Page 23 of Love's Bloom
Growing up with Crystal, who was interested in cooking, she’d learned to eat a variety of foods early in her life and was a self-confessed foodie. She was delighted that Susie enjoyed food as much as she did.
Misty leaned back against the bench seat and sighed. “That was delicious. Thank you.”
“I’d forgotten how much food Mama likes to give her customers. These were just small samples,” said Susie.
Mama came over to them. “How was everything?”
“Delicious as usual,” said Susie.
“How about some coffee and churros?” said Mama.
Susie turned to Misty. “Are you game?”
Misty chuckled at the idea. “Sure. Why not? I won’t have to eat until tomorrow after all of this.”
While they waited for dessert to be brought to them, Susie continued to ask Misty questions about her teaching experience in Florida.
“Did you have several students whose first language wasn’t English?” Susie asked.
“Several. But children are quick to learn and can speak English fairly quickly at school. The problem was that many spoke only their native tongue at home, which can make it confusing.”
“I helped set up a program for adults to learn English in Concord. Our population in the state is slowly changing. Perhaps you can help in some way.”
“Maybe eventually,” said Misty. “I need to get established in my job here before I over-commit myself. I’m going to help out at the café for certain events. I’m just not sure how much time I’ll have outside of school.”
“That’s fair. If you find it’s something you might be interested in doing, just let me know.” Susie smiled at her. “It’s satisfying for me to talk about things I used to do. Rod has been after me to get out of the house and be active again. Meeting you has been very helpful. You have the same sort of energy about you that Lily had.”
“I’m flattered,” said Misty, not willing to tell Susie about her past trauma in Florida. She hoped Lily had never experienced anything like it.
Their dessert came, and though Misty had thought she might be too full to eat anything more, she dug in after the first bite of her churro, which was like a cinnamon doughnut.
When Susie asked for the check, the waiter shook his head firmly. “Mama says it’s all taken care of.”
Susie sighed. “Please thank her for me. I’ll be sure to send people her way.”
He bobbed his head and grinned when Susie handed him some folded-up bills for a tip.
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As they left the restaurant, Susie placed an arm around Misty and quickly let it drop when Misty stiffened and turned to her.
“I’m sorry,” said Misty. “I was surprised. It’s fine … I …”
“No problem,” said Susie. “I like you. I think you know that.”
“Yes, I do, and it makes me happy,” said Misty. “I realize no one can take the place of Lily, but I do want us to be friends.”
“Me, too,” said Susie, giving her a knowing look. “We haven’t mentioned David, but I’m sure he’d like the idea.”
Misty didn’t respond, and Susie seemed to understand and talked instead of the Labor Day holiday coming up.
As she climbed into Susie’s car, Misty’s mind spun. She liked the idea that she and Susie were forming a friendship that wasn’t all about David but was more about two women who wanted to support one another.
CHAPTER EIGHT
That afternoon, Misty decided to visit GG at The Woodlands. Genie Wittner had helped Crystal and her throughout the years, had even lent money to Crystal to enable her to open the Lilac Lake Café, and continued to be interested in their wellbeing. Misty thought of her as the only “grandmother” she’d ever had.
Before she drove out of town, Misty stopped at Petals, the cute, green-painted flower shop in town that also sold imported chocolates. GG loved her sweets.
