CHAPTER FOURTEEN
C rystal lay in bed staring at the ceiling both sad and happy. She couldn’t deny her attraction to Emmett and loved that he was taking a stand and forcing her to face it. But what if they both ended up getting hurt? They had commitments to remain in this small town together. She recalled when she and Nick decided to divorce, they did so amicably and were comfortable staying in Lilac Lake regardless of their history. But still ...
By morning, Crystal decided to see where a friendship with Emmett would go. They were two independent people who had the right to choose their own destinies.
She let Misty sleep in and got ready for the day. Her summer business was what carried her through leaner times when weather and other factors affected her financial security.
Downstairs, she checked the Café’s dining room to make sure all was in order, saw that the kitchen staff was prepping for the day, her inventory was up to date, and the wait staff was coming in.
She’d just opened the door for the 7 AM crowd when she saw Whitney pushing a stroller and waving at her.
Smiling, she waited for her to approach. “’Morning! You’re bright and early.”
“Timothy is up bright and early. Is it possible he might be starting to teethe already?”
Crystal laughed and shrugged. “You’re asking the wrong person. What brings you here?”
“I wanted a cup of hot coffee and one of your blueberry scones. Anything to keep me going. I’m exhausted.”
“Well, dear friend. Come inside. I’ll see that you get them.”
“That isn’t the only reason I’m here,” Whitney confessed. “Both Dani and Taylor called to tell me Misty is back in town. I’m so glad. What’s the story?”
“Come in, have a seat, and the first moment I get, I’ll sit with you for a few minutes.”
Crystal loved this time of morning when customers came in seeking a tasty breakfast and a pleasant day to follow. People were either cheerful or quiet. Her staff had been trained to react to both.
After customers were seated and orders were placed, Crystal took a few minutes to spend with Whitney, who’d taken a quiet corner table in the back where they could have some privacy.
A waitress stopped by. “Would either of you care for anything?”
“I’ll have coffee,” said Crystal. “What would you like, Whitney?”
“I’d like another scone, but I’ll have only a second cup of coffee.” The waitress left and Whitney told Crystal, “I still have to watch what I eat. I never know when or if I’ll be called upon to read for a part.”
“I understand,” Crystal said. Whitney had left acting for a while to enjoy her husband and baby and to get their marriage off to a solid start. But both she and Nick understood that if a very special role came along, Whitney would seriously consider it.
Whitney leaned forward. “Tell me why Misty is back and what’s going on with her. Both of my sisters said she had bruises on her face. Is she okay?”
Crystal told Whitney the story of Misty leaving after being abused for the second time. “Unfortunately, Misty knows from our mother’s experiences that once a man begins to beat you, he won’t stop. She was missing Lilac Lake and now wants to stay here. Pam Sawyer is going to help her find a teaching position.”
“How nice of her,” said Whitney. “Is Misty going to stay with you?”
The waitress came with their coffee and Crystal took a satisfying sip.
“Misty will stay with me for the time being. If she finds work here, I’m hoping she’ll want to live on her own to give us both our privacy.”
“Yes, especially now with you dating Emmett,” said Whitney, giving her a knowing look.
“What? How do you know that?”
Whitney laughed. “Both Dani and Taylor said the two of you couldn’t keep your eyes off one another. I like Emmett, and I’d like to see you happy with a family of your own. I know you’re ready.”
Crystal sighed. “I can’t look at babies or kids and not want one. I don’t know if it’s hormones speaking or the fear that it might never happen. But I can’t stop thinking about it, which is the reason dating Emmett is dangerous. Stupid, really. I want to find a husband, and his family would never approve of a marriage between us.” Crystal peered up at Whitney with a sadness that ate at her. “You know I’m telling the truth.”
Whitney shook her head firmly. “It doesn’t have to be that way. Take it one step at a time and see where it leads. Love can overcome a lot of obstacles.”
Crystal let out a snort. “You know what his mother is like. Everyone in town either saw or heard about her attack on me.”
“And what did Emmett do? Stand by and let her carry on?” taunted Whitney.
Crystal shook her head. “No, he got her out of there. But what about his father? I heard he might be running for the Senate again. That would be the end of it for Emmett and me.”
