Page 12 of Love's Cure

“Oh, yes. When I was searching for a place to fulfill my obligation for my residency, it was something I noticed right away in my research.”

They arrived at Fins, and Emmett held the door while Crystal stepped inside. Melissa’s mother greeted them with wide smiles. “Nice to see you here, Crystal, and a big welcome to our new doctor.”

Crystal returned Susan Hendrickson’s smile, well aware that Susan never missed a bit of gossip in town. Still, it was nice to be greeted warmly.

Susan led them to a lovely table in the corner. There, they’d not only have privacy, but Crystal had an easy view of who else was in the restaurant.

“I’m hungry,” said Emmett. “How about you?”

“Me, too. I purposely kept myself from snacking or even taste-testing certain recipes. Dinner here is always a treat.”

“How about my ordering a bottle of wine? White or red? I’m leaning toward a white or a light red because of the seafood.”

“I’m happy with only a glass of red wine,” said Crystal. She didn’t want Emmett to spend a lot of money on the wine when she drank so little. Growing up with an alcoholic mother, she had no intention of getting into that kind of trouble and limited her drinks to two on occasional celebrations. Not that she was going to explain that to Emmett.

After perusing the menu, Emmett decided on clam pie and Crystal, the grilled salmon.

“Okay, let’s order a bottle of a nice pinot,” said Emmett.

Crystal was silent as Emmett discussed vintages with the wine steward before they placed their orders. Observing the quiet but confident way he’d handled the order, Crystal couldn’t help but wonder about his background. He’d given out little information about himself or his family. But surely, he’d had some experience with wine, especially when he ordered a Chandler Hill Inn pinot, a special one she’d read about.

Later, after approving it, Emmett waited while the wine steward poured some into her glass and then his. The man left, and Emmett lifted his glass. “Here’s to getting to know you and Lilac Lake a lot better.”

“I’ll applaud that,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have you here.”

They chatted about various things to do in the area and then ordered their meal.

Crystal enjoyed the idea of not rushing their meal. Eating at the Café rarely happened that way. Now, she listened as Emmett told her about the plans that he’d agreed on to renovate the house.

“You’re lucky,” he said, “to have friends like Dani, Brad, and Aaron who are willing to go overboard to help. They certainly are being cooperative about moving fast on the project.”

“They’re good people. Dani and her sisters used to come to Lilac Lake every summer growing up. They, Brad, Aaron, Nick, and a whole bunch of us have remained close since childhood. It’s great that we’re all coming together again.”

“I can understand why,” said Emmett. Crystal had the feeling he didn’t have many friends. Her heart ached for him. Her friends had “saved” her over and over again.

As they were eating, one of the customers in the restaurant came over to their table. “I’m sorry to interrupt but I have to ask, aren’t you Rory Chamberlain?”

“The movie star? No, ma’am, I’m not.” Emmett’s expression hardened. “He’s a distant relative.”

“I noticed your eyes in addition to your features and couldn’t let it go. I’m very sorry.” The woman returned to her table, but Crystal could tell Emmett was uncomfortable.

“Does that happen often?” she asked him.

“Every once in a while. I don’t know why it bothers me except I find it annoying. I don’t know how Whitney graciously acknowledges the people who recognize her. Not that I’m famous or wish to be.”

“It’s a bit of an intrusion, but I suppose someone like Whitney gets used to it.” Crystal leaned forward. “You never talk about your family. Now I know that Rory Chamberlain is a distant relative.”

Emmett shrugged. “I don’t like to talk about my family. They like their privacy as much as I do.” He settled his gaze on her. “You’ve kept pretty quiet about your background.”

“As anyone in town knows, I was married to Whitney’s husband, Nick, for a brief time. But we both knew we’d married for the wrong reasons. I’m pleased to see them happy together because I consider them to be my best friends. I grew up in a difficult situation with an alcoholic, drug-addicted mother who left me to care for my younger sister from an early age. Not your typical Lilac Lake family.

“I asked Dr. Johnson about you, and that’s all he’d tell me. Just so you know, like him, I’d never divulge medical or other private information about any of my patients.”

“One thing about growing up with a parent you never want to emulate is that neither my sister nor I have ever been into drugs or abuse of alcohol,” said Crystal. “I’m enjoying a glass of wine tonight, but I have no need or desire to have more.”

“That’s good. Because addiction is a disease that runs in families.”

“So, no problems like mine in your family?” Crystal asked, unable to hold back the question. He’d been reticent about them.

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