Page 71 of Love's Home Run

“What can I do to help?” she asked as her mother placed a hand on her father’s shoulder.

“It’s all going to work out,” her mother said calmly. “Now tell us what’s going on with you.”

“Let me grab a cup of coffee, and I’ll fill you in.” She poured herself a cup of the drip coffee she loved and sat at the kitchen table. “I’ve come up with an idea to explore.”

She told them about Crystal possibly selling the café, that Nettie and Jason were visiting, and about her idea for scheduled gourmet dinners at the café. “I want to keep my hand in cooking, but I don’t want to commit to a full-time job until I’ve had a chance for some time to myself.”

“What about Ross?” her mother asked.

“We’ll see how that plays out. The most important thing is for me to figure out my next move. I need a creative outlet, and cooking does that for me,” Melissa replied, unwilling to say more.

“He’s a fine man. You could have an outstanding future with him,” her mother said with a note of warning.

Melissa took a deep breath so she wouldn’t snap back at her. “I’m just taking it day by day.”

“How’s he holding up with his father’s death?” her mother asked, her words gentle now.

“It’s hard, but he has a wonderful family who are supportive of one another,” said Melissa. “That helps. We’re flying to New Jersey on Friday. His father’s service is going to be on Saturday.”

“It’s nice that you can support him,” said her mother.

“These gourmet dinners would be once a month?” asked her father. “What if the demand is for more?”

“That’s something we’d need to think about,” said Melissa. “Crystal is very excited to do a different kind of cooking. We’re both at a point where we want some time to ourselves.”

“I feel bad that you’ve worked so hard at our restaurant,” said her mother. “But that’s the business.”

“Yes, we all know that, which is why coming together might work for Crystal and me,” said Melissa. “Besides, you know I loved working in the kitchen with Dad.”

“It was a privilege to have you there,” said her father, getting a little emotional.

Melissa exchanged glances with her mother.

Her mother checked her watch. “It’s time to go to the rehab center, Fran.”

“Not that again,” her father grumped.

“I’ll leave you to it,” said Melissa, taking the opportunity to leave. Since the fire at the restaurant, things had been very different for all of them.

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Melissa stood with Crystal in the Café’s kitchen, inspecting all its features.

“What suggestions do you have for making it better for the type of cooking you want to do?” Crystal asked.

Together, they made a list of additional items that could be added.

“And remember the table linens, silver, dishes, and glasses for the dinners,” said Melissa. “If we’re going to do it, we should make it upscale, don’t you think?”

“Yes,” said Crystal.

They walked into the main room and studied it.

Crystal indicated the area with a sweep of her hand. “Fortunately, the room will lend itself to making it more upscale, and the outdoor dining area is perfect except for those winter evenings that will make it impossible without heaters and firepits.”

“A lot will depend on what Nettie and Jason think and if they’re willing to make a major change in their lives,” said Melissa. “If they don’t, maybe you and I can work something out.”

“I’m not giving up my independence by marrying Emmett,” said Crystal. “But I want more time with him. He’s very busy as the new doctor in town, but we want to enjoy things together.”

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