“In May,” I say. “Really, right around the corner.”
“Do you have a job lined up?”
“Not yet, but my advisor is helping me put together my resume so I’m going to start searching. Hopefully, I’ll find something right away.”
“You don’t want to take any time off in the summer?” Jude asks. “Travel or anything?”
I hesitate. “Well, I can’t really afford it. Whether I get a corporate job or keep working at the place at the mall, I have bills. My car payment, insurance, all of that. I can’t take much time off.”
Chloe nods. “That’s understandable, but it would be nice to celebrate and enjoy yourself a little before you jump into the deep end of working for the rest of your life.”
“If I get some money for graduation, then I’ll definitely consider it.”
“Maybe we can take a long weekend,” Jordan says, squeezing my shoulder. “Do you still want to go to New York? That was on your bucket list. Did you ever get there?”
I shake my head. “The only place I’ve been in the last four years is Disney, because my parents wanted to take Charlie.”
“Who’s Charlie?” Chloe asks.
I explain about Ivy and her son, and then wind up showing them some pictures, which brings the conversation back to kids.
“Two years,” Chloe tells Jude. “I think that’s when I’ll be ready.”
“Whatever you say, babe.” He smiles patiently and she wrinkles her nose at him.
“Don’t yes me.”
“Yes, dear.”
We all laugh, but I’m suddenly a little uncomfortable.
Jordan offering to take me to New York—that was my dream trip four years ago—reminds me of a time when I still dared to have dreams. I don’t do much of that lately, far too focused on the here and now. It’s also too soon to start thinking in terms of Jordan and I traveling together.
Right?
Is it too late to slow down?
We haven’t even slept together again yet.
“You okay?” Jordan asks, lips close to my ear.
“Sorry, just enjoying the company.”
“Me too.”
Our eyes meet, and we exchange what feels like a knowing smile. Because it’s that easy when we’re together.
“Well, I’m going to bed, guys,” Chloe says, standing up. “I have an early shift.”
“It was nice to meet you,” I say, getting up.
Chloe gives me a quick hug. “Come over any time. It’s nice not being outnumbered for once.” Her eyes twinkle, once again making me feel welcome.
“Thank you,” I whisper, hoping I don’t sound as emotional as I feel.
Jude and Chloe disappear upstairs, and then it’s just Jordan and me.
Alone.
