Page 61 of Love's Bloom
“Just think of all the beautiful art, clothes, and fashion,” said Hazel. “I’ve been to England but not to France.”
“Crystal has wanted to travel there for the food,” said Misty. “Let’s hope she comes back with some great ideas for the gourmet dinners she and Melissa will put on.”
“Speaking of food, I’ve ordered a picnic from the café to take with us for our canoe trip on the lake,” said Hazel. “I figured we’d need it. Especially after celebrating at the wedding.”
“I was too busy keeping watch over everything to do much eating or drinking,” said Misty. “I couldn’t let Emmett’s parents ruin Crystal’s wedding. Thankfully, Emmett’s mother was as determined as I to see that Everett behaved.”
Hazel made a face. “Guess you didn’t see this in the online news.” She handed her phone to Misty.
The headline read: “Senator Everett Chamberlain takes time from a busy schedule to help celebrate his son’s wedding.” Beneath it was a photo of the Senator with his arms around Emmett and Crystal.
Misty felt her cheeks heat with anger. “That slime! I hope neither Crystal nor Emmett see this. He must’ve bribed the photographer into giving him the photo he asked her to take.”
Hazel placed a hand on Misty’s arm. “It just proves what an ass he is. I wouldn’t worry about it. Emmett and Crystal are, hopefully, having too much fun on their way to Paris to care.”
“You’re right. It’s useless to worry about it. Are you sure you don’t mind if Sugar comes with us?”
Hazel shook her head. “It’ll be fine. Let’s go. We’ll stop at the Café on our way.”
###
When they got to The Meadows clubhouse at the end of the lake, a lot of activity was taking place. Many of the canoes from the storage rack were missing, and someone had brought a paddle boat and tied it to the dock. Adults and kids were swimming in the designated area or sitting on a small beach. Sugar was curious about all of it.
Hazel held up the set of keys Dani had given her and pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. “I’ve got the instructions. They’re pretty simple. Dani’s canoe is green. And she’s given me a number for her locker.”
They unlocked the canoe from the rack and then took out the lifejackets, paddles, and cushions from the locker. As they were walking to the edge of the water, Misty heard a child crying and turned to see Brody huddled in the sand. A large man stood over him, talking loud enough for Misty to hear.
Listening to the man, who obviously was Brody’s father, berate him for being afraid to go into the water, Misty’s stomach curled. She walked over to them.
“Hi, Brody!” she smiled at him and turned to his father. “Hello. I’m Misty Owens, Brody’s teacher. It’s nice to meet you. Is there a problem?”
Brody’s father made a face. “Harley Kirk. Brody is being his usual self and doesn’t want to try something new. It’s a great day to be in the water.”
“Have you gone in with him?” Misty asked Harley.
“No, I’m sitting with a bunch of guys over there.” He indicated a group of workmen sitting under the shade of a tree several yards away.
“Is there any other family here?”
Harley shook his head. “No, I’m a single father. I try my best, but like I told him, Brody is just a chicken at heart. He never wants to do anything.”
Misty reminded herself to speak calmly. “He might need to get used to the water. Can he swim?”
“Not yet. Ain’t gonna happen if he doesn’t try.”
“Why don’t you help him get used to the water and go from there?”
Harley’s brown eyes flashed with anger. “Yeah? Why don’t you mind your own business? He’s my kid, and he’ll do what he’s told.” He turned to Brody. “You stay here. I’m going with my friends.”
Sugar growled and sat by Brody.
Brody did his best to hide his face, but Misty could see wetness on his cheeks. She longed to pick him up and hug him. Instead, not wanting to increase his father’s anger, she sat down on the sand beside him. “It’s okay, Brody. It takes some of us a while to get used to a new idea. Even if you don’t go into the water, you can get your feet wet at the edge of it. Maybe even build something with the sand. Would you like that?”
Brody shrugged, still keeping his face averted. They both looked up as his father approached.
“I told you to mind your own business,” Harley said to her forcefully. “C’mon, Brody, we have to go.”
“It’ll be all right,” Misty told Brody, giving him a hopeful smile. But inside,her pulse was racing so hard she thought she might collapse. She knew she’d have to tread carefully. But if that man spoke to Brody like that in public, she could imagine what he was like in the privacy of their home.
