Page 95 of The Bro Date
“Well, isn’t that lovely. You both look so happy. Thank you for sharing with us,” Gran says sweetly, clapping her hands together and smiling at the two of us.
“We will always support you,” his grandfather adds. “There’s nothing you could say or do that would make me love you less.”
Toby’s grandparents are the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I have no idea how his mom could be so mean compared to them.
Gran grabs hold of both of Toby’s hands, squeezing them lovingly. “I think you’ve smiled more tonight than you did the entire week you stayed with us. We were a little worried, honey. It’s great to see you so happy and thriving.”
Toby hugs his grandmother tenderly, resting his head on her shoulder. “I’m very happy. Thank you. Mom sure wasn’t,” he mumbles.
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that, although I can’t say I’m too surprised. But we won’t talk about that on such a joyous occasion. It’s time to celebrate!”
“Yes! We’d like to take all of you out to dinner,” Bo declares. “Our treat. We can talk more at the restaurant.”
“Don’t threaten me with a free dinner,” Tate purrs, making the old man blush. Daija subtly elbows Tate’s arm, mouthingtone it down, while Toby distracts his grandparents with more hugs.
“That’s so nice,” Spencer says respectfully. “Thank you, sir.”
“Yeah. Thank you, Bo,” Toby adds, followed by the rest of us.
“Excuse me, sorry to interrupt,” Professor Goldblum suddenly says with an impatient, excited smile. “Mr. Livingston, I have some very important people I’d like you to meet.”
Toby’s smile slowly grows until his dimples pop out and all his teeth show, lighting up the entire auditorium. “The scouts.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
TOBY
The symphony and concerto went better than I could have hoped for, despite all the anxiety leading up to it. Having all my friends, my grandparents, and my amazing boyfriend there supporting me and openly being proud of me meant more than any of them could have realized. My professor was thrilled with my performance, too, and introduced me to a couple different scouts that approached him to inquire about me.
We all had dinner on the pier at The Crab Shack before my grandparents hopped on another flight out of here. For being in their seventies, they sure do have a lot of fun. I’d like to think that’ll be Shane and me one day, retired and traveling the world. Even though their stay was quick, it was special.
Not only was it an incredible evening, but the following morning, I was contacted by the Brooklyn Classical Orchestra, offering me an internship for the summer. As in, moving to New York City, getting an apartment, and living there for two and a half months. This is something I’ve always dreamed of, but I told him I’d have to get back to him. He understood that it’s a big decision and told me to take a few days and let him know at the beginning of the week.
Shane and I just started dating, and that’s another dream come true, so the thought of moving to a different state for the summer is unbearable. I feel stuck between two possibilities—being with Shane and playing violin in New York City—both of which I desperately want for my life. Being faced with such a huge decision is crushing me and dragging me down from the high of last night.
Sniffling, I squeeze Shane’s jean jacket that I never gave back, hugging it tightly to my chest. It still smells like him.Safe.Like citrus and bergamot.Like Shane.Another tear drips down my cheek, the jagged path feeling like the slice of a razor blade. I can’t say no to this opportunity, but I can’t be away from Shane for that long.
I need to talk to him.
As if conjured by love and tears alone, Shane knocks lightly before slipping inside my bedroom door. “Hey.”
Sniffle.
“Hi.”
“What’s wrong? You sick?” he asks urgently, hurrying over and perching on the edge of the bed. He brushes my curls back and feels my forehead with four fingers and then his wrist.
“No. It’s not that. It’s nothing bad.”
“Then why are you crying?” His brows furrow, and he uses his thumb to wipe away a new streak of tears, glaring at the droplet as if it’s the one who hurt me.
“Because . . .”
“Why, Toby? Talk to me,” he pleads, ready to fight my enemies for me. Even the invisible ones.
“Because I got an opportunity to move to New York City for the summer and intern for a huge orchestra, but that would mean I have to move away for two and a half months and be all alone,” I blurt out in one breath. “I wish you could go with me,” I add without truly believing it’s even an option.
“Are you inviting me?”
