Page 49 of Love's Cure

On Thursday afternoon, several food trucks parked along the streets connecting to Main Street, extending the town center to make room for hungry and thirsty visitors.

Crystal prepared for another cooking class, the last of the three before the Summer Faire baking contest. Two of the kids had dropped out, making it a little easier to work with the others.

For this last class, they were preparing cakes from scratch. She’d borrowed a few round cakepans from some of the mothers, so the kids could have fun covering a two-layer chocolate cake with a fluffy vanilla icing.

She focused on the kids in her cooking class and tried to imagine what her children with Emmett might look like. She hoped they’d have his beautiful turquoise eyes.

“Ready?” asked Misty, breaking into her thoughts.

Crystal laughed and nodded.

They got to work right away, so the cakes could be made, cooked, and cooled. As soon as the cakes were in the oven, the kids helped make a couple of batches of the icing to share.

While they worked, the kids chatted about their lives. Crystal listened closely, learning what children that age liked to do, wondering if she’d ever get the chance to use this information.

As soon as the cakes were cool enough, Crystal handed out special icing spatulas, hoping the spreaders would help deter the inevitable mess of icing everywhere.

It was interesting to see how each child managed his or her process. Taking care of the bottom round cake was relatively easy because there was nothing fancy about spreading the icing across the top. After the second layer was placed atop the first, the struggles began.

Crystal showed the class different ways to create swirls and designs but left them to their own devices because they’d be on their own to create something for the baking contest.

“They’re doing a terrific job,” said Misty, standing beside her.

“I’m impressed with their skills. It’ll be fun to see how the contest goes. Something new for the Summer Faire.”

“Next thing you know they’ll be creating something for Chef Ramsay,” said Misty, chuckling.

Crystal grinned. “I’m thinking of them as future employees of the Café.”

They were still laughing when Whitney appeared. “I know the restaurant is closed, but I saw the door was unlocked and decided to see if you were here.”

“Hi, Whitney. Look at what these young bakers are doing in preparation for the baking contest at the Faire.”

Whitney observed them and then pulled Crystal aside. “I understand Senator Chamberlain was in town recently. How did things go?”

Crystal shook her head. “Poor Emmett has a difficult family situation. I was able to see that for myself. The senator mentioned possibly running for president and wants Emmett’s support.”

“Wow, that’s big news,” said Whitney. I’ve heard rumblings about that, but I also know some in his party don’t want him to run because of moral issues surrounding him. I’d be surprised if he went ahead with that idea.”

“The senator is attractive and very sure of himself, but a little creepy in the way he blatantly stared at me.”

“Exactly my point,” said Whitney. “I haven’t seen you for a while. I was wondering if you and Emmett would come to dinner at my house tonight. I know it’s late to ask, but I’ve made lobster salad and homemade biscuits and want to share them with you.”

“It sounds delightful. Let me ask Emmett, and I’ll get right back to you.” Crystal left Misty and Whitney to oversee the kids and went to her office to make the call.

A few minutes later, Crystal emerged wearing a smile. “Dinner tonight would be a treat. Emmett and I are happy to accept.”

“After this, I may put together a party following the Summer Faire, a party to welcome Emmett and Dirk. But this will do for now for Emmett,” said Whitney. She turned to Misty. “Are you sure you won’t join us?”

“As I said to you while Crystal was gone, I’m still slowly easing back into my new life here. But I appreciate your offer.”

Whitney gave Misty a hug. “We’re glad you’re back.” She straightened. “See you tonight, Crystal. Shall we say seven? Timothy should be down for the night by then.”

“Thanks. It’s great timing, right before the Summer Faire.” She thought as she often did how lucky she was to have a friend like Whitney. They maintained a close relationship without awkwardness between them regarding Nick. She was eager for Emmett to understand that. She’d always love Nick, just not as a spouse. Maybe this evening with all of them together, he’d see that.

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That night, a few minutesbefore seven, Emmett picked up Crystal, and they drove to Whitney and Nick’s house. While she’d lived in the one-story Cape Cod house, it had been comfortable but small. Since marrying Whitney, Nick had agreed to add two new wings to the house. One wing contained a master suite and laundry room, the other, a family room, and a small office. Between them sat a screened-in porch. As Whitney mentioned to everyone who complimented them on the additions, “It’s helpful to have Collister Construction in the family.”

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