CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
D riving into Lilac Lake, Crystal felt her spirits lift. She’d never grow tired of seeing the lake, the rock she and her friends had always loved, and the scenic little town. The smell of pine filled her nostrils, and she drew in a breath and let it linger inside her as long as she could.
At this early morning hour, joggers were out running, and regular traffic was almost non-existent. She drove past the church, the town square, and onto Main Street, and parked her car behind the Café next to Misty’s red coupe.
When she walked into the kitchen, Misty looked up at her. “Home again? Where has the time gone?”
“Thanks for sending me evening reports,” said Crystal hugging her. “You’ve done a fantastic job of running the business while I’ve been gone.”
“You’re welcome. I appreciate your letting me do it on my own. I was thinking if you ever want to take on a partner, I’d be interested. I could do some work before going to school in the mornings and help on weekends.”
“It’s something I’ve begun to think about. We’ll talk about it in time. Right now, I’m not sure what’s going on with my life.” She stopped talking when staff members appeared, and she turned to them.
“Thank you, everyone, for the help you gave my sister while I was gone. I really appreciate it.” Seeing the faces of those who worked for her, Crystal’s eyes grew misty. They were such decent people.
“Okay, the pies for today are apple and lemon meringue,” said Misty. “We need to get going on them and prepare for breakfast and lunch.”
“Let me dump my things upstairs and get changed,” said Crystal. “I’ll be right back to help.” If she was lucky, she could snatch a couple of pieces of pie for dessert at Emmett’s house.
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I t felt wonderful to greet people as she usually did when they walked into the Café. In a way, it was like welcoming people to her home. And, of course, it was good to catch up on the local gossip.
When Dirk stopped in for coffee, he caught sight of her and came right over. “Hey, I’m sorry again for the mess my sister made between you and Emmett. I hope it won’t affect our friendship.”
“Not at all,” she said. “It’s over and done with.”
“Good, because I like living here and being part of the ‘summer group.’”
Dani came in to pick up coffee for the crew working at Emmett’s house. She gave Crystal a sly smile. “How was yesterday with Emmett?”
Crystal shook her head. “Emmett couldn’t make it to Maine. He had to do something to support his mother.”
“Aw, too bad. Can you guys make it to Jake’s tonight?”
“No, I’m going to have dinner at Emmett’s. How’s his house coming along?”
“Close to getting done inside. You and Whitney need to choose wall paint colors. We’re ready for it in the main areas of the house. I’m not sure what you’re doing with the upstairs. The bathroom has been redone but no work has been done on the three bedrooms. I’m not sure they need it.”
“Maybe I can get Whitney to help me tomorrow. I know Emmett appreciates your fast work.”
“It’s important to keep our crews busy,” said Dani, “so, it works both ways.”
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T hat evening after finishing the closing routine for the Café, Crystal went upstairs to get ready for her dinner date with Emmett. She’d prepared a meal of chicken salad, fresh tomato slices, deviled eggs, pickled green beans, and lemon pie.
She wanted to look her best for what she hoped would be a very romantic evening. She lingered in the shower, letting the water sluice over her skin as she washed and conditioned her hair. Then, stepping out of the shower, she dried and worked on her curls, taming them into a satisfactory style. She didn’t usually wear a lot of makeup, but tonight, she added eye shadow, mascara, and eyeliner.
Stepping away from the mirror she saw how the makeup added dimension to her eyes and decided to wear it more often.
She dressed in a light purple sundress and put on comfortable sandals. It was a relief to get out of the sneakers or heavy-duty shoes she usually wore on her feet for support.
At the last minute, she added a silver heart necklace for luck.
Satisfied she was ready, she picked up her purse and the small box of containers holding their dinner, headed to her car, and climbed in, her nerves tingling with excitement.
As she pulled into the long driveway to Emmett’s house, she studied the landscaping. It needed dressing up and the replacement of older plants. David Graham would be on the job as soon as the work on the house was done and the construction site cleared away.
As she got closer to the back of the house, she stared in surprise. A large screened-in porch had been added to the structure. She got out of the car and went around to get a closer look at it. Emmett had talked of adding on, but seeing the size of it, she was impressed. This was like an additional room to the house.
She searched for him at the dock, but he wasn’t there. She grabbed her box of dinner, went to the front door, and knocked.
Emmett opened the door, his hair still wet from a shower. The aroma of spice and lime surrounded her as he kissed her hello. She inhaled it with pleasure.
