Page 77 of Love's Cure

When she went outside, the line of traffic picking up people had dwindled to nothing but a car or two. She searched for a female driver and found a blond-haired woman driving a BMW convertible.

She walked over to the car, tapped on the window, and said, “Are you Eloise Harding?”

The woman looked startled. “Yes, I am. Why?”

“Natalie Chamberlain is inside. She’s taken a tumble but isn’t hurt. The doctor has checked her over, and there’s nothing to worry about except a bruise on her hand where she landed. I’ll help her to your car. I’m afraid she’s had quite a lot to drink.”

“Ah, Natalie. With the stress of a possible campaign ahead, I’m not surprised. I’ll wait for you here and take her back to my house.”

“Just so you know, I’ve called her son. Emmett will probably be phoning you.”

“Thank you. What did you say your name was?”

“Crystal Owen,” she said and moved away.

Natalie met her inside and Crystal walked her to Eloise’s car. After seeing her safely inside the automobile, Crystal waved to them both and went to find her car. It was too late and she was too troubled to even think of making a trip home. Thank God for Jerry and Lance’s open invitation.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The next day, Crystalawoke in the peach-colored guest room at Jerry and Lance’s house and stretched like a lazy cat. The white summer quilt had enough warmth without being hot to make a cozy night’s sleep. Crystal thought over last night’s episode with Natalie Chamberlain. It was sad to see her disgrace herself because of alcohol abuse. She knew only too well what damage it could cause.

She changed into shorts and a T-shirt and padded into the kitchen.

“Hello,” chirped Jerry. “I’ve gone ahead and made the orange-chocolate-chip pancake batter. I thought you might like to try it.”

“Thanks. I could use a treat this morning. You two were asleep when I came in last night, and I didn’t have the chance to tell you about Natalie Chamberlain’s fall outside the theater.”

“Oh, honey, you’re too late. I got all the juicy tidbits from a friend,” Jerry said. “I gather you and the theater doctor got her out of the public eye as soon as possible, but you know something like this is going to spread quickly.”

“I suppose,” said Crystal. “What exactly are they saying?”

“That it’s just another episode with her, that her husband is worse, and there’s no way he’s going to be president.”

“Wow! That’s pretty strong. Maybe that’s why so many people tell me that Senator Chamberlain’s chances of actually securing the nomination are unlikely. I’ve done my part to help; I’m going to step back. That family has made it clear that I don’t measure up.”

Jerry placed a hand on her shoulder. “They don’t measure up to you. Now, how about those pancakes?”

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