A SACRIFIES BEYOND LOVE

NIGHT CALL

Chapter Ten: Late Night

Bryan's phone lit up the darkness of his bedroom.

"Judy? You still up?"

"Yeah." Her voice was softer at night, the daytime performance of competence set aside. "Just got to my room. How was the drive home?"

"Fine. Traffic was light." He hesitated. "Listen — about tonight. I hope I didn't embarrass you."

"Bryan, stop. You didn't embarrass me. You were fine."

"Your mum seemed quiet with me." He stared at the ceiling. "I don't want to cause problems between you and your parents."

"My mum is always quiet with new people. That's just her. She doesn't hate you."

"You sure? Because I felt like she was measuring me. Like I didn't pass."

There was a small pause, and he could almost hear her choosing her words with care. "She measures everybody. Even Max, when he comes around. But Daddy liked you. He asked me about your company after you left. That's a good sign."

Bryan let out a slow breath. "Really?"

"Really. Look — my parents love me. And if they see I'm happy with you, they'll come around. They just want to know you're serious. That's all."

"I am serious, Judy." He turned on his side. "I'm not playing with this. With you."

"I know." A pause. "That's why I invited you. I don't bring people home for fun."

The bedroom was dark and quiet, and Bryan lay in it for a long time after they said goodnight, phone on the pillow beside him, feeling something he hadn't felt in a long time. Not security — he didn't have that yet. But something.

Direction. Like a man who has been walking without knowing where, and has just, finally, seen the road.

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