Page 63 of Love's Cure

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Crystal was awakenedby Misty shaking her. “Time to get up. The Café is open, but one of our cooks is out sick. Too much partying.”

Startled, Crystal sat up to check the time. Eight o’clock on her bedside alarm. She stretched. “Oh, Misty, you should’ve woken me up earlier. But bless you for letting me get some sleep.”

“Well, we need you now. You’d better get moving,” said Misty, reminding Crystal of herself.

She got out of bed, took a shower, and dressed in record time.

Downstairs, the kitchen was backed up. She grabbed a cup of coffee and went to work prepping salad fixings for lunches. Brad’s family owned the Collister Farm Stand. Crystal sent Misty there for fresh greens and vegetables. Though they were running low on some supplies, Crystal figured they could make it until Monday when her normal food delivery would arrive.

While Misty was gone, Crystal handled the front, greeting customers, and helping with the flow of dishes to and from tables. Her waitresses were of varying ages. Brenda Thomas was the oldest at a spry seventy. Crystal had made sure it was a pleasant place to work, and most of her staff front and back had been with her since she’d first opened.

She was carrying a stack of dirty dishes to the kitchen when Emmett’s mother and Diana walked into the Café. Crystal bobbed her head at them and continued walking. After dumping the dishes into the dirty-dish bin, she wiped her hands on her apron and approached them.

“Welcome to the Lilac Lake Café. As you can see, we’re busy, but I believe a table might be available out on the patio. Will that do?”

Emmett’s mother studied the room. “I see you have one table reserved.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s taken for the Governor and his wife. They’re regular summer customers of mine.”

The look on Emmett’s mother’s face was priceless. Crystal would have given anything to be able to take a photo of it.

“So, the outdoor table will do?” asked Crystal.

“Yes,” said Emmett’s mother. “Come, Diana. Let’s see if the food is as delicious as you say.”

Crystal led them outdoors and to a table under an umbrella. “Your waitress will be here shortly. Enjoy.”

In the main room, she signaled for Brenda to join her and explained the situation. “It’s important that Mrs. Chamberlain and her guest get excellent service. I know I can trust you to provide it.”

Brenda grinned. “I know who she is, and I promise to do my best even though she’s known to be a stingy tipper.”

Crystal wasn’t surprised that Brenda knew such a thing. It was a small town where staff members of various businesses talked to one another. Still, she wondered if Natalie Chamberlain was aware of her poor reputation.

“Don’t worry, Brenda, I’ll make it up to you by assigning you the Governor’s table.”

“Thanks. That makes it even,” said Brenda. She brushed at her apron, straightened, and headed outdoors to do the job.

A short while later, Governor Simon Mitchell and his wife, Jaynie, showed up. Crystal shook hands with him and accepted a hug from Jaynie. Crystal and Jaynie had worked together on a tourism project, and Jaynie had taken Crystal under her wings, treating her like one of her daughters. Still hugging her, Jaynie said, “I love your hair. You’re back to your natural color.”

Before she could answer, Crystal heard a voice behind her say, “Jaynie Mitchell, I thought I recognized you and Simon.”

Emmett’s mother held out her hand to Jaynie, forcing her to relinquish her hold on Crystal.

“Oh, yes. Natalie Chamberlain.” Jaynie shook hands with her. “I thought you were spending the summer in Mt. Desert.”

Natalie nodded and smiled. “I’m here visiting my son. He’s the new doctor in town.”

Jaynie frowned. “Oh, you mean Emmett Chambers. We were delighted that he agreed to take over for Dr. Johnson. I keep an eye on such things as doctors, especially rural doctors, who are in such shortage everywhere. We were lucky to get him.”

“Indeed,” said Emmett’s mother. “Perhaps we can get together sometime soon. Everett is considering a run for a higher office, and it would be helpful if we could spend some time with you and Simon.” She turned to him. “Simon, nice to see you. I love this little town.”

“So do we,” he replied. “Especially this Café and Crystal’s excellent food. We’re big fans.” Sensing Crystal’s discomfort, he put an arm around her shoulder.

Natalie’s eyes rounded. “Oh, yes. Well, I hope to be able to chat with you later.” She turned and walked away.

Jaynie studied Crystal. “Okay, what’s going on?”

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