Page 92 of Love's Cure

That evening, aftercompleting the daily financials for the Café, Crystal freshened up and went to Jake’s. It had been a while since everyone had met there, and she was looking forward to seeing everyone.

She stepped inside the neighborhood bar and paused. The place held many happy memories.

“Over here,” called Taylor.

Crystal turned and headed toward the back corner where two large tables had been pushed together.

The Gilford women sat with their spouses and Misty. Ross and Mike Dawson were in conversation with David Graham, while Aaron and Dirk were on their cell phones,

“Emmett promised to come as soon as he could,” Misty told her. “Garth, Beth, and Brooks will be here shortly. I think that’s it. Melissa will come after dinner service if everyone is still here.”

Smiling at everyone, Crystal took a seat. She loved these people.

It was fun to hear what everyone was doing. David was thinking of hiring someone for the spring, Dirk was looking at a house to buy, and Aaron had decided to build at The Meadows.

“It’s a perfect spot for a family,” said Aaron.

“Are you telling us something we don’t know?” teased Taylor.

Aaron laughed. “No. This is an investment for the future.”

Crystal had always liked Aaron. Though he was quiet, there was a depth to him that she found intriguing.

A waitress showed up, and Crystal placed her order for red wine. She limited her drinking, but she enjoyed the camaraderie of socializing with friends.

The Beckman group arrived, taking all the chairs but the one Crystal was saving beside her.

Amid the talk that followed, Emmett arrived. Seeing the chair Crystal had saved for him, he walked over to her, leaned down, and kissed her.

Teasing remarks filled the air.

Emmett looked up and laughed. “What? I like her.” He took a seat next to her. “What’s everyone having?”

Crystal blinked in surprise. ‘Liked her?’

Whitney caught her eye and winked. She’d told Crystal she’d placed a bet with her sisters that Crystal and Emmett would be engaged within the week.

The group was congenial as various topics were discussed. Mike brought up his idea of a tennis center and all agreed it was needed.

Sometime later, Crystal checked her watch and rose. “Sorry to be a party pooper, but I have to get up early.”

“I’ll walk you home,” said Emmett.

“I promise to stay here for at least another hour to give you time alone,” teased Misty.

Everyone laughed as Emmett gave her a thumbs-up sign.

Outside the restaurant, Emmett took Crystal’s hand. “Will you go out with me tomorrow night? I’ve got something fun and different planned.”

“Yes. What is it?”

“You’ll see,” said Emmett. He walked her to the door to her apartment and took her in his arms. Looking down at her he said, “I love you, you know.”

“I thought you just liked me,” she said, giving him a teasing poke.

“That too. Maybe next week we can visit my mother together. I know she’d like to see you.”

“We need to give her time, but yes, I’d like to see her too.”

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