Page 88 of What We Broke

At this, Leo and I are no longer concerned with our missed orgasms, our attention solely focused on whatever it is that has Zara and Raine giving attitude to each other. We sit up properly on the couch just as Zara takes the single recliner and Raine sits on the carpet, cross-legged in the middle of the floor.

“I wasn’t going to say anything just yet, but as you know, I submitted a few college applications. And Mom thinks I need to prepare you—”

“I did not use the word ‘prepare,’” Zara interrupts. “I said it would be nice to give your fathers a heads-up that you may be leaving.”

“Leaving?” I echo, just as Raine whines, “Mom.”

“All my applications are for out-of-state universities.”

“All of them?” Leo asks. “Nothing here in Seattle?”

I can’t help but ask while my gaze flicks to Zara’s, “Is this because of—”

“No,” Raine answers firmly before looking straight at Leo. “This isn’t because of Lola. Yes, I didn’t get the chance to ease you all into the idea like I would’ve preferred because of everything that happened, but none of that is the reason I’m leaving Seattle.”

“Okay. I want names of states and cities and each of the colleges,” I say. “Only after thorough research has taken place will I allow you out of my sight.”

I’m only half joking, but Raine doesn’t seem to be pleased either way.

“I have applications in California, Washington, DC, Colorado, and Connecticut,” she lists. “I applied for all queer-inclusive schools in the states with the most queer-friendly policies.”

I want her close because she’s my baby girl and after losing Lola, I wanted to put Raine in my pocket and keep her there for eternity. But how can I do that when her motivations are so altruistic?

She is going to change the world, and I get to have a front row seat while she does it. That’s where my focus needs to be.

I feel Leo slide his hand into mine, squeezing, standing right by my side as we prepare for the next chapter of our lives together.

“I mean, it’s not that big of a deal is it?” Leo pacifies. “There’s social media and FaceTime, so it’s not like we’re not going to talk to each other every day. And I’m sure we can rack up those frequent-flyer miles if we all visit often.”

“There’s one condition, though,” Raine says. “Mom has to come with me wherever I go.”

The parent in me is thrilled for Zara to follow her. But the guy who’s had the same best friend by his side for thirty odd years is shocked.

Zara offers me a sad smile from her seat opposite me. “I need a fresh start,” she admits. “And we’re all in a good enough place that I finally feel comfortable leaving.”

I could read between the lines—it’s her turn to find herself. And Leo and I owe her that.

“So, when do we find out where you got accepted?” Leo asks, steering the conversation.

“I should know in about three months.”

“Okay, you know what that means.” I jump out of my seat. “We’re gonna need lists, itineraries, shared calendars, the whole lot.”

Raine buries her head in her hands and groans, but I don’t miss the spread of the smile stretched across her face through all the fingers.

“Speaking of good news,” Leo says, “I have some too.”

I rack my brain, trying to figure out if I missed something he may have said in the last couple of days, but I come up empty.

“I got a job at Duquette’s,” he announces, his eyes on a knowing Raine.

I know returning to the workforce is a big deal for Leo, but I haven’t pressured him, hoping he knows there’s no rush. Money would come and go, but there is no price on his mental health.

“How come I didn’t know about this?” I glare at Raine. “Why do you know this?” Then it hits me and I turn my head to look at him. “Did you know about the out-of-state college applications?”

“What?” He shrugs innocently. “We tell each other stuff.”

Pretending to be put out, I glance back at Raine, even though internally I love that they now “tell each other stuff.” “So, tell me about your Dad’s new job.”

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