Page 52 of Between Two Shores

“That’s wise.”

She swiped an escaped tear. “I thought so too. But Nick doesn’t understand logic.”

“If you feel uneasy by Nick’s words or actions, you should be able to voice your opinion without him getting upset with you. That’s a red flag to me. If he’s irritated and snappy at you when you’re genuinely concerned, then that’s not working as a team. Is that how you want him to behave in your marriage?”

She reached to the bedside table and grabbed a tissue. “Of course not.”

“Beth, can I be honest with you?”

“You’re always honest with me.” She sniffed. “I called you for help, so tell me what you think I should do.”

“Delay the wedding. Insist that you do pre-marital counseling and bring up these situations in the sessions.”

She swallowed. “You’re right.”

“Did I ever tell you about the time when my friend, Chantelle, met this super-spiritual guy?”

“No.”

“He seemed amazing when I first met him. I encouraged her even.” She hissed. “He proposed to Chantelle within a few weeks. She didn’t say yes, but oh, it took her months to untangle from his web. He had some strange ideas, and she was confused for a while, but eventually, she knew something wasn’t quite right.”

Beth swapped her phone to the other ear. “Nick’s a nice guy. He’s got a good heart, Cass. I don’t think it’s exactly the same as your friend’s situation.”

“Nick can be a great guy and still get things wrong. I’m sure he genuinely wants to help people. That’s not in question here.”

A click from the front door sounded.

“Cassie, I’ve gotta go. He’s back.”

“Okay. Stay strong.”

“Thanks for the talk.” She hung up and plugged her phone into its charger.

Chapter Twenty

Nick

Nick went straight to the shower upon returning from his jog. With a towel around his waist, he entered the bedroom. Beth wasn’t there. Good. She’d probably have a fit if she saw him like this. But his clothes were in the wardrobe. What was a guy to do? At every corner, she resisted him on some level. Keeping her distance. Not connecting with him. Did she truly care for the homeless at Harbor of Hope or was it to please her dad?

He put on his jeans and a Nike sweater and scuffed his hair with the towel. Beth had freaked out about him giving money away. What if she knew about the other people he had given money to? It would come back to him somehow. But Beth wouldn’t believe that. He felt compelled to help people. He had the means to do something and make a difference.

Time to face her judgement again. He went out to talk with Beth, barefooted.

“Hey.” He leaned on the wall at the entrance of the living room, arms crossed.

“Hi. Feel better after your run and shower?” Beth tucked her legs under her thighs on the sofa.

He wouldn’t fall for that seductive look she was giving him. Using her sexuality to influence him. A distraction from his focus on his vision.

She patted the space next to her. “Wanna sit down and chat?”

His eyes narrowed. “No, I’m good here, standing.” He flicked his head back. “What’s up?”

Beth moved her feet to the ground and placed her hands in her lap. “Is everything okay between us?”

“You tell me.”

Beth took a deep breath. “Nick, I think it’d be a good idea to take the pastor’s offer for counseling. It seems we aren’t on the same page with some things.”

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