Page 33 of Love's Cure

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That night, Crystalwaited as long as she could before going to Jake’s. She’d made a promise and she intended to keep it, though she hated the idea of being judged.

Stepping inside the bar, she made her way to the large table in the corner, pleased to see Whitney, Nick, Dani, and Brad. Though friends might come and go, these meetings were important to her. Friends were family to her.

Nick gave her a thumbs up. “It’s been years since I’ve seen you with this natural color and it looks great, Crystal.”

“Thank you.” She patted her hair self-consciously.

“Beautiful as always,” said Dani. “But I liked the purple too. Why did you change it?”

Crystal sighed. This group of friends had always been honest with one another. “I realized I didn’t have to make a statement anymore; I could just be myself.”

Dani gave her a steady look. “I get it. Good for you. I think we’ve all made changes as we’ve grown.”

“Speaking of changes,” said Whitney. “I talked to Taylor earlier. Our baby sister has decided to spend some time in Lilac Lake to work on her latest book. She said she needs to have freedom from New York City to let her ideas flow.”

“It’ll be nice to see her, and I’m glad the cottage will be put to use,” said Dani. “We’ve got to keep to our promise to use it at least six months of the year.”

“Right,” said Whitney. “Nick and I talked about moving there for the summer but with him being chief of police, we felt we should stay in town during the busiest time of year.”

“Maybe you can move to the cottage in the fall,” Dani said. “I’m willing to help out by staying there as needed, but you know how happy I am with our new home.”

“It’s a beautiful house,” said Crystal. “And a perfect showcase for The Meadows.”

“Yes, it’s helped us sell a few homesites,” said Brad with a note of well-deserved pride. The housing development he and his brother owned was becoming a very special place for those who could afford it.

“Speaking of sisters,” said Whitney. “Did you hear back from Misty?”

Crystal shook her head. “It’s not like her not to call.”

Before the conversation could go further, Dirk, Diana, and Emmett arrived.

“Thought we’d find you here,” said Emmett, his gaze sweeping the table. “I promised I’d help Dirk get to know the community.”

“Emmett’s house is going to be beautiful when it’s completed,” said Diana.

“Dani and Brad are part of the team,” said Emmett and then made the introductions.

“Are you going to stay in town, Diana?” asked Dani. “You said you’re here to see Emmett.”

Diana shot Emmett a coy look. “I’m leaving in a couple of days, but I’m hoping to be asked back.”

Emmett appeared surprised and then he smiled. “I’m sure Dirk would like to have his sister visit from time to time.”

Diana playfully slapped at Emmett’s arm. “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you know it.” Her gaze landed on Crystal. “Oh, my God! Crystal, is that you? I didn’t recognize you. You look different ... very pretty.”

“Crystal has always been beautiful,” Emmett said in a quiet but firm way that sent a rush of heat through her. Though she was attractive, Crystal knew she wasn’t beautiful. Still, his words meant so much to her she felt a sting of tears and quickly blinked them away.

Diana’s gaze kept swinging back to Crystal throughout the evening. Determined not to show how uneasy that made her feel, Crystal tried to ignore her. She was well aware that Emmett’s complimentary remark about her had caused Diana to be unhappy.

Nick and Whitney were the first to leave, just as Melissa Hendrickson, who worked for her parents’ restaurant, arrived.

“Crystal, I love your hair. Very pretty,” said Melissa.

“The chef is done cheffing?” teased Brad.

“Yes, it’s an early crowd and I slipped out. I thought Ross and some of his friends were supposed to be back by now.” She noticed Dirk and Diana. “Who are you? And, Crystal, I love your new do. Very pretty.”

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