Page 58 of Love's Cure

The doorbell rang, and Crystal went to answer it.

“Wow! You look nice. Very classy,” he said.

She couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Thanks. I don’t wear Jeans and T-shirts all the time.”

“I like it,” said Emmett. “Now, let’s go meet my mother.”

The short drive from the town center to the Lilac Lake Inn was scenic. Stacked-stone walls lined the sides of the country road. She opened the window beside her and inhaled the smell of pine. She could imagine the rabbits and other small wildlife getting ready for another night in the woodlands.

“It’s a beautiful area, huh?” said Emmett. “Compared to city living, life seems much easier here.”

“It’s a wonderful vacation spot for families, but living here is a privilege too. I haven’t been able to travel much, but as long as I have this, I’m content until I can.”

“I’d love to show you some of my favorite places,” said Emmett.

He pulled up to the porte cochere of the hotel, and she waited for an attendant to help her out of the car.

Emmett checked his watch as they walked inside. “We’d better go directly to the dining room. We’re a little late.”

At the entrance to the dining room, Emmett gave his name to the hostess. Picking up two menus, she led them to a table in the corner by a window.

It wasn’t until she drew close that Crystal realized that Natalie Chamberlain was sitting at the table with Diana McArthur.

“ ’Evening, Mother,” said Emmett. He turned to Diana. “And hello to you.”

He frowned but forced a smile. “Mother, you haven’t formally met Crystal Owen. And, Crystal, you know Diana.”

“Yes, I do,” she said stiffly, wondering what was going on.

Emmett’s mother stared at her. “You’re the woman I thought was Diana at the Faire.” She turned to Emmett. “I thought Crystal had purple hair.”

Remembering GG’s words to her, Crystal straightened. “I used to have purple hair. I decided it was time to go back to my natural color.”

“Well, change was needed.” She took hold of Diana’s hand. “And this young lady has grown into a beauty. She always had a special thing for Emmett. Isn’t that so?”

Diana’s cheeks flared with color, but she gazed at Emmett adoringly.

A waiter hurried over to them and helped Crystal into her chair and then helped Emmett. They were seated next to one another, allowing Diana to face Emmett while Crystal was forced to sit opposite Natalie.

“As long as Emmett was finally able to give me a little of his time, I thought it a perfect opportunity to invite Diana. With my husband considering a run for president, it seemed like a wise move. We’ll want to present a united family picture.”

Crystal heard all the innuendos in Natalie’s talk and though a part of her wanted to flee, she forced herself to speak calmly to Diana. “Dirk seems to be settling into the dental practice nicely.”

“Yes. He’s renting a house, but he’s looking for a place of his own,” said Diana. “He’s loving the area.”

“It’s great for outdoor sports year-round,” said Crystal. “And we’re growing so fast, another dentist is very welcome.” Aware that Emmett’s mother was staring at her, Crystal stopped talking and turned to Emmett.

Emmett picked up on her cue and said, “How did you like the Faire today, Mother?”

“The canoe races were fun to watch, but I invited Diana to join me for a spa afternoon. We spent most of it inside getting pampered. It’s lovely to have a young woman whom I know and respect do things like that with me. How about you, Crystal? How did your day go?”

“I was very busy. For the first time, the baking contest included entries by kids twelve and under. It was very exciting for them.”

“Oh, yes,” said Diana. “I bought a piece of apple cake for Emmett.” She flashed him a dimpled smile. “Was it as delicious as I thought?”

“It was very tasty,” said Emmett tersely, and Crystal knew he was as upset as she was over his mother including Diana in a dinner meant for the three of them.

Crystal hoped she could get through the evening without either crying or shouting at Natalie and Diana.

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