Page 40 of Love's Home Run

Melissa squeezed his hand. “I dread the day I have to go through anything like this with my parents. I’ll be there for you.”

She could feel his eyes on her as she sat behind the wheel. Finally, he said quietly, I know you will.”

The appointment for Ross’s doctor had been made for his suburban office in Dedham. It was much more convenient for them than having to go into Boston.

Later, as Melissa was sitting, waiting for Ross, she thought of all the culinary opportunities for her downtown. In the end, she knew she wouldn’t even inquire about them because the one thing she did know about her future was her desire to stay in Lilac Lake.

Movement at the exit window caught Melissa’s attention. She looked up to see Ross giving her a thumbs-up sign. The smile on his face lit his blue eyes, and her lips curved.

She waited anxiously for him to give her the details.

After he completed the paperwork and paid, he walked over to her, and they headed out the door.

“Okay, what did he say?” she asked.

“First of all, I’m a star patient. He’s very pleased with my progress and said I was an excellent patient and could do well independently. But he’s very glad you’re going on the trip with me. He warned me about sitting too long in one position. So, we’ll have to stop more often than we ordinarily would so we both can stretch our legs.”

“That’s easy enough. When do you want to leave?” she asked.

“Is tomorrow too early for you?”

Melissa shook her head. “It sounds perfect to me.”

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The next morning, she stood at the end of her driveway, her suitcase and duffle at her feet. Ross was to pick her up at ten o’clock. Because his father had late mornings and then took an early afternoon nap, they hoped to arrive in New Jersey by the time he awoke.

Ross drove his silver BMW to her, got out, and they stowed her luggage in the trunk.

“I’ve got water and snacks for us,” Melissa said.

“Thanks. I’ll start driving but will stop and have you take over. We’ll see how the leg does.”

“Deal,” she said, sliding into the passenger seat. She was pleased his car was so comfortable. She’d never driven or ridden in a car for so many days at a time. This trip would be one to remember, with interesting stops along the way. She’d revised the list of the places they might want to see, even though she knew it would be impossible to visit all of them.

Ross glanced up at the sky. “It looks like a great day to drive. The storm has chased away some of the heat, and the roads are clear.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting your father,” she said. “I wish it were under happier circumstances.”

“Me, too,” said Ross, his solemn expression revealing the depth of his love for his father.

The sounds of country music filled the car as they headed into town on their way to the highway. Ross surprised her by taking a small detour to drive past the remnants of the restaurant. Now that the fire department had completed its investigation, a bulldozer was removing the debris from the site. Her parents were standing by, watching.

Melissa gave them a wave, and Ross drove on. She was relieved to leave town to avoid dealing with the demise of the restaurant she and her parents had loved. In time, she’d have to make some decisions about her life going forward, but having this reprieve was a blessing.

They drove to Interstate 95, and Melissa asked for a stop. “I can take over the driving if you wish.”

“Maybe you’d better,” said Ross, getting out of the car and rubbing his leg. “Then, when we get closer to my parents’ house, I’ll take over.”

“Okay,” said Melissa. “I’ll be right back. I need to use the facilities.”

When she returned to the car, she slid behind the wheel and checked the dashboard to see how it was set up. Though there were differences in layout, the details were pretty much the same as her Lexus. Her parents had always insisted she have what they considered a safe car to drive, and she’d come to like the conveniences of the luxury cars they’d handed down to her.

“Thanks for taking over,” said Ross as they pulled out of the gas station.

“Good neighbors, remember?” she said, and they both smiled.

Melissa played light classical music as she drove. It had taken years to find music for the kitchen that pleased all the staff. Though it wasn’t the favorite of many, it was pleasant enough for everyone to work with.

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