CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
T he next day, Crystal awoke in the peach-colored guest room at Jerry and Lance’s house and stretched like a lazy cat. The white summer quilt had enough warmth without being hot to make a cozy night’s sleep. Crystal thought over last night’s episode with Natalie Chamberlain. It was sad to see her disgrace herself because of alcohol abuse. She knew only too well what damage it could cause.
She changed into shorts and a T-shirt and padded into the kitchen.
“Hello,” chirped Jerry. “I’ve gone ahead and made the orange-chocolate-chip pancake batter. I thought you might like to try it.”
“Thanks. I could use a treat this morning. You two were asleep when I came in last night, and I didn’t have the chance to tell you about Natalie Chamberlain’s fall outside the theater.”
“Oh, honey, you’re too late. I got all the juicy tidbits from a friend,” Jerry said. “I gather you and the theater doctor got her out of the public eye as soon as possible, but you know something like this is going to spread quickly.”
“I suppose,” said Crystal. “What exactly are they saying?”
“That it’s just another episode with her, that her husband is worse, and there’s no way he’s going to be president.”
“Wow! That’s pretty strong. Maybe that’s why so many people tell me that Senator Chamberlain’s chances of actually securing the nomination are unlikely. I’ve done my part to help; I’m going to step back. That family has made it clear that I don’t measure up.”
Jerry placed a hand on her shoulder. “They don’t measure up to you. Now, how about those pancakes?”
“First, coffee.”
He laughed. “I’ve got some made for you.”
“Thanks, you’re a doll,” she said.
He grinned. “Lance thinks so too.”
Crystal noticed his happy smile and a pang went through her. Would she ever find someone to love and accept her? “You two are an inspiration to me. You’re so happy together.”
“It’ll happen for you too. We love Nick, but you’ll find someone better suited to you. I hope we get to meet Mr. Can’t Decide.”
“Who do we want to meet? Who’s Mr. Can’t Decide?” asked Lance coming into the kitchen.
“The man Crystal told us about. Emmett Chambers,” said Jerry. “I’ll know a lot about him if we ever get the chance to be introduced. Do you want some pancakes?”
Lance patted his stomach. “Just one. Your cooking is making me fat, but I love it.”
While Jerry went to work on the pancakes, Crystal automatically set the table. Though she didn’t see them as often as she’d like, being with Jerry and Lance was like coming home. They always gave her encouragement.
Jerry served up the pancakes and stood aside as Crystal and Lance buttered them before pouring real maple syrup on them.
Knowing he was waiting for a response from her, Crystal lifted a piece of pancake to her mouth and enjoyed the blend of orange and chocolate. She closed her eyes and let the taste settle on her tongue.
“Well?” asked Jerry, too impatient to wait.
“Perfect combination. I’ll definitely steal the idea. My customers will love it,” she said.
Jerry gave her a smile of satisfaction. “Thought so. Thanks. It’s the essence of the orange skin that gives it the flavor.”
“I’ll remember that,” said Crystal taking another bite.
When at last she couldn’t eat anything more, Crystal excused herself. “Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll clean them up in a minute. But I want to sit outside on the deck to let breakfast settle before I do them.”
“No problem,” said Jerry. “It’s Lance’s turn to do the dishes anyway. You go on ahead.”
Crystal went outside and stretched out on a chaise lounge. She closed her eyes against the sun’s rays and allowed their warmth to ease into her. She loved summer days. She thought about Emmett, her need to find love and create a family, and how she’d thought he’d be the cure to the raging fever inside her.
Footsteps caused her to stir. She opened her eyes and stared in surprise at Emmett. She scrambled to sit up. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
“Whoa, let me explain. After your call last night, I decided to cancel appointments today and come to Maine to see my mother. But before talking to her, I need to speak to you. Misty gave me your address, and your friends kindly let me inside.”
She studied him, seeing his uncertainty. “Let’s take a walk on the beach. Footbridge Beach is within easy walking distance.”
In the kitchen, Crystal introduced Emmett to Jerry and Lance and explained that they were going out onto the beach. Aware the men were assessing one another, Crystal noted an absence of animosity and was pleased.
Crystal grabbed her sun hat and beach bag, put two bottles of water in her bag, and led Emmett out of the house.
Though she was aware of all she wanted to say and hear, the walk to the beach was short and quiet.
After crossing the wooden footbridge, Crystal removed her sandals and sighed with pleasure as she wiggled her toes in the soft, white sand.
