Page 38 of Love's Bloom
“Yes,” said Misty, relieved to have a reason to smile after the sadness she’d felt with Ms. Overton. “Everyone in town knows where GG lives.”
“She’s our most popular resident,” admitted the woman. “Go along. And, if you’re willing, please spend a few minutes with the residents in the living room before you leave.”
“I’d be happy to. Sugar is a trained therapy dog,” said Misty.
Misty led Sugar down the hallway to GG’s room. She knocked and, hearing GG’s response, entered her apartment.
“Oh, my! It’s you, Misty, and your adorable dog. I’ve heard all about her,” said GG, beaming at them both.
Misty chuckled. GG had a network of sources better than anyone she knew.
GG cooed and stroked Sugar’s ears and turned to Misty. “How about some lemonade?”
“Thanks. I’d love some. May I fix a glass for you?”
“That would be lovely, dear,” said GG. “Then sit and talk to me.”
Misty poured each of them a glass of lemonade from the pitcher in the refrigerator and brought them to the living room. She handed one to GG sitting on the couch, and then sat in a chair opposite her. She was amused to see Sugar lying by GG’s feet. The dog knew how to make herself comfortable.
GG took a sip of lemonade and faced Misty. “I understand you had a bit of a scare the other night.”
Misty told her about staying at David’s house and how his mother had offered to let her stay at her house whenever she needed to. She also told her that Susie was offering her some of Lily’s things.
“The Grahams are a lovely family,” said GG. “Susie is someone who does things for other people without a lot of fanfare. I know how heartbroken the family is to have lost Lily, and I think it’s sweet of you to spend some time with Susie. It’s an excellent way to help her.”
“I’m happy to do it. Having her tell me about my mother has been a gift to me. Are you going to come to town for any of the Labor Day Weekend Celebrations?”
A twinkle entered GG’s eyes. “Well, I’ve been invited to a very private celebration that only a few people, including you, know about.”
Misty clasped her hands. “The wedding! I’m so excited! Crystal and Emmett are so wonderful together. Wait until you see my dress. Poppy at the Wild Flower Boutique picked it out for me. It’s perfect.”
“How is Poppy doing? I remember when she first opened the store. She was concerned about getting year-round support, but I understand she’s done really well with it.”
“She seems to be busy. And she’s now occasionally meeting the rest of us at Jake’s. And Gage Martens, the new vet in town, has joined us too.”
“It’s nice to see the ‘summer group’ grow and expand with many new professionals in town,” said GG. “It means they’re likely to remain here.” She gave Misty a steady look. “How about you? I understand you’re starting to teach in a few days. I’m delighted you’ll be teaching at Emerson Wittner Elementary School. It seems right to have you be a part of the family, so to speak. I’m sure my father would be pleased.”
“Thank you. I’m honored,” said Misty, blinking rapidly. She checked her watch. “It’s been nice chatting with you, GG, but I’d better go. We’re going to visit residents in the living room. Then I need to have lunch and go see Susie. This evening, I’m going to a karate class that David teaches. At his suggestion, I’ll be taking private lessons from him.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” said GG, giving her a wide smile.
Misty gave GG a kiss on the cheek, waved goodbye, and left, her emotions still reeling from her visit with Cassandra Overton.
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At home, Misty decided to go through her clothes. She looked forward to having some new pieces but didn’t want to abuse Susie’s generosity. She’d take only what she needed. It didn’t bother her that the clothes were secondhand. She and her BFF in Florida had loved to go thrifting for clothes. This would be much better because the items would have a special meaning.
Misty ate a light lunch, put a leash on Sugar, and took off for Susie’s house. She was enjoying her growing friendship with David’s mother but didn’t want her or anyone else to automatically assume that she and David were together. Misty wasn’t ready to think in those terms.
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Misty pulled into the driveway of David’s parents’ house. She got out of the car and took a moment to study her surroundings. The house was something she’d admired from her previous visit. It sat in a beautiful setting where the lawn met evergreen and deciduous trees. The lake sparkled in the sun at the bottom of the rise of land where the house stood.
The house seemed to greet her as warmly as Susie, who’d opened the back entrance and was walking toward her.
“Hi, right on time,” said Susie, smiling at her.
Misty waved and let Sugar out of the car. “I brought her as you suggested.” She unhooked the dog from her leash. It’s okay, girl, go run and play,” said Misty, and Sugar took off running for the lake.
