Page 29 of Love's Cure

“You’d love that,” said Whitney. “You ought to take a vacation there, Crystal.”

“I’d have to find someone to run the Café,” said Crystal. “But maybe someday ...”

Emmett entered the bar and waved to them.

Diana jumped out of her chair and ran to him with open arms. She stared at his face and then wrapped her arms around him.

Crystal watched as they hugged one another and then walked arm-in-arm toward them.

They stood before them smiling.

“I went to prep school with Emmett’s cousin, Elise Chamberlain. When I heard he was living in Lilac Lake, I begged Dirk to let me ride along with him.” She turned to Emmett. “You know I’ve always had a crush on you.”

Emmett’s ears turned red. “You were just a kid when I knew you.”

“And now I’m not,” she said.

He gazed at her and said, “Guess not.”

“How are you doing, Doc?” said Nick, staring at his black eyes and taped nose. “I was sorry to learn about the accident with Crystal. I’m glad it wasn’t more serious. That stretch of road in Maine has had more fender benders than most.”

Emmett glanced at her. “It wasn’t Crystal’s fault. It was just a stupid accident.”

“Your nose is looking better,” said Whitney. “Emmett, I don’t think you’ve met Brooks Beckham yet. He and his brother Garth, along with their parents, own Beckman Lumber.”

“I’ve heard of you,” said Emmett. “Dani and Brad Collister are using your lumber for the renovation of my house.”

While they shook hands, Diana said, “His house must be beautiful. Like all the family homes.” Her eyes glistened with approval.

Crystal knew now why Emmett’s mother had been furious with him for being with someone like her. Seeing Diana and hearing a bit about his family Crystal knew she and Emmett were a very unsuitable match.

“So, you’re the owner of the Café in town?” Dirk said to her now.

“I am,” said Crystal. “Have you been there? I don’t recall seeing you.”

“Not yet, but I will. Uncle Bob says it’s the best in town.”

Crystal laughed. “It’s the only one in town, but I’ll take it.”

As they waited for a waitress to take their orders, Crystal tried to relax as Emmett and Diana chatted about mutual friends. On the other side of her, Whitney squeezed her arm. “Maybe we can catch up with a spa evening event. ‘Body Bliss’ is running evening specials, and I’d like to try it with you. My treat.”

“That sounds lovely,” said Crystal. There was a time when she would’ve fought someone wanting to pay for her, but she’d learned to graciously accept offers from close friends. She more than paid them back at the Café with service and food.

“I’d like to go too,” said Diana overhearing them. “I’m starting to get a couple of lines around my eyes.” She faced Emmett sitting next to her and lifted her face close to him.

Crystal didn’t say anything, but Whitney couldn’t hold back. “Those are laugh lines, silly. At your young age, that’s about all you get. But I’d love to have you join us. The spa is new in town, and we’re all loving it, especially in the summer when we don’t have to fight the ski crowd to get in.”

“Thanks,” Diana said. “Sign me up.”

“Maybe I should go into the spa business,” teased Brooks.

Crystal chuckled. She knew how well Beckman Lumber was doing with no sign of stoppage ahead, in part because of all the media work Brooks was doing.

“How’s the gift shop doing?” Whitney asked. “I bought several things there when my sisters and I were renovating Lilac Lake Cottage. Beth does a remarkable job deciding on her inventory. Everything is irresistible.”

“The shop is doing well,” Brooks replied. “Beth is talented. A great mom, too.”

Deanna, their waitress came over to their table. “Is everyone ready to order?”

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