CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
O n Saturday morning , Crystal felt like a child waiting for a birthday party. It was rare that she could get together with the three Gilford women, especially now that they were married. And with Whitney having a baby, time with her was even more precious. Even though the sky was gray with the promise of rain, nothing could dampen her enthusiasm.
Jerry and Lance had met the women when they’d visited her in Lilac Lake. In their honor, Jerry had made breakfast scones for their arrival.
“We’ll say hello, and then give you women your space,” said Lance, taking a bite of a scone.
“We’re going to meet friends in Portland today,” Jerry said, before sipping his coffee. “Hopefully the sun will appear this afternoon. In the meantime, this is a great place for you all to stay inside and be cozy.”
“It’s perfect,” said Crystal. “Thank you so much. I hope to repay you when you come to Lilac Lake as you promised.”
“Definitely,” said Lance. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and looked up at the sound of a car in his driveway. “I think they’re here.”
Crystal hurried to the door, flung it open, and ran to the car. Dani got out, followed by Taylor and Whitney.
One woman, then another, and another hugged her while the two men studied them from the front entry.
Crystal re-introduced the women to them and announced, “Jerry and Lance have given us use of their house while they travel to Portland up the coast.”
As Jerry ushered them inside, Lance spoke to Whitney. “I got your email and would like to talk to you about the theater program some other time. We’ve promised Crystal to come to Lilac Lake this fall. Maybe then?”
“That would be wonderful,” gushed Whitney.
Jerry served them coffee and set a plate of scones in the middle of the kitchen table. “Enjoy! We’ll see you later.”
After they left, Crystal said, “It’s cool and cloudy, how about staying here as Lance and Jerry suggested?”
“Fine,” said Dani. “I need a day to simply relax. Collister Construction has been very busy.”
“I’ve tried to talk Dani into starting her family so Timothy has at least one cousin to play with,” said Whitney, grinning at her sister.
“I’m not ready,” said Dani. She turned to Crystal. “But give us the lowdown on you and Emmett.”
Crystal faced Whitney. “You told them about us?”
“I told them that you and Emmett were serious. That’s all. With the three of us in a car alone without any interruptions, we all caught up on a lot of stuff.”
“Including the sudden departure of Diana McArthur,” said Taylor. “I’m not sure what happened, but she left town, and her brother told Cooper he was happy she’d gone. Something about the way she’d been acting.”
“I did mention to Dirk what had been going on,” said Whitney. “I thought it was only fair.”
Crystal chuckled and shook her head. “Okay, what’s going on with you, Taylor? How’s the book coming?”
“Slowly, but it’s alright. I’ve been thinking of turning it into a trilogy. I’m creating a story bible for it.” Taylor smiled. “It might mean staying in Lilac Lake a little longer. Cooper can do a lot of his work away from the office, so being in Lilac Lake can work.”
“That sounds terrific,” said Crystal. “Nice things always seem to happen when the three of you are in town. I bet GG loves it.”
“She does,” said Dani. “By the way, Crystal, GG has decided to start a third baby blanket. She thinks you’re in the running to be the next winner.”
Crystal’s cheeks grew hot. “Someday.”
“Seriously, what’s happening between you and Emmett now?” asked Whitney.
“We’re spending this time away from one another thinking about what each of us wants out of life, talking about anything and everything. It’s been good.”
“How’s his mother doing?” asked Dani. “We heard about her episode.”
“It’s only been a few days since she checked into rehab. In a few more, Natalie will be able to make phone calls. That’s when Emmett will know. Until then, we hope she’s following the program.”
“She was nasty to you, Crystal. I’m impressed by how you’re handling her. You’ve been very gracious,” said Whitney.
“She’s important to Emmett. Even though he and his father don’t get along, he’s important to Emmett too. I must respect that.”
“Well, I for one, love to see romance conquer all,” said Taylor with a dreamy expression.
“No wonder readers love your books,” Crystal said.
It was delightful to be able to relax and chat with her friends. The sound of rain hitting the windowpanes gave them a sense of comfort. Crystal poured more coffee and refreshed the plate of scones, and they settled down for a morning of girl talk. Though it was a usual scenario for the three sisters to do this, Crystal reveled in being part of it.
###
T he rain stopped, and the sky brightened. The cool offshore breeze seemed to dance with joy, pushing the gray clouds out over the ocean.
Crystal and her three treasured friends walked down the street to an Italian restaurant for lunch. She didn’t know about the others, but the thought of a hot soup was enticing. Mama’s was known for their Italian sausage and orzo soup, a nice change from seafood chowder.
As she ate, her thoughts flew to Misty. Since she’d come home, Misty had seemed happier and more relaxed. She hoped it was enough to make her want to stay for more than a year’s trial period.