“Seems to me like you’re projecting a whole lot of negative thoughts into what is otherwise a sweet scene. Two people simply wanting to date.”
Crystal gazed at her friend’s earnest expression. “You’re right. I’m letting it get out of control in my mind. One step, one day at a time. Thanks for helping me put it in perspective.” She rose, hugged Whitney, and left to check on the people sitting on the outside patio.
###
L ate morning, Crystal received a call from Lucille Young in Emmett’s office requesting a ham and cheese sandwich for Emmett.
Smiling and humming to herself, Crystal prepared the sandwich and fixings for him. Packing it into a bag with the Café’s logo, she told the kitchen crew she’d be gone for a short time.
A few minutes later, she pulled into the parking area of the medical practice building and as instructed, drove around to the back and down the long driveway to Emmett’s house. As she pulled to a stop beside two trucks from Collister Construction, she could see Emmett sitting on the bench on the dock staring out at the river.
She got out of her car and walked to the dock to meet him.
He seemed to sense her arrival and turned as she approached him.
“Hey, there. I’m glad to see you,” he said, rising and kissing her cheek. “Because our time is limited, I figure this is the best way to see each other during the day.”
She held up the bags she’d brought. “This way, I can make sure you have a decent lunch.”
He laughed. “Okay. The best of both worlds.” He accepted a bag from her and sat down to open it. “I’ve got about twenty minutes.”
“Speaking of two worlds, I need to ask you one more time. Are we being foolish to begin dating seriously?” She hesitated, let out a long breath, and blurted, “What if we want more than friendship?”
He set down his sandwich and studied her. “Are you prepared for that? I’ve been hurt in the past and don’t intend to rush into anything.”
“That’s just it. I don’t want either of us to get hurt,” she said.
“Well, then, let’s go slowly, be honest with one another, and give each other a chance to see how we’re both feeling. That’s how I like to behave anyway.”
Crystal studied Emmett. She admired him.
She sat down beside him, handed him a lemonade, and took one for herself. A cardinal trilled and she saw a flash of red as it flew among the trees lining the river. “The birdlife here is spectacular.”
“Yes, as soon as the workmen leave, I’m going to put out some birdfeeders,” Emmett commented. “Would you like to go to dinner at Stan’s tonight? A patient was telling me about the delicious seafood there, and I’d like to try it out.”
“Stan’s is great. They have a fried lobster special among other things.”
“Okay, then. How about I pick you up at seven? If Misty would like to join us, she can also be my guest.”
“Thanks. I’ll mention it to her,” said Crystal, but she was disappointed he didn’t want to spend time alone.
He took hold of her hand. “Slowly. Remember?” His gaze never left her face as he seemed to take in all of her. Then, just when she thought he might kiss her, he cleared his throat and stood. “Guess I’d better get back to work.”
“Me, too,” she said, rising to stand beside him.
He studied her and this time, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her in a lingering fashion.
Crystal let out a little moan as desire rose within her.
“M-m-m. Guess we both needed that,” he murmured.
She laughed with him and then sat down as he trotted toward the office. Still filled with conflicting emotions, she stared out at the water. There was no point in telling herself that common sense would prevail. She couldn’t pretend she wasn’t falling for Emmett. And though she knew it wouldn’t be easy with his family, she wasn’t ready to step away from those growing feelings.
“Hey, there!”
Crystal turned and saw Dani approaching.
Dani sat beside her. “I was working over a problem with the large window in the master bedroom and couldn’t help seeing you and Emmett. I don’t mean to pry, but I’m hoping the two of you aren’t going to let his mother or anyone else interfere. You’re great together.”
“Thanks. I was just thinking about the risks involved in that relationship, and I decided to follow my heart.”
“I hope it works out for you,” said Dani. “Are we going to see you at Jake’s tonight?”
Crystal shook her head. “Emmett and I are going to Stan’s. A patient told him about it, and he’s anxious to go.”
“Okay, well Brad and I will see you another time. Tell Misty we’ll be there and she can join us.”
“Thanks,” Crystal said, grateful for how that summer gang had remained close.
###
T hat night, Emmett drove down a long dirt road into the woods to Stan’s. The ramshackle wooden building appeared uninviting from the outside, but she knew that the atmosphere inside with red-and-white-checked tablecloths and a small stage for musicians would be welcoming. Best of all, the food was delicious.
