CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
B efore Crystal headed to the theater that night, she called Emmett.
He picked up right away. “Hi, I’ve got you on speakerphone in my car. I’m just returning from the rehab hospital after dropping Mom off.”
“How did it go?” Crystal asked.
“I’ve never seen my mother frightened before, but she was, even more so after she decided to stay. After they’d interviewed her, we had just a moment to say goodbye. I told her how proud I was of her.”
“That’s important. I’m pleased she’s going to do it. My mother never got that far. Sad, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I can’t imagine.”
“Did you mean what you said to your mother about us?” Crystal had to make sure it wasn’t spoken simply from a passionate moment.
“Yes, Crystal. I meant every word of it. My mother and I talked all the way to the rehab hospital about a lot of things, including you. She finally understands my need for independence, her bad behavior, and her addiction. She’s embarrassed to be in the situation she’s in, but she’s grateful for your help. Your truth.”
“I’m glad. I meant what I said too.”
“It’s all a little backward right now, but we’ll get it straightened out. I really love you, Crystal. I wish I could’ve told you under different circumstances.”
“Me, too. But now that we’ve made our feelings known, we can move forward.”
“Yes. I don’t think Diana will dare to make any more trouble after she and I have another talk. Good luck tonight.”
“Drive carefully. We’ll chat later.” Crystal clicked off the call both elated and frustrated. She’d wanted to hear Emmett’s declaration of love again, but as he said, it wasn’t done at the best of times. Hopefully, there would be many other opportunities.
Crystal said goodbye to Jerry and Lance and went to the theater.
As she was chatting with people backstage, the manager came up to her. “Crystal, I want to thank you for your prompt response to Mrs. Chamberlain’s difficulty.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, eager to leave it at that.
“Are you enjoying the show?” he asked.
She smiled. “It’s always fun for me to be able to do this. Thanks.”
He bobbed his head and left to take care of a problem with the curtains.
Crystal walked outside for a breath of air, her mind whirling. Everything with Emmett was now happening at a fast, emotional pace.
###
T he next morning, she was sitting on the deck reading when her cell rang. She picked it up with a surge of happiness.
“Hello, Doctor. What can I do for you?”
Chuckling, he played along. “I need a cure. There’s this woman who insists on being in Maine when I want her here. It’s about killing me.”
“Take two aspirin and call me tomorrow,” she said and burst out laughing.
“Fine,” he said with pretended indignity and then became serious. “Good morning. I called to update you on the situation. I talked to my father last night, and he was very grateful for your interference at the theater. He thinks you’re savvy and beautiful.”
“And what about your mother? Is he happy she’s going to work to get well?” Crystal asked. She didn’t give a hoot that his father thought her beautiful.
‘Yes and no. He’s not happy about the situation. He thinks it might hurt his run for president, but he’s trying to make the best of it. With Betty Ford’s issues and subsequent turnaround, he’s hoping it’ll add a bit of humanity to his campaign.”
Crystal’s stomach knotted. “I’m not talking about his campaign. What does he think about Natalie? Is he going to support her? I’ve done some research on the rehab facility, and it’s recommended that family members become part of their program at different times. Is he going to do that?”
Emmett sighed. “He said he’d try. That’s all I can do for the moment.”
Crystal hid her disappointment. “One day at a time, as they say. Somehow, things will work out.”
“They might not. My mother may not want to continue living with “the Senator”. That’s between them, but I must admit, I wouldn’t be sorry if she left him.”
“Did you mention our situation with your father?” Crystal hated to ask, but discussing Emmett’s declaration of love for her with his father was a big deal.
“I told my father we were in love and wanted to plan a future together.”
“And what did he say?”
Emmett snorted with disgust. “He thought it would be helpful to his campaign.”
“I see now why your mother has been very unhappy,” Crystal said. “And why you decided to become independent. He seems such a shallow man.”
“A determined man. I understand some of his advisors are telling him not to make the run, that his reputation will become ruined by those he’s treated badly, including a slew of women. But he won’t listen to them.”
“What are you going to do about it?” she asked.
“I’ll carry on doing my job and loving my life with you in Lilac Lake. That’s all I can do.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at the end of the week. Our last performance is on Sunday. I hope you’ll try to make it. I’ve decided to stay here for the duration. Misty is very proud of handling the Café, and I want to let her do it without my interference. I’m hoping she’ll agree to continue to share some of the duties to enable me to work at the Café less than I am now doing.”
“Guess I’d better take more than two aspirin,” teased Emmett.
She laughed, loving the idea of being able to be playful with him.
“I am going to miss you. I’ve got a busy week, but I’ll come there to see the show over the weekend,” said Emmett.
“That sounds perfect. In the meantime, we can talk. There are so many things to think about.”
“Yes,” said Emmett. “It’s important.”
As she ended the call, Jerry came out to the deck. “Did I hear you say you’re spending the rest of the week with us?”
“I’ve changed my mind about trying to drive back to Lilac Lake to occasionally check on Misty. I hope my staying here won’t be any trouble.”
“Aw, sweetie, you know we love having you,” said Jerry. “Are you up for some shopping? I’m looking for a special platter, and you know I love to browse the stores.”
“That sounds like fun,” she said, remembering that the automobile accident with Emmett meant they hadn’t been able to complete their shopping.
“I’ll drive,” said Jerry and winked at her.
Crystal laughed, grateful to have such a dear friend. She’d been tempted to call Whitney and fill her in on all that had happened but decided to wait until she had things settled in her mind.
###
T he week flew by for Crystal as she relaxed and worked in Ogunquit. Trips to the beach, eating out, and shopping worked their magic, even as her mind spun.
Early evening talks with Emmett were helpful. They opened up to one another. At first shy, Crystal learned she could say anything to Emmett without judgment. That, and his willingness to share thoughts of his own made her comfortable about her decision to move forward with him. She wasn’t an admirer of his father and probably would never be, but she felt she’d made enough strides with his mother to think they might one day have a satisfactory relationship.
She received a call from Whitney. “How are things going?”
As if she’d stored the words for such a call, the entire story came tumbling out.
“A lot to think about, just as you say,” responded Whitney. “I called to tell you that Dani, Taylor, and I have tickets for Saturday night’s show. We thought we’d come early that morning to spend some time with you. Is that okay?”
“Okay? That’s perfect,” Crystal said, her eyes smarting with the sting of tears. It was wonderful to have such supportive friends. And Emmett was coming on Sunday.