Page 83 of Love's Home Run

“You’re not pushing him away, are you?” said Nettie.

“Not really. I just don’t want to be friends with benefits,” said Melissa. “I want a real relationship.”

“Whoa! Where did that come from?” Nettie said.

Melissa shot Nettie a helpless look. “Crystal tells me to let time take care of things.”

“Wise advice,” said Nettie, taking hold of Melissa’s hand. “Why aren’t you listening to her? We’ve been friends for a long time. I’m here if you need me. But you know I’m going to agree with Crystal. For heaven’s sake, give Ross a chance. You’ve only been dating for a few weeks.”

“You’re right,” said Melissa. “I’m not used to being in this situation. I love him, and it scares me.”

“Yes, I understand, but you’ve got to give him time to reach the same point. Isn’t that what you want? For him to feel the same way you do?”

Melissa nodded, allowing Nettie’s words to sink in.

“It’s all going to be fine. Slow down and let the relationship develop. Now, let’s talk about the town and why Justin and I should move here,” said Nettie, eliminating some of the tension in the air.

Jason appeared carrying a cup of coffee. He sat in a chair next to Nettie. “Morning. What are you talking about?”

“The town,” said Nettie. “I want Melissa to tell us what living in Lilac Lake is like.”

Melissa sat back and drew a breath. “Lilac Lake is very special. It’s small-town living for sure, but the lifestyle is one of being healthy, living each day well with lots of outdoor activities, and having time for enjoyment,” she said, realizing how much she loved it.

The conversation turned to more practical matters like health care, schools, sports, and other things most people want to know about anywhere they live.

“I’m going to show you around the town, and we’ll pop into the café for breakfast so you can see the operation and taste the food. Crystal doesn’t know we’re coming, so it’ll be a surprise, which is the best way for you to make a fair judgment.”

Melissa didn’t say that by dropping in on a regular morning, Nettie and Jason would understand better how important the café was to the town.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

When they were dressed and ready to go, Melissa and her friends piled into her car. She began the tour by riding through her neighborhood, showing them the houses and the lake activity connected to them. Then, she pulled into the Lilac Lake Inn on her way into town.

“Come take a look at it,” said Melissa, turning off the engine and getting out of the car.

The new owners, of whom Ross was one, had done a fantastic job of renovating the inn, bringing its original beauty to life with the updates.

They strolled around the grounds and went inside to look.

After speaking to the manager, they were offered a kitchen tour. It gleamed with the latest equipment. Melissa realized that if it came down to it, she could be happy cooking here. She noticed Nettie’s interest.

“The Inn is a beautiful hotel,” said Jason. “It helps to know it’s drawing people to the area.”

“Wait until you see the town with its charming storefronts, shopping, and food. And as you’ve already seen, the lake is another reason for bringing visitors here,” said Melissa with pride.

“I want to see where your restaurant was,” said Nettie. “I mentioned it to a few people in Boston, and one person I spoke to might be interested.”

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They drove into town and pulled up behind the cleared land where the family seafood restaurant, Fins, had stood. It made Melissa sad to see it.

“We can park here and walk to the café,” said Melissa.

They moved past the fencing that had been placed around the perimeter of the land and entered Main Street.

“That was an ideal location for a restaurant,” said Jason, turning back and looking at the bare spot. He gazed down the street and pointed to the sign for the Lilac Lake Café. “That’s another.”

“Main Street is a treasure trove for any visitor,” said Melissa. “Beyond the café is a bar called Jake’s. It’s where many of us gather in the evening for conversation, drinks, and food. I’ll take you tonight and introduce you to some of the locals.”

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