Page 87 of Love's Cure

“I wish I didn’t have to go to the rehab hospital today, but I promised my mother I would be there for her.”

“You’re doing the right thing,” said Crystal. “We’ll make dinner tomorrow special.”

“Okay. I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late for the morning session. Thanks for understanding, Crystal. It means a lot.”

After they ended the call, Crystal sat on the bed staring out the window. She hadn’t given it too much thought, but living with Emmett would always mean interruptions to plans, whether it was a patient or a family matter. Without having those obligations herself, it was easy to forget that.

She went into the kitchen and told Jerry and Lance that Emmett wasn’t coming after all.

“Aw, sweetie, I know you’re disappointed,” said Jerry. “Make yourself at home. Lance and I are meeting friends in Portsmouth. You’re welcome to come with us.”

“Thanks, anyway. If you don’t mind, I’m going to hang around on the deck and read and relax. This is my last day before my usual rat race at the Café will resume.”

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Later, alone on thedeck, Crystal lay back on a chaise lounge and thought about a future with Emmett. It would have its ups and downs like most marriages, but every time she thought of what the future might hold with him, happiness filled her. She couldn’t deny the chemistry between them. It was at a level she’d never experienced. More than that, she liked Emmett—his personality, his goals, his innate kindness.

She let her mind drift and soon was asleep.

At the sound of her cell ringing, Crystal awoke with a start. She groped around for it, hoping it wasn’t Misty. She’d left her sister pretty much alone for the week, giving her the respect that she deserved.

“Hi, Crystal.”

“Hi, Emmett,” she said, sitting. “What’s up?”

“There’s someone who’d like to speak to you,” said Emmett.

She was surprised to hear Natalie’s voice. “Hello, Crystal. I just wanted to apologize for my past behavior to you and want you to know I approve of any plans you and Emmett make together. I’ve learned a lot about myself this week. I hope you’ll agree to meet with me in the future.”

“I’d be pleased to do that, Natalie. I’m proud of you for working the program. I wish my mother could’ve been that strong.”

There was a pause, and then Emmett’s voice came on. “Thank you, Crystal. See you tomorrow. I love you.”

“Love you too,” Crystal said, ending the call and bursting into tears for what might have been with her mother and for the fabulous possibilities that lay ahead with Emmett.

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That night, Crystalbowed with the other performers as applause filled the theater. It was exciting to have this small part as one of the townspeople in the special production ofSeven Brides for Seven Brothers. She brushed at the skirt of her costume sorry the play had ended.

Looking out at the audience clapping, she understood why some people dedicated their lives to acting. However, traveling and constantly being under pressure to learn different parts and routines were not for her.

The curtain closed, and she and the rest of the cast changed out of their costumes. Then she joined them at the Blue Lobster Bar for a party.

There, Crystal sipped on a glass of red wine and watched as a couple of cast members sang dirty ditties. It was a fun group, and she laughed with the others.

Ginger Allen came over to her. “Are you sorry to be leaving to go back to your work at the Café?”

“Not at all. Though it’s always fun to be here, home is where I want to be. I’m sincere about asking you to come visit me in Lilac Lake. You might decide to move there if you’re sick of New York. It’s a very nice lifestyle.”

Ginger’s green eyes sparkled as she fingered her strawberry-blonde hair. “I just may take you up on it. It’s time for a change for me. And with Whitney Gilford working on a project there, maybe I can do something to help her.”

They hugged, and before she left the party, Crystal went around and talked to both actors and management, thanking them for the opportunity.

“It’s always great to have you here,” said the theater manager. “Maybe next year?”

“Maybe,” she said and wondered what the year would bring.

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