Page 74 of Love's Bloom
“Thank you,” Misty said, determined to follow through.
As luck would have it, Violet’s mother, Alesha Allen, was the President of the PTA. After speaking to her on the phone, Misty was encouraged. They arranged to meet for coffee at the Lilac Lake Café Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, Hazel waited for Misty to gather her things. “It’s been a while since we’ve been to Jake’s. Want to go tonight?”
“I do,” said Misty. “I need time to unwind.”
“Great. I do too,” Hazel said.
###
That evening, Misty headed to Jake’s with Hazel, wondering who in their crowd would show up. Misty couldn’t wait to see everyone and realized her time of wanting to be by herself was over. She had a stronger sense of who she was and how to react better to others.
As she and Hazel entered Jake’s, she saw that Dani and Brad were already there, along with Sarah Bullard, Aaron Collister, Dirk, and Samantha. Others would show up as they could.
She slid into a chair next to Sarah. “How’s the hardware store doing?”
“Okay. I have a little more time to help my parents now that my twins are in kindergarten. The girls also attend a playschool in the afternoons, and we all love it.”
Aaron and Sarah exchanged smiles, and Misty realized something was going on between them. She caught Aaron’s eye. He bobbed his head, inscrutable as always. She’d always admired his quiet ways, which was one reason he and David were friends.
She looked up as David entered the restaurant and felt herself warmed by his search for her. Seeing the empty chair beside her, David walked over and took it.
“Hi, Misty. Glad to see you,” he said, reaching for her hand.
She smiled. “As we talked about last night, I’d like to continue where we left off.”
“Me, too,” said David. He laced his fingers through hers and squeezed.
She gazed into his face, loving the sight of him. She’d needed clarity and now knew he was exactly what she needed in her life. It might take time for their relationship to grow even deeper, but like a little seedling, she’d give it a chance to bloom.
More and more of their group arrived, increasing the noise and teasing among them. Misty was happy to feel part of the group again. Tomorrow, Crystal and Emmett would return home. Misty could hardly wait to see them.
JoEllen arrived and pulled up a chair to Misty’s table.
“Where’s Harley?” Sarah asked.
“He and I had a big fight. I found out he has a little boy when he mentioned that Misty was his teacher. I told him it was unfair to keep that to himself, that I’m not ready to be a mother.”
JoEllen turned to Misty. “You should have told me. We’re friends.”
Misty shook her head. “I just teach his son in school. I had no idea you were dating his father until I saw you together. Frankly, it’s none of my business.”
“But you knew. And you had to know he was still married!!” JoEllen’s face got bright red. “School records would show that.” She burst into tears. “You’ve ruined everything. It’s all your fault.”
“I don’t know how you can blame me,” Misty said, horrified by the implications.
“Stop it, JoEllen,” said David, coming to Misty’s defense. “None of this is Misty’s fault.”
JoEllen got up and went into the bathroom.
Whitney and Nick arrived as JoEllen returned to the table, red-eyed.
After David explained the situation to Nick, Nick turned to JoEllen and said firmly, “Misty is not to blame. If anyone is to blame, it’s yourself.”
JoEllen dabbed at her eyes and nodded.
After the conversation among the group slowed, Misty turned to David. “I’m going home. It’s been a long week. I’m glad we had the opportunity to see one another tonight. I meant what I said. I hope we can continue our relationship.”
