Page 78 of Love's Cure

“First, coffee.”

He laughed. “I’ve got some made for you.”

“Thanks, you’re a doll,” she said.

He grinned. “Lance thinks so too.”

Crystal noticed his happy smile and a pang went through her. Would she ever find someone to love and accept her? “You two are an inspiration to me. You’re so happy together.”

“It’ll happen for you too. We love Nick, but you’ll find someone better suited to you. I hope we get to meet Mr. Can’t Decide.”

“Who do we want to meet? Who’s Mr. Can’t Decide?” asked Lance coming into the kitchen.

“The man Crystal told us about. Emmett Chambers,” said Jerry. “I’ll know a lot about him if we ever get the chance to be introduced. Do you want some pancakes?”

Lance patted his stomach. “Just one. Your cooking is making me fat, but I love it.”

While Jerry went to work on the pancakes, Crystal automatically set the table. Though she didn’t see them as often as she’d like, being with Jerry and Lance was like coming home. They always gave her encouragement.

Jerry served up the pancakes and stood aside as Crystal and Lance buttered them before pouring real maple syrup on them.

Knowing he was waiting for a response from her, Crystal lifted a piece of pancake to her mouth and enjoyed the blend of orange and chocolate. She closed her eyes and let the taste settle on her tongue.

“Well?” asked Jerry, too impatient to wait.

“Perfect combination. I’ll definitely steal the idea. My customers will love it,” she said.

Jerry gave her a smile of satisfaction. “Thought so. Thanks. It’s the essence of the orange skin that gives it the flavor.”

“I’ll remember that,” said Crystal taking another bite.

When at last she couldn’t eat anything more, Crystal excused herself. “Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll clean them up in a minute. But I want to sit outside on the deck to let breakfast settle before I do them.”

“No problem,” said Jerry. “It’s Lance’s turn to do the dishes anyway. You go on ahead.”

Crystal went outside and stretched out on a chaise lounge. She closed her eyes against the sun’s rays and allowed their warmth to ease into her. She loved summer days. She thought about Emmett, her need to find love and create a family, and how she’d thought he’d be the cure to the raging fever inside her.

Footsteps caused her to stir. She opened her eyes and stared in surprise at Emmett. She scrambled to sit up. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”

“Whoa, let me explain. After your call last night, I decided to cancel appointments today and come to Maine to see my mother. But before talking to her, I need to speak to you. Misty gave me your address, and your friends kindly let me inside.”

She studied him, seeing his uncertainty. “Let’s take a walk on the beach. Footbridge Beach is within easy walking distance.”

In the kitchen, Crystal introduced Emmett to Jerry and Lance and explained that they were going out onto the beach. Aware the men were assessing one another, Crystal noted an absence of animosity and was pleased.

Crystal grabbed her sun hat and beach bag, put two bottles of water in her bag, and led Emmett out of the house.

Though she was aware of all she wanted to say and hear, the walk to the beach was short and quiet.

After crossing the wooden footbridge, Crystal removed her sandals and sighed with pleasure as she wiggled her toes in the soft, white sand.

Beside her, Emmett slipped off his shoes and socks and rolled up his khaki pants. “Okay, now let’s talk.”

They started strolling down the beach. It was low tide, making it seem as if the expanse of sand went on forever before reaching the edge of the salty water.

Emmett stopped walking and took hold of her hands. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more sensitive to your feelings at the barbeque. I should’ve been more aware of Diana’s intentions. I didn’t think anything was weird until she told me last night that you and I would never make it, that my mother wanted us together.” He let out a snort. “As if that would matter to me.”

Crystal kicked at the sand with a painted toe. “Diana confronted me too, saying the same thing. That’s why I was upset when we talked after the barbeque. And when you didn’t say anything to convince me that you wanted to maintain a relationship with me, I thought, for you, her behavior was fine because you weren’t that serious.”

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