CHAPTER TEN
T he next morning, true to his word, Emmett showed up in the Café as Crystal was chatting with Rich Robinson, a local dentist. His nephew, Dirk McArthur, was arriving in the next day or two to help him with the practice after graduating from dental school.
Crystal introduced Emmett to him and while they chatted, she welcomed a gathering of customers to the Café. It was easy to tell who the new people in town were by the way they paused at the entryway or stared at her hair. After the last couple in the group was seated, Crystal returned to the kitchen to help with the sudden rush.
Crystal had hired a hard-working, reliable kitchen staff by offering flexible hours, and an opportunity for mothers who had to see their children off to school before handling prep work for the lunch shift. Now, in summer, it took a little more juggling, but everyone on the staff cooperated knowing how hard it was for some to handle mom duties as well as work. Still, there were plenty of times she was needed in the kitchen.
When she was finally able to take a break, Emmett was gone. It was just as well she told herself. After tossing and turning in bed all night, she’d decided to spend as little time with him as possible.
During the quieter, mid-morning time, Whitney appeared in the Café alone.
“Where’s the baby?” Crystal asked.
Whitney did a little happy dance, then became serious. “I’m out on my own, taking a break. I wanted to talk to you privately. I heard the story about Emmett’s mother making a scene at Jake’s. I wanted to be sure you’re alright.”
Crystal grimaced. “I’m trying to put everything in perspective. Having seen his mother just briefly, I can understand why Emmett wanted to change his name to save his identity. His mother was very unpleasant, and we’ve all heard tales about his father. He’s among the worst of the notorious politicians for various reasons.”
“Yes, his reputation is awful,” agreed Whitney. “I know someone who lives on Mt. Desert and is acquainted with the family. She feels sorry for Emmett’s mother for the way her husband treats her but says that Natalie has become impossibly overbearing and rude. Especially after having a few drinks.”
“Yes, I can attest to that,” said Crystal. “She certainly didn’t like me or my purple hair.”
“She doesn’t know you or she’d know why such a thing as your hair doesn’t matter to friends. I know why you color it and believe it’s your right to wear it any way you like. Really, making your hair an issue is ridiculous.”
“Ah, but people everywhere are judged for things they can’t change. That’s why I’ve decided not to change it.” She patted her soft curls. By keeping her hair colored, she’d always felt known in a different way from her childhood.
“I love you,” said Whitney, throwing her arms around her. “You’re so strong.”
“Not as strong as you think, but I’m trying,” said Crystal, hugging her back.
“Okay, meet Nick and me for dinner at Jake’s, our treat,” said Whitney. “I think it’s important that everyone knows you’re not going to let that scene prevent you from enjoying yourself.”
Crystal held up her hand for a high-five and Whitney clapped it.
“Thatta girl,” said Whitney, “now how about a cup of coffee before I head back home.”
Crystal signaled a waitress who came right over to them with a coffee pot. “This one’s on me.”
Whitney laughed. “I’ll take it.”
###
A s the time drew near , Crystal wondered if Emmett would place a lunch order. When he didn’t, she figured that particular part of their friendship was over. No lunches. No dinners.
She got through the rest of the afternoon by concentrating on the business at hand, though she was trying to come to terms with the end of a friendship that she’d thought was special.
When the time came for her to go to Jake’s, she was more than ready for a break and a chance to be with long-time friends.
As soon as she stepped into the bar, someone called her name. She turned to find Nick and Whitney sitting with Brooks Beckman, one of the owners of Beckman Lumber, with a red-haired man and a blonde she didn’t recognize.
She walked over to them, and the three men stood as Nick made introductions. The redhead was Dirk McArthur, who’d arrived in town to help with his uncle’s dental practice. The regal-looking woman with him was his younger sister, Diana. Both greeted her with ready smiles.
Crystal sat next to Dirk. “I’m happy that you’re here to help your uncle. Dr. Robinson is busier than ever as our little town grows.”
“He encouraged me to go into dental studies, and I figure I owe him for that. I’m here on a trial basis. After a year, if I choose not to stay, there’ll be no hard feelings.”
“I hope you’re able to enjoy the area in both our summer and winter weather. There’s a lot to do,” she said.
“Oh, I know. I used to come to Uncle Bob’s cabin during Christmas vacations to ski.”
“That’s why he was never part of our summer groups,” said Nick.
“I went to summer camp in Maine and then did some traveling abroad,” Dirk explained.
“Our mother and stepfather have a part-time home in Italy,” said Diana. “Dirk and I have spent summers there for the last several years.”
“That sounds lovely,” said Crystal. “All that food, wine, and cheese ... well, you know what I’m talking about.”
“You’d love that,” said Whitney. “You ought to take a vacation there, Crystal.”
“I’d have to find someone to run the Café,” said Crystal. “But maybe someday ...”
Emmett entered the bar and waved to them.
