Page 13 of Love's Cure

He shook his head. “Not drug addiction, but they have problems of their own. And because my father is in the public eye, they’re all on display.”

Crystal wanted to ask for more information but could see from the grim expression on his face that Emmett was finished talking about them.

They finished their main course and then were handed dessert menus.

Emmett perused his and regarded her with a sparkle in his eye. “What do you think? Ready for something? I’m opting for the Apple Pie a la Mode. Can’t resist that.”

“Well, I was thinking about the lemon tart,” admitted Crystal.

“Let’s go for it.” Emmett grinned at the waitress. “The lady will have the tart and I’ll take the apple pie.”

After she left, Crystal said, “I didn’t know you had a sweet tooth. I’ll have to remember that going forward with any of your orders.”

He laughed. “I try not to have sweets too often. But on a night like this, with food like this and a beautiful woman with me, I couldn’t resist.”

Warmth weaved through Crystal. She was having a wonderful time.

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As they left, Crystalnoticed how some of the other people in the restaurant stared at them and realized they were checking out the new doctor.

Outside, Emmett turned to her. “Do you want to meet up with your friends at Jake’s?”

“No, I’d rather take a walk with you and then go up to my apartment for coffee or a cup of tea.”

“That sounds nice. I’ve enjoyed this evening and I’m not ready for it to end.” Emmett took her hand, and they headed down the quiet end of the street.

Crystal had dated and married, but as Emmett’s fingers wrapped around her hand, she felt a sense of connection that she knew was special. She hardly knew Emmett, but she was attracted to him. To some people, he might seem pleasant but ordinary, except for his eyes. But she’d understood he was a decent man. If only she could get rid of the thought he was hiding something about his background. But then, she told herself, she was someone who should never judge a person by his family.

They walked down one side of Main Street, turned around, and walked back on the other side, and, like tourists, stopped and gazed into the windows of the cute shops. Crystal had viewed them before but seeing them through his eyes helped her to be charmed all over again. Lilac Lake was a darling small town.

“I’m glad I chose to come here. The downtown is a real slice of Americana. Very cool. So far, the people I’ve met have been great. Dr. Johnson says he’ll be sad to leave his patients. I believe him.”

“We’re here at my place. Do you want to come up?” Crystal asked him.

Emmett gazed at her and smiled. “I’d like that very much.”

For all the fun she had in town with friends, she didn’t often invite them to come into her apartment. The Café was as much social as business, and she liked keeping her apartment to herself.

She climbed the stairs in back of the Café and unlocked the door to her apartment, experiencing a rush of heat. Coffee or tea wasn’t the only thing either one of them had been thinking about. Suddenly shy, Crystal wished it wasn’t too late to change her mind. But then, she scolded herself. She’d be all right.

At the threshold of the door, she snapped on the light and the living area glowed with light, accenting her tasteful décor. In addition to a couch and comfortable chairs atop a large Oriental rug, tables were scattered at the right places and showcased her interest in Native American art.

“This is nice,” said Emmett. He walked over to one of the tables and lifted a ceramic bowl.

“I love reading about various east coast tribes in the New York region—the Mohawks, Iroquois, Senecas, Onondagas, and others, and the tribes of New Hampshire—the Abenaki and Wampanoag tribes. But the tribes of the Southwest –the Navaho, Apache, Hopi, and Zuni, among others, are known for their arts and crafts. After a visit to Arizona, I became interested in them. Once in a while, I add pieces to my collection.”

“I’ve always admired their crafts,” said Emmett carefully setting the bowl down. “My aunt has a home in Tucson.”

“Do you mean Rory’s mother?” Crystal asked, eager to learn more.

“No,” Emmett said and left it at that.

“I have a selection of teas, coffee—both decaf and regular, water, and cold beer. What would you like?”

“A cold beer sounds delicious,” Emmett replied, following her to the kitchen.

Crystal reached into her refrigerator and handed a bottle of beer to him before pouring herself a glass of cold water.

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