Page 46 of Love's Cure

On the ride to his house, she and Emmett exchanged small talk, but nothing of consequence was said. Instead, he glanced and smiled at her whenever he could. And as they drew closer to his house, he gave her hand a squeeze.

Emmett pulled into his driveway and slammed on his brakes. “Damn!”

Crystal stared at the black Cadillac Escalade. “Who is it?”

“If I’m not mistaken, it’s my father. I wonder what he wants.” Emmett got out of the car, went around to her side, and waited for her to emerge.

A tall, well-built man with short but thick gray hair and strong, classic features left the dock and crossed the lawn to them.

“Hi, son,” Everett Chamberlain said, walking briskly.

Crystal felt Emmett tense beside her and took his hand.

“Who is this pretty little woman?” the senator said, giving her a wide, practiced smile.

It was Crystal’s turn to freeze.

“Hi, Dad. This is Crystal Owen.”

“Miss Owen.” He dipped his chin.

What are you doing here?” Emmett asked him. “Did Mom ask you to drop by?”

“As a matter of fact, she did. I left Mt. Desert this morning for a meeting in Portsmouth. She wanted me to check on you, see how you’re doing with your new job and such.” His gaze settled on Crystal.

Crystal decided she wasn’t about to be intimidated by Emmett’s father and straightened her back, staring back at him steadily.

“You can tell my mother that I’m fine, the practice is fine, and I’m making nice friends,” said Emmett firmly. He put his arm around Crystal.

“Look, I don’t want to judge you. I’m pleased that you’re doing well on your own. I’ve always been impressed by the way you stood up to me. That won’t change. But I think you ought to know I’m considering a run for president of the United States in the next election, and I want to keep things in order. That means I’ll need your support. I hope you can give that to me.”

“Is that why you and Mom are suddenly getting together more often?” Emmett asked. He eyed his father with suspicion.

“That’s only part of it. I’m through being less than an ideal family man. I want you to know that.”

Hearing the silky voice that she’d often heard in the news, Crystal realized how that smooth talk could easily sway some people. She waited to see what Emmett had to say.

“I’ve heard this before,” said Emmett.

“Well, your mother doesn’t make it easy. We both know that,” said the senator.

“Yes, but I won’t give up my independence because you’re thinking of running for president. I’ll hold back any negative stuff, but that’s it. So, don’t go holding me up as a perfect son because it’ll blow up in your face.”

“I know, I know. I couldn’t talk to you and change your mind back when you decided to change your name. I just don’t want any dirty fights in the press.”

“Neither do I,” said Emmett. “Now, my girlfriend and I are going to enjoy some time together.”

“What happened to the one with the purple hair?” his father asked, giving Crystal an admiring glance.

Emmett shook his head. “I won’t bother to answer such a crass question.”

“Well, I guess I’ll go. But I’ll be back. Next time, I’ll call before I come.” He stepped forward and gave Emmett a pat on the back. “See you, son.”

Crystal noted a look of pain on Emmett’s face, but he said, “Goodbye, Dad.”

She stood beside Emmett as they watched his father get into the SUV and drive away.

As soon as the senator was out of sight, Emmett let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry you had to be part of that. You see how superficial my relationship is with my stepdad. I never had the chance to know my real father, but from the start with the senator, I never felt as if we belonged together. It’s sad, but true. I sometimes wonder why he ever married my mother. They certainly haven’t been the happiest of couples.”

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