Page 4 of Love's Home Run

“I’d relish the company,” said Melissa. She hesitated. “Unless you just don’t want to.”

“No, no. I didn’t want you to feel obligated. That’s all,” said Ross. “Any plans for the rest of the day?”

Melissa shrugged. “I thought I’d take a canoe ride on the lake. It’s so peaceful.”

“Want company?”

Surprised, Melissa said, “Sure. It’s a little awkward paddling by myself, but I’ve done it.”

“I’m waiting for Ben to return my car before I do some errands. Paddling around the lake would be a great way to spend some time.”

“Well, then, let’s go now, and I can cool off,” said Melissa.

She put her tools away, locked the back door, and joined Ross out front. Together, they walked down to the newly constructed marina area for the residents of The Meadows. Storage racks for canoes sat away from a dock that had places to tie up small fishing boats. A clubhouse held comfortable couches and chairs, a wall-mounted television, a mini-kitchen, and a fireplace.

Several canoes were pulled up on the shore of the lake, lined up like colorful crayons in a box.

“Which one is yours?” asked Ross.

“The light-blue one,” she said, walking over to it. “I’m glad you’re here to help me put it in the water.” She went inside the clubhouse to get her paddles and lifejackets from the storage room. Each owner had a special cubby to keep equipment like this. So far, no one had abused the easy access.

Once they got the canoe in the water, Melissa climbed in, and Ross pushed them off.

Out on the water, Melissa paddled from the bow in smooth, even strokes as they quietly made their way along the shore. The real estate with lake frontage was carefully controlled. With land values so high, no ramshackle cottages were built here and there. Residents took care of their property and abided by the rule of no motorboats on the lake except for small fishing boats with quiet trolling motors.

Melissa glanced up at the blue sky and sighed in appreciation. Even though it was the busiest time at Fins, summer was her favorite season. Once more, she thought of finding ways to give herself more time away from cooking at the restaurant. She was beginning to feel trapped by her work.

“Look! A Great Blue Heron,” said Ross in a hushed voice.

She turned, smiled, and gave him a thumbs-up. They stopped paddling and watched the bird on stilt-like legs combing the water for fish among grasses at the water’s edge. In one swift movement, the bird dove its head into the water and came up holding a wiggling fish in its beak.

“That reminds me, what are we having for dinner?” teased Ross.

She laughed. “I haven’t decided. Any orders?”

“If you want to keep it simple, I grill a mean steak.”

“Terrific. I’ll put together the rest of the meal but leave the grilling to you. I’ve got some delicious-looking New York strip steaks in the freezer. I’ll get them out when we get back.” She liked the fact that he was willing to help.

It took a while, but they paddled down to the far end of the lake where the Lilac Lake Inn and the Gilford girls’ Lilac Lake Cottage sat overlooking the lake.

Melissa strained to see what was happening at the cottage and saw Taylor sitting on a chair outside with a computer in her lap.

“Hello!” Melissa called.

Taylor looked up and waved, set her computer down, and walked down to the lake's edge. “What are you two doing down here?”

“Getting some exercise,” said Melissa.

“I’m taking a break until Ben gets back with my car,” Ross said. “And helping a neighbor out with her canoe.”

“What good neighbors you are,” said Taylor, giving them a teasing smile.

“It’s nothing, really,” said Ross.

Taylor studied them. “Okay, whatever it is, I hope it works. I have to get back to work. Thanks again, Ross, for allowing me to interview you for my book. I may have to come back for more information as my plot develops, but I’ve made careful notes about our talk this morning.”

“Glad to do it. Ask any time,” said Ross.

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