Beside her, Emmett slipped off his shoes and socks and rolled up his khaki pants. “Okay, now let’s talk.”
They started strolling down the beach. It was low tide, making it seem as if the expanse of sand went on forever before reaching the edge of the salty water.
Emmett stopped walking and took hold of her hands. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more sensitive to your feelings at the barbeque. I should’ve been more aware of Diana’s intentions. I didn’t think anything was weird until she told me last night that you and I would never make it, that my mother wanted us together.” He let out a snort. “As if that would matter to me.”
Crystal kicked at the sand with a painted toe. “Diana confronted me too, saying the same thing. That’s why I was upset when we talked after the barbeque. And when you didn’t say anything to convince me that you wanted to maintain a relationship with me, I thought, for you, her behavior was fine because you weren’t that serious.”
“Look at me, Crystal,” said Emmett quietly. “I’m in love with you. I have no intention of our relationship going anywhere but forward. I’ve tried to show you how I felt.”
Crystal liked the way he was gently gripping her shoulders as he earnestly stared at her. She tried to find the right words. “I let her get to me, remind me of other humiliating experiences with your family,” she said. “But, Emmett, I’ve fallen for you too.”
He drew her to him and hugged her tightly. “We can’t let my family ruin what we have,” he murmured before tilting her chin and lifting her face to his.
His lips came down on hers firmly, and as they kissed, she opened her lips to his tongue and felt her body weaken with need. She wanted him pure and simple.
When they pulled apart, they stared at one another, and she met Emmett’s smile with her own.
“I want you in my life,” said Emmett. “Stay with me on this. We know it’s what we both want. Will you trust me?”
Crystal heard the plea in his voice and nodded.
“I hope you’ll help me with my mother,” Emmett said. “It’s time for her to get professional help, but I don’t know how to go about getting her to see that.”
“At some point, I’m going to suggest going to some Al-Anon meetings for you, but for now you need to understand that the choice for professional help has to be hers to make. You can, however, encourage her.”
“Your mother didn’t make the choice?”
Crystal shook her head. “She couldn’t get off the drugs, much less the alcohol.”
“I know this is a big ask, but will you accompany me to visit my mother? You’ll know the right thing to say, help me keep it under control.”
“My presence might upset her,” said Crystal, unwilling to be caught in the middle of the situation unless he promised to support her.
“I’m going to take care of any bad behavior,” said Emmett, wrapping an arm around her. “Don’t worry. I’ll have your back.”
“Okay. This will be the biggest test of all for us,” said Crystal.
“I’ve got you,” said Emmett.
“When are you going to see her?” asked Crystal.
Emmett checked his watch. “In forty-five minutes. Why don’t we walk for a while before heading back?”
“Okay. I always feel at peace here.” She gazed up at the seagulls swirling above them. “The birds, the water lapping against the shore, and the salty smell of the air are reminders of all the best things in the world. How lucky we are to have them.”
“How lucky I am to be with you,” Emmett said, hugging her. His turquoise eyes shone with love. “Now that we’ve agreed to move forward, where do you see us in a year or so?”
“I see us together. We’re in Lilac Lake and we’re going to get married.”
“We’ve already talked about children,” he said. “We don’t want to wait.”
“I agree,” said Crystal. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot.”
Emmett's eyes rounded with surprise. Then he smiled impishly at her. “Are you saying we should get married right away?”
Crystal laughed nervously. “Sooner rather than later. But we need enough time to figure out a lot of things.” She couldn’t hide her excitement.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Emmett, brushing his lips across hers.
“Hey! Get a room!” said one of two teenage boys marching by them carrying a frisbee.
“God! That sounds like a great idea,” said Emmett, pulling away and laughing. “How long will you be staying in Ogunquit?”
“The show ends in seven days. I’m staying here with Jerry and Lance. Misty is handling the Café for me, and I want to give her a chance to prove to herself that she can do it.”
“Well, when you’re back in town, there’s something I want to show you at my house.”
“How’s it coming?”
“It’s almost ready for you and Whitney to help with the interior decorating. I think you’ll be pleased.”
“That’s so exciting. I can hardly wait.”
“It’s important to me that I have your input going forward.” He checked his watch. “Guess we’d better head back. I don’t want to be late for my appointment to meet with my mother.”
Emmett took her hand, and they headed back toward the footbridge, their steps in sync.
As they walked, Crystal kept glancing at Emmett. Each time she did, he was smiling at her.
