Page 18 of Love's Bloom
Hazel showed up.
Misty fixed her a cup of coffee and sat to chat at the kitchen table.
“I wanted to stop by before I take off for home. I’m taking an Uber to Boston’s Logan Airport for my flight to New Orleans. I’ll be gone for only a few days. I’m prepared for my class and will be able to attend the training sessions for teachers as scheduled.”
“It’ll be nice to see family, I’m sure,” said Misty. “And don’t worry about a thing here. I’ll keep an eye on your cabin.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Misty walked Hazel to the front door, grateful for her friendship.
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For the rest of the day, Misty kept busy with projects while the thoughts of going to David’s house for dinner filled her mind. She felt comfortable with him, yet the idea of being alone at his house kept her on edge. She hadn’t dated anyone since returning to Lilac Lake, and the thought of being with him both excited and worried her.
When David came to pick her up, his hair damp from a shower, her jitters evaporated. He’d taken care to put on clean clothes, and a smell of lemony citrus aftershave wafted gently around him.
“Right on time,” she said and grabbed her purse.
“You look great,” he said.
Her cheeks flushed, flattered by his compliment. She’d chosen to wear a long, flowing turquoise skirt with a white V-neck top that showed off the silver and turquoise necklace she wore.
He walked her to the driveway. He used a white truck with the Graham Landscaping banner on it during the day, but on his own, he drove a smaller, silver truck.
David helped her inside, went around the back of the truck, and got behind the wheel.
They saw JoEllen emerge from her cabin. When she saw them, she signaled for them to stop.
David pulled his truck up to her.
“Are you going to Jake’s?” JoEllen asked him.
“No,” said David. “But if you’re going there, have fun.”
JoEllen glanced from him to Misty and back.
Before she could ask any questions, David gave JoEllen a quick wave and took off.
“I suppose everyone will know we were seen together,” said Misty.
“Does that bother you?” asked David, studying her.
She shook her head. “No.”
“I’m glad. That’s how it should be. Sooner or later, everyone will know more details, but for the time being, let’s enjoy the evening.”
Misty realized David was only eight years older than she, but he seemed much older. Maybe because he was at peace with himself.
As he drove, David said, “Dinner won’t be fancy. As you learned the other day at my parent’s house, I know how to grill.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be delicious. The best thing is I don’t have to cook.”
He frowned. “But I thought you were a great cook. You helped at the café.”
“Yes, I can cook things in quantity and with easy orders, but preparing dinner for myself day after day is a real chore. Thank God for Jake’s.”
He laughed. “Amen.”
