Page 54 of Love's Cure

“Oh, Emmett, I do want to get to know them better if your parents will allow it. But I don’t think meeting me is part of their plans. Especially if your father is thinking about running for president.”

“That’s exactly why I want you and my mother to meet. I want her to see you for the wonderful person you are.”

In your dreams.“She ran into me earlier and thought I was Diana until I turned around. Then, she didn’t recognize me. I just let the opportunity go.”

“If not tonight, how about joining us for dinner tomorrow?” said Emmett. “I want to make our relationship work.”

If it was that important to Emmett, she’d give it a try. “Okay, but I don’t want any scenes. Promise me that won’t happen. You know how I’ve been judged in the past.”

“I promise to do my best. I’ve already talked to my mother about her behavior when she was here last time. I never want anyone to hurt you.”

The sincerity in Emmett’s voice touched her. “Alright, let’s do this. I can’t allow your mother to intimidate me. I may see you around town tomorrow. Have fun.” Crystal ended the call and then sat back with a sigh. Natalie Chamberlain was intimidating. Crystal decided to go to The Woodlands for a chat with GG for a pep talk.

###

Pulling up to the mainbuilding, Crystal was struck by the beauty of the twinkling lights wrapped around the railing of the porch and repeated around the front entry. Unlike some assisted living places, The Woodlands went all out to make their residents feel pampered. Inside, in the card room to the right of the entry, several couples were playing games. Crystal searched for GG but didn’t see her.

She signed in at the reception desk and told the woman who she was visiting.

The woman smiled at her. “Go on down the hallway, Ms. Wittner’s in her room.”

Crystal filled with anticipation as she approached GG’s apartment. She always felt better and stronger after talking to her.

She knocked on the door, and when GG called to her to enter, Crystal opened it and walked inside.

When she saw her, GG’s face lit up with pleasure causing Crystal’s eyes to sting with tears.

“Crystal, what a surprise. It’s lovely to see you,” said GG. “Come sit down and tell me what’s going on.”

“First of all, it’s Summer Faire. Are you planning to attend?” asked Crystal.

GG nodded. “I went for a short while this afternoon. Everything looks beautiful decked out in green and lavender. Whitney is going to pick me up and take me to the band concert tomorrow afternoon. I doubt I’ll make it to the canoe races, but the weather is holding, and it should be great business for the Lilac Lake Inn. I understand the new owners are offering viewing places, along with food and beverages.”

“I know Ross is back in town. As one of the new owners, he must be taking part in that. He and Melissa Hendrickson are becoming friends, what with him living next door to her and all.”

“Another romance, perhaps?” GG said. “With all you young folks back in town, I suspect a few may crop up. How are things going with you and Emmett?”

Crystal sighed. “Emmett and I are fine. With his parents, not so much. His father came to see him and now his mother is in town. His father told us he’s considering a run for president of the United States in the next election. Emmett doubts that will happen, but it still affects us.” She hung her head.

GG leaned forward and studied her. “If you’re inferring that they’d consider Emmett dating you as unacceptable, you’re going to have to stand up to them. You have nothing to apologize for. You’re a good, kind, bright woman. No one can take that away from you.”

“I know, but it isn’t like I have a normal family with a mother and father who are decent people. I don’t even know who my father is. Frankly, I don’t want to know.” Crystal emitted a heart-rending sigh.

“Seeing who you are and what you’ve accomplished is more noteworthy than anything else. Besides, I happen to know that Natalie Chamberlain came from a humble background, and we all have read stories about Senator Chamberlain’s behavior. Keep that in mind should you feel insecure about your place.”

Crystal studied GG’s earnest expression. “You’re right. I’m proud of what I’ve done with my life. I can’t let someone destroy that.”

“And I’m guessing Emmett will protect you,” said GG. “Am I right?”

Crystal’s lips curved for the first time that evening. “Yes, I believe he will. He wants us all to get along.”

“Well, then, just be yourself. It’ll work out in the end,” said GG.

Crystal got up and kissed GG’s cheek. “Thanks. This is what I needed to hear. You always know the right thing to say to me.”

“Okay, then, care for a cup of coffee or tea?” said GG.

“I’ll have a cup of decaf coffee. Can I fix one for you too?” she asked.

---