Page 21 of Love's Bloom
Surprised at herself, Misty said, “I think I am.”
He got out chocolate-marshmallow-crunch ice cream and scooped some into two bowls.
Sitting at the table with him, enjoying the treat, Misty studied him. Handsome and kind, he was everything she’d hoped to find in a man one day. But would he have the patience to wait for her to heal from her past?
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Later, David let Homer out of the cottage and walked Misty to his truck.
His hand brushed hers with every stride he took, but he didn’t grab hold of it.
When Misty could stand it no more, she took hold of his hand and squeezed it, and he squeezed back.
He faced her. “I’ll wait for you to let me know when you’re comfortable.”
“Thanks. It may seem silly, but control is very important to me. I’d lost it all.”
“I think I understand,” said David. “I don’t know the person who did this to you, but I hope I never meet him. It would get ugly.”
Misty’s stomach twisted.A meeting between David and Vince?That would be a nightmare too horrible to contemplate.
They climbed into his truck and were silent as David drove to her cabin..
“The stars are beautiful,” she finally murmured.
“Yes. It’s been a nice evening,” commented David, pulling up to her cabin. He turned to her with a questioning look.
“I had a great time,” Misty said, unhooking her seatbelt. Then, before she could think too much about it, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips before hopping out of the truck.
When she looked back, David was smiling as he waved goodbye.
CHAPTER SEVEN
A couple of days later, Misty waited for Susie to pick her up for lunch. Though she’d made her comfortable at dinner at her house, they still didn’t know each other that well. But Misty understood how important this was for Susie, and was excited to get to know her better. She’d even imagined this is what it might be like for other young women—lunch with her mother.
Susie pulled up to the cabin in a blue SUV, and Misty went outside to greet her.
“Hello,” said Susie. “This is such a pretty area with these cabins lining the water. And you look very nice.”
“Thank you,” said Misty. The denim skirt and ruffled pink blouse were the fourth outfit she’d tried on.
She climbed into the car and buckled up.
“I thought we’d go to Chica’s for lunch. Mama Montoya is an old friend, and their food is delicious.”
“Mexican food sounds delicious,” said Misty, relieved she didn’t have to choose.
“You must be excited about school starting soon,” said Susie. “It’s always a bittersweet time, with summer ending.”
“I feel lucky to have the job. There will be some teacher training sessions, and then we begin. Soon after, we have the Labor Day holiday before we start again. Thatallows all of usto adjust to the new situation.”
“I remember those days,” said Susie, driving with confidence.
She swung into Chica's parking lot. Colorful plastic lanterns lined the perimeter of the lot, giving a sense of what the interior of the restaurant might be like.
Misty got out of the car and waited for Susie to join her.
“I haven’t been here in a long time,” said Misty. “But it smells the same. Delicious.”
