Page 86 of Love's Home Run

Inside, Melissa asked the hostess at the lobby desk if she could see Mrs. Wittner and was told to go right along.

Melissa eagerly went down the hallway and knocked on GG’s door. Hearing her cheerful “Come in,” Melissa stepped inside to find GG sitting on the couch with an open book. Her warm smile erased some of Melissa’s nervousness.

“Well, hello, Melissa. It’s so good to see you. Come sit down.”

Melissa handed GG the flowers and chocolates she’d bought.

GG sniffed the flowers and sighed, then grinned at seeing the candy. “Oh, my! Two treats. We’ll have to open the box of candy. First, will you put my flowers in a vase for me? There are vases beneath the kitchen sink.”

Delighted to be able to do something for her, Melissa found several vases stored there, chose one, and added the flowers and water to it.

After Melissa set the vase of flowers on the coffee table, GG patted the cushion next to her on the couch. “Now, tell me what brings you here. Is it that baseball player that I hear about?”

A chuckle escaped Melissa. GG’s communication system was as complete as ever. “I was talking to Crystal the other day, and she mentioned how your words about time taking care of things have helped her. I wanted you to know I’m using them to help me decide about my future.”

Her blue eyes sparkled, and GG said, “I see. Sometimes, we simply must leave issues to resolve on their own so they unfold how they were meant to. I don’t mean we shouldn’t guide our lives; our determination makes many things happen. But there is a time for faith to play a part.”

Melissa drew in a deep breath and began. “Ross Roberts and I have been dating. It hasn’t been that long, but we enjoy one another. His family was excited to meet me and loved the idea of us being together. I don’t have much experience, so I was surprised when Dani asked him about our relationship, and he said we were just friends.” Tears welled in Melissa’s eyes.

GG sighed and shook her head. “With the death of his father and all the emotional turmoil that accompanies it, I would think Ross wouldn’t be thinking too far ahead. As you said, it hasn’t been that long.”

Melissa forced herself to ask the question gnawing at her insides like some sharp-clawed beast. “Do you think I’ve been a fool?”

“No,” said GG. “Women are planners who handle a lot of thoughts at the same time. Men think along one line at a time. Ross was probably shocked at the question, but that doesn’t mean he won’t ponder it now. I understand you’re afraid his feelings aren’t as deep as yours. I’d suggest letting things move at their own pace.”

Melissa sat back against the cushion and let out a sigh of relief. She turned to GG. “How’d you get so smart?”

GG laughed. “Many years of learning after making many mistakes. Now, let’s see what’s in that box of chocolates.”

“Like the line from Forrest Gump –Life is like a box of chocolates,” said Melissa, smiling.

“It’s pretty much true,” said GG, grinning as if she had a secret. She bit into a piece of candy and held it up. “See? This is sweet with a little sprinkling of nuts. That’s good enough for anyone’s life.”

Melissa gave GG a gentle hug. “Thank you so much for hearing me out. I’ve always admired you, and now I know why so many of my friends love talking to you.”

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Leaving The Woodlands on a high note, Melissa drove to the café to see how talks were going for Crystal, Nettie, and Jason. She hoped they were coming to some agreement but decided to let things flow, as GG had suggested.

Her phone pinged. She waited until she parked to check. Her message was from Ross:I had to go to New Jersey to finalize some issues. I’ll see you when I get back. We need to talk. Call me if you get a chance.

Melissa replayed the message again. She was relieved she wouldn’t be seeing him. She needed more time to sort her feelings.

When she walked into the café, Crystal gazed up at her with a dazzling smile. “Hi, Melissa. I believe the three of us are on the same page. We’ve agreed on most points. Now, we’ll get the lawyers involved, finalize numbers, and take it from there.”

Melissa clapped her hands. “That’s a wonderful beginning.”

“There’s a lot to work out on our end,” said Jason, “but it’s doable. First, I must complete the sale of my share of the restaurant. One of our financial backers is interested in buying me out.”

“We’re giving ourselves time to make it work, but I think it will,” said Nettie, beaming at her. “In the meantime, I want to enjoy this area. I’m even going to talk to the owners of the Inn to see if they’d be interested in hiring me.”

At Melissa’s questioning look, Nettie continued. “I’ll have to work elsewhere until the café takes off under new ownership, especially with all the changes we want to make. Crystal has already mentioned putting on some gourmet dinners, and that sounds intriguing.”

“We won’t have to think of housing, to begin with,” said Jason. “That makes a huge difference.”

Melissa listened to the excitement in their voices and knew she’d been right all along. Lilac Lake was a perfect place for Nettie and Jason. The town would be happy to have them.

Now, all they needed was time.

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