A Complete Mistrea -

Chapter 3

Chapter 3   

Mistrea took almost an hour to decide what to wear and settled on light denim jeans a pale blue and white checker shirt and black ankle boots she also had a matching denim jacket to take just in case it turned cool during the day.

As promised her three helpers arrived at eleven thirty and they soon had everything organised. Dylan and Reece sat in the back seat nursing the serving tray with the chocolate cake on their laps and Kyle took charge of the three containers full of cookies.

Kyle gave her directions and they were there in no time. Mae was there to welcome her and told the boys where she wanted them to put the cake and cookies. Mae took her arm and led her towards several women so she could introduce her.

Everyone was warm and welcoming and she found herself relaxing around them. She saw two of the girls from her writing class Marney and Karli, walking towards her and waved to them. Then Kyle called out to her and she laughed, “I think I’ve been summoned, I best go see what he wants.”

The girls came with her and Marney put a hand on Mistrea’s arm to stop her, “We have a couple of friends that are interested in joining our class if there’s room?”

“Of course Marley, we’ve only had one class so they won’t have missed too much. So long as they sign up at the office they can come to class next Thursday.”

Kyle came over then and dragged her off to the lake where most of the teens were. He didn’t introduce her; he didn’t have to, everyone introduced themselves. She knew she’d never remember everyone but let it go hoping they’d understand.

A moment later she spotted a couple of littlies running past, a cookie in each hand. Kyle spotted them as well and laughed. “They must have snuck them when no one was looking; they seem to be them though.”

Several of the men had set up a barbeque and the aroma was making Mistrea hungry. She was glad when Mae called her over to have lunch. There was plenty of meat and chicken and an array of salads. She’d caught a glimpse of the deserts as well and was hoping her cake would be a hit.

She’d noticed Zac and Wade standing with a group of men so kept her focus on the women at the table. After lunch Mistrea got up to help with the clearing up, only to be told she was a guest and she should relax and enjoy the day.

Looking around she headed towards a group of children to see what they were up to and was surprised to hear a deep rich voice from behind her. “I hope you’re enjoying the day Miss Tree?”

Mistrea tried very hard not to grin, realising the only time Zac had heard her name was when Kyle had mentioned it in the car park that day and he hadn’t exactly said it correctly. She smiled at him, “Actually it’s not Miss Tree. My name is Mistrea Larkin. Mistrea as in ‘mystery’ only spelt differently.

She saw his face flush and lowered her eyes not wanting to embarrass him further. “It’s been a lovely day and the food,” she shook her head and rubbed her stomach. “I’m not sure I’ll have room for desert.”

He laughed, grateful that she’d cleared up her name without making him feel like an idiot. “You made the chocolate cake and the cookies I hear? I’ve spotted several of the little ones running off with cookies so they must be good.”

“I have it on good authority that they are very good. I had three taste testers over on Tuesday and they helped me decide what to bake for today.”

“Kyle, how’s he doing with school?”

“He’ll be fine, he’s actually very bright. It’s just going to take a little time for him to build up is confidence.” Wade approached and she took advantage, “I’ll leave you to it then. I’m sure you two have much more interesting things to discuss.” She gave Wade a nod and wandered off towards the water.