Page 11 of Changing Rules

“They offer a one-year interior design program?—”

“You could earn a certificate, and the program often leads to other opportunities. They work with companies looking for interns too, so you could hone your skills with a reputable firm.” Tom is practically bouncing in his seat with excitement. “You mentioned you’d considered going back to school. Wouldn’t this be perfect? The program starts in September.”

“You said it’s a year long? In New York?” she asks, her voice a little shaky.

“They have online classes too. I looked into it,” Ben says, sitting up straighter. “It would be an amazing opportunity for you. You love interior design, and you’ve got so much natural talent. What if you did more than just learn from books and magazines?”

“I don’t know.” She worries her bottom lip, her attention on the table in front of her as she wraps her fingers around the stem of her wineglass.

Fuck. My instinct is to snap at them, to shut them up. Don’t they see what they’re doing? Don’t they see how she’s shutting down? Retreating into her shell? She needs space and time to make decisions like this.

“Bella?” I put a hand on her thigh, drawing her attention to me. “It’s an idea, right? You can look at the school’s website, or any other schools. There are probably other options out there?—”

“There are!” Tom says, a little too brightly.

I bite back a growl of frustration.Read the fucking room, Tom.

“There’s a program at Syracuse,” he continues. “That one is even?—”

“New York City has more to offer,” Ben supplies.

“Stop, both of you,” Millie commands, drowning the space in silence. “Give her a breather. You’re making her uncomfortable.”

“Mom, but this opportunity?—”

“Could be great, I know. But you can’t expect Bella to decide right this instant. She has a life here. Xander. She has a lot of things to figure out before she can think about going back to school, whether in New York or not.”

“Sorry.” Tom tosses back the last of his drink.

“I’m sorry too.” Ben reaches over the table and takes Bella’s hand. “I was just excited. I guess I got a little ahead of myself. You have a life here to consider, and it’s not a decision you should make at your birthday dinner.”

“That’s okay.” She smiles at him warmly. “I’ll definitely look into it. If they have online classes, maybe it’s worth trying?”

“I’m sure it will be,” Millie says, her gaze softening. “But only if it’s somethingyouwant, not something you thinkwewant for you.”

She nods, a bright smile stretching across her face.That’s my girl.Whatever she decides to do, I will always support her.

Be it Manhattan or Syracuse. Anything.

CHAPTER 4

HOSPITALITY VS. HOSTILITY

BELLA

A year and four months ago

April

Xander rapshis fingers over the steering wheel and side-eyes me. “Did you have a chance to look at those schools?” he asks.

Brows knitted, I bite the inside of my cheek. I’ve been secretly thinking about school since that talk I had with Audrey’s friend Jess in January. But when my family brought it up, the idea made me uneasy somehow.

“I did,” I confirm.

“And? Did you like any of them?”

“I did.” I look out the window, watching the busy streets of Boston pass by.

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