Page 60 of Faking Forever 1
“I wanted to ask you…” My dad lingers on his words. “Have you put any more thought into your career choices? There’s no pressure—I’m just curious where your head is at.”
He seemed hesitant to bring the topic up, but it wasn’t as bad as my mother nagging me for literally just existing.
“I have. I’m just not one hundred percent on it.”
“Wanna tell me what it entails?”
At the risk of being judged, not really. But I think he’d favor what I have to say.
“There’s a great law program at Vermont State. There’s a semester starting in the fall, and I think it would be a good start to backing you during your term.”
I steadily watch the lake, freezing myself to prepare for his response.
“Well…Josh, I think that’s amazing. But is that whatyouwant?”
For once, yes. And I’m pretty sure about it.
“Pop…when you let me speak on things for your campaign, I finally have a big voice. I want to make a difference in the world—or at least our town. I think it means a lot.”
It sounded a lot cornier out loud. So I’m sure he’ll find that comical.
“You’re a great kid, Josh. I never doubted you, kid. Took you a while, but I never did.” He laughs, tipping my hat.
“Thanks, Pop.” I smile, “Besides, the Evans family sucks.”
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DISCO
We laugh together before sipping more of our beers.
“What about that daughter of his? You know her?”
“Darcy? I know her from school. She’s also dating Paisley’s ex, Nick.” I glance at him before adding, “What about her?”
“Nothing. That explains the boardwalk outing. That must be weird for Paisley, huh?” He chuckles.
Weird is an understatement.
“That’s not even the beginning.”
He reaches into a bucket between us and grabs a small minnow fish, preparing to snag its lip on his fishing hook connected to his line.
“At least it won’t be forever. Before she knows it, she’ll be on her way to London.” He lightly laughs again.
Who said anything about London?
“London?” I hold my breath.
“Ah—maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. I thought you knew, Joshua. Joey told me when I went boating with him and her mother a few days ago. She got into thatoutstandingschool program.”
Escoffier.
I’m a complete bonehead. She’s probably freaking out or thinking of a way to get out of it. I can’t let her ruin such an amazing opportunity, even if it hurts me to see her leave. I have to trust that the universe will bring her back to me. I’m in too deep at this point.
“You’re quiet, now, Josh.”
“Sorry—y’know, I’m just happy if she’s happy.”
