Page 4 of Love's Harvest
“It’s so cool to think we have an author in our midst,” Hazel said.
“We have an interesting group of people our age in town,” Misty added.
“By the way, I saw Aaron Collister this morning from across the street,” said Sarah.
“The last time we were all at Jake’s together, I tried to get him interested in me,” admitted Hazel.“He’s such a sweet man.”
“But?’asked Sarah.
“He was very polite but not interested,” said Hazel.“I hope some new people come to town because most of the decent single men are taken.”
“I thought you and Mike Dawson were interested in one another,” said Misty.Mike Dawson was a respected tennis player who’d opened the new Sports Center in town with Ross Roberts, the well-known former professional baseball player, who was also part-owner of the Lilac Lake Inn.
Hazel shook her head.“He’s got someone in Florida who works at his tennis camp.”
“Something will work out,” said Sarah.She’d never admit it to anyone, but she was glad Aaron didn’t fall for Hazel.Though nothing would come of it, she still liked how close she felt to him.But maybe that was being selfish on her part.And, heaven knew, he deserved someone much better.
After sitting and chatting for a while, Hazel said, “Anybody going to Jake’s for supper?I want to see if Gabe is working.He’s someone I could go for.”
“I’m not going,” said Misty.“I have to correct some test papers for my students.But, Sarah, if you want to go, I can correct the papers here and watch the girls for you.Now that my precious Sugar has died, I don’t have to get home to take care of a dog anymore.”Her eyes filled.
“I’m so sorry,” said Sarah, giving her a hug.“I know how much you loved her.”
“Thanks,” said Misty.“I still miss her.”She’d adopted a dog from a woman at The Woodlands assisted living facility.“But you two go ahead with your plans.”
“What do you say, Sarah?”asked Hazel.“Shall we go?We don’t have to stay late.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind, Misty?asked Sarah.
“Go, get out of the house, have fun.David already told me he won't be there.”
At first, Misty and David had seemed an unlikely match, but after seeing them together and their growing love for one another, Sarah thought they were one of the sweetest couples in town.
“Okay, then I’ll join you, Hazel.Let me make sure supper is ready.How do you like spaghetti, Misty?”
“It sounds delicious,” said Misty.“This will give me the opportunity to spend some time alone with your daughters.I love kids their age.”
“See?”said Hazel.“She’s a born teacher.”
“You’ll find it easier,” Misty told Hazel.“It takes time to learn a few of the tricks.”
Sarah went to the girls’ room to tell them about the change in plans.
“Hooray!”they cried, racing to the kitchen to find Misty.
“Guess they don’t mind at all,” said Sarah, chuckling.“Even so, I won’t be gone long.”She kissed each girl, picked up her purse, and left the house with Hazel.
Outside, Hazel turned to her.“It’ll be nice to spend some time with you.”
“For me, too,” said Sarah, wishing she’d taken time to brush her hair.Hazel always looked so put together.
“Let’s walk,” said Hazel.“I need the exercise.”
“Fine with me,” said Sarah.One benefit of being back in Lilac Lake was her ability to walk everywhere.It always made her feel healthy.
“So, what’s the deal with you and Aaron?I know he likes you,” said Hazel.“And it’s easy to see you’re attracted to him.”
“He and I were high school sweethearts.If I hadn’t gone away to college and met my husband, who knows what might have happened with us.Now, as much as I care for him, I won’t let our friendship be more than that.”
