Page 47 of Love's Home Run

She buzzed his room and got no answer. Then she called his cell. “Hi. How are you?” she asked.

“Fine. Come on down to the breakfast area. I’m here.”

Glad he was feeling better, Melissa went downstairs to join him. When she walked into the breakfast area and scanned the room, she stopped in surprise.

Ross was sitting at a table with Lanie.

He saw her and waved her over. “You remember Lanie, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. Hi, Lanie.” She gave Ross a questioning look.

“I asked Lanie to join me.”

“We’ve been friends forever,” said Lanie, laying a hand on Ross’s forearm and smiling at him.

Though Melissa’s insides froze, she forced herself to curve her lips.

Lanie got to her feet and enclosed Ross in a warm embrace. “I’ll see you later. Have a safe trip.” She turned to Melissa. “You, too.”

“Thanks,” Melissa muttered, so unsettled she could barely speak.

After Lanie left, Ross said, “As soon as you finish breakfast, we should get on our way. I’m suggesting we stay on Interstate 95. We might be able to make it to Richmond or farther. I know you want to explore the coast south from there.”

“All right. After that pizza last night, I don’t need much for breakfast,” said Melissa.

“I’ll go get my luggage, fill the car at the gas station next door, and meet you out front. Is that okay?” he asked.

“Yes. I promise not to take long.”

“No worries,” Ross said. “We’ve got all the time we need to get to my appointment in Florida. The rest of the schedule is up to you.”

After Ross left the dining area, Melissa poured herself a cup of strong coffee, still confused.Ross had called Lanie?

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Ross picked her up at the front entrance, stowed her luggage in the trunk of his car, and got behind the wheel.

“Before we go, there’s a call I must make. Bear with me.”

He punched in a number, and the computer screen in his car lit, telling them he was connected. “Hello, Mrs. Barnard. May I speak to my father?”

“Of course. Let me put him on,” she replied.

“Hello,” came his father’s voice, sounding weak.

“Dad, before Melissa and I take off for Florida, I need to know if you want us to stay here an extra day. We’re happy to do so.”

“No, son. You both have promises to keep. That’s more important to me right now. Thanks for the offer. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Dad.” At the click ending the call, Ross turned to her. “I had to be sure.”

“No problem. I’m here to help you however I can,” Melissa said.

“Thanks for your help last night. Seeing Dad in his condition has brought it all home—his illness, Mom’s death, life’s questions.”

He pulled out of the hotel’s parking lot, and after weaving through streets, they were back on the Interstate highway.

They’d driven in silence for a while when Ross turned to her. “What do you think Dad meant? That we both had promises to keep?”

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