Page 34 of Love's Cure

Dani introduced Dirk and his sister and commented, “You wouldn’t know to look at her thin figure, but Melissa is a fantastic chef.”

“Just one of the chefs at Fins, but thanks for the compliment, Dani. How are plans coming for the Summer Faire? I wasn’t able to attend the last planning meeting.”

“Neither was I. But we have time. The Faire won’t happen for three more weeks,” said Crystal. “This year, I’m in charge of the baking contest, and I’m adding a prize for school kids. We have some aspiring young chefs. I hope you’ll be a judge, Melissa.”

“Sure,” said Melissa, taking a sip of the beer she’d ordered at the bar when she’d arrived.

“What is this Summer Faire?” asked Diana. “I want to come back for that.”

“It’s fun,” said Dani. “There are games, contests, and celebrations. The stores go all out with souvenirs and specials.”

“A great way to see this town,” Brad told Dirk and Emmett.

“I can help you judge, Crystal,” said Emmett.

“Excellent,” said Crystal, both surprised and pleased.

“As a kid, I used to do some baking with our cook. To me, it’s just like a chemistry test, but with delicious results,” said Emmett. “But I know the difference between good and bad.”

“Okay, deal,” said Crystal. Emmett was full of surprises. She felt prickles on her skin remembering the look on his face when he’d announced she’d always been beautiful.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Crystal was sleepingcomfortably when she was awakened by pounding on the door. Startled, she sat up in bed.

“Open up,” came a voice she recognized.

She hurried out of bed and to the door. Cracking it open, she peered out to make sure all was safe. “Misty! What are you doing here?” She stepped back. “Come on in, honey. Are you alright?”

“No, I need to hide,” said Misty. “There was only one place I could think of where I knew I’d be safe.” She squinted at Crystal. “What did you do to your hair?”

Crystal turned on the living room lights, glanced at her sister, and let out a gasp. “Oh, my darling! What happened to you?” She had a black eye and a bruise on her cheek.

“A bad boyfriend,” said Misty, crying as Crystal wrapped her arms around her. “Can you believe it? I’m going to end up like our mother who was beaten up regularly.”

“No, you’re not,” Crystal said, quietly, firmly. “Have a seat and let me get a careful look at you.”

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