###
E ven though Crystal had cleaned up after returning to Jerry and Lance’s house, she sat beside Emmett in his car, fussing over her appearance.
“You look fine,” said Emmett. “As beautiful as ever.”
“I’m prepared to leave quickly if your mother orders me out,” she said.
“No need. I’ll take care of that. It’s time my family understood what you mean to me. No more nonsense from them,” said Emmett firmly.
“Just as you want them to understand how you feel about me, it’s important for you to let your mother know how you feel about her drinking,” she said. “It’s a disease that can be controlled, but only if she’s willing to do the work.”
They drove up to a new condo building along the beach, and Emmett parked.
Crystal got out of the car telling herself she could do this, that it was necessary to confront Natalie. But that didn’t stop nerves from curling through her body, threatening a headache.
Emmett took hold of her hand, lifted it to his lips, and her nerves settled. He needed her, loved her.
Emmett rang Eloise’s apartment, and she buzzed him into the vestibule where they climbed into an elevator. They reached the top floor of the building, and after the doors opened, they easily found the entrance to Eloise’s condo not far down the carpeted hallway.
Emmett knocked, and when Eloise opened the door, her gaze immediately flew to Crystal. “We didn’t know you were bringing someone.”
“She's not someone; she’s my girlfriend, Crystal Owen.” He turned to her. “Crystal, this is Eloise Harding, a family friend.”
“Oh, yes, we met last night. I’m pleased to see you under better circumstances,” said Crystal, her attention focusing from Eloise to Natalie who was approaching them at a rapid rate.
“Hello, Mother,” said Emmett. “I came to see how you were. Crystal called me to tell me what had happened at the theater.”
“We can talk in my guest suite,” said Natalie. “You’ll have to excuse us, Crystal.”
“No, Crystal’s here at my request. I think she can be a help to both of us. Besides, Crystal and I have a serious relationship, and she should be part of this. Especially with Dad’s political campaign happening.”
Natalie thinned her lips with frustration, then led them to another part of the condo.
The guest suite had a small sitting area. Emmett helped Crystal to one of the two chairs by a window and left to get another chair.
Natalie sat opposite Crystal looking scared.
“It’s going to be alright,” said Crystal softly.
Natalie glared at Crystal. “What are you doing here? Have you come to gloat?”
Emmett returned with a chair. “I heard you, Mother. I told you. Crystal and I have a close relationship. In fact, I hope to marry her one day if she’ll forgive my family for being so judgmental, so shallow.”
“What about Diana?” Natalie said while Crystal sat still absorbing the words Emmett had just spoken.
Emmett shook his head. “That was and is never going to happen with Diana. I’ve never thought of her as anything other than a friend. But after discovering and witnessing how unpleasant she’s been to Crystal, I’m reconsidering that.”
Emmett gave Crystal an encouraging smile and turned to Natalie. “I’m here, no, we’re here to help you, Mother. Your drinking has become a problem. It’s time you stopped and did something about it.”
Natalie waved away his concern. “Oh, that’s not necessary. The fall was a one-time thing.”
“No, Mom, it wasn’t.” Emmett turned to Crystal.
She cleared her throat. “I’m sure you understand that alcoholism is a disease. A disease that can’t be cured but can be controlled. With help.”
“What gives you the idea that you can talk to me that way,” said Natalie, staring at Crystal with an icy look that sent a shiver through her.
“Hold on. Crystal’s here because I asked for her help,” Emmett said to his mother. “I expect you to treat her with respect. If not, we’ll both leave, and I won’t see you again.”
Natalie pressed her lips together. She leaned back in her chair.
Crystal gripped her hands knowing she had no choice but to tell this woman who didn’t like her what kind of background she had.
Emmett gave her a silent nod of encouragement.
Crystal cleared her throat. “I’m well acquainted with the disease. My mother was addicted to both alcohol and drugs. Growing up, I took care of my younger sister because my mother wouldn’t or couldn’t. I was eighteen when she died, and I was given custody of my sister. I know what it’s like to see someone struggle, and I know what it’s like to see someone lose the fight. Make no mistake, it is a battle that affects everyone in your life. You lose everything—your dignity, your ability to function well, your ability to see the problem.”
“How old were you when you started taking care of your sister?” Natalie asked, sounding suspicious.
“I was eight when she was born. Even then, my mother couldn’t stay sober long enough to care for her.” Crystal’s hands turned cold at the memories.
