Page 42 of Love's Bloom
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When they walked into Jake’s, Misty's spirits lifted. It was always satisfying to see these people who meant so much to her. Since coming back home, she felt as if this town was where she was supposed to be. She understood better that she was judged as the person she’d become, not the child of an addict.
Misty was amused when she saw Hazel’s eyes light up as she was introduced to Gage. Poppy came into Jake’s at the same time as David, and Misty and the others quickly made room for them at the table.
Crystal walked in with Emmett, and after being seated, she said casually. “I don’t know what anyone has planned for Labor Day this year, but Emmett and I are hosting a picnic on the Saturday before the Monday holiday for those who want to come.”
“That will be fantastic,” said Taylor. “What should I bring?”
“Just bring yourselves. I’ll have some food available, and I want to keep it simple. But thanks,” said Crystal.
Misty couldn’t look at her sister for fear of giving away the secret wedding. But she saw that beneath the blasé attitude Crystal was putting on, she was excited.
“Don’t you and Hazel start school tomorrow?” Crystal asked her, deftly changing the subject.
“Tomorrow, we have a teacher’s meeting for staff. We have a few days of meetings and time in our classrooms, and then school begins for the students for three days before the holiday,” said Misty.
“You’re both teachers?” Gage asked.
The conversation turned to upcoming schedules for everyone, and Misty recognized that her favorite summer season was ending, and life would change at least a little for most of them.
Melissa and Ross arrived.
“Sorry we’re late,” said Melissa, “but I’ve been talking to Nettie at the café, and I think Crystal and I can hold our first gourmet dinner there in early October.”
“Why so late?” asked Dani.
“It takes time to plan and organize,” said Melissa, looking flustered as she glanced at Crystal.
“We want it done right,” said Crystal, smiling at Melissa.
That’s when Misty realized that Melissa must be helping with food for the wedding. To change the topic, she said, “Hazel and I are taking karate self-defense lessons from David.”
“Oh,” said JoEllen, “I want them too.”
David shook his head. “Let me see how the private lessons go before I try to set up a class.”
“I’d be interested in having you do a class for my police officers,” said Nick.
“Okay. I was just trying to make Misty feel safer, but I’ll see about working on a class for others.”
“Any word on Misty’s ex?” Dani asked Nick.
Nick shook his head and turned to JoEllen. “You haven’t seen or talked to the man since you saw him?”
“No,” said JoEllen. “Why would you ask?”
Nick shrugged. “Just checking.”
“I didn’t know it would cause such a flap. I should’ve kept my mouth closed,” grumped JoEllen.
“No,” said Nick. “We all need to keep an eye out for any stranger. In Misty’s case, her ex is someone who could hurt her.”
A shiver, like a spider’s legs, crept across Misty’s shoulders. She straightened, brushing aside the feeling. She had to be strong and move ahead with her life. Her body had healed. Now, it was time for the rest of her to become healthy again.
After the gang began breaking up, David said, “I’ve arranged to use the building for your first lesson tomorrow at the same time as today. Can you make it?”
“Yes,” said Misty. “I have teacher’s training tomorrow, but that’s not scheduled for all day. I’ll let Hazel know.”
