“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. They’re packed and ready to go. Jordan’s driving out tomorrow, and Lynn plans to ride her motorcycle across the country by herself after work on Thursday.”
Bryce let out a few choice words.
“What do you think of this new guy?”
“Gag. He’s this pompous, condescending jerk who talked to Dad like he was too stupid to follow the conversation. Actually, come to think of it, he talked to all of us that way.”
“Why is what’s-his-name leaving tomorrow and making her go by herself?
“He’s the drummer in a band playing in Florida on Friday night. I guess they signed a six-month contract at some roadhouse. I didn’t even know roadhouses were a real thing.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, and when we voiced concerns, Lynn stormed off.”
Bryce sighed. “Yikes. No wonder you answered the phone yelling the way you did. Did she just leave the room, or actually leave?”
“She headed back to Denver. I’ve tried calling her, but shewon’t answer. I don’t know what to do, Bryce.”
Beth’s voice came fast, like the dam had finally cracked. Her words were tangled in frustration and helplessness—finally letting it out to someone she thought would understand.
“Are you just venting,” he asked gently, “or do you want my opinion?”
“I want to know what you think.” The words came quickly—too quickly.
“I think… because you love her, you sometimes expect her to live by the same Christian values you do. That might be why she feels like she can’t measure up. Like she isn’t accepted.”
Silence.
Longer than a beat.
Beth didn’t answer right away.
When she finally spoke again, her tone had shifted—quieter, cooler, controlled.
“So… you’re saying she has every right to be mad at me.”
“That’s not what I’m saying,” Bryce replied carefully, picking up on the change. “I just mean… you love her, and you want what’s best for her. But maybe she feels like she can’t measure up. Like you don’t accept her as she is. I know what that feels like.”
Beth didn’t respond.
He heard the faint sound of running water—maybe brushing her teeth, maybe just something to fill the silence. Something to keep from answering.
“Wow, that’s a lot to process,” she said, a sharp edge to hertone. She continued before Bryce could reply. “Thanks for being honest and I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I need to think about it before we discuss it any further. I’m really tired and think I’m going to head to bed.”
“I’m sorry, Beth. I know it’s not what you wanted to hear. Are you sure you want to end the call? I’d love to hear how your Bible study went.”
“It went well. Six ladies, and not all from church, which helped Crystal feel comfortable. I’ll tell you more later. I’m just really tired.”
“Okay. Sleep well.”
“Love you,” Beth murmured.
“Love you too.”
Beth ended the call, crawled into bed, and for the first time since getting married, fell asleep angry.
