Page 74 of Love's Cure

“Emmett Chambers is the new doctor in town. He’s the son of Everett and Natalie Chamberlain.”

“He changed his name?” asked Jerry.

“Yes. Everett is his stepfather, and in a show of independence, Emmett changed his name as he was about to go to college to study medicine. Everett wanted him to go into law, hoping, I think, that he’d go into politics. It was important to Emmett to separate from his family, one he doesn’t much admire.”

“Some of us are forced to separate from families,” said Lance with a touch of bitterness.

“Yes. And some would like to forget what family they had,” countered Crystal. “In this case, it’s worked out well. So well, that Emmett will cooperate with his family when it’s announced his stepfather is running for president. If it gets that far.”

“That’s a big if,” said Lance. “The senator has made a lot of enemies.”

“Including the gay community here,” Jerry said. “I’m surprised the MeToo movement didn’t bring him down.”

“The senator is nicer than his wife. Emmett’s mother has been rude to me and made it clear to Emmett that I’m not suitable.”

“Aw, sweetie, that’s too bad,” said Jerry. “That can make it impossible.”

“Emmett and I talked about it, but he wasn’t going to let his family’s opinions stop us from getting to know one another. Now, his mother is pushing a young woman at him, someone who’s working on his father’s campaign. She’s beautiful ...”

“Stop,” said Jerry. “Crystal, you’re one of the most beautiful women I know. Inside and out.” He gave her a teasing smile. “Even without the purple hair.”

“Very Grace Kelly-like,” commented Lance. “Sometimes it’s best to let the situation settle for a while before any final judgments can be made.”

“My friend, Whitney Gilford, said the same thing.”

“How is she?” said Lance. “I haven’t spoken to her since her baby arrived. She had the idea I should serve on a board of directors for a theater group she’s trying to organize.”

“She still intends to go forward with the idea of offering drama camps for serious students and ones for underprivileged kids as a way to express themselves.”

“It’s a sound idea,” said Lance. “After our busy summer is over, I’ll talk to her about it again.”

“So, you’re a member of the ensemble for the play. Have you been practicing?” Jerry asked her.

“Before Misty came back home and Emmett entered the scene, I practiced singing a lot. It’s something to do when I’m all alone,” said Crystal. “But I have no speaking parts, I just sing and dance a little. Nothing too showy. That’s how I like it.”

“It’s fantastic that you’ve kept up with this,” said Jerry. “It’s wise for the theater companies to hire locals for parts like this. Saves them money.”

“As a board member for the summer theater, I encourage it,” Lance said.

“It’s great for someone like me who wants the continued experience.” She checked her watch. “I guess I’d better go. I’ll eat dinner with someone from the group and will see you later.”

Both men rose.

“We’ll probably be out and about, but you know where the key is hidden,” said Jerry.

“Thanks.” Crystal hugged both men and went to her car, her stomach fluttering with excitement.

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