Page 42 of Love's Cure

She let Misty sleep in and got ready for the day. Her summer business was what carried her through leaner times when weather and other factors affected her financial security.

Downstairs, she checked the Café’s dining room to make sure all was in order, saw that the kitchen staff was prepping for the day, her inventory was up to date, and the wait staff was coming in.

She’d just opened the door for the 7 AM crowd when she saw Whitney pushing a stroller and waving at her.

Smiling, she waited for her to approach. “’Morning! You’re bright and early.”

“Timothy is up bright and early. Is it possible he might be starting to teethe already?”

Crystal laughed and shrugged. “You’re asking the wrong person. What brings you here?”

“I wanted a cup of hot coffee and one of your blueberry scones. Anything to keep me going. I’m exhausted.”

“Well, dear friend. Come inside. I’ll see that you get them.”

“That isn’t the only reason I’m here,” Whitney confessed. “Both Dani and Taylor called to tell me Misty is back in town. I’m so glad. What’s the story?”

“Come in, have a seat, and the first moment I get, I’ll sit with you for a few minutes.”

Crystal loved this time of morning when customers came in seeking a tasty breakfast and a pleasant day to follow. People were either cheerful or quiet. Her staff had been trained to react to both.

After customers were seated and orders were placed, Crystal took a few minutes to spend with Whitney, who’d taken a quiet corner table in the back where they could have some privacy.

A waitress stopped by. “Would either of you care for anything?”

“I’ll have coffee,” said Crystal. “What would you like, Whitney?”

“I’d like another scone, but I’ll have only a second cup of coffee.” The waitress left and Whitney told Crystal, “I still have to watch what I eat. I never know when or if I’ll be called upon to read for a part.”

“I understand,” Crystal said. Whitney had left acting for a while to enjoy her husband and baby and to get their marriage off to a solid start. But both she and Nick understood that if a very special role came along, Whitney would seriously consider it.

Whitney leaned forward. “Tell me why Misty is back and what’s going on with her. Both of my sisters said she had bruises on her face. Is she okay?”

Crystal told Whitney the story of Misty leaving after being abused for the second time. “Unfortunately, Misty knows from our mother’s experiences that once a man begins to beat you, he won’t stop. She was missing Lilac Lake and now wants to stay here. Pam Sawyer is going to help her find a teaching position.”

“How nice of her,” said Whitney. “Is Misty going to stay with you?”

The waitress came with their coffee and Crystal took a satisfying sip.

“Misty will stay with me for the time being. If she finds work here, I’m hoping she’ll want to live on her own to give us both our privacy.”

“Yes, especially now with you dating Emmett,” said Whitney, giving her a knowing look.

“What? How do you know that?”

Whitney laughed. “Both Dani and Taylor said the two of you couldn’t keep your eyes off one another. I like Emmett, and I’d like to see you happy with a family of your own. I know you’re ready.”

Crystal sighed. “I can’t look at babies or kids and not want one. I don’t know if it’s hormones speaking or the fear that it might never happen. But I can’t stop thinking about it, which is the reason dating Emmett is dangerous. Stupid, really. I want to find a husband, and his family would never approve of a marriage between us.” Crystal peered up at Whitney with a sadness that ate at her. “You know I’m telling the truth.”

Whitney shook her head firmly. “It doesn’t have to be that way. Take it one step at a time and see where it leads. Love can overcome a lot of obstacles.”

Crystal let out a snort. “You know what his mother is like. Everyone in town either saw or heard about her attack on me.”

“And what did Emmett do? Stand by and let her carry on?” taunted Whitney.

Crystal shook her head. “No, he got her out of there. But what about his father? I heard he might be running for the Senate again. That would be the end of it for Emmett and me.”

“Seems to me like you’re projecting a whole lot of negative thoughts into what is otherwise a sweet scene. Two people simply wanting to date.”

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