Page 65 of Love's Cure

“Oh, nice. It’s beautiful there.”

“Listen, I know enough about both Natalie and Everett Chamberlain to tell you to relax. You and Emmett go about your business, and if things go smoother for Everett than I think, then you can face how you want to deal with it.”

“Emmett’s father already has a campaign committee because the young woman Natalie was having lunch with is working on it.”

“M-m-m, interesting. I still don’t think you have anything to worry about. And, for heaven’s sake, Natalie has no reason to try to belittle you. She has problems of her own.”

“Thanks for helping me put things in perspective.” Crystal gave Jaynie a hug.

“You’re a lovely woman,” said Jaynie. “Remember that.”

They started walking back to the restaurant.

“Now it’s your turn to talk,” Crystal said to Jaynie. “Tell me about your granddaughter. She’s two now. Is she a terrible two?”

“She’s a terrific two,” said Jaynie acting the proud grandmother. “When her baby brother arrives, she might turn terrible. But in the meantime, I adore her. It’s another reason for Simon and me to not want to seek a higher office. I want time to enjoy both grandchildren. And with my other two daughters engaged, it’s going to be a few busy years ahead.”

“It sounds perfect for you. I’ve always loved that you’ve been very warm and welcoming to everyone. I’m sure your future sons-in-law feel the same way about you.”

Jaynie smiled at her. “That’s sweet of you to say. The truth is you love your kids and theirs in different ways—all with an equal amount of love, just differently.”

Simon stood outside the Café waiting for them to approach.

“It will be wonderful to have you living here year-round,” said Crystal. “And I know Dani, Brad, and Aaron must be thrilled to think of you living at The Meadows.”

“I think it’s going to be just what we want,” said Jaynie. “We’ll live here at least part of the year after Simon is free from his job. Summers here are delightful.”

“Ready?” said Simon, smiling at them both.

Crystal and Jaynie glanced at one another and nodded. They hugged goodbye and Crystal returned to the Café. Today, they would close promptly because an evening with friends was ahead.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

After closing up theCafé, Crystal hurried up to her apartment to shower and change for the barbeque. It seemed like a long time since she and her friends had hung out at the lake. She was anxious for Emmett to see how much fun it could be. While she was growing up, many summer days were spent at The Lilac Lake Inn with the Guilford girls and their circle of friends. Now that the women had taken over the cottage, it was even better.

Because it was a hot day, Crystal wore a pair of denim shorts, a yellow print halter top, and sandals. It felt great to be out of her workday attire of jeans and T-shirts with the Café logo.

---