Page 15 of Love's Bloom
Susie came over to the couch and sat beside her. Gazing at her, she said, “I hope we can become friends. It would mean so much to me.”
Misty studied the gentle expression on Susie’s face and realized Susie needed this connection as much as she did. Wordlessly, they hugged one another.
Tears wet Susie’s cheeks when they pulled apart, and Misty knew Susie was thinking of her daughter.
Clasping Susie’s hand, Misty said, “Now, how about that girl talk? Ask me anything you want.”
Soon, they were laughing as Misty told Susie about the plant David had given her for the cabin and how she said a little prayer of thanks each morning it lived.
“I seem to lack a green thumb,” said Misty.
“Sweet words of love can do wonders,” Susie said. “It’s that way about life, too.”
David approached them. “Dad says the grill is hot. Okay if he starts to cook the steaks?”
Misty and Susie glanced at one another and nodded. Misty thought they both might be ready for something more than one dinner together.
CHAPTER FIVE
As he drove her home, David was quiet. Misty was content to let the silence between them continue. She had a lot on her mind.
David pulled into the driveway, stopped the engine, and turned to her. “I haven’t seen my mother this happy in a long time. She misses Lily, and your visit has done her a world of good.”
“She helped me too. While we were in the kitchen, she asked me to meet her for lunch before the start of school, and I said I would. With no mother, I’ve never had the chance to do something like that.”
“Nice,” said David. His gaze settled on her and softened as he pulled her close. Tilting her chin, he met her lips with his own, sending warmth and something more through her.
Memories suddenly blocked her senses. Vince used to pin her arms and whisper ugly words into her ear.
Misty fought the feeling of being trapped in David’s embrace. Heart pounding, she pushed him away. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
David gave her a look of concern. “Are you alright? Is it anything I did?”
Tears blurred her vision. “It’s not you. I’m not ready for more. Not yet.”
“Look, we don’t have to do this, but I want to continue seeing you. May I call you? Ask you out?” David asked.
“I’d like that, but only if you’re willing to be patient with me.” She climbed out of David’s car and turned to him. She gave him a tentative smile and waved. She couldn’t let Vince ruin what she felt with David. Nobody had ever kissed her like that.
He waved and smiled in return, and after waiting to see that she got inside the house okay, he pulled out of the driveway.
Misty waited until he was gone, and then she shut the front door and leaned against it. She realized how demanding and controlling Vince had been, even when kissing her. She’d mistaken that for passion. Now, after David’s kiss, she knew better.
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The next morning, Misty decided to visit the park. It seemed only right after spending the night thinking about David’s family. His mother was such a loving person, and it touched Misty to think Susie genuinely wanted to spend time with her. She’d always be grateful to her for sharing the story about her mother. It was a precious gift to know her mother wanted her, even under unusual circumstances.
Misty hugged her pillow. No wonder David was such a caring person. He’d come from a warm family who’d shown him what love was. And that kiss of his was magical. If only she hadn’t allowed thoughts of her toxic ex to intrude on the moment.
She got out of bed and dressed for her morning walk. She had only a short time before she had to set up her classroom and attend orientation classes for new teachers. Students would arrive for their first day of school on August 28th. Until then, Misty planned to take advantage of every summer day she could.
She was now familiar with the neighborhood that she walked through to get to the garden and waved to an older woman who was watering her flowers in front of her house. Farther down the block, a fluffy white dog ran to the front fence of his house, barking a greeting. Most of the rest of the houses had little activity as she walked along the sidewalk early this morning.
In the garden, Misty was relieved to see that no one was there. She wanted the place for herself to reflect upon the family who’d created this space for the town. Misty wanted to show her respect to the young woman after being with the Grahams, seeing photographs of his sister, and knowing of their love for Lily.
She lowered herself onto one of the park benches and stared at the pink flowers in front of her. She was certain she would’ve liked Lily. Misty hadn’t known her except as a pretty young woman who was older than Crystal’s group of friends. She’d left town for college in New York City, and, following graduation, had stayed in New York doing some modeling before becoming a teacher. With her blond beauty, Lily might never have chosen Misty as a friend, and yet Misty felt connected to her in a way she couldn’t describe.
A butterfly landed on a pink rose and then fluttered its wings in front of Misty’s face for a few seconds before flying away. She could almost believe it was a sign from Lily to follow her instincts and reach out to Lily’s mother.
