“Where do you want me to start? First, because it isn’t safe. You can’t travel the world on your own.”

“Because you’d worry?”

“Because it is an outrageous idea. Also, because you’re going to college.”

She wants him to worry, Flora thought. She wants him to show that he cares.

“I’m not going to college. I’ve decided.” Izzy was all attitude, her expression mutinous. “That’s not what my life is anymore.”

“I want the very best for you, that’s all.” Jack took a deep breath and sent an apologetic look toward his friends. “Drop the subject.”

Flora leaned closer. “Talk about it now. Take a walk together.”

Jack shook his head. “It’s our first evening with our friends. Clare has been cooking all day. We’re going to enjoy ourselves and talk about this another time.” He gave Izzy a loaded look that she returned. It was hard to figure out which of them was more wound up.

“I’m not the one who needs to talk. I’ve made up my mind.” Izzy leaned down to hug Molly again, who this time wriggled and squirmed.

“Ow. You’re squeezing me.”

Jack put his plate down on the table, rattling cutlery. “But you’ve talked about college for ages.” Despite his suggestion that they drop the subject, he seemed unable to. “How you’re going to be a journalist and change the world.”

“The best way to write about the world is to experience everything it has to offer. I can’t do that if I’m trapped in a dorm room. I’m going to write about travel. Backpacking. Meeting new people.”

“Izzy—sweetheart—I don’t know what to say.” There was something endearing about Jack’s desperate honesty. “Your mother would have wanted you to go to college.”

That was totally the wrong thing to say, Flora thought, and Izzy’s reaction confirmed her suspicions.

“My mother isn’t here.” Izzy’s voice shook. “I’m on my own now. We’ve all had to make changes. We’ve all had to make new choices, and maybe those choices don’t work for all of us. I’m forced to accept yours—” her gaze flickered briefly to Flora “—so you should accept mine. This is my life. My decision. I’m not going to college.”

Flora shifted uncomfortably. Was she the reason Izzy had changed her mind about college?

And why would Izzy feel she was alone, when she was standing here with her father, sister and close family friends?

Still, despite the personal gibe, Flora admired Izzy for having the strength to fight for what she believed was right for her. To carve her own path, even if it went against the wishes of others.