Page 48 of Love's Home Run

“I’m not sure,” said Melissa, unwilling to tell him that his father had asked her to look after Ross, and that he thought she and Ross should be together.

What was Ross’s promise to his father?

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Melissa and Ross alternated driving as they headed south. For part of the trip, Ross stretched out on the car's back seat to rest his leg. Melissa was happy that he trusted her so much.

That night, they pulled up to a motel beyond Richmond, relieved the trip, so far, was an easy one, even if Melissa couldn’t stop seeing the passing scenery blur in her mind.

Melissa and Ross checked into their rooms, and then Ross knocked on her door. “There’s a restaurant nearby that advertises delicious traditional Southern food. “Want to give it a try?”

“Sure, anything to take my mind off the drive. We made good time, but I need a complete break.” She gathered her purse and headed out the door with him.

Lulu’s was an upscale bar and restaurant. The dark paneled walls were offset by the white linen-covered tables. Fresh flowers in crystal vases sat in the middle of the tables and accompanied the crystal water goblets, sparkling silverware, and crisp black napkins.

“What a lucky find,” said Melissa. She could already smell the aroma of butter, olive oil, garlic, and spices. She loved discovering new food and always took careful mental notes of any recipes she wanted to remember.

“This is my treat,” said Ross after they were seated with menus. “I know how independent you are and how you wanted to keep expenses separate, but I owe you big time. This has been a difficult trip for me, and you’ve helped to make it easier.”

“I’m delighted I could be of help,” said Melissa. “And now you have Lanie to help you. What’s the story between the two of you?”

“We were best friends growing up. My brothers were much older than I was, and having a friend next door was cool until a certain age. Then, later, in high school, we dated. I thought we’d marry one day, but Lanie met Blake Worley. He was the older high school kid who seemed to have everything—rich parents, a sports car that was the envy of every male in the school, and an unstoppable way with women. Lanie was over the moon with him.”

“Did they get married?” asked Melissa.

“Yeah, right after high school. But nobody thought it would last. They were as different as night and day. After they divorced, Lanie thought she could hook up with me. But I’d already seen it wouldn’t work between us either.”

“I think she’s hoping you’ll change your mind about her,” said Melissa.

Ross shrugged, obviously uncomfortable. “She called me this morning. That’s when I thought it might be a good time to talk to Lanie about her and me, and I called her back.

“How long did you stay on the couch last night?” she asked. She remembered their kiss and what it had done to her and wondered if he’d felt the same connection as she.

“I got up sometime around two and made it to my room. I appreciate your letting me stay there for a while. It gave me time to settle my thoughts.” He covered her hand with his and smiled his famous smile.

She gazed into his blue eyes, wishing she could see what was going on in his mind behind them.

He looked away and picked up his menu. “I know what I’m going to have. It was posted on the menu board as we came in. What about you?”

“I’ve glanced at the menu and want to study it more. What are you ordering?

“The Southern Fried Chicken,” he answered easily. “That, and grits and greens. A real southern meal.”

“Hmmm, I might try the catfish,” she said. “It’s something we don’t have at home, and I like to try new things.”

“Let’s start with a glass of wine,” said Ross. “Your choice.”

“Okay, I suggest a pinot noir,” Melissa replied as a waiter came to take their orders.

Later, sipping their wine, Ross lifted his glass. “Here’s to friends. All of them. I realize how lucky we are to have so many in Lilac Lake.”

“Hear, hear. I’ll toast that,” said Melissa, tapping her glass against his.

After they’d each swallowed, Ross cleared his throat. “About last night…”

He gazed at her with a questioning look.

Melissa set down her wine glass. “I’m happy it happened. It’s helped me to rethink things.”

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