Page 24 of Love's Cure

At one point, a truck followed behind them. Though she told herself it was no problem, she gripped the steering wheel hard. And when the truck gunned its engine and pulled up beside her to pass, she felt a trickle of sweat roll down her cheek.

“It’s okay,” said Emmett with a soothing voice. “It may take a while for you to forget it.”

“I just felt so helpless,” she said. “And I didn’t want you, or me, to get hurt.”

“We’re lucky,” he said. “And you’re doing fine driving.”

Crystal let out a long sigh and told herself to be strong.

As she pulled into town, she turned to Emmett. “Are you going to be okay? If you think you shouldn’t be alone, you’re welcome to stay in my guest room tonight,” said Crystal.

“I’ll be fine. Besides, everyone will find out we were together in the accident. No need to let them think it’s more than being friends.”

“You’re right,” Crystal said. “They’ll gossip about us anyway until we put an end to it.”

She continued driving to his house.

Crystal pulled into his driveway and turned to Emmett. Much to her embarrassment, her eyes filled with threatening tears. “I was having a wonderful time until the accident happened.”

He cupped her cheek with his hand. “I like you, Crystal, and want to get to know you better. I appreciate the day we’ve had together and don’t want it to end this way. Right now, I’ve got a lot of work to do to get both the house and the practice under control. But when the time is right, I hope we can go back to our lunch and dinner arrangement.”

Crystal gazed into those beautiful eyes of his, too emotional to speak. She watched as he climbed out of the car and entered his house.

After he’d waved and gone inside, she drove to her apartment reminding herself that she and Emmett were just friends who’d had a tough, but lucky day.

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The next morning, shewas busy working when Whitney came into the Café with the baby. “Are you alright?” She studied her. “I came to check on you. You and Emmett made the news.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“Your fender bender made the area news. It showed a video of your car and you and Emmett talking to EMTs. It was all part of an ongoing discussion about how to slow down the traffic on Route 1.”

Crystal sighed and shook her head. “It was an accident I’m still trying to forget. A truck was coming too fast as I was turning. It was awful. Emmett has cuts on his face and a broken nose from the impact. I feel very bad about it.”

“And you?” Whitney studied her.

“My back and neck are sore, and I have a headache but nothing beyond that. It could’ve been much worse. Glass could have gotten into Emmett’s eyes. As it is, he’s probably going to have black eyes, and his nose is taped in place for a couple of days.”

“Poor guy. I hope he’s better soon.”

“Me, too. But, Whitney, everyone is going to make more of it than it is.”

“They probably will, but you can’t let that rattle you. Only the two of you know what’s happening. If you want to talk to me about it, you know I’m here for you.”

“Thanks.” Crystal didn’t want Whitney to know how confused she felt. Emmett’s goodbye had seemed like a brush-off. But she didn’t want a real love relationship with him, did she? Isn’t that idea what made her feel safe with him? The thought that he wanted nothing more than friendship from her.

As the Café filled with customers, the locals asked her about the accident. Through the front window, she could see Bob Bullard crossing the street to her.

“How are you, Crystal?” he asked, stepping inside the Café. “I had to see the doctor about that cut on my hand, and Doc Chambers looked in bad shape. He said it was all minor stuff, but I had to be sure you were all right. You and our Sarah have always been good friends.”

Tears sprang to Crystal’s eyes. It was this kind of caring that had helped her sister and her through their childhood and adolescent years. “I’m fine. Just a bit shaken.”

“Glad to hear it. I was surprised to see the accident on the news. It must’ve been a slow news day. But I’m glad I did. If you need any help with anything, you know I’m here.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Crystal gave Bob a quick hug and then turned to business as Bob sat on a stool at the kitchen bar. “What can I get you?”

He ordered breakfast, and the day continued to be busy with visitors and locals alike. Crystal hid her impatience with everyone’s questions and comments about the accident and the fact that she was with Emmett. All this caring and curiosity was part of living in a small town, and she was as determined as they to stay abreast of town news.

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