Later, while the women got settled in their hotel room, Crystal took a moment to call Emmett. They’d talked a lot over the past few days, discovering more to like about one another. More than that, they’d become real friends.
Now, just hearing his voice, she filled with anticipation. She could hardly wait for tomorrow when they’d have the entire day together before her last show.
###
T he next morning, Crystal eagerly dressed for the day. She’d just finished fussing with her hair when her cell phone rang. Emmett .
“Hello,” she chirped happily. “Are you here already?”
“I’m sorry, Crystal. I really am, but I can’t come. I got a call from the rehab hospital, and there’s been some sort of breakthrough with my mother in her counseling sessions. They want me to drive there this morning and stay for two sessions with her. I couldn’t say no.”
“Of course not,” said Crystal blinking rapidly, glad he couldn’t see her tears of disappointment.
“You’re coming home tonight, right?” said Emmett.
“Maybe not. I might stay for the wrap-up party now that you won’t be here. I’ll rest overnight and return to Lilac Lake early tomorrow. I hope things go well with your mother and she’s doing better.”
“Thanks. It sounds as if she’s working on several issues,” said Emmett. “Let’s have dinner at my house tomorrow night. Okay?”
“Yes. Don’t worry about a meal. I’ll come up with something simple. The most important thing is our being together.”
“I wish I didn’t have to go to the rehab hospital today, but I promised my mother I would be there for her.”
“You’re doing the right thing,” said Crystal. “We’ll make dinner tomorrow special.”
“Okay. I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late for the morning session. Thanks for understanding, Crystal. It means a lot.”
After they ended the call, Crystal sat on the bed staring out the window. She hadn’t given it too much thought, but living with Emmett would always mean interruptions to plans, whether it was a patient or a family matter. Without having those obligations herself, it was easy to forget that.
She went into the kitchen and told Jerry and Lance that Emmett wasn’t coming after all.
“Aw, sweetie, I know you’re disappointed,” said Jerry. “Make yourself at home. Lance and I are meeting friends in Portsmouth. You’re welcome to come with us.”
“Thanks, anyway. If you don’t mind, I’m going to hang around on the deck and read and relax. This is my last day before my usual rat race at the Café will resume.”
###
L ater, alone on the deck, Crystal lay back on a chaise lounge and thought about a future with Emmett. It would have its ups and downs like most marriages, but every time she thought of what the future might hold with him, happiness filled her. She couldn’t deny the chemistry between them. It was at a level she’d never experienced. More than that, she liked Emmett—his personality, his goals, his innate kindness.
She let her mind drift and soon was asleep.
At the sound of her cell ringing, Crystal awoke with a start. She groped around for it, hoping it wasn’t Misty. She’d left her sister pretty much alone for the week, giving her the respect that she deserved.
“Hi, Crystal.”
“Hi, Emmett,” she said, sitting. “What’s up?”
“There’s someone who’d like to speak to you,” said Emmett.
She was surprised to hear Natalie’s voice. “Hello, Crystal. I just wanted to apologize for my past behavior to you and want you to know I approve of any plans you and Emmett make together. I’ve learned a lot about myself this week. I hope you’ll agree to meet with me in the future.”
“I’d be pleased to do that, Natalie. I’m proud of you for working the program. I wish my mother could’ve been that strong.”
There was a pause, and then Emmett’s voice came on. “Thank you, Crystal. See you tomorrow. I love you.”
“Love you too,” Crystal said, ending the call and bursting into tears for what might have been with her mother and for the fabulous possibilities that lay ahead with Emmett.
###
T hat night, Crystal bowed with the other performers as applause filled the theater. It was exciting to have this small part as one of the townspeople in the special production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers . She brushed at the skirt of her costume sorry the play had ended.
Looking out at the audience clapping, she understood why some people dedicated their lives to acting. However, traveling and constantly being under pressure to learn different parts and routines were not for her.
The curtain closed, and she and the rest of the cast changed out of their costumes. Then she joined them at the Blue Lobster Bar for a party.
There, Crystal sipped on a glass of red wine and watched as a couple of cast members sang dirty ditties. It was a fun group, and she laughed with the others.
Ginger Allen came over to her. “Are you sorry to be leaving to go back to your work at the Café?”
“Not at all. Though it’s always fun to be here, home is where I want to be. I’m sincere about asking you to come visit me in Lilac Lake. You might decide to move there if you’re sick of New York. It’s a very nice lifestyle.”
Ginger’s green eyes sparkled as she fingered her strawberry-blonde hair. “I just may take you up on it. It’s time for a change for me. And with Whitney Gilford working on a project there, maybe I can do something to help her.”
They hugged, and before she left the party, Crystal went around and talked to both actors and management, thanking them for the opportunity.
“It’s always great to have you here,” said the theater manager. “Maybe next year?”
“Maybe,” she said and wondered what the year would bring.