“Why would you help me after all I’ve said and done to you?” asked Natalie.
Crystal gave her a steady stare. “Because I love your son and don’t want him or anyone whom he loves to go through what I had to.” Crystal stared out the window trying not to cry.
“I’ve looked into treatment centers,” said Emmett. “There’s a highly respected, residential one in New Hampshire that is extremely private. I’ve talked to them, and they’re willing to see you. Their staff is discreet. No one needs to know anything about your being away for a while.”
“That’s over the top. I don’t need to go to a place like that,” scoffed Natalie. “I’ll just stop drinking.”
“It’s not that simple, Mom,” said Emmett. “It takes a learning experience like they offer to make the necessary life choices.”
“You’ll get plenty of support as you change your living style,” said Crystal.
“What would your father say? He’ll be furious,” said Natalie.
Emmett took hold of his mother’s hand. “I’ve talked to Dad already. He’s upset and finally admitted that’s part of the reason he’s encouraged you to stay in Maine while he gets his campaign up and running.”
“He and what other women?” she grumbled.
“That’s something that will have to be worked out separately,” said Emmett. “Right now, I want you to get well. Crystal helped see that no photographers took photos of you lying on the ground drunk. But the situation will get out if it hasn’t already shown up online.”
Natalie hid her face in her hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
Crystal stood and patted Natalie on the back. “You can do what former First Lady Betty Ford dared to do. Get help. You have a way out. Emmett is giving it to you. He loves you.”
“So, when would it happen?” Natalie asked Emmett.
“Now,” he said. “You need to pack bare essentials, nothing fancy. We can have clothes shipped to you from Maine, if necessary.”
“I might need a few days to think about it,” Natalie said.
Emmett shook his head. “Your chance is now. The facility fills up quickly but they’re saving a spot for you for this afternoon.” Emmett stood, went over to his mother, and pulled her up out of her seat and into his arms. “I want the best for you, Mom. I love you.”
“Oh, Emmett, I love you too, son. I’m sorry for putting you through this I’m so ashamed.”
“Shame has nothing to do with it,” said Crystal.
“Right,” said Emmett. “I just want to help you and see you happy, Mom. The first step is getting and keeping sober.”
Natalie nodded and let out a long sigh. “I’ve known for some time that things would have to change. I just couldn’t face what it would mean.” She turned to Crystal. “I’ve underestimated you. It took guts to come here and tell your story after all the disrespect and hostility I’ve shown you.”
“I’ve been ashamed of my past,” said Crystal. “But it’s all part of how the disease can affect everyone.”
“But you’ve risen above it,” said Natalie. “I admire you for that.” She turned to Emmett and her shoulders slumped. “Help me get ready, and we’ll go.”
“While you do that, I’ll stay with Eloise,” said Crystal.
She left Natalie’s room and went to find Eloise. “Mind if I wait here while Natalie gets ready to leave?”
“Not at all. I couldn’t help overhearing some things. What’s going on?”
Crystal filled her in.
“I’m glad Nat will get some help. Her drinking has continued to worsen. When I heard about last night, I knew it was time for her to get help. Emmett, bless his heart, is the only one who could convince her of it. And now, he has you to help, too.”
“How long has she been staying here?” Crystal asked.
“Five days and counting,” said Eloise. “It was getting more and more difficult to be with her. Natalie’s already had a couple of Bloody Marys this morning.”
“I understand. If she’ll work the program, she can get better. I hope she’ll decide to do it. The first step is having her talk to the staff at the rehab center.”
“Natalie is lucky to have a son like Emmett. And they’re both lucky to have you in their lives. I had no idea Emmett was engaged.”
Crystal held up her bare left hand. “We’re not engaged. We’re just getting serious enough to consider it. I want to be sure not to pressure Emmett. He’s busy getting a new medical practice going.”
“I know you’re from Lilac Lake. What do you do there?” asked Eloise.
“I own the Lilac Lake Café,” Crystal said proudly, realizing again how far she’d come from the little girl who’d always felt as if the world was on her shoulders. If GG and others in the community hadn’t helped her, where would she be?
That thought stayed with her as Crystal waved goodbye to Emmett and Natalie at Jerry and Lance’s house. Emotionally exhausted, she went inside and lay down on her bed.
Her thoughts whirled. It had taken a crisis for Emmett and her to be able to define their true feelings for one another. She let her mind float back to the moment Emmett had said he was in love with her. They were such sweet words.