A carved sign above the front door read: Stan’s . A colorful metal sign by the door read: craft beers and seafood .
Emmett’s look of doubt changed to one of surprise when they stepped inside and inhaled the aroma of delicious food. First-timers usually became steadfast patrons after a pleasant evening experience.
Onstage, a guitar player was singing jazzy blues songs.
“Very cool,” said Emmett taking a seat at one of the four-top tables.
A waitress appeared wearing a denim skirt and a red T-shirt with Stan’s logo. “What’ll you have?”
Crystal ordered a strawberry lemonade and fried lobster and waited while Emmett decided on a draft beer and fish and chips. It was early enough that there were a few seats left, but Crystal knew the place would fill up shortly and would stay busy until closing.
“There’s a nice path through the woods along the creek. We can work off dinner there,” said Crystal.
Emmett accepted the beer brought to him and tested it. “Delicious craft beer.”
Crystal sipped her lemonade and let out a sigh of contentment. It was nice to be here away from town for a change. “Thanks again for asking Misty to join us. I’m sure you understand that she’s content to stay home for a while.”
“I was happy to see her at Jake’s, but I understand she might need time to adjust to a new life, a safe one,” he answered with concern. “I’ve been thinking about abuse. It isn’t always physical. It can be emotional and with a lot of cruelty. In a way, my household was like that. Emotional mistreatment. Belittling comments.” He shook his head. “I’ve done quite a bit of studying on the topic.”
Crystal remained quiet, aware he wasn’t through talking.
“I suppose every family has some difficulties, but when you have a well-known stepfather who doesn’t have the best character, it makes it hard to be true to yourself and not get sucked into thinking his behavior is okay. That’s always been a struggle with both my parents. That’s why I got out, changed my name, and have made it on my own with an inheritance from my birth grandmother.”
“I admire your choices,” said Crystal. “But they’re still your parents.”
“Yes, that’s the hard part. I still want my family.”
Crystal reached over and wrapped her fingers around his. “You’re lucky you still have one.”
“I know,” he said, lifting her hand and kissing it.
“There you are,” said a voice.
Crystal whipped around and hid her dismay as JoEllen Daniels headed their way.
“I was hoping you took my suggestion. That’s why I’m here. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to my favorite beer, and I already told you about their fish and chips.”
“Hi, Crystal. I didn’t recognize you without your purple hair. May I join you?”
Emmett looked surprised and glanced at Crystal for approval.
Sighing softly, Crystal said, “I guess.”
JoEllen ignored the lack of enthusiasm and sat between them. “It’s such a pleasure getting to know you, Dr. Chambers. I was happy to meet you at The Woodlands and again this morning when you helped me out with a prescription.”
“I hope to meet almost everyone in Lilac Lake,” said Emmett. “That’s one of the pleasures of working in a small town.”
“Oh, yes. And Lilac Lake is very pleasant.” She turned to Crystal. “Wouldn’t you say so?”
“Yes. It will always be my home. At least in my heart.”
“I know you’re busy with the Café, so I’m offering my services in helping Dr. Chambers, I mean Emmett, get settled.” She turned to Crystal once more. “I heard about the incident at Jake’s.”
“Do you mean with his mother?” Crystal asked, doing her best to remain polite even as she glanced at Emmett for help.
“A total misunderstanding,” said Emmett, winking at Crystal. “Here’s our food now. We have other plans for this evening, private ones. We won’t be staying late.”
“Oh! I didn’t realize ...” JoEllen’s eyes widened, and her gaze pinged back and forth between Emmett and Crystal. A look of frustration crossed her features. She huffed out a sigh and gazed around the room, then gave a little wave. “No problem. I see someone I know from work.” She got up and left.
“Thank you,” said Crystal. “I’ve mentioned her before.”
“Yes.” He dug into his dinner.
Crystal took a bit of the fried lobster, allowing the taste of it to rest a moment in her mouth, and groaned. “This is delicious.”
“Mine, too.” Emmett moved aside the French fries and took another bit of cod.
Toward the end of the meal, Crystal said, “So, what are these private plans for the rest of the evening?”
Emmett grinned. “I’m not sure. I thought it was something we could work out together.”
Crystal laughed. “I thought so.”