Diana jumped out of her chair and ran to him with open arms. She stared at his face and then wrapped her arms around him.
Crystal watched as they hugged one another and then walked arm-in-arm toward them.
They stood before them smiling.
“I went to prep school with Emmett’s cousin, Elise Chamberlain. When I heard he was living in Lilac Lake, I begged Dirk to let me ride along with him.” She turned to Emmett. “You know I’ve always had a crush on you.”
Emmett’s ears turned red. “You were just a kid when I knew you.”
“And now I’m not,” she said.
He gazed at her and said, “Guess not.”
“How are you doing, Doc?” said Nick, staring at his black eyes and taped nose. “I was sorry to learn about the accident with Crystal. I’m glad it wasn’t more serious. That stretch of road in Maine has had more fender benders than most.”
Emmett glanced at her. “It wasn’t Crystal’s fault. It was just a stupid accident.”
“Your nose is looking better,” said Whitney. “Emmett, I don’t think you’ve met Brooks Beckham yet. He and his brother Garth, along with their parents, own Beckman Lumber.”
“I’ve heard of you,” said Emmett. “Dani and Brad Collister are using your lumber for the renovation of my house.”
While they shook hands, Diana said, “His house must be beautiful. Like all the family homes.” Her eyes glistened with approval.
Crystal knew now why Emmett’s mother had been furious with him for being with someone like her. Seeing Diana and hearing a bit about his family Crystal knew she and Emmett were a very unsuitable match.
“So, you’re the owner of the Café in town?” Dirk said to her now.
“I am,” said Crystal. “Have you been there? I don’t recall seeing you.”
“Not yet, but I will. Uncle Bob says it’s the best in town.”
Crystal laughed. “It’s the only one in town, but I’ll take it.”
As they waited for a waitress to take their orders, Crystal tried to relax as Emmett and Diana chatted about mutual friends. On the other side of her, Whitney squeezed her arm. “Maybe we can catch up with a spa evening event. ‘Body Bliss’ is running evening specials, and I’d like to try it with you. My treat.”
“That sounds lovely,” said Crystal. There was a time when she would’ve fought someone wanting to pay for her, but she’d learned to graciously accept offers from close friends. She more than paid them back at the Café with service and food.
“I’d like to go too,” said Diana overhearing them. “I’m starting to get a couple of lines around my eyes.” She faced Emmett sitting next to her and lifted her face close to him.
Crystal didn’t say anything, but Whitney couldn’t hold back. “Those are laugh lines, silly. At your young age, that’s about all you get. But I’d love to have you join us. The spa is new in town, and we’re all loving it, especially in the summer when we don’t have to fight the ski crowd to get in.”
“Thanks,” Diana said. “Sign me up.”
“Maybe I should go into the spa business,” teased Brooks.
Crystal chuckled. She knew how well Beckman Lumber was doing with no sign of stoppage ahead, in part because of all the media work Brooks was doing.
“How’s the gift shop doing?” Whitney asked. “I bought several things there when my sisters and I were renovating Lilac Lake Cottage. Beth does a remarkable job deciding on her inventory. Everything is irresistible.”
“The shop is doing well,” Brooks replied. “Beth is talented. A great mom, too.”
Deanna, their waitress came over to their table. “Is everyone ready to order?”
Whitney gave the newcomers her menu and Nick’s and placed an order for a chicken Caesar salad and white wine. The others soon followed with their requests, leaving Crystal to place the last order. After working with food all day, she was picky about her choices. She chose a veggie pizza and a coke.
“Drinks are coming right up,” said Deanna, who fluttered her eyelashes at Dirk.
After Deanna left, Brooks teased Dirk. “Deanna is available, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
Dirk grinned. “I got that impression.” He glanced at Crystal. “How about you? Are you dating anyone special?”
Crystal didn’t dare look at Emmett as she shook her head.
“With your hair, you two would look colorful together,” said Diana to her brother.
As the others at the table chuckled, Crystal told herself maybe it was time to change her hair. First, she wanted to visit GG.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly for Crystal, even though observing Diana and Emmett chat quietly together cut her with regret. But then, she realized Diana was someone Emmett’s mother would approve of, not someone like her.
After eating and chatting for a while, Crystal rose. “I have to get up early. See you all tomorrow.”
“I’ll set something up at the spa. Maybe tomorrow,” said Whitney getting a nod from Nick. Even though he had time off from work, his job entailed other obligations such as town meetings and community outreach. That meant working out time commitments together.
“Sounds doable,” said Crystal, waving goodbye.
Back at her apartment, she studied herself in the mirror and realized it was time to take a giant step forward. She’d always had a voluptuous figure, and that, combined with blond hair, made her appear too much like her mother. She needed to present to the world the successful woman she was, and not be judged by something as superficial as hair color.
