“You’re cosplaying a dead poet for six weeks. I think that’s the actual definition of wacky.”
“Cecily.”
She sighed. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
I nodded, and she opened her arms to wrap me in another hug.
Now I just had to tell my family.
Chapter Three
I dragged my feet leaving the apartment the following Saturday evening, dreading the conversation that was to come. Even as I’d packed my things for Amherst, I’d promised myself I could cancel if the night went poorly. I desperately needed the fresh start but wasn’t sure I could take it at the cost of hurting my family. Which was exactly what I feared would happen.
My phone buzzed with an incoming message as I climbed into my car and willed myself to be brave. I smiled when I saw the message was from Grace.
Historically_Bookish: Watching the game today?
ED_Fan: Of course. Plus Saturday-night dinner with the family. You?
Historically_Bookish: Yep at the pub for drinks and wings
ED_Fan: Pregame rituals are delicious
Rini family dinners were always low key, but during football season, Saturdays were casual in the extreme. A UMass game often played on the big screen. We ate homemade wings and pizzas, cheered the Minutemen, and talked smack about the opposing players. With a littleluck, an early points lead today would put everyone in a good mood before I broke my news.
I drove to my folks’ house feeling a little lighter, then climbed out and rang the bell.
Annie answered the door with a frown.
Now that I’d arrived, I wasn’t sure what to do. Charge ahead or turn back before it was too late? I’d asked myself a thousand times if I really needed to go to Amherst, or if maybe just knowing I could go was enough to catapult me into change. Unfortunately, there was really only one way to find out.
“Well?” Annie asked, one hand on the open door as if prepared to shut it in my face. She wore her hair in smooth waves over her shoulders and was dressed casually in flats, jeans, and her old UMass Cheerleading sweatshirt. “Are you going to come inside, or just look at me like I smell bad?”
I stepped into the foyer. “Sorry. You smell lovely. I was lost in thought, but I brought wine.” I lifted the bottle in my hand before remembering she couldn’t have any.
“I wish.” She turned for the kitchen and left me to close the door.
“Sorry.” I cringed. “I wasn’t thinking. I’ve got a ton on my mind. I should’ve brought something for you. I can run out for a milkshake!”
She kept walking. “I’m fine.”
I followed her down the hall of the old Tudor-style home where we’d grown up.
“How was your appointment?” I asked Annie’s back, hoping to lighten the mood before I dropped a bomb.
“Great.”
I frowned and hurried to catch up. “Is everything okay?”
“I can’t see my feet. I’m gaining weight every time I inhale, and I have two months before I can try to lose it.”
“But you’ll also have a baby,” I said, working some big-sister enthusiasm into my tone.
She didn’t respond.
My parents and Jeffrey were in the kitchen, chatting and snacking around the island. They looked cozy and inviting in their game-day ensembles, UMass alumni shirts and warm smiles. The tangy scent of hot wings in the slow cooker seasoned the air.
Annie drifted to her husband’s side, drawn by the invisible force I craved.
