Page 62 of Love's Bloom
She placed a hand on Brody’s thin shoulder. “I’ll see you at school on Tuesday.”
Brody studied the ground.
As Brody’s father strode away, making it difficult for Brody to keep up, Misty turned away from them, and her distress grew. Sugar, sensing her unhappiness, stayed by her side.
Hazel hurried over to her. “What’s the matter? Is that the student you were worried about?”
Unable to speak, Misty unclenched her fists. She felt so damned helpless. Things in that household weren’t right, and she was worried. Brody was a little boy who didn’t seem to have anyone to talk to. She’d speak to the school counselor about it.
“I’m really concerned,” Misty said and drew a deep breath to calm herself. “Okay, let’s go.”
They got the canoe into the water and loaded it with their picnic and equipment. With Hazel sitting in the bow and Sugar in the middle, Misty pushed the canoe out onto the surface of the lake and quickly hopped in, rocking the canoe a bit.
Sugar yapped and then quieted as Misty began talking to her. Misty was thrilled for her presence. She was sure if Brody’s father had attacked her physically, Sugar would’ve reacted.
Out on the water, they took some time coordinating their strokes. Misty used her position in the stern to guide the canoe while Hazel continued to dip her paddle and pull in the water consistently.
“I thought we could picnic at the Lilac Lake Cottage,” said Hazel.
“I’ve got a better idea. David’s parents own a cottage across the lake from the Inn. It would be a perfect place to set up a picnic on the shoreline. I know they wouldn’t mind, and it would give us more room with the dog.”
“Okay, let’s do it,” said Hazel. “How much farther? My arms are aching already.”
Misty chuckled. “Keep going. Paddling a canoe isn’t as easy as it looks sometimes.”
The sun beat down on them and glistened off the water. Misty gave Sugar some water and took some sips herself. The heat didn’t bother her, especially because she could detect something in the air that smelled of autumn to her. And she knew that fall and then winter would be here all too soon. As much as some in their group enjoyed winter sports, Misty preferred the summer months.
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They passed the Inn, Lilac Lake Cottage, and the end of the lake, where ducks swam among the reeds, before heading up the other side of the lake.
She was as relieved as Hazel when the Grahams’ dock appeared. No one was sitting on it.
Misty guided the canoe to the side of the dock and turned to Hazel. “Wait here. I’ll go check to see if anyone is home. I’m sure it’s okay, but I want to ask for permission, if possible.”
Misty climbed out of the canoe and told Sugar to stay. Whining, the dog did as she was told.
“I’ll keep her here,” said Hazel. “Go ahead.”
Misty climbed the wooden stairs to the front of the house and knocked on the door.
When Susie answered, Misty was pleased to see her face light with pleasure at the sight of her.
“Misty! Nice to see you.”
“My friend Hazel and I are wondering if we could have a picnic on your shoreline. We have Sugar with us, and I thought it would be easier away from everyone else.”
“By all means, you’re welcome to set up on any part of the shore. You may use the dock if you prefer.”
“Thank you, but we’ll sit in the shade on the shore. We’ve had enough sun,” said Misty.
“Then, help yourselves. I may come down to say hello in a while. I’ve got a cake baking in the oven and can’t leave until it’s done.”
“Okay. I want to introduce you to Hazel. She’s new in town and teaches with me at the elementary school.”
“Lovely. I’ll see you soon.”
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