“M-m-m, what’s in the box? Looks like our supper is going to be tasty,” he said. “I’m glad. It’s been a busy day.” He took the box from her. “Come in, and I’ll show you around. I’ve already got a bottle of wine open.”
She followed him into the large open space serving as a living area which opened to the kitchen dining area and into the screened-in porch. Without the interior walls that had been removed, the openness was spacious and inviting.
“I’m meeting with Whitney tomorrow to go over paint colors. Dani said we had to get that done. Things are moving fast now.”
“Yes. The kitchen is all but done, the master bath and powder room are done, and the master bedroom just had the skylight installed. I need you and Whitney to help choose the outside color of the house. I’m thinking gray.”
“That sounds nice,” said Crystal. “Give us a chance to see what different shades of gray we can find.” She gazed around, liking what she saw. “Collister Construction did a remarkable job in getting this done for you this quickly.”
Emmett laughed. “It was like watching an army of ants going to work, with everyone busy doing their own thing. And Dani’s great at supervising.”
“Oh, yes. She’s very talented,” said Crystal.
Emmett wrapped an arm around her. “I’m happy you like it. You helped Whitney order some furniture, and now you can put the finishing touches on that, too.”
Crystal wasn’t sure what to say. Did he envision them living here together?
He drew her closer and stared down into her eyes. “I missed you. I thought we’d have time to go on the beach together in Maine, but that didn’t happen. Let’s walk out to the dock.”
Before they could head outside, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught their attention.
Emmett frowned. “I hope this isn’t a patient.” He went to the front door, opened it, and stepped back as a man stormed into the house.
“Dad! What are you doing here?”
“We need to talk, son. Word has gotten out that Natalie is in a rehab center, and now I’m being accused of despicable things in a ‘me too’ smear. My reputation is being ruined. It all goes back to your mother and her weakness.”
Crystal felt her mouth open but said nothing. ‘ His reputation ruined? He’s already done a masterful job of ruining it. And now he was blaming Natalie?’
While his father continued to rant, Crystal waited to hear what Emmett would say.
Emmett stood tall, his feet planted firmly apart as if preparing for a fight. “Mom being in rehab is brave. And necessary. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. It will help her find herself and overcome an addiction. Why would you be upset about it? As her husband, you should be proud of her.”
Senator Chamberlain’s lips thinned. He shook his head like a stubborn child. “It’s ruining everything. Now, there’s talk of a divorce just when I’m trying to present myself as a family man.”
Emmett held up his hand to stop him. “That’s an issue between the two of you. I’m not going to get involved with that or any ‘me too’ movement. Don’t ask me to take sides. If I had to, you wouldn’t like it.”
Emmett’s father glared at him. “You’ve always been ungrateful for all I’ve given you. When I met your mother, she was a struggling single woman with a son. Look at the life I’ve given her.”
Unable to stand aside any longer, Crystal walked up beside Emmett, wanting him to know he had her support.
He smiled at her and drew her closer.
His father pointed a finger at her. “It’s your fault. Believe me, I know all about your background. I’ve had it checked out. What are you doing with my son? Are you after his money?”
“Dad, stop it!” Emmett said, standing protectively in front of her.
Crystal moved to his side. “I have nothing to be ashamed of and no need for anyone else’s money. I love your son, and he loves me.”
Emmett beamed at her and faced his father. “It’s true. Mom knows about it and is happy for us.”
Emmett’s father shook his head back and forth. “Yeah? Well, thanks for destroying my chances of becoming president. In these times, voters want a candidate with a close family. What can I say about mine?”
“That’s up to you,” said Emmett. “It’s not my position to tell you what to do. Are you going to the rehab hospital for some sessions with Mom?”
His father let out a long sigh. “I suppose I have to now that word is out. Who knows, maybe it’ll help.” He studied the two of them standing together, turned, and headed back to his car.
Crystal watched him go, wondering what good might come out of such a twisted background. She turned to Emmett. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. The evening is ruined.” His shoulders slumped. “I really don’t like him very much. He was different when he married my mother, but ambition has made him an ass. That’s one reason I had to make the break.”
“Let’s try to have a nice supper. We can picnic on the dock if you’d like.”
He shook his head. “Let’s eat in the kitchen. There are two makeshift stools there where the workmen eat.”
They went into the kitchen, and Emmett poured them each a glass of pinot noir. “Here’s to a better evening another time. ’Sorry about my dad.”
Crystal hid her disappointment. “We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—we can’t let anyone ruin what we share.”
His turquoise gaze remained on her. He nodded and pulled her close.