Page 52 of Love's Bloom
“How’s your mother holding up? Crystal asked him.
“As usual, she’s coping and trying not to make matters worse.” Emmett sighed. “I thought once she got sober, she might leave him. But I understand it would be financially difficult for her to do so. Instead, she and Everett have a living arrangement that works for them both.”
Emmett put his arm around Crystal. “We’re never going to be like that. I promise.”
“I believe you. It’s insane,” said Crystal, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Misty stood. “It’s time I left. Crystal, I’ll see you tomorrow at ten at the nail salon with Natalie.”
“Sure thing. Thanks.” Crystal hugged her. “Thanks for your support this evening. It made a big difference for me.”
“It’s about time I could help you,” Misty said. “C’mon, Sugar. Let’s go home.”
Sugar wagged her tail and followed Misty to her car.
Misty knew she’d need all the rest she could get because tomorrow wouldn’t be as easy as they’d hoped.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The next morning, Misty awoke to grayness. She got out of bed and raced to the window. Looking out at the thick,dark clouds in the sky, she let out a soft groan. The weatherman had mentioned a disturbance pushing through the area but had said no rain. She hoped he was right.
She turned on the weather channel. Again, no rain was mentioned.
Picking up her cell, she called Crystal. “Happy Wedding Day! I’ve checked, and though the weather looks iffy, there’s a promise of no rain.”
“I’m hoping that’s the case, but I’m not worried. People should be here soon to put up the tent. We didn’t want to take the chance of the day being ruined.”
“Are you going to be ready for a visit to the nail salon with Natalie?”
“We’ll see. She isn’t feeling well, but I’m pretty sure it’s a case of nerves, which tends to happen when Everett puts too much pressure on her. I’m going to pick her up shortly and take her to the Café for breakfast.”
“Should I meet you there?” asked Misty.
“Would you? That would make it easier,” Crystal responded.
“Sure. Why don’t I meet you at 9:30?”
“Perfect,” said Crystal. “It will seem like a long day until guests finally arrive. Emmett will be working with his temporary replacement for the medical practice until noon or so.”
“In the meantime, let’s have some fun. After the mani-pedis, I’ll bring my dress over to your house and help you fix your hair.”
“That would be great,” said Crystal. “Whitney is going to help me too. That’ll give us time for a little party, just the three of us. Nick will be hanging around the backyard early. He wants to make sure the area is secure.”
“He’s a good man,” said Misty. Crystal had been married to Nick briefly until they both figured out that as much as they liked each other, marriage wasn’t workable for them. They’ve been close friends ever since.
Misty ended the call with Crystal, dressed for her morning walk, and left the house with Sugar. It was a little time-consuming to reset the security alarm, but she felt better doing it.
As usual, she ended up at the Graham’s memorial park for Lily. Misty felt a special connection to David when she was there. He’d sent a video about self-defense for her to watch and would give her some private lessons after the holiday.
As she sat on a bench staring at the pink roses she loved, she felt a calmness wash over her. David’s mother appeared and walked over to her. “It’s sweet that you spend time here.”
“It’s a lovely place to sit and contemplate things,” said Misty.
“I agree,” said Susie. “How did your first days of school go?”
Misty watched Susie pet Sugar. “They went well. Kids at that age are so cute. I must confess, though, that I’m worried about one student who seems fragile. I’ll keep my eye on him.”
“Some need a little extra encouragement,” said Susie.
