Page 52 of Outside Looking In

“When is your show, dear?” Brenda asked.

“Three weeks away! We’re in the thick of rehearsals.”

It turned out Franny had quite a voice, and with each practice, she was sounding more and more like their mother, according to the videos Nathan had watched.

“You’re going to be great,” Nathan said. “I’ve been helping her practice her singing and getting down her lines. I’ve dabbled in acting.”

“Very nice!” Brenda said with an exaggerated nod.

“Well, more than dabbled. I’ve acted in theater and movies.” Judging by their impressed head nods, he believed he was quickly getting on their good side.

“I just had a fitting for my costume,” Franny said.

“It seems like only yesterday we were going to watch Mariel in her performances at that playhouse,” Brenda said.

“Well, the performances that were appropriate,” Pastor Fry added. “Some of those shows were not right for a family-friendly community theater.”

She turned to Nathan. “Our daughter used to be an actress.”

“I’ve heard.” Nathan played along.

Brenda stared into his eyes for an extended second, as if she recognized him. The world seemed to stop turning. Nathan thought he was going to explode from nerves.

“Is everyone ready for dinner?” Mark asked from the dining room, breaking their staring contest. “The food is ready.”

They made their way to the table. Brenda sat down first.

“Franny,” Pastor Fry said. He stopped at the foot of the couch.

“Yes, Grandpa?”

Nathan turned to listen from the dining room, as did Liam.

“Is that dress new?” he asked.

“I got it a few weeks ago. Isn’t it nice?”

“It’s a bit short, don’t you think? I can see above your knees. It’s too revealing. You’re a young lady, Franny.”

“It’s the style, Grandpa.”

“What have we talked about? There are many things in our culture that may be popular, but are not acceptable. I think you should go upstairs and change into something more suitable for dinner.”

“But Grandpa, I like it.”

“Don’t talk back.” Pastor Fry didn’t raise his voice, but that didn’t make it any less intimidating. “Upstairs and change now.”

Nathan looked down at his empty plate, hating that he caused this drama. He had seen revealing dresses in London, outfits that would give Pastor Fry a real heart attack. Franny’s dress was fun, but not reckless. Liam seemed to sense his guilt and gave him a supportive knee squeeze.

Mark rushed past him. “Is there a problem?”

“Mark, how could you let your daughter wear something like this?”

“What? It’s a lovely dress. I don’t see a problem with it.”

Nathan did a silent cheer for Mark.

“It’s okay, Dad. I’m going to change,” Franny said with a flatness that made Nathan believe this was a regular occurrence. It was like when Nathan’s paternal grandparents made racist remarks and Nathan just rolled his eyes because there was no use trying to have a real discussion with them about it. She ran upstairs before anyone could say another word on the subject.