One by one, we got our acceptance letters. We filled out the form on the website to commit. We have a plan for when the leaves drop off the trees. All the students will come back to campus. And we’ll be part of that.

Grace turns around in her chair as I approach the table. We’re meeting on a warm afternoon on the back patio, a place with uneven bricks and charmingly mismatched chairs. The sunny afternoon light shines on Grace’s purple hair. It’s in lovely curls by her shoulders.

“Jane!” Grace pats the chair next to her, a broad grin on her face. “I saved you a seat, future social worker. How was the drive over?”

“It was fine.” My heart feels warm, actually warm, at the seat she’s saved for me. She was waiting for me to get here. Knew I’d come. Staked out a chair for me. If that’s not a sign of belonging, I don’t know what is. I’ve found friends here.

She takes a sip of her coffee, which she prefers to take black. “We’re talking about where we’re going to live. I’m still debating. Dorm or off-campus house?”

“Dorm,” says Kevin. “The off-campus houses are a rip-off. They’re total shit.”

The guy who wanted to play intramural soccer—Pete—table shakes his head. “Can’t have a good party in a dorm room. Besides, the houses are cheaper once you split the rent.”

“Partying is not the priority.” Kevin is the one shaking his head now. “You need to set up a tiered study system. I’m telling you. It’s the only way we’re going to get through this.”

“Kevin. No.” Grace bops his hand with hers. “No more study systems, for God’s sake. This is about drinking microbrews.”

“And talking about our hopes and dreams,” Kevin answers with a smile.

At the end of the table, Megan—who’s going into English and really wants to have a meetup here to talk about the citywide book club book—puts her chin in her hand. “I don’t know. I might go with the dorm. It’s easier with my student loans. And I can’t really afford much of an apartment.” She sighs. “What about you, Jane?”

The group gets quiet.

It’s one thing to talk about student loans and complain good-naturedly about the paperwork. It’s another to be more explicit about things we can and can’t afford.

And… it’s different now that the news has broken.

National news that includes me and Beau. Our relationship. Our finances.