Page 71 of Love's Bloom
“I need some time to myself to work things out. I’m feeling as if my life is totally out of my control. I need to decide how I want to move forward. I’m not even sure I can have the sort of relationship I want with David, and he’s the best man I’ve ever dated.”
“Wow, that’s really serious. Anything I can do to help?” said Hazel.
“No, thanks. I appreciate knowing you’re here if I need you,” she responded, thankful for her friendship.
###
The next few days were busy. Misty stayed away from Jake’s and waited for Crystal and Emmett to arrive home from their honeymoon, hoping her ability to talk with her sister about their mother might help her work through her feelings.
Friday night, when Hazel asked Misty to join her at Jake’s, Misty said yes. Truthfully, she was nervous about seeing David and some of the other guys in their group.
A short while later, they walked into Jake’s.
Misty’s eyes immediately searched for David. She was relieved he wasn’t there. As her gaze swung around the group, she froze. Harley was there with JoEllen.
Though she wanted to run out of the building, she forced herself to stay. She went over to the group and found an empty chair at the opposite end of the table from Harley. Until then, he hadn’t noticed her. But when he did, his glare was cold enough to freeze her to death.
Trying to ignore him, she turned to Poppy, who was sitting next to her, and asked her about her fall line of clothes for the store.
While they were busy talking, more and more people arrived, making her feel safer from the icy looks Harley kept throwing her way. When David arrived, he glanced at her before taking a seat at the second table in the group. It made Misty realize he deserved someone who didn’t have her baggage.
The conversation was brisk, going from Crystal and Emmett’s wedding to the upcoming community events.
“Save the date,” said Melissa. “The first Saturday in October will be our first gourmet dinner. Crystal and I will put it on with Nettie and Jason’s help. We’ll have a beautiful fall menu.”
“I’m going to be the maitre d,” announced Ross, giving them a mock bow.
“He’ll be the perfect host,” Melissa said, smiling at him.
While Misty enjoyed the conversation, she was aware of the two men who kept returning their gazes to her. When she could no longer stand it, Misty rose. “I’ll see you all later.”
Hazel gave her a questioning look.
“I’m fine,” Misty said softly to her. “I’m going to walk back home. I don’t want to disturb you.”
“No, I’m coming with you,” said Hazel, getting to her feet.
“I’m sorry,” said Misty, climbing into Hazel’s car. “I couldn’t just sit there with Harley staring and David wondering about me.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Hazel asked.
“Just continue to be my friend while I try to work things out in my mind.”
“I’m here,” soothed Hazel. “What about David? I know he’s fallen for you. And tonight, he looked sad when he glanced your way.”
“I don’t want to lose him,” said Misty. “But it won’t feel right going forward with him if I don’t take care of myself first.”
“I understand,” said Hazel. “I didn’t like the way Harley stared at you. What is it with him and JoEllen?”
“She’s making a fool of herself over him, fluttering her eyelashes, playing the coquette. It makes me sick,” grumped Misty. “That’s just what he wants. And what about Brody?”
“Don’t go there,” warned Hazel. “A single parent has the right to have some fun.”
Misty sighed. “You’re right. It’s as if after meeting Brody, so many bad memories are coming back to me. My mother, my childhood, Vince. I can’t bear the thought of Brody suffering because of circumstances he can’t control. He’s just a child. A bright little boy who deserves better.”
“Still no physical signs of that?” asked Hazel.
Misty shook her head. “Let’s talk about something else, shall we?”
