Page 9 of Love's Harvest
“I don’t want to get caught up in any negativity,” said Sarah.“As you can imagine, I try to avoid that.”
“I understand,” said Hazel.“That’s why I wanted you to know about it so you wouldn’t be caught off guard.”
“I appreciate that,” Hazel said honestly.“But Aaron and I are just friends.So, I should be glad for him if Tessa is making her interest obvious, shouldn’t I?”
“Theoretically, yes.But I’m not sure that’s the real situation between you two.But I won’t get involved except to make sure you know what’s going on.”
“Yes, it’s best that way,” Sarah said, feeling her stomach knot.
They ended the call, and when Sarah slid back into the water, she hugged herself, knowing she hadn’t told the truth to Hazel.She wanted much more with Aaron, but she didn’t see it happening.He deserved someone better than her.But she had the nagging concern that Tessa wasn’t that person.
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When Hazel picked her up for the party, she inspected Sarah’s appearance and gave her a thumbs-up signal.“You look terrific.Are those leather pants new?”
“Yes, I got them at the Wild Flower Boutique.Poppy helped me pick them out.The brown leather and boots go well together, and I love the burnt orange sweater she sold me.Very fall-like.”
“Very stunning,” said Hazel.“Tessa is no match for you.”
“Thanks, but I don’t want to compete with her or anyone else.I’m pretty fragile.”
Hazel gave her a quick hug.“I’m sorry.I don’t mean to push you.I just see the way Aaron looks at you and … ”
Sarah held up her hand to stop her.“Thanks, but please stop.”
“Okay, I promise,” Hazel said, starting the car.
They were quiet on the way to the party, which suited Sarah.Like any small town, people got involved with other people’s business.Hazel had meant only to be helpful, but Sarah realized she wasn’t ready to move forward, not when she had so many doubts.
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They arrived at Lilac Lake Cottage to find the porch and lawn filled with guests.Music played from speakers placed on the porch, almost overcome by the sound of laughter and conversation.It had been several weeks since Labor Day Weekend, and the group was ready to party.
“Let’s join the fun,” said Hazel, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Sarah grinned.“I’m ready to unwind.”
They moved through the crowd to the bar set up on the porch.Sarah was careful how much she drank because of the girls, but she eagerly accepted a cup of beer poured from a keg.At times like this, she knew she’d made the right decision to return to Lilac Lake.Friends from years ago and new friends created an interesting support group.
Sarah gazed out over the crowd.She was glad to see Ross and Melissa.She’d thought Tessa had seemed a little too cozy with him Thursday night.She found Tessa in the crowd talking to Gage Martens, the handsome young veterinarian in town.On a whim, she decided to talk to him about an eventual dog for the girls.They loved Aaron’s two black labs.
Gage gave her a big smile when she approached.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” said Sarah.“But, Gage, I wanted to talk to you about a dog for the girls in the future.They’ve started asking about one, and though I think it’s too early for one, I want to do some research and need to get your opinion about a suitable breed for our situation.”
“I’ll see you later,” Tessa said to Gage, and he looked relieved.
“Should I talk to you later?I don’t want to interfere,” said Sarah.
“Not at all.I was beginning to feel as if I was filling out an online dating form,” said Gage.“I recently broke up with someone.I’m not ready to date for a while.”
“I just met Tessa, so I don’t know her well,” Sarah said.
“She seems nice enough, just a little too desperate,” said Gage.“Now, are you thinking of one dog or two for the girls?”
Sarah chuckled.“Definitely just one.And maybe something small and fun.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for you,” said Gage.“Maybe a rescue that’s already house broken?”
