Page 16 of Love's Bloom
Thinking of Susie, Misty wondered if David’s mother was how all mothers were supposed to be. Crystal had done more than most sisters would to keep the two of them together as a family the state couldn’t tear apart. However, although she was a wonderful sister to Misty, Crystal was not her mother.
Misty bowed her head and silently promised Lily she’d do what she could to bring Susie some happiness. An image of David came to her mind. He was the reason she dared to stretch herself emotionally. He was showing her how a decent man acts, allowing her to believe in her self-worth.
She heard someone moving toward her and lifted her head to see David.
He waved and sat beside her. “I hoped I’d find you here. Thanks again for coming for dinner.” He gave her a shy smile. “And for … everything. I’m sincere about wanting to see you again. I’ll be patient, I promise.”
“I loved being with you and your family,” Misty said. “It’s difficult when painful memories take over. I don’t often talk about what went on with my ex-boyfriend, but it’s all there in my head. I’m working on getting past it.”
“I’ll be there for you every step of the way,” he said. “I believe we can have something special between us. I felt it when you came back to town but knew you needed time to adjust.”
“Thanks for understanding,” she said. “I truly want to spend more time with you.”
“That’s something we agree on.” He stood. “I’ve got to go to work, but like I said, I’ll call you, and we can have a real date.”
“That sounds like fun,” she said, feeling almost giddy about his understanding. Vince would never have been so kind, so patient.
She stayed a little longer in the park before heading into town for her usual coffee at the Café.
When she arrived there, Nettie and Crystal greeted her together. She knew Crystal was helping Nettie establish a typical café routine in preparation for Labor Day Weekend, which was fast approaching.
“How did your dinner go with the Grahams?” Crystal asked her.
“It went well. When we have some time alone, I’ll tell you about it. Susie Graham knew our mother briefly.”
Crystal frowned. “I know Mrs. Graham helped Mom once or twice when you were small, but usually, Mom refused any help. Especially as her addiction took control of her life.”
“I’ll share the entire conversation with you later,” said Misty.
Instead of going on her way as usual, Misty sat on a stool at the counter, soaking up the conversations around her, enjoying being part of a small-town morning at the café. Where would she be today if she hadn’t grown up here? She’d needed to leave town for a while before she could truly appreciate Lilac Lake and the people who lived here.
Nettie joined her. “Remember, you’re welcome to work here on a part-time basis on the weekends, most especially for any gourmet dinners.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that. I want to immerse myself in my school activities, so I won’t be available for a while except for the gourmet dinners. Those will be too much fun to miss.”
“Great,” said Nettie, clapping her on the shoulder. “When your sister said the café was successfully busy, I had no idea how true it would be. I’m in love with this town and these people. I thought I might have to work at the Inn, but I don’t see how I can. I’m too busy here.”
“What about Jason? Is he working here full-time?” Misty asked.
“He’s cooking at Fresh on the weekends and will work at the new restaurant, Refresh, when they get it up and running.”
“You’re both becoming a real part of the town. That’s very important.” Misty picked up her coffee to go and decided to check out her classroom in the school to see what else she might need.
###
That afternoon, she looked at the list of learning games and workbooks she’d bought online. Second grade, like all the primary grades, was important as a time to encourage the joy of learning. She loved it when the kids got excited about learning a new skill, a new thought.
At the sound of the doorbell, Misty hurried to open it. She and Hazel had talked, and Hazel wanted to see what she’d bought.
When she opened the door, she was surprised to see a man holding onto a glass vase of yellow roses, a symbol, she knew, of friendship.
“Hello,” the man said. “Mrs. Graham sent me. These flowers are for you.”
“Oh, thank you.” Misty accepted the vase from him, touched by the sweet gesture. She knew how much their talk yesterday had meant to Susie. It had meant a lot to her, too.
She opened the note and read:Thank you for your kind understanding. I’m looking forward to having lunch with you.
As the man got into his truck, Hazel approached. “Wow! What gentleman is sending you flowers?”
