Chapter 10

The scent emanating from the kitchen were tantalizing as Hazel set the table. She was so tired she could hardly see straight. Cooking can be stressful sometimes. All that aside, she'd put in a productive day's work along with her mother who was chirping about this and that, finally winding down with, "I'm sorry, Hazel, but I'm going out to dinner. I guess I should have told you sooner but my head is just swarming with thoughts of all we've done today."

"You should have told me earlier before setting the table."

Hazel looked at her mother, the flowered dishes on the table, the lit candle, and wine glasses just waiting for her to pop the cork. She sniffed at the aromas coming from the stove, the mixed salad, and the baby carrots in the warming bowl.

That was when she really noticed her mother. She smelled good. Her hair was pulled back from her face into a bun. She wore no makeup other than a little lipstick. She wore flannel slacks with a bright yellow sweater and low-heeled shoes. She