Hudson was quiet on the other end for several long seconds before he spoke again. “Thank you. Everyone else I know tells me to suck it up. They assume that money fixes everything, despite the fact that I don’t benefit from my parents’ money. I’m told too often that I expected my parents to coddle me and that I should be grateful they didn’t because it made me into a stronger person.”
“It sounds like none of them are true friends, that’s for sure. You’re who you are because you chose to take the path that made you happy, not because you come from a well-connected family.”
“I don’t know how you just get it.” He groaned. “How much longer until you’re back? I want to hold you, Reagan, to put my arms around you and remember that you’re real.”
“I promise I’m real.” Her voice dropped as she said the next words. “Hudson, I want you to know I really like you. I care for you.”
He chuckled. “Well, that’s a relief, since I like you, too.”
She kept back any stronger words, unsure if she truly felt them or if she simply missed him. “Yeah.”
“I’ll see you in a few days. Will you come to my apartment when you get back?”
She thought about the day she was leaving, what time it would be, and how much she really wanted to go to him. “I’m not sure. I have to meet my new roommate and get unpacked. God, it’ll be so much easier next year when I don’t have people looking over my shoulder the entire time.”
“I agree with you there. Summer can’t come fast enough for me, baby.”
“Yeah, summer. Um, I should go.”
“Okay. Sleep well.”
She smiled. “You, too.”
She couldn't sleep at all, instead tossing and turning with thoughts churning in her mind. Hudson had reminded her that summer was coming sooner or later. Would she remain in College Park and work through the summer, or would she come home? If she stayed, how would she deal with missing Grant? If she had to quit her job to come back home, there was no guarantee she’d get another one. Of course, it was all speculation since she didn't actually have a job yet, but she had to get one of some nature. She had no idea what the answer was, but it didn't stop her from obsessively thinking it over rather than sleeping.
Reagan didn't get up until almost lunch time the following day. Another habit she’d have to break when she went back to school, but it was a direct result of not being able to sleep the night before. She sent Grant a text to let him know she would make dinner and he didn’t have to bring anything home, and then she stood in front of the fridge and stared into it. She didn't have a clue what was wrong with her, but she felt off. Grant was her home. The apartment with the peeling paint outside and the sagging couch inside, that was what meant home to her. She’d never even considered that she might have to stay put over the summer. That just gave her more things to worry about, like where she would live. Only students taking summer classes were allowed to stay in the dorms, and her scholarship wouldn't cover that for her. Luna didn't have an apartment off-campus that Reagan could stay in, and she didn't relish the idea of living with Davis, as much as she liked him. Although it wouldn't be too bad if it was only for the few months until the fall semester began, she still couldn't exactly picture it.
She made coffee and pondered her choices. Getting a job as soon as she went back was mandatory. If she kept up with that job, she would need to stay in Maryland over the summer. She’d need a place to live if that happened. Sighing, she pulled out the number she’d written down for the daycare and gave them a call. It was at least one thing she could cross off her list.
Fifteen minutes later she hung up the phone, fairly certain she had the job with only the formality of needing to go in for an interview in the way of an official offer. She should have felt happy considering that the job was in her general field and was down the street from her dorm. It was only minimum wage, but that was to be expected. Instead, it distressed her.
She was no happier when Grant came home while she was finishing up with making dinner. He disappeared to shower and came back with a kiss to her cheek and news about a raise. He was in such a good mood that Reagan didn't have the heart to bring up her problem. She was already positive that he would tell her to do what was right, even if it hurt. That was his motto, always had been. She thought about the fact that she wasn't doing the right thing when it came to Hudson. They were planning on breaking the rules on purpose, for a long time. She was so distracted that Grant had to ask her what was on her mind, ruining her chances of letting it go for the night.
“I think I got a job, back in Maryland.” She sounded subdued, even to her own ears.
“That’s fantastic, sweetie.” He grinned at her, clearly pleased with her news. “Then why do you look like someone kicked a puppy?”
She dropped her fork and lowered her head into her hands. When she looked back up, there were tears on her cheeks. Startled, Grant got up and kneeled by her chair. She tried to explain between his hushed words of comfort. “It’s just that I realized that I might have to stay in Maryland if I take this job. They won’t want me taking three months off and let me keep my job.”
“Oh.” Grant sat back on his heels as he stared at his baby sister. It would gut him to have her stay away for so long, but he couldn't let her put her dreams on hold, no matter how much he would miss her. “Ray, it’s okay. We’ll figure it all out, I promise. Just wait until you get back and have a real offer before you get so worked up.”
Reagan worked hard to stop crying so he wouldn't worry about her, but she knew she was right. She’d be hard-pressed to visit him except for on an odd weekend here and there. She’d have to live away from him for the summer, and it would pretty much kill her.
