Page 10 of Love's Cure

“That’s a sweet idea but not necessary,” said Crystal.

His turquoise eyes studied her. “Thanks, but I’d feel better by showing my appreciation.”

After he left, she still felt the heat of his smile.

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After a few days hadgone by, Crystal almost forgot their deal. Then one day, after eating breakfast at the Café, Emmett said, “If your offer stands, I’d love to have a sandwich delivered to the office today, and I’ll take you to dinner.”

Surprised but pleased, she grinned. “Deal. What would you like?”

He placed an order and said, “How about Fins, seven o’clock?”

“That would be a real treat,” she said. “I look forward to it.”

When the time came, she could’ve had someone else make the lunchtime delivery, but with things running smoothly at the Café, she decided to do it herself.

She packaged up Emmett’s lunch and took it to his office.

When she stepped inside, Lucille Young, the nurse/receptionist smiled at her. “That’s for Emmett? He’s outside, down at the dock taking a break. He said you’d be stopping by.” Lucille, a pretty woman with graying brown hair, was in her 50s and had raised four boys. She was a calming influence in the office and had been with Dr. Johnson for years. “Dr. Chambers certainly is handsome. He’ll be glad to see you.”

“It’s just a deal we have for meals,” explained Crystal. Though she was intrigued by him, she decided she wasn’t going to do more than try to be friends with Emmett. GG’s thoughts about allowing people their privacy made her rethink the situation. If their friendship grew, he might be willing to talk about his family and his life.

“You go on then. Dr. Chambers doesn’t have an appointment for an hour,” said Lucille. “Enjoy the sunshine. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, as I tell the kids who come in for a visit.”

Crystal smiled at her. “Mr. Rogers, huh?”

“Yes,” said Lucille grinning. “I’ve always thought he was a sweet man with his television programs, books, and all. The movie was great.”

Crystal left the office and headed to the dock. Even from a distance, she could see the outline of Emmett sitting on the bench. There was something about the way he hunched his shoulders that touched her.

She waited until she was closer to call out to him. But before she could, he turned around and waved at her, getting to his feet to greet her.

“Ah, personal delivery. I like it,” he teased.

“I figure it’s well worth a dinner,” she joked.

“I hope you brought enough for the two of us. It’s a nice day for a picnic.” He led her to the bench.

She set down the bags she’d been carrying. “I brought lemonade for both of us and your sandwich.” She took out a paper plate, unwrapped it, and handed it to him with a sandwich, chips, and a pickle. Then she removed two large paper cups with lemonade and set one down beside him.

Lowering herself onto the dock, she stared out at the moving water and listened to the soothing sound of it swirling around the pilings holding up the dock. “This is very peaceful,” she murmured closing her eyes and looking up at the sun.

“Hold it right there,” said Emmett softly. “You’re so beautiful.”

At the sound of his phone camera clicking, Crystal opened her eyes and turned to him with a silent question.

“I mean it,” said Emmett. “I can’t see the exact color of your hair but whatever it is, I like it. And your face ...”

Crystal held up her hand. “Stop. You’re embarrassing me. I never think of myself that way.”

Emmett’s gaze met hers. “Maybe it’s time you did. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Well, thank you.” She turned away and gazed out over the lazy river not in a rush to go anywhere, just moving along at a steady pace. She was startled by Emmet’s words. Her mother had thought she was ugly and had told her so when she was drunk or high and Crystal was trying to get her to come home to sleep it off. Later, attending Al-Anon meetings, Crystal understood her mother’s words had been spoken as part of her defensive stance. Her mother had apologized to Crystal before she died, but the damage had already been done. Even Nick, sweet Nick, hadn’t been able to convince Crystal that she was better in every way than she’d always believed.

Emmett placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey. I’m here anytime you want to talk.”

She turned and stared up at him. “Thanks. It’s old baggage. I thought I’d dealt with that issue, but I guess I’ll have to rethink it.”

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