Page 87 of Love's Home Run

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

That night, Melissa took Nettie and Jason to Jake’s, hoping to be able to introduce them to her friends.

When they walked into the bar, someone called her name, and Melissa turned to see Dani waving at her. She led Nettie and Jason to the table and introduced them to Dani and Brad, David Graham, Crystal’s fiancé, Emmett, and Crystal’s sister, Misty.

Mike joined them.

“Where’s Ross?” asked Dani.

“He went home to New Jersey to help with family matters,” said Mike.

They all sat after pulling a couple of tables together. Though Jason tended to be on the quiet side, Nettie more than made up for it with her friendliness and sense of humor. Melissa was pleased to see how easily accepted they were.

Dirk arrived with Samantha, and the evening promised to be pleasant, with much laughter, good food, and plenty to drink. Melissa looked around the group, happy to be part of it.

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On the drive home, Nettie said, “What a nice group of friends, Melissa. I can’t wait until we become a permanent part of the town. Right, Jason?”

“Yes. Emmett invited me to come to his house to do some fishing. His house is right next to a river. And Dirk says winter skiing is fantastic. I like the idea of a new work schedule.”

“Thank you, Melissa, for thinking of us,” said Nettie. “Now, if I can only get some work at the Inn.”

Melissa didn’t say anything. She’d hoped working at the Inn would be a possibility for her. They’d have to wait and see how it turned out.

Melissa enjoyed her time with Nettie and Jason but refused to call Ross. She knew he must be busy with family, and she was determined not to push him into a relationship she wanted more than he.

Friday morning, Nettie and Jason prepared to leave.

“Time to go back to Boston. I have a lot to take care of,” said Jason. “You’ve been terrific about helping us and making us feel at home, Melissa.”

“I’m so excited about everything,” said Nettie. “Most of all, enjoying our relationship daily will be awesome again. Thanks for everything. I’ll be in touch.”

“I’m so happy that everything seems to be working out. I hope it continues that way,” said Melissa. “It would be fabulous to have you two in town.”

“We want to make it happen,” said Nettie, taking hold of Jason’s hand.

He smiled at her. “We’d better get going.”

Nettie got into their small Honda’s passenger seat, and Jason slid behind the wheel. With a final wave to her, they took off.

Melissa was still standing in the driveway when she saw a limousine pull into the driveway next door. She turned and went into her house before Ross could get out of the car.

She wasn’t surprised when she heard her doorbell ring a few moments later. Feeling uncertain, she went to the door.

As she suspected, Ross was standing there.

He studied her. “May I come in?”

“Sure.” Her nerves played hide and seek inside her. “How was your trip home?”

“Good,” he answered as he walked into her house. “We had some details to finish. Dad’s house has been sold to a friend of Lanie’s. Other estate affairs were taken care of, too. Sad as it is, there’s no reason to go back there except to visit my brothers and their families.”

“I’m sure you’re relieved you had the chance to settle everything,” said Melissa.

Ross stepped forward and lifted Melissa’s hand. “We need to talk. I was caught off guard by Dani. But you didn’t let me explain.”

“Okay.”Better get it over with, she thought.

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