Page 83 of Love's Cure

Before Crystal headedto the theater that night, she called Emmett.

He picked up right away. “Hi, I’ve got you on speakerphone in my car. I’m just returning from the rehab hospital after dropping Mom off.”

“How did it go?” Crystal asked.

“I’ve never seen my mother frightened before, but she was, even more so after she decided to stay. After they’d interviewed her, we had just a moment to say goodbye. I told her how proud I was of her.”

“That’s important. I’m pleased she’s going to do it. My mother never got that far. Sad, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I can’t imagine.”

“Did you mean what you said to your mother about us?” Crystal had to make sure it wasn’t spoken simply from a passionate moment.

“Yes, Crystal. I meant every word of it. My mother and I talked all the way to the rehab hospital about a lot of things, including you. She finally understands my need for independence, her bad behavior, and her addiction. She’s embarrassed to be in the situation she’s in, but she’s grateful for your help. Your truth.”

“I’m glad. I meant what I said too.”

“It’s all a little backward right now, but we’ll get it straightened out. I really love you, Crystal. I wish I could’ve told you under different circumstances.”

“Me, too. But now that we’ve made our feelings known, we can move forward.”

“Yes. I don’t think Diana will dare to make any more trouble after she and I have another talk. Good luck tonight.”

“Drive carefully. We’ll chat later.” Crystal clicked off the call both elated and frustrated. She’d wanted to hear Emmett’s declaration of love again, but as he said, it wasn’t done at the best of times. Hopefully, there would be many other opportunities.

Crystal said goodbye to Jerry and Lance and went to the theater.

As she was chatting with people backstage, the manager came up to her. “Crystal, I want to thank you for your prompt response to Mrs. Chamberlain’s difficulty.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, eager to leave it at that.

“Are you enjoying the show?” he asked.

She smiled. “It’s always fun for me to be able to do this. Thanks.”

He bobbed his head and left to take care of a problem with the curtains.

Crystal walked outside for a breath of air, her mind whirling. Everything with Emmett was now happening at a fast, emotional pace.

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The next morning, shewas sitting on the deck reading when her cell rang. She picked it up with a surge of happiness.

“Hello, Doctor. What can I do for you?”

Chuckling, he played along. “I need a cure. There’s this woman who insists on being in Maine when I want her here. It’s about killing me.”

“Take two aspirin and call me tomorrow,” she said and burst out laughing.

“Fine,” he said with pretended indignity and then became serious. “Good morning. I called to update you on the situation. I talked to my father last night, and he was very grateful for your interference at the theater. He thinks you’re savvy and beautiful.”

“And what about your mother? Is he happy she’s going to work to get well?” Crystal asked. She didn’t give a hoot that his father thought her beautiful.

‘Yes and no. He’s not happy about the situation. He thinks it might hurt his run for president, but he’s trying to make the best of it. With Betty Ford’s issues and subsequent turnaround, he’s hoping it’ll add a bit of humanity to his campaign.”

Crystal’s stomach knotted. “I’m not talking about his campaign. What does he think about Natalie? Is he going to support her? I’ve done some research on the rehab facility, and it’s recommended that family members become part of their program at different times. Is he going to do that?”

Emmett sighed. “He said he’d try. That’s all I can do for the moment.”

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