James

Other than kids, the one thing Cora and I had avoided like the plague was our plans after graduation. Neil and I had talked openly about buying a small financial firm and joining their team once we had our diplomas in hand, but Cora planned to go to grad school—although she hadn’t said where.

“We’re going to have to talk about it at some point, Cora.” I tried to reason with her when she walked in on Neil and me discussing businesses to consider. He politely excused himself, leaving the two of us alone.

“Why ruin the end of our senior year when we don’t have to, James?” She flitted about the kitchen putting away the groceries she’d bought. I loved the way she hummed a song I’d never heard trying to placate me into denial. It was endearing even though ineffective.