Page 39 of Love's Cure

As Misty read aloud the recipe, Crystal watched each child. Most were nodding their heads, comfortable with it. One girl and a boy seemed a little uncertain.

“Okay, let’s get started. If at any time you’ve got questions, Misty and I will assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We who work in the Café kitchen do it all the time.”

She’d set the ingredients at each place. She was pleased to see how quickly the kids got to measuring and mixing. As she observed them, she was surprised by a sharp longing for a family of her own.

The cooking class became a real success when the bakers could taste their products. Watching them enjoy the fruits of their labors, Crystal couldn’t hold back a little chuckle. Cookies warm from the oven were always special.

When parents came to the Café to pick up their children, Crystal sought out Pam. “I was hoping to see you. My sister is home and looking for a teaching position. I thought you might be able to point her in the right direction.”

“Sure. We need teachers.”

Before Crystal could answer, Misty approached them.

Crystal made the introductions and left them talking while she saw that all the children were being met.

As soon as she could, she went back to where Pam and Misty were still talking.

Pam smiled at Crystal. “I’m confident we can find a spot for Misty. I’ll talk to my principal about it. We can always use more teachers in our system.”

“Excellent,” said Crystal, putting an arm around Misty. “Now that she’s back home, I want to be sure she can stay.”

“See?” Misty said to Pam.

They both laughed and then Pam said, “Once a big sister, always a big sister. I know because I am one myself.”

“Oh, I don’t mean to be pushy ...” Crystal began.

“What you’re doing helping me is sweet,” said Misty. “And I appreciate it.”

“Nice to meet you, Misty,” said Pam. “I’ll message you with all the information you’ll need to apply. One of my favorite lower-grade teachers has unexpectedly moved away for her husband’s job.”

“Perfect,” said Misty.

Pam left and Misty turned to her. “Now, let’s go have a taste of the cookies I made.”

Crystal grinned. “They did look tempting.” Though she worked with food all day, Crystal was careful about what she ate. She had no intention of giving in to all the tempting choices around her.

“Do you still meet the gang at Jake’s a lot of evenings?” Misty asked her.

“Yes. At least to say hello. Why?”

“Because I want to join you tonight. Everyone might as well know why I’m back and that I intend to stay. It’ll be easier that way.”

“Okay. That’s what we’ll do,” said Crystal, proud of the fact that Misty wasn’t choosing to hide.

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Walking into Jake’swith her sister felt special to Crystal. Misty had always been someone who added to a group with her humor and kindness.

She glanced over at the regulars’ table. Tonight, Dani and Brad were sitting with Dani’s sister, Taylor, Ross Roberts, the retired baseball player, his friend, Mike Dawson, a former pro who taught tennis at his clinic in Florida, Dirk McArthur, and his sister, Diana.

“Lots of new people, I see,” murmured Misty as they made their way to the table.

Taylor jumped to her feet and moved to hug Crystal. “Whitney told me you were going back to your natural blond. You look fantastic.” She turned to Misty, studied the bruises on her face, and then hugged her. “I’m glad you’re back in town.”

“Thanks. Hi, everyone! For those of you who are new, I’m Misty Owen, Crystal’s baby sister.”

Ross introduced himself and Mike to her. Dirk stood, gave his name, offered her his chair, and went to get another one. Diana told Misty her name as she moved her chair over to accommodate room for one more.

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