1. Arrival in Montana
The SUV rattled along the gravel road as Montana’s mountains loomed closer. Snow-capped peaks. Endless pine trees. No turning back now.
Larry glanced in the rearview mirror, a confident edge in his voice.
Larry: “Almost there. Montana won’t know what hit it.”
Bethany sat in the back, arms crossed tight, staring out the window. Anxiety crawled under her skin.
Bethany: “You really think she’ll talk to me?”
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Larry’s jaw tightened slightly.
Larry: “Lynette talks… just not always in a way people like.”
Bethany fiddled with her bracelet as the SUV hit a bump.
Bethany: “I didn’t sign up for drama.”
Larry exhaled, almost to himself.
Larry: “Drama seems to find you, Bethany.”
The cabin appeared ahead. Smoke curled from the chimney. The SUV slowed… then stopped. Silence settled in. 😐🏔️
2. First Look, First Tension
Lynette stepped outside the cabin, stretching, calm and commanding. She spotted the SUV and squinted.
Lynette: “Larry! Who’s with you?”
Bethany stepped out slowly. Lynette froze for half a second—just long enough. Her eyes scanned Bethany head to toe. ⚡
Bethany: “Hi… I’m Bethany.”
Larry stepped in quickly.
Larry: “Lynette, this is Bethany. Bethany—Lynette.”
Lynette crossed her arms, a slow, calculating smile forming.
Lynette: “Well… you’re here.”
Bethany swallowed. Larry rubbed the back of his neck. The air felt heavy.
3. Inside the Cabin
The fire crackled warmly, but the tension stayed cold. Lynette poured coffee without breaking eye contact.
Lynette: “So… what brings you all the way to Montana?”
Bethany forced a small smile.
Bethany: “Larry wanted me to see where he grew up. And… meet you.”
Lynette raised an eyebrow, sipping her coffee.
Lynette: “Interesting.”
Larry shifted awkwardly.
Larry: “She’s… great. Really.”
Lynette leaned back, studying Bethany like a chess piece.
Lynette: “‘Great’ is subjective.”
Bethany steadied herself.
Bethany: “I just want to get along.”
Lynette chuckled softly.
Lynette: “Montana doesn’t do halfway. You earn respect… or you leave.”
Bethany glanced at Larry. He nodded, encouraging her silently.
4. Sunset Reality Check
Outside, the sky burned orange and pink. Larry stood between them, uneasy.
Larry: “I just want us all to get along.”
Lynette turned sharply.
Lynette: “That’s not your call, Larry.”
Bethany stepped forward, voice trembling—but firm.
Bethany: “I’m not here to replace anyone. I just want to understand.”
Lynette studied her for a long moment. Then—something softened.
Lynette: “You’ve got guts. Most people would’ve run by now.”
Bethany let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Larry relaxed slightly. 🌄
5. Dinner Truce
Dinner sat untouched for a moment. Finally, Lynette broke the silence.
Lynette: “So… why come here, really?”
Bethany answered honestly.
Bethany: “I wanted to know Larry better. And… you.”
Lynette paused, surprised.
Lynette: “Most people don’t care about that.”
Bethany leaned in.
Bethany: “I do. I want to try.”
Lynette nodded slowly, then glanced at Larry.
Lynette: “You finally brought someone brave.”
Larry gave a nervous laugh. Bethany smiled—small, but real. 🍽️🔥
6. Montana Night
Under a sky full of stars, the three stood quietly on the porch.
Lynette: “Montana doesn’t hide much. People show who they are.”
Bethany met her gaze.
Bethany: “I want to be someone worth knowing.”
Lynette nodded, warmth flickering in her eyes.
Lynette: “Maybe… you already are.”
Larry watched them both, relieved but cautious. Something had shifted—but it wasn’t settled yet.
TO BE CONTINUED… 🌌