Page 64 of Love's Cure

“Let’s talk later,” said Crystal. “Right now, Brenda is waiting to take your orders.”

“Okay,” said Jaynie. “But I know you well enough to understand you’re troubled. We visited The Meadows, and I heard from Dani Collister that you had something going with a new man.”

Crystal sighed. “I need your opinion on something.”

“All right, sweetie. Now, I’m ready for some of your biscuits.” Jaynie followed Crystal to their table and smiled at Brenda who was waiting to serve them.

Shaken by the undercurrents between Jaynie and Emmett’s mother, pleased by the support both Simon and Jaynie had shown her, Crystal retreated to the kitchen to catch her breath. It was going to be a long day. Thank goodness she had the barbeque to look forward to.

A few moments later, as Crystal emerged from the kitchen, she saw Emmett’s mother and Diana preparing to leave. She hesitated and then decided not to be intimidated by the woman.

“I hope you enjoyed your meal,” said Crystal approaching them.

“It was delicious,” said Diana. “With Dirk living here, I intend to eat here whenever I visit. Right now, I’m working for Senator Chamberlain’s campaign.”

“A great opportunity for you following college graduation,” said Crystal keeping a noncommittal expression on her face.

“I had no idea you knew the Mitchells,” said Emmett’s mother.

“Yes, they’re good people,” Crystal replied. “We have several well-known people visit Lilac Lake. It’s become a popular resort area.”

“I’ve heard that Whitney Gilford lives nearby,” said Emmett’s mother.

Crystal hesitated, then said, “She’s my best friend. Emmett and I are going to a barbeque at the cottage she shares with her sisters. Courtney Castle, the pen name for Taylor Gilford, is one of her sisters.”

“Well, I ... I don’t know what to say,” said Emmett’s mother, looking flustered.

“Enjoy your trip back home,” Crystal said to her. “Goodbye, Diana.”

Crystal walked away, satisfied with the way she’d handled herself. Normally, she’d never mention Whitney or Taylor, but it felt right to be able to do so. Somehow, she knew GG would approve.

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Later, as Jaynie wasfinishing her breakfast, she waved Crystal over. “C’mon, girlfriend, let’s go outside where we can talk.”

Crystal followed her outside and to the town green to one of the benches placed along the edge.

“What’s going on with you and Natalie Chamberlain? Is it her son?”

Crystal sighed. “Emmett and I are dating. His parents, his mother in particular, have been very critical of me, even making a scene inside Jake’s restaurant where I was sitting with friends. She’d seen a picture of us on the local news when we had an accident on Route 1 in Maine.”

“Oh, I remember that. It became part of the discussion about widening that road. But you weren’t hurt.”

“Emmett’s nose was broken, but other than that, both of us came out of it okay. My car had damage, of course, but I was glad nothing worse happened.”

“Was that the first Emmett’s mother had heard about you?” Jaynie asked.

“Yes, she was furious he was with me and treated me like I was a gold-digging whore because of my purple hair. I thought I’d keep the color to spite her but then decided it was time to change it back to my natural color anyway.”

“I love you no matter what color your hair is,” said Jaynie, giving her a quick hug. “What did you want to ask me?”

“Since Emmett’s father might be running for president, do you think I should step away from him for a while? He has problems with his family. I don’t want to add to them.”

“Absolutely not,” said Jaynie. “First of all, you don’t owe his parents anything. Second, if you become part of the family, you’ll have to put up with all kinds of comments like the rest of us in politics. But I don’t believe Everett Chamberlain has a chance in hell of winning a nomination from his party. He would be running against a well-respected man, which is saying a lot.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand why some men can’t be satisfied with the job they’re doing. Simon and I decided long ago not to pursue the route Everett is choosing.”

“But Simon is someone who could do an outstanding job as president,” countered Crystal.

“We’re proud of the job Simon’s doing for New Hampshire, but that’s it. We don’t want to deal with the intrusive media and the circus that comes with that much attention. We believe in public service, but we’ve done our duty. Simon and I want a peaceful life. That’s why we were looking at houses in The Meadows.”

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