Page 88 of Love's Cure

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Driving into LilacLake, Crystal felt her spirits lift. She’d never grow tired of seeing the lake, the rock she and her friends had always loved, and the scenic little town. The smell of pine filled her nostrils, and she drew in a breath and let it linger inside her as long as she could.

At this early morning hour, joggers were out running, and regular traffic was almost non-existent. She drove past the church, the town square, and onto Main Street, and parked her car behind the Café next to Misty’s red coupe.

When she walked into the kitchen, Misty looked up at her. “Home again? Where has the time gone?”

“Thanks for sending me evening reports,” said Crystal hugging her. “You’ve done a fantastic job of running the business while I’ve been gone.”

“You’re welcome. I appreciate your letting me do it on my own. I was thinking if you ever want to take on a partner, I’d be interested. I could do some work before going to school in the mornings and help on weekends.”

“It’s something I’ve begun to think about. We’ll talk about it in time. Right now, I’m not sure what’s going on with my life.” She stopped talking when staff members appeared, and she turned to them.

“Thank you, everyone, for the help you gave my sister while I was gone. I really appreciate it.” Seeing the faces of those who worked for her, Crystal’s eyes grew misty. They were such decent people.

“Okay, the pies for today are apple and lemon meringue,” said Misty. “We need to get going on them and prepare for breakfast and lunch.”

“Let me dump my things upstairs and get changed,” said Crystal. “I’ll be right back to help.” If she was lucky, she could snatch a couple of pieces of pie for dessert at Emmett’s house.

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It felt wonderful togreet people as she usually did when they walked into the Café. In a way, it was like welcoming people to her home. And, of course, it was good to catch up on the local gossip.

When Dirk stopped in for coffee, he caught sight of her and came right over. “Hey, I’m sorry again for the mess my sister made between you and Emmett. I hope it won’t affect our friendship.”

“Not at all,” she said. “It’s over and done with.”

“Good, because I like living here and being part of the ‘summer group.’”

Dani came in to pick up coffee for the crew working at Emmett’s house. She gave Crystal a sly smile. “How was yesterday with Emmett?”

Crystal shook her head. “Emmett couldn’t make it to Maine. He had to do something to support his mother.”

“Aw, too bad. Can you guys make it to Jake’s tonight?”

“No, I’m going to have dinner at Emmett’s. How’s his house coming along?”

“Close to getting done inside. You and Whitney need to choose wall paint colors. We’re ready for it in the main areas of the house. I’m not sure what you’re doing with the upstairs. The bathroom has been redone but no work has been done on the three bedrooms. I’m not sure they need it.”

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