The whispers started as a ripple, then spread through the fellowship hall.
Beth went rigid, heat flooding her face. As gasps and whispered conversations rippled through the room. Bethreceived more than a few wide-eyed looks from the parents of her Sunday school students.
Beth stood, speechless and pale, unable to process how these women—leaders of the church—could speak to her this way. As awareness of her surroundings returned, it hit her. This wasn’t just a conversation. They had timed their words with precision, ensuring her humiliation was as public as possible.
The shame burned, searing her soul. Beth’s hand rested over her heart, as if trying to relieve the pressure.
Tami stood with her jaw hanging open. The only one not left speechless—or whispering behind cupped hands—was Lynn. She sauntered over to Jackie, her eyes blazing with anger. An evil smile curved her lips.
“Bravo.” Lynn began to slow clap, right in Jackie’s face.
Jackie stiffened, nostrils flaring, chin lifting.
“I see you haven’t changed much. Though,” Lynn gave her a once-over, “actually, I take that back. Looks like you’ve put on some weight. Good for you! You must be getting a handle on your bulimia.”
“Lynn!” Beth gasped.
Jackie’s eyes flashed, but her voice came out smooth and condescending. “Clearly, all your years of rebellion have corrupted your sister. Are you proud?”
Lynn tilted her head, feigning deep thought. “Clearly, all your years of helping with church pageants have made you a drama queen. Sadly, I think you’ve been misunderstanding the sermons. As a Christian, you’re NOT supposed to gossip—not the other way around.”
She lifted her hands in mock consolation. “I know, it’s probably confusing for you.”
Jackie opened her mouth, but Lynn’s hand shot up, stopping her before she could get a word in.
“The other thing you’re so obviously confused about is which Stoner sister you’re gossiping about.” Lynn’s voice rang out, sharp and confident. She turned her gaze to the small crowd still watching. “Anyone who actually knows my sister knows she would never get into bed with a man before she had a ring on her finger.”
She let that settle, her voice dropping lower. “Never.”
Jodi and Darla took an instinctive step backward.
Then, without breaking eye contact, Lynn repeated Jackie’s earlier insult—reaching out, touching Jackie’s arm, then dramatically brushing her hands off on her colorful bell-bottoms.
Her voice took on that same pointed lilt Jackie had used as she delivered the final blow.
“It’s got to kill you not knowing all the juicy details of my sister’s marriage. Which is probably why you used yourdirty little imaginationto embarrass Beth.”
Gasps. Louder than before.
Lynn didn’t stop. Didn’t lower her voice. She was done with this woman.
“I still remember the ‘words of wisdom’ you imparted on me—in private—at my graduation party.” She tilted her head. “What were they again? Oh, right—” Lynn gasped, mockingrealization.
“You swore I would be addicted to drugs or homeless and pregnant before my 20th birthday.”
She paused, then did a full pirouette, throwing her arms up with a dramatic flair.
“Look at me now—twenty-one. Not homeless. Not pregnant. Not a druggie.”
Lynn’s smirk sharpened. “You were wrong then, just like you’re wrong now.”
Jackie’s face was stone, but her true colors bled through as she pointed one last time at Beth.
“You might want to think about taking some time away from the church as you attempt to get your life back in order with the Word of God.”
Then, with a menacing glance at Lynn, Jackie spun on the heel of her designer stilettos, sending Darla and Jodi scrambling to follow.
Lynn wasn’t done.
