kitchen. I have to get busy here.”

As she worked, Melissa found her rhythm chopping ingredients for a fresh fish chowder and couldn’t help thinking about the Mexican meal she’d shared with Dirk. She could tell Mama Montoya liked him, and it made her happy. She’d dated someone a couple of years ago who Mama hadn’t been impressed with. She’d let Melissa know in subtle ways. It stung at the time, but he’d turned out to be a player who would’ve ruined her life if Melisahadn’t ended the relationship. Because, once again, she’d shown how naïve she was about men.

###

That night, after an early evening at the restaurant, Melissa headed to Jake’s to see who in her gang might be there.

She was pleased to see Misty, Crystal, and Emmett with Mike and Dirk.

“Ah, I’m happy to see you’re still here,” she said, sitting at the community table.

“We got off to a late start,” Crystal said. “I can’t stay long, but Mike has been telling us about Ross’s recovery. It will be several weeks until he’s left on his own.”

“Yes, but knowing Ross, he’ll recover quickly,” said Mike. “He’s a very determined, independent guy. But thanks to Melissa, he will be well taken care of.” He winked at her.

Melissa smiled. “I hope so.” She turned as a waitress appeared and ordered a glass of merlot.

After the waitress left, Melissa told Misty, “It’s nice to see you. I hear you’ll become a teacher in one of our local schools.”

“Yes, at the elementary school. I can’t wait. Of course, I might still be working part-time at the café.”

“That’ll keep you busy for sure,” said Melissa. She liked Crystal’s little sister and remembered how Crystal had raised her in the past days when their mother couldn’t. “Anything else exciting going on?”

“I’m talking to Mike about a refreshment stand at the baseball field he and Ross are building,” said Crystal. “I’m thinking it could be run by high school students, giving them a chance to learn how to provide food to a group. I’d hire someone to help them get started and give them a list of the food they need to order.”

“Interesting idea. It would give the kids training and a chance to earn some money. Kudos to you, Crystal. You’re always doing something for the community. Adding the kids’ baked goods to the Summer Faire baking contest was genius. We need to get more teenagers interested in the hospitality business, even if the work is sometimes exhausting.”

“That’s why I’m hoping to help Crystal. To give her more time to herself and Emmett,” said Misty, smiling at her sister.

“I wish I had a younger sister to help me,” said Melissa.

“How about a brother?” teased Mike.

Melissa, Crystal, and Misty looked at one another and laughed.

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