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| Growing Up Smart |
First Lady Delores Crabtree balances her growing writing career with her responsibilities at church, while Reverend Crabtree reflects on the struggles families carry behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Riley has a difficult conversation with his mother about his father's new family, revealing feelings he's not quite ready to share.
Episode 17 | Behind Closed Doors
Kenya stepped into the office, a folder in hand. "Your publisher called. Again." She laid it open on the desk.
First Lady Delores Crabtree didn’t look up from her manuscript, but a small smile touched her lips. "Let me guess—the cover art?”
"That, and your final notes. They're anxious to keep Grace for Every Season on schedule.”
"You and me both," she said, her gaze lifting from the manuscript to meet Kenya's.
"Well, your first book was a bestseller. The pressure’s on.”
"I’m not worried about the deadline. I want this book to encourage women who are going through changes.”
"Speaking of encouraging women, you've received another invitation to speak at a women's conference."
"Another one?"
"In November. They'd like you to be their keynote speaker."
The First Lady leaned back in her chair.
"I'll have to discuss that with my husband. Between the church, Bible study, and finishing this manuscript, my calendar is full.”
Kenya’s smile deepened. “And what does Reverend Crabtree make of all this?”
"He's my biggest fan,” she said. “Though he did remind me that even the Lord rested on the seventh day.”
Both women laughed.
Kenya settled into the chair across from the desk.
"Well, I hope he's planning something special when the book comes out."
"I don’t know about him," the First Lady replied, smiling. "I've already decided we're taking a vacation."
"Does he know?"
"Not yet."
Their laughter faded as the secretary glanced at another note.
"Have you heard anything about Emily?”
"Not since yesterday. I heard she’s doing well.”
"I heard Ian visited her again.”
"Yes. My husband mentioned it."
"That young man seems to have made quite an impression."
The First Lady nodded thoughtfully.
"I've been so impressed with Ian's work at the teen center—he has a real gift for connecting with young people. I'd like to see if he'd be open to taking on a larger role with our youth ministry.”
"He has the right heart for it.”
The First Lady reached for her calendar.
"Let's arrange a meeting with the youth director. Nothing formal. I'd like to hear what he says before I speak to Ian.”
Her secretary made a note.
"And please remind me to call Emily’s family this afternoon."
"Already on my list."
The First Lady smiled. "What would I do without you?"
"Miss half your appointments."
"I was afraid you'd say that."
___
Later that afternoon, the Reverend found his wife in her office, her attention fixed on two mock-ups laid out on her desk.
"Can't decide?" he asked.
She tapped a finger on the desk. "I'm not sure about either of these.”
He came to stand behind her, his hands resting on the back of her chair as he studied the layouts. "The second has better presence.”
"You barely glanced at the first one.”
"I don't need to. You've been leaning toward the second since I came in.”
A soft laugh escaped her as she pushed both mock-ups away.
"How did your morning go?”
"Busy. I had two appointments, and someone stopped me in the hallway with a question that turned into a twenty-minute conversation."
"Sounds familiar."
He sat across from her.
"Have you heard from Asha?”
"She texted last night. She has an examination coming up and says she's practically living in the library."
"That's my girl."
"She also mentioned needing money for something."
Reverend Crabtree chuckled.
"Now that sounds like your daughter."
"You got jokes," she said with a chuckle.
"She's our only daughter."
"And she'll still be our daughter when she graduates and finds a job."
He raised his hands in surrender. "Yes, ma'am."
For a moment, they enjoyed the quiet.
Then the First Lady noticed the weariness around her husband's eyes. "Something troubling you?"
He leaned back. "Just thinking about all the secrets people carry into those pews every Sunday."
"Sometimes the people sitting beside them are the very ones making those burdens heavier."
He nodded.
"That's why I keep reminding our congregation to be careful with their words."
She understood that his counseling conversations were private. She would never ask him to betray that trust.
"Well," she said gently, "we'll keep praying for the families who need it."
"We certainly will."
He reached across the desk and took her hand.
"Now, when are you going to finish that book?"
She stared at him.
"Not you, too!"
His laughter filled the office.
__
In the hospital cafeteria, Riley sat across from his mother in a vinyl booth, his tray between them. She’d insisted on lunch before his shift, but the sandwich sat untouched. Dr. Harper studied him over her salad.
"Are you planning to eat that, or just stare at it?"
"I'm eating."
"You've been saying that for ten minutes."
Riley picked up his sandwich and took a reluctant bite.
"Happy?"
She smiled, then turned to her salad. "How's work?"
"Fine."
"That's all I get? Fine?"
"What do you want me to say, Mom?"
"I'd like to know how things are going with my son, that’s all.”
"I'm learning a lot."
"Good. And how are you holding up? With everything.”
Riley's shoulders lifted and fell in a shallow arc.
"Some shifts are easier than others.”
"That's hospital work," she said. The words hung between them for a moment before she let them settle.
"Have you heard anything about the teenager who's been hospitalized?"
"Her name is Emily. She’s fine.”
"Then what’s bothering you?"
"Nothing.”
"Riley."
He exhaled.
"Dad and I argued again."
"What about?”
"He keeps acting like I should just accept everything."
"Everything meaning what?"
Riley gave her an incredulous look.
"Come on, Mom. You know what."
She set down her fork.
"Your father and Sara?"
"And the baby. Everybody acting like we're supposed to be one big happy family."
"Have you told your father how you feel?"
"Every time I try to talk to him, it just turns into another fight.”
"And what do you usually tell him?”
"Whatever comes to mind."
"That could be the problem.”
Riley's jaw tightened. "No kidding."
"Why is it on me to be the bigger person? I'm the child. He broke up our family."
His mother's face grew serious. "Riley, I know you're hurt. And you have every right to feel that way."
"Then why do you keep defending him?"
"I'm not defending what your father did, Riley. But you can't let your anger control how you deal with him."
Riley looked toward the window.
His mother watched him for a moment. "And how are things between you and Sara?"
"About the same. We barely talk."
"And the baby?"
Riley glanced back at her but said nothing.
His mother studied him for a moment, then reached across the table and touched his hand.
"I know things are complicated right now, Riley. But he's still your father. He loves you, and I know you love him too. You two have to find a way to work this out."
"I'll think about it."
"That's all I'm asking."
Her phone vibrated. She glanced at the screen and stood.
"I’m needed in the ER.”
Riley rose with her.
"Thanks for lunch, Mom."
"You're welcome, sweetheart."
She hugged him before hurrying out of the cafeteria.
Riley thought about their conversation. He loved his father. That had never changed.
But loving him hadn't made the disappointment disappear.
Still, there was one thing he couldn't deny. Despite everything that had happened between his father and Sara, he was looking forward to becoming a big brother.
TO BE CONTINUED…
🔙 Next Episode 18: Coming Soon
First Lady Delores Crabtree balances her growing writing career with her responsibilities at church, while Reverend Crabtree reflects on the struggles families carry behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Riley has a difficult conversation with his mother about his father's new family, revealing feelings he's not quite ready to share.
Note: The story above is a work of fiction created for inspirational purposes. Any resemblance to actual individuals or events is purely coincidental.
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