CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
A s she’d promised, the next day Crystal took some time out of her day to visit GG, who was waiting to hear how her theater work had gone. It was she who’d encouraged Crystal to take part in school plays. Crystal realized now how therapeutic those activities had been, allowing her however briefly to become a person other than herself.
Walking down the hall to GG’s room, Crystal filled with a sense of peace. Simply knowing she was about to talk things over with a woman she loved and trusted, she felt her mind settle.
Holding a plate of chocolate chip cookies, Crystal knocked on the door and entered the apartment.
GG got up from the couch, came over to her, and gave her a big hug. “It’s good to see you. Thanks for the cookies. Would you like something to drink? Lemonade? Water?”
Crystal shook her head. “No, thanks. How are you? You look fantastic. Is this a new hairstyle?”
GG smiled and patted her silvery hair. “Something a little easier. We’re letting my few curls exist. No more days of trying to tame it. I like it. It doesn’t make the wrinkles go away, but I think it gives me a younger look.”
Crystal chuckled. “You look fine no matter what.”
“Come tell me all about your time as an actor,” said GG, leading her into the living area. “And I heard Emmett’s house is going to be stunning. Whitney told me all about the colors you two chose earlier for wall paint. I may be living here, but I have several informants.”
They laughed together.
“Similar to the color scheme for the cottage, we chose a rich, buttery cream color for the main living area and a soft, light gray-green for the master suite. The work that Dani, Brad, and Aaron’s crew did on the house has transformed it completely. It now has a clean, updated look perfect for some of the Pottery Barn furniture we ordered.”
“It sounds lovely,” said GG. “How was Maine? The girls had a wonderful day with you. They said you were the star of the show.”
Crystal laughed. “No such thing. I was mostly in the background.”
“I heard about the fall that Natalie Chamberlain had at the theater. How is she?”
“She’s going to be fine, we hope. She’s in a rehab hospital upstate. Emmett is very pleased, though his father is not. His father thinks it’ll ruin his political chances.”
Crystal’s disgust brought a smile to GG’s face. “I’ve always thought he was a bit of an ass.”
“I wish my mother had dared to stick with treatment,” Crystal said in a wistful tone.
GG shook her head. “Some people can’t make that choice for a variety of reasons. It would’ve made things much easier if she’d done it. I’m sorry she didn’t.”
“It could’ve made a big difference for all of us,” said Crystal, thinking of all who’d helped her and tried to help her mother.
###
A fter the Café closed , Misty helped Crystal wipe down tables and refill salt, pepper, and ketchup containers. A comfortable silence filled the air as they worked together.
“Any more thought of becoming a partner of sorts?” Crystal asked her. “I want to be able to have more time for myself in the coming months.”
Misty stopped and stared at her, her lips curving. “Has Emmett asked you to take things to the next level?”
Crystal held up her left hand. “No, he hasn’t. And I don’t know what the next level is. Even so, it’s time for me to make some changes.”
“I can’t afford to buy into the Café,” said Misty. “But I could certainly manage it for you with the idea of someday buying into it. I loved being in charge while you were gone, though the early hours can be brutal. I understand why you might want a break from that.”
“Yes, and from the constant pressure of running the Café seven days a week. I thought of closing on Mondays but we have so many regulars that I don’t want to do that to them.”
“Right. They’re the Café’s bread and butter. Let me draw up a tentative agreement for you to look at. I love living here, and I think it might work to eventually be a real partner.”
Pleased, Crystal said, “That would make me very happy. Let’s meet up with the gang at Jake’s to celebrate.”
“Okay, I’ll call some people so we can make it a party of sorts.”
###
T hat evening, after completing the daily financials for the Café, Crystal freshened up and went to Jake’s. It had been a while since everyone had met there, and she was looking forward to seeing everyone.
She stepped inside the neighborhood bar and paused. The place held many happy memories.
“Over here,” called Taylor.
Crystal turned and headed toward the back corner where two large tables had been pushed together.
The Gilford women sat with their spouses and Misty. Ross and Mike Dawson were in conversation with David Graham, while Aaron and Dirk were on their cell phones,
“Emmett promised to come as soon as he could,” Misty told her. “Garth, Beth, and Brooks will be here shortly. I think that’s it. Melissa will come after dinner service if everyone is still here.”
Smiling at everyone, Crystal took a seat. She loved these people.
It was fun to hear what everyone was doing. David was thinking of hiring someone for the spring, Dirk was looking at a house to buy, and Aaron had decided to build at The Meadows.
“It’s a perfect spot for a family,” said Aaron.
“Are you telling us something we don’t know?” teased Taylor.
Aaron laughed. “No. This is an investment for the future.”
Crystal had always liked Aaron. Though he was quiet, there was a depth to him that she found intriguing.
A waitress showed up, and Crystal placed her order for red wine. She limited her drinking, but she enjoyed the camaraderie of socializing with friends.
The Beckman group arrived, taking all the chairs but the one Crystal was saving beside her.
Amid the talk that followed, Emmett arrived. Seeing the chair Crystal had saved for him, he walked over to her, leaned down, and kissed her.
Teasing remarks filled the air.
Emmett looked up and laughed. “What? I like her.” He took a seat next to her. “What’s everyone having?”
Crystal blinked in surprise. ‘ Liked her?’
Whitney caught her eye and winked. She’d told Crystal she’d placed a bet with her sisters that Crystal and Emmett would be engaged within the week.
The group was congenial as various topics were discussed. Mike brought up his idea of a tennis center and all agreed it was needed.
Sometime later, Crystal checked her watch and rose. “Sorry to be a party pooper, but I have to get up early.”
“I’ll walk you home,” said Emmett.
“I promise to stay here for at least another hour to give you time alone,” teased Misty.
Everyone laughed as Emmett gave her a thumbs-up sign.
Outside the restaurant, Emmett took Crystal’s hand. “Will you go out with me tomorrow night? I’ve got something fun and different planned.”
“Yes. What is it?”
“You’ll see,” said Emmett. He walked her to the door to her apartment and took her in his arms. Looking down at her he said, “I love you, you know.”
“I thought you just liked me,” she said, giving him a teasing poke.
“That too. Maybe next week we can visit my mother together. I know she’d like to see you.”
“We need to give her time, but yes, I’d like to see her too.”
“You’re such a sweet woman,” Emmett said, lowering his lips to hers.
With his arms around her, Crystal relaxed. His kisses made her come alive. The way he made her want him felt delicious. Desire grew inside her.
When they finally pulled apart, Crystal gave him a look of regret. “I really do have to get up early tomorrow. But, Emmett, I’m talking to Misty about a partnership of sorts, sharing duties to allow me a better schedule.”
“I like that idea.” He kissed her again and turned to leave. “Remember. Tomorrow night is for us alone.”
She waved before going inside. She needed more time with him.