Page 9 of Love's Home Run

Pulling out of her driveway, she waved to Ross, who was jogging in shorts and sneakers and stretching in front of his house.

Afraid she might miss her chance to meet Dirk, she went on her way.

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When Melissa walked into the café, she saw Dirk sitting at the counter and walked over to him.

“Mind if I take a seat here?” she asked him.

He turned and smiled. “Not at all. Where’s Ross?”

Melissa could feel the blood drain from her face. “What?”

“You’re together now, aren’t you?”

“No, he’s my neighbor.” She cleared her throat. “I’m here to invite you to dinner at my house. Tomorrow is a slower day of the week at the restaurant, and I thought it would be a way for us to get to know one another better.”

“Thanks. I’m not much of a cook, and any free meal I can get is much appreciated,” he said.

It wasn’t quite the response she was looking for, but she gave him a thumbs up. “Okay, then. Come to my house at 6:30 tomorrow. If the weather is pleasant, we’ll have drinks on the deck before we eat.”

“Excellent.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got to go. See you then.”

As he walked away, Melissa sighed and watched him leave. She’d need more help from Ross if she wanted a better response.

Taylor walked into the café carrying her laptop. She waved to Melissa and came over. “I’m getting a corner table. Want to join me?”

“Sure. I was just wondering if I should leave, but I’m happy to stay,” Melissa said.

“What’s up with you?” Taylor asked, looking puzzled.

“I came to ask Dirk to dinner. I figured I could catch him here,” she said, following Taylor to a corner table that had a reserved sign on it.

Taylor removed the sign and sat down. “With Cooper working at the cottage, I sometimes find it easier to write here. I know it sounds crazy, but I can block out the noise here.”

Misty, Crystal’s sister, came over to them. “Good morning. May I take your order?” She gazed at Melissa. “I saw you talking to Dirk and didn’t want to interrupt you earlier.”

Melissa smiled but realized she’d made a big mistake by coming to the café. Before the end of the day, everyone in town would know she was talking to Dirk, and many would know she’d invited him to dinner.

Taylor ordered coffee and an oatmeal muffin, and Melissa decided to do the same.

“So, how’d it go with Dirk? Taylor asked her.

“Okay, I guess. He says he likes any homecooked meal he can get.” Melissa frowned. “It doesn’t sound great, does it?”

“I’ve noticed Dirk is shy. I’m not saying he’s difficult, not at all. But I imagine it’ll take work to make him feel comfortable about dating,” said Taylor.

“I think you’re right. But I like him. I’m not the most outgoing person, so I’ll give him all the time he needs.”

“What about you and Ross?” asked Taylor.

Melissa let out a long sigh. “I don’t know why everyone keeps asking me that. We’re friends. I like him, but I don’t love him. I’m not the usual type of woman he dates—high fashion models, glamorous actresses, and the like. I wouldn’t be a good fit for him. I think we both agree on that.”

“Oh, I see,” said Taylor. “I’m such a romantic that I’ve imagined possibilities there, not reality.”

“I’m interested in Dirk as someone I could build a future with. I can imagine a very peaceful and happy life with him.”

Taylor made a face. “I just want you to be happy, Melissa. We’ve been friends since early summer days.” She hugged Melissa quickly and turned as Misty brought their orders to the table.

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