1. Bethany Shares Her Cruise Plans

Bethany had been talking about her upcoming therapy cruise for days, but there was one person she seemed determined to tell about it: Brooke. Although the cruise was supposed to help Bethany and Larry work through their marital problems, Bethany’s excitement raised a question. Was she truly focused on saving her marriage, or did she simply want everyone to know that she might be going on a cruise?

When Bethany finally approached Brooke, she was ready to share her plans. What she did not expect was Brooke’s reaction, which reminded her so much of Larry’s usual expression that it almost turned the conversation into a comedy of its own.

Bethany: “Brooke, I wanted to tell you something.”

Brooke: “Okay, what is it now?”

Bethany raised her eyebrows. “Why do you always say that like I’m about to tell you something terrible?”

Brooke: “Because every time you come to me with that look on your face, there’s always something going on.”

Bethany laughed nervously before getting to the point. “So, Larry and I have been talking about taking a cruise.”

Brooke paused and stared at her.

Brooke: “A cruise?”

Bethany: “Yes, a therapy cruise. The counselor thinks we need to spend some time together away from all the distractions at home. Maybe getting away will help us communicate better and figure out what we want for our marriage.”

Brooke leaned back and gave Bethany a look that could have belonged to Larry himself.

Bethany: “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Brooke: “I’m just listening.”

Bethany: “No, you’re doing that thing with your face. That thing Larry does when he thinks I’m about to say something ridiculous!”

Brooke burst out laughing. “I didn’t know I was making Larry’s face. Maybe I’ve been around you too long.”

2. Brooke Questions the Plan

But Brooke was not convinced that the cruise would solve anything. She knew how complicated Bethany and Larry’s relationship had become, and she wondered whether a trip would make a real difference.

Brooke: “So, let me get this straight. You and Larry are having problems, your counselor suggests a cruise, and now you’re telling me about it. Does Larry even want to go?”

Bethany hesitated. “Well, we’re still figuring everything out.”

Brooke: “That’s not an answer.”

Bethany: “I don’t have every detail worked out yet. I’m just saying that I might be going on a cruise.”

Brooke started laughing. “There it is! That’s what this conversation is really about. You want me to know you might be going on a cruise!”

Bethany: “That’s not true! I’m telling you because you’re important to me.”

Brooke: “Then why does it sound like you’re announcing a vacation that hasn’t even been booked?”

Bethany crossed her arms. “You know what? I don’t even know why I bother telling you anything.”

Brooke: “Because you can’t do anything without telling me first.”

For a moment, Bethany tried to look serious, but Brooke’s expression made it impossible for her to stay annoyed.

Bethany: “You are just like Larry sometimes.”

Brooke: “Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks that.”

3. Is Larry Really Going?

The two women laughed, but Brooke still wanted to know whether Larry would actually join Bethany on the cruise.

Brooke: “Seriously, though. If this is supposed to be a marriage therapy trip, shouldn’t Larry be going with you?”

Bethany: “Of course he should. That’s the whole point.”

Brooke: “Then why do I get the feeling you’re already making backup plans?”

Bethany: “I’m not making backup plans!”

Brooke raised an eyebrow. Bethany looked away.

Bethany: “Well, I might have mentioned the trip to Charlotte.”

Brooke immediately sat up. “You told Charlotte, too?”

Bethany: “Yes! What’s wrong with that? Charlotte is my friend.”

Brooke: “Nothing is wrong with telling Charlotte. But if you’re planning a marriage therapy cruise, why are you discussing it with everybody except the person you’re married to?”

Bethany had no immediate answer. That question struck closer to home than she wanted to admit. She wanted the cruise to work, but she also wanted reassurance from the people around her. She wanted Brooke to listen, Charlotte to support her, and Larry to show that he still cared enough to make an effort.

“You can’t save a marriage by yourself.”

Bethany: “Maybe that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I needed somebody to tell me whether I’m making the right decision.”

Brooke: “I’m not going to tell you what to do. That’s your marriage. But I want you to be happy, Bethany. If this cruise helps you and Larry understand each other, then go for it. Just don’t expect a vacation to magically fix everything.”

Bethany smiled faintly. “See? This is why I need you.”

Brooke: “And there it is again. You really can’t do anything without me!”

4. Charlotte Becomes the Backup Plan

Later, Bethany decided to call Charlotte and tell her about the cruise. Charlotte listened as Bethany explained the counselor’s suggestion and admitted that she was still uncertain about Larry’s willingness to participate.

Charlotte: “So, let me understand. You’re supposed to take a cruise with your husband to work on your marriage, but you’re not sure he’s even going?”

Bethany: “I’m trying to remain hopeful.”

Charlotte: “Hopeful is one thing. Planning a trip around a man who hasn’t committed to going is another.”

Bethany sighed. “Why is everybody making this so difficult?”

Charlotte: “Because you keep making it sound like the cruise is happening when you don’t even know whether Larry is coming.”

Bethany paused. “Well, if Larry doesn’t go, maybe you could come with me.”

Charlotte burst out laughing. “Bethany! So now this marriage therapy cruise is becoming a girls’ trip?”

Bethany: “I’m just saying, if I’m going to be on a ship, I might as well enjoy myself.”

Charlotte: “That’s one way to look at it. But what happens when Larry finds out you’re planning a cruise with me instead?”

Bethany smiled. “Then he’ll have to decide whether he wants to come.”

Charlotte shook her head, amused by the entire situation. “You really need to have a conversation with that man.”

Bethany: “I will.”

But even as she said it, Bethany knew that talking to Larry would not necessarily be easy. Their marriage had been through too much for one conversation to settle everything.

5. Brooke Sees Right Through Her

Meanwhile, Brooke could not stop laughing about Bethany’s announcement. She had come to the conclusion that Bethany wanted everyone to know about the cruise, whether Larry participated or not.

When Bethany returned to speak with her, Brooke immediately asked, “So, have you told Larry that Charlotte might be going with you?”

Bethany stopped in her tracks. “Who told you that?”

Brooke: “You did! You practically announced it to the whole world.”

Bethany shook her head. “I swear, you and Larry are exactly alike.”

Brooke: “Maybe that’s why we both look at you the same way.”

Bethany laughed despite herself. Yet beneath the humor, one important question remained unanswered: would Larry agree to the therapy cruise, or would Bethany eventually take Charlotte instead?

6. A Cruise That Could Change Everything

For now, Bethany had a possible destination, a friend willing to listen, and a marriage that still needed work. The cruise might offer her and Larry an opportunity to reconnect, but only if both of them were willing to put in the effort.

If Larry decided not to go, Brooke and Charlotte would certainly have plenty to say about it. Because in Bethany’s world, even a simple therapy cruise could become another family discussion, complete with unexpected invitations, questionable plans, and Brooke giving her that unmistakable Larry-style look.