Page 72 of Love's Bloom
Hazel grinned. “How about Gage? He’s a handsome man.”
“What about Mike? I think he really likes you,” said Misty.
Hazel shrugged. “He spent a lot of time talking with Poppy. Even he admits he’s a ladies’ man. Heaven knows, he’s not ready to get serious with anyone. I suspect he has a couple of girlfriends tucked away in Florida.”
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At home, Sugar’s enthusiasm at seeing her gave Misty a lift in spirit. Rest, thinking pleasant thoughts, and maybe reading a romance novel were things she needed. Not a constant rehash of her past.
Sitting on the deck staring up at the stars, she thought of all the positive things in her life and decided that’s what she’d do going forward. She’d had a bad boyfriend experience, but she’d gotten away from him and had started a new life in her hometown.
Misty worked on gratitude for the kind people in her life as she went about her domestic duties, including walks with Sugar and even practicing karate moves alone at home.
###
Sunday morning, Misty took her daily walk to the park before going to the Café for her usual coffee. She wasn’t surprised when David’s mother showed up. It was as if she had been waiting for her.
Smiling, Susie waved and walked over to where Misty was sitting on her favorite bench.
“It’s nice to see you here. Enjoying the day so far?” Susie asked.
“Yes, I’ve grown to love this early morning hour,” said Misty. “It’s a quiet time to think about things.”
“David mentioned you stopped karate lessons,” Susie said, stroking Sugar’s ears.
“It’s more than that,” Misty said. “I’m trying to work on a few personal issues. I’m still practicing some of the moves David showed me. That’s important to me. I need to feel in control of my life.”
“We’d all like that,” Susie said, “but that isn’t necessarily how life works. What’s the real problem? Is it the issue at school?”
Misty sighed. “That’s part of it. I wonder why I was ever in a place to permit Vince to enter my life. He was strong and was someone who made me feel safe until he turned on me. I can’t let that ever happen to me again.”
Susie studied Misty and then took hold of her hand.
Grateful for her warmth, Misty smiled and listened as Susie continued. “This is where a certain amount of awareness and faith come in. It’s smart to be prepared. But you have to trust yourself to make wise decisions, better ones than in the past. Life is all about learning. Some lessons are easier than others. But all require you to have faith in how you’ve grown by making mistakes.”
“I should’ve known better. Vince was a monster in disguise. From now on, how will I know it won’t happen again?” Misty stared at the flowers and then froze. “Susie, I don’t mean to insinuate that David is that kind of man, that I don’t trust him.”
“Of course not. How and if David fits into your life in this small town is up to you, as it should be.” Susie squeezed her hand. “I know you’ve been hurt in the past. You can move forward from that, learn from that, trust yourself.”
Misty smiled, realizing she had indeed learned from the past. David was a man who was always worthy of her trust. He’d shown her in so many ways. He’d been patient while she’d been working through her issues. And she knew he truly cared about her.
“Thank you, Susie. You’ve helped me realize what I should’ve recognized all along.”
Susie stood and kissed Misty on the cheek. “Come talk to me anytime.”
Misty watched her go, grateful for Susie’s presence in her life.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
After a quiet weekend, Misty was ready to get back to her kids at school. For the most part, they were an easy group. So far, all seemed eager to learn, and she intended to enjoy each day with them.
As she and Hazel walked into the school together, Hazel said, “I missed you this weekend. Maybe next one, we can do something together.”
“That would be nice. I’m sorry I’ve neglected you. I just needed some time to myself.”
They parted ways and went to their classrooms. Misty wanted to do more reading instruction with her students this week to see how and if she could set up a volunteer program for those who needed help.
After everyone had arrived, Misty noticed that both Brody and Violet were absent. She checked messages and saw that Violet was sick—nothing about Brody.
