Tobin grins. “Jed has some exciting news. He only found out last month, and we’ve just been waiting for everything to fall into place so we could tell you.”
“What?” Nix isn’t smiling. She’s gone all tense, her petite features dropping into a guarded frown.
I hold my breath, feeding off her immediate stress and tension.
“Well…” Jed’s lips twitch. “I’ve been offered…” He glances at Tobin again.
“Offered what?” Nix barks. “Just spit it out, man!”
Tobin glares at Nix for a hot second, then spills the beans. “My highly talented, amazing boyfriend has been offered the chance to work at a restaurant in New York City, baby!”
My heart stops beating for a second.
“That’s right. His uncle is opening a super-classy, high-end restaurant in Manhattan, and he wants Jed to be in charge of the bar.”
My mouth pops open while Nix shifts on the couch, perching on her knees and staring at Jed. “You’re moving to New York?”
“We’removing to New York,” Tobin corrects her. “I just found out this morning that I’ve been accepted to New York University!”
“Isn’t that place stupidly expensive and hard to get into?” Nix’s expression bunches into a skeptical frown.
“The stars have aligned, my love. The universe acquiesced to my request, and I got in!”
“And as for cash,” Jed continues. “He doesn’t need to worry about housing, because he’ll be living with me, and he only has one year left of study, so between our two families, we’ve been able to borrow what we need.”
“An interest-free loan.” Tobin grins, then flashes a smile at Jed. “I love your parents so much. I’ve told you that, right?”
“All the time.” Jed laughs. “And I love your parents too. I still can’t believe they went for it without even blinking an eye.”
“They love us and want us to be happy.” Tobin leans forward and kisses his boyfriend again while I sit there blinking in shock.
“Wow,” I finally choke out, knowing I should be jumping up and celebrating with these two, but I’m also crushed.
They’re leaving?
Nix blinks at them, obviously feeling exactly the same way I am.
“Aw, you guys.” Tobin’s expression crumples. “I know this is unexpected. We’re having the best time together here, but this opportunity is just too good to pass up.”
I nod, knowing it is, but still struggling to find my voice.
“And we’ll keep in touch,” Jed promises. “You guys can come visit.”
“And we’ll get the lease for this place transferred over to you. All you need is a couple more roommates and you can totally cover the rent. We’ll even help you find some people before the summer break.”
“When are you leaving?” Nix’s expression has softened, although she’s still frowning.
“After the school year finishes,” Jed answers, reaching out to brush his fingers down her arm.
She flinches away from his touch, then slumps back with a sigh. “I’m happy for you guys,” she grumbles. “I swear I am. I’m just bummed out that you’re leaving. You’re like the perfect roommates, and I don’t want to replace you with new randos. I want this place to stay the same.”
“I know.” Tobin gives her a sad pout. “Leaving you two is going to suck.”
I swallow and force a smile. “But moving to New York is going to be epic.”
“It is.” Tobin lets out this excited laugh before lurching forward and kissing Jed yet again.
Jed cups his face, his big hands swamping Tobin’s cheeks. I glance away from them, trying to catch Nix’s eye, but she’s busy on her phone.
