Page 53 of Love's Bloom
Misty sat straighter as a thought came to her. “Would you be willing to volunteer to help kids in my class with reading? I’m trying to set up a volunteer program for my class, and you’d be ideal for it.”
“How much time are you talking about?” Susie asked.
“Maybe one afternoon a week?” said Misty, becoming excited about it.
“Sure. I can do that. I’ve been looking for a way to get out of the house and away from the landscape business for a bit.”
“That’s right. You handle all the office work for the company,” said Misty. “This would be the total opposite of that.”
Susie grinned. “Wednesdays would be best for me.”
“Okay. I’ll make a note of it. Thanks, Susie, for your help. I’m hoping to get enough people willing to volunteer.”
“Just let me know.” Susie got up and checked the rest of the area, picking up any debris, and then made her way to her car parked at the curb.
Misty realized the connection to David she felt here extended to his family—even Lily.
She rose and walked out of the park with Sugar, excited about the possibility of her volunteer program.
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Later, Misty rushed into the Lilac Lake Café, late for her meeting with Crystal and Natalie. She’d taken time to shampoo and smooth her hair, which was a challenge on this humid summer day.
“There you are,” said Crystal, calling to her from a patio table where she sat with Natalie.
Misty hurried over and greeted them both, then sat. “I’m ready for a cup of coffee and something sweet.”
Nettie approached them. “Hey, Misty. How are you? Now that school has started, I’ve missed seeing you and Sugar on your early morning walks.”
“Thanks. Weekends are mine, though, and you’ll see me then.” Misty looked around. “I love some of the changes you’ve made to the décor. I guess that’s how you’re getting ready for the gourmet dinners, huh?”
“Yes. We’re hoping to add something unique to the social scene with those dinners,” said Nettie,smiling.
The interior walls were now painted a bold, rich green, giving the restaurant a nice look for an evening setting. Booths had been removed, and new tile flooring made to look like wood had been added. Finally, new natural wood tables replaced the old red tables.
“All this in just a couple of days,” said Misty.
“We had to move quickly so we could keep the Café open for this holiday weekend,” said Nettie.
“You’re coming to the picnic, aren’t you?” asked Misty.
“Oh, yes,” said Nettie, her eyes sparkling. “The Café is closing a little early. Neither Jason nor I want to miss our first Labor Day picnic.”
Crystal turned to Natalie. “Gourmet dinners is a very exciting project for Melissa and me. You’ll have to come visit for one of them.”
“We’ll see. It’ll be a busy fall with Everett’s campaign,” said Natalie politely.
Misty and Crystal exchanged looks of surprise, but neither said anything.
“What can I get you?’ Nettie asked Misty. “Any refills for the two of you?” she asked Crystal and Natalie.
Misty ordered coffee and a croissant, and with no refills requested, Nettie walked away.
Crystal smiled at Misty. “Your hair looks nice.”
“Thanks. I’m going to fix yours later today.”
Natalie looked from one to the other. “It’s sweet that you sisters are close.”
