“I saw the Gamer Grandpa episode with the diabolical gambit using quick change. It might be my favorite one yet, although I liked last week’s on defending against Reaper decks a great deal.” She spoke authoritatively, and it was entirely possible that she’d seen more episodes than I had. Which was funny because I got good boyfriend points every time I attended a taping or watched the finished product.

“Thanks. That gambit…it’s useful.” Jasper rubbed his neck as if he were remembering his match with George.

“Graduation must be approaching for you, right?” She had a thoughtful expression, and my pulse sped up for Jasper, who didn’t look nearly as eager as I felt.

“Yeah.”

“Excellent. Shall I have Marsha put you on my schedule for a call Monday morning? I want to discuss your future and how Odyssey might fit in it.”

Jasper shot me a quick look, face more tense than I expected considering that this was what he’d been both wanting and debating all year. He’d be a fool not to hear her out, and my guy was definitely not a fool. I nodded at him, and maybe that was he was waiting for because he exhaled. “That would be good. Thank you.”

“Fabulous. I see some more people I need to say hello to, so you all take care.”

Goodbyes were said all around, and then Conrad decided he wanted a drink refill.

“Come keep me company in line,” he said to Alden, casting a glance at Jasper and me. He was a perceptive guy, and undoubtedly he’d picked up on my burning need to get Jasper alone.

As soon as they were out of earshot, I turned toward him. “What was that hesitation? That was the connection you wanted to make, right? The whole point of this party?”

“Yeah. I guess it was. But I don’t want to leave—”

“Your family. I know. But trust me, they want this for you too. I bet April and your mom will visit, and you can take the train on weekends and—”

“You. I was going to say you. I don’t want to leave you.”

“Oh.” I took a step back, hitting a low bench facing the window. I sank down, and he followed, sitting close enough that our knees touched.

“My family will deal. And chances are good that Kellan will end up with a Broadway job. We can do cosplay at a kids’ hospital here in the city maybe. I’m less worried about leaving my life behind anymore. Except you. I don’t want to leave you.”

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” I said, echoing Bruno’s words. Even though my stomach was wobbling, I tried to smile at him. This might be the most serious moment in my life, and all around us the party swirled, glasses clinking, costumes swishing, but all I could see was him.