Page 53 of Love's Cure

Crystal waited for her to recognize her and realized Emmett’s mother never really saw her beyond her purple hair. She said goodbye to Estelle and went on her way. She had no desire to talk to Emmett’s mother.

Instead of going directly back to the Café, Crystal went to Bullard’s Hardware Store to check on things there. Crystal and Sarah Bullard had been friends growing up, and Crystal was hoping she’d come back to town for Summer Faire.

She went inside the store and was pleased to see a crowd milling around for bargains.

Sarah’s mother, Edie, beckoned to her. “How are things going at the Café?”

“We’re swamped,” Crystal said. “I’m just taking a break. Did Sarah come back for Summer Faire?”

Edie shook her head. “Since her husband died unexpectedly, she’s been staying close to home with the girls. We’re trying to talk her into moving here, though, and I think we might be making progress. The twins are four now, and Sarah needs help raising them.”

“I’d love it if she came back to town,” said Crystal. “More and more of the summer gang are returning.”

“That’s what I keep telling her. She’d have a lot of friends here to support her as she deals with her grief.”

A customer interrupted them, and Crystal took advantage of the moment to leave.

As she was walking back to the Café, she bumped into Melissa and Ross.

“Are you taking some time off from cooking?’ Crystal teased.

Melissa laughed. “Not for long. Ross stopped by my house to see if I was going to the Faire. It’s his first time, and I’m giving him a tour. But I’ll be back at the restaurant this afternoon, helping to prep for dinner.”

“Nice to see you, Ross,” said Crystal. “Be sure to stop by the Café. I’m offering free coffee to those who order food.” She gave them a wave and hurried back to the Café where people were waiting to get inside.

A short while later, Dani and Brad walked into the Café. Crystal greeted them and found a table for them on the patio.

“We saw Ross and Melissa hanging out together,” said Dani. “Do you think they’re dating?”

Crystal shrugged. “I’m not sure. They’re next-door neighbors. I imagine they’ve simply become friends.”

“We’ll see,” said Dani, giving her an impish grin. “Nothing is secret in this town.”

“Guess who I saw this morning? Emmett’s mother. She didn’t recognize me. She thought I was Diana until I faced her.”

“Hmmm, there are some similarities. Did you speak to her?”

Crystal shook her head firmly. “No. I don’t want to be part of any chaos with that family.”

“Wise of you,” said Dani, placing her order.

After getting Brad’s order, Crystal left them, her mind on Emmett’s mother. She wondered how long Natalie would be in town and hoped she wouldn’t have to see her again.

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By the time the Caféclosed at six, two hours later than usual, Crystal was exhausted but satisfied with how well they’d done.

“Enjoy but be sure to be ready for tomorrow,” she said to her staff as they headed out for an evening of fun.

Crystal went back to the kitchen to prepare for tomorrow. Misty helped her refresh all the tables with salt, pepper, ketchup, and hot sauce, and then, together they swept and mopped floors. Crystal urged Misty to go and have fun and took her receipts and cash up to her office to reconcile daily earnings.

She was finishing up when her cell rang.Emmett.

“Hi, Crystal. My mother is in town, and I’d like you to join us for dinner at Fins.”

Crystal didn’t hesitate. “I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m just going to go to bed so I can get up extra early tomorrow.”

“Is this how it’s going to be?” Emmett asked. “You and my family not able to get along?”

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