###
T he next morning after the early rush, Crystal plated some of the molasses cookies GG loved and headed out to The Woodlands to see her. Diminutive in size, GG’s spirit more than made up for it. Those light-blue eyes of hers missed nothing, and where there was a monetary need, GG was all too happy to step in. Few families in Lilac Lake hadn’t received such kindness. Crystal and her sister would always be grateful to her.
When she pulled in front of the one-story, brown wooden structure, Crystal thought of GG’s help in making sure that Aaron and Brad Collister’s construction company received a chance to bid on the project. They’d won, getting their fledging business off to a successful start. They’d worked on the renovation of the Lilac Lake Inn and were now busy developing housing at the end of Lilac Lake.
When she went inside, she saw JoEllen Daniels, and though she said hello, she quickly moved by her and down the hallway to GG’s room. Conversations with JoEllen were always unsettling because of the way the woman loved to put others down.
Crystal knocked on the door and opened it a crack.
GG was sitting on the couch reading. She looked up. “Crystal, dear, it’s lovely to see you. And I see you brought treats.”
“One of your favorites—molasses cookies,” she said, carrying the plate of them over to her.
Giving her a broad smile, GG removed the foil and took one cookie, then two. “Thank you.”
“Can I bring you something to drink with them?” Crystal asked.
“Be a dear and pour me some lemonade. There’s a pitcher of it in the refrigerator. Help yourself to some.”
Crystal went to the kitchen.
“I’ve got something I want to talk over with you,” GG called to her.
Crystal reacted to the warmth in GG’s voice. “Me, too. That’s why I’m here. And to say hello.”
She carried the lemonade over to GG, handed her a glass, and held onto the other as she took a seat on a nearby chair and faced her.
“You go first,” said GG, before taking another bite of cookie.
“It’s about me and my hair. It’s time for a change. Last night, Dirk McArthur and his sister, Diana, joined our group at Jake’s. He’s going to be Dr. Robinson’s partner in the dental office, and Diana is here because of Emmett. She went to prep school with his cousin and has always had a crush on him.”
GG focused her gaze on Crystal. “Go on.”
“At one point, Diana said Dirk and I would be good together because of our hair colors. Hearing that comment was the final straw about being judged because of my hair. That got me thinking about changing to my natural blond to be better judged for who I am. Between Emmett’s mother judging me for my purple and then Diana, I’ve decided it’s time for me to learn to be comfortable with who I am. You alone know why I changed my hair color to begin with.”
“Yes, I do,” said GG solemnly. “Your mother’s boyfriend almost got away with raping you. If you hadn’t been strong, and he hadn’t had too much to drink, it might’ve happened. That’s when you chose to look different from her. At the time, it was important to do so. And then it became your signature look. But I like the idea of your being ready to make the change. You’re a beautiful woman, Crystal.”
“You know how much I hated my mother growing up. With help, I’ve learned to forgive her and to understand I’m not like her at all.”
“Perhaps it’s time to prove you’ve moved on. Is that what you came to hear?” said GG. “If it is, I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. Your childhood wasn’t easy. You raised your sister and fought to keep her safe, away from a lot of the turmoil.” GG raised a hand to stop her. “I know a lot more about it than you might suspect.”
Crystal drew a shaky breath and blinked back tears. She didn’t allow herself too much time to think about those years, which is why being able to talk to GG was important. “So, you think I’m right?”
“Indeed, I do,” said GG. “Now come give me that hug we both want.”
Laughing and crying at the same time, Crystal went over to the couch and allowed GG to wrap her in a perfumed embrace.
When she sat up, Crystal said, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I heard about the incident with Emmett’s mother at Jake’s. You must have been humiliated. She’s such an unhappy person. But that doesn’t make it okay to be unkind to others.”
“What do you mean?” Crystal asked, intrigued.
“Natalie Chamberlain comes from a modest background. She married Everett for prestige as much as his money. Instead of being grateful and using her resources for good, she’s hurt a lot of people along the way by not following through on commitments she’s made. Her husband has cheated on her so many times, it’s not news anymore. She has every reason to be unhappy because of it, but she has no excuse for treating others badly.”
“And you wanted me to know this because?” Crystal asked.
“Because no one should ever speak to you in such an awful way when they don’t even know you. The real you,” said GG with a tone of anger Crystal seldom had heard. “I was horrified to hear it. If she were here, I’d tell Natalie myself. I knew her back when she’d just married Everett. I know what she could’ve made of her life with him by serving others.”
“Poor Emmett. No wonder he wanted to change his name. Everett isn’t his birth father,” said Crystal. “I wonder where he is.”
“My understanding is that his father was killed in service to his country. Desert Storm, I believe. At least that’s what I heard.”
“Now that I’ve heard this story, I like Emmett even more,” said Crystal. “Just as a friend,” she quickly added.
“Oh, yes,” said GG. “He’s a man to admire.”
Later, Crystal left The Woodlands, full of conviction that she was doing the right thing.