Page 9 of Love's Bloom
His mother looked from her son to Misty. “Well, you can imagine how I feel not to have my daughter around. Come visit anytime.”
Surprised but pleased, Misty said, “Thank you. That’s very nice.”
“Years ago, I knew your mother,” said Susie. “It’s a long story from my nursing days. Someday, I’d like to talk to you about it.”
“I’d like that,” said Misty, even more surprised.
David’s mother left, and Misty sat on one of the benches.
“Let me finish up here, and then I’ll drive you into town,” said David. “We can grab a cup of coffee together.”
“Thanks. That’ll be great. It’s too hot to work or walk for any distance.”
“Agreed,” he said, smiling at her.
As she waited for him, her thoughts flew to her mother. She couldn’t imagine what David’s mother had to say about her.
“Ready? Let’s go,” said David, waving her forward.
She went to his truck and climbed in. Even though it was only a few blocks to the Café, Misty was grateful for the ride. She’d already planned to order iced coffee.
She studied the sky. Only a thunderstorm would clear the humidity, but though there were clouds on the horizon, they didn’t look threatening. Maybe this would be a pleasant lake day.
She mentioned it to David, and he grinned. “Let’s call Taylor and see if we can come for a swim.”
“She’s told all of us that we’re welcome to come use the waterfront anytime. Today’s perfect.”
David parked his truck, and they walked inside the Café. At the sight of Taylor working at the table in the corner, David grinned. “You ask Taylor. I’ll get us coffee.”
Misty asked him to get her an iced decaf mocha and headed to the back of the café.
Taylor looked up and smiled pleasantly. “Morning. You’re here early.”
“David and I are grabbing coffee. We were wondering if we could go swimming at your cottage. We won’t be in your way. We just want to cool off, and the rock by your place is great for drying off after a swim.”
“Of course,” said Taylor. “Maybe I’ll join you. Cooper is home, and we can all play hooky. It’s that kind of day. If you see anyone else, invite them.”
“Okay. I’ll go home and get some things. I’ll bring water and plenty of snacks.”
“Great. This is going to be fun. I’m having trouble writing, and this break is just what I need.”
David walked over to them and handed Misty her glass of iced coffee. “Is it a go?”
Taylor gave him a thumbs up. “A perfect summer day. I’m going home to tell Cooper. See you soon.”
As Taylor started to pack up, Misty walked out of the Café with David.
###
After patiently waiting for Misty to change into her bikini and fill a small cooler with bottles of water, sodas, and snacks, David drove them to the cottage Taylor owned with her two sisters.
Taylor greeted them. “Cooper and I have decided to make this an impromptu summer party this afternoon. Thank you for coming, and thanks for the goodies. Whitney is making a couple of salads, and Dani is bringing hot dogs and rolls. Heaven knows what everyone else is bringing, but I’m not worried. It always works out.”
Cooper appeared. Tall with chocolate-brown hair and hazel eyes behind the horn-rimmed glasses he wore, he’d become a favorite at Jake’s, where his wry humor made them laugh. David, too, had a fun sense of humor. But then, it was a group that worked hard and played hard.
Cooper and David shook hands. “A day off? Cooper asked him.
“Yes. At this time of summer, when it’s this hot, we try to give our staff weekends off when we can,” said David. “Fall is a busy time for us.”
