Page 7 of Love's Cure

“I appreciate it,” said Emmett.

Crystal rose. “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to leave. I must make sure my afternoon staff has prepared for tomorrow. Work at the Café never ends.”

Dr. Johnson stood. “Nice to see you, my dear. I’ll set up an appointment with you before we leave, which will be soon.”

“Good luck to everyone,” she said, and walked outside, her mind spinning.

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Back at the Café, Crystalmade sure each table was set for the morning rush, and supplies were set aside for a busy day with daily specials. After she was satisfied, she called Whitney to tell her about her visit with Emmett and the Johnsons.

“Can you help me?” she asked after she’d told Whitney what was needed. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to Emmett about what work he’d want done to the house. I figure we could do that together if you’re willing.”

“Willing? I’m thrilled. I’ve been feeling very house-bound lately and would love to help with a project like this. Together, we can do a good job for him. Does he have a budget? You said he was buying it. Even though it’s old, I remember that the house has good bones and has a gorgeous setting right on the river.”

“Yes, it has all of that. The doctor’s office is close to the road while the house is set back. Growing up, I used to go there often.”

“I remember. That’s why you have a better sense than most about what we’re trying to achieve. The first thing we need to do is to arrange a meeting with Emmett. Please call him and let me know what time is best. Timothy goes down for both mid-morning and afternoon naps.”

“If necessary, you can bring him to do a walkthrough of the place,” said Crystal.

“Thanks,” said Whitney.

Crystal ended the call, pleased that Whitney would help her. She had excellent taste.

###

The next afternoon, after the Café closed, Crystal headed to Dr. Johnson’s with Whitney, who was delighted to be on her own while Taylor babysat Timothy.

Emmett met them as they pulled their car into the driveway. “Glad to see you. Martha has left the house, so we can talk freely.”

“Oh, that was thoughtful of her,” said Crystal. “Emmett, have you met my best friend, Whitney? She’s married to Nick Woodruff, our chief of police.”

Whitney and Emmett smiled at one another. Before Emmett could ask, Crystal said, “Yes, she’s that television star.”

He laughed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.”

Whitney shrugged. “No problem.”

Crystal studied her friend. Tall and thin, Whitney was a natural beauty with blonde hair, green eyes, and refined features. Television didn’t do her justice.

Whitney held up a pad of paper. “I’m here to take notes for Crystal. Before we came here, we talked about some ideas.”

“Come on inside. I’ve got some ideas of my own.” Emmett waved them forward and they followed.

The Cape Cod house was similar in design to Brad’s old house. A kitchen, dining room, living room, and master suite sat on the first floor. Three bedrooms and two baths were on the second floor.

“Before we get started, we need to know what your budget is. Do you want to make some structural changes? Do you just want new furniture? What?” asked Whitney,

“Let’s assume that the budget is accommodating and we’ll pare down from there. Fair?”

“Sure,” said Crystal and Whitney together.

“Okay,” said Emmett. First of all, I want to open the kitchen, maybe add on a year-round porch open to the river setting.”

“Stop,” said Crystal. “Let me make a call to Dani, Whitney’s sister. She’s an architect and, I’m sure, can help you with that end of things. Whitney and I have ideas too and can help with decorating the interior.”

She stepped aside and called Dani to explain the situation to her. A few moments later, she told Emmett. “She’s at The Meadows but will be here in about twenty minutes.”

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