Page 84 of Love's Home Run

“Now, let’s surprise Crystal,” said Nettie. “I want to see the café in action.”

They made their way down the street, slowing now and then so Nettie and Jason could look in some shop windows. Each store appeared alive with activity, some more than others.

“It’s charming,” gushed Nettie. “I love the colorful awnings and pots of flowers by each door.”

“Even during the winter months, the shopkeepers try to dress up their windows with color,” said Melissa.

They entered the café and paused, observing the crowd and the waitresses moving through the tables carrying trays of food. Conversations filled the air with excitement that softened the flow of music from speakers.

Melissa breathed a sigh of relief. It was a normal morning.

Crystal noticed them and hurried over, the new streak of purple hair over her brow bobbing.

“This is Nettie Mancini and Jason Rockwell, whom you’ve met and talked to online,” said Melissa.

Crystal hesitated and then hugged them both. “I know we’ll talk later, but I’m pleased to meet you in person. It’s such a beautiful day; why don’t you take a table outside, and I’ll send a waitress right over.”

Melissa led them to the last empty table on the patio and sat down, pleased by the smiles on Nettie and Jason’s faces.

“This routine is the opposite from what we’re used to,” said Nettie, “but I think a change like this will allow us to have a more normal life, with time in the late afternoon and evenings for friends and activities.”

“We’ll see,” said Jason, watching carefully as a waitress approached carrying menus and a pitcher of water.

“Welcome to the Lilac Lake Café,” said the waitress, Dorothy, an older woman with gray-streaked hair. “How can I make your morning better?” she asked, handing out the menus and pouring water into their goblets.

“I’d like regular black coffee,” said Nettie.

“Me, too,” Jason said.

Melissa said, “Make that three. Thank you.”

“Coming right up,” responded Dorothy.

After she left, Jason said, “I like the fact that Crystal has older staff.”

“Crystal’s very aware that people of all ages need the opportunity to work. Dorothy is a gem. She works as a teacher during the school year and helps Crystal in the summer. You’ll find the community pulls together in many ways like this.”

Jason nodded thoughtfully, and Melissa and Nettie exchanged hopeful glances.

After ordering enough food for a broad sample and eating most of it, Jason put down his fork and sighed with pleasure.

Crystal appeared. “How was it?”

“That was one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had,” said Jason. “The omelet was fantastic, and those biscuits were like eating melted butter. Wow!”

“Recipes can come with the sale,” Crystal said, making them all laugh. She grew serious. “Today was busy as usual, with everyone starting a new week. Most days are like this, with locals making up most of the customers. Would you like to see the kitchen in operation?”

“Definitely,” said Nettie as all three of them rose from their seats at the table.

After observing the kitchen routine, Crystal led them upstairs to show Nettie and Jason the apartment above the café. It contained two bedrooms, a small office, and a bathroom, kitchen, and dining/living area.

“The kitchen has been updated, the carpet is new, and the walls were painted a year ago,” said Crystal. “The balcony is where I keep watch on the town, especially when a parade goes by.”

“If we’re not in the annual Fourth of July parade, we’re here watching it,” said Melissa.

“My sister, Misty, is living here with me, but she’s about to move into one of the river cabins in town. I’ll be moving out to live with my fiancé.”

“When is your wedding?” Nettie asked.

---