Like what he’d done. For years, he avoided feelings. And with Tessa, he’d been too afraid to face them. And too afraid to tell her how he really felt.

“I know you’re going to make the decisions that are best for you. But I want to encourage you to push yourself a little. To get out there in the world and do all the things and have all the experiences. But whatever you decide, I want you to know that I’m going to be here supporting you. I just want you to know that now—now it’s your turn to fly.”

Gia picked the polish off a nail. “Leo, I have to tell you something.”

“Sure. Anything. What is it?”

“After I talked to Tessa a few weeks ago, I decided to apply for housing at IU. I think I’ll try it. Could be fun, you know?”

“That’s terrific.” He tried to play it cool. Act unsurprised. And did his best to hide his big exhale of relief.

“I love you, Leo.” She gave him a smile that reminded him a lot of their mom’s. “You’re an okay brother. I know you care about me. Even if your love life is really messed up.”

Ouch. He managed a half smile. “I love you back. And you’re an okay sister.” He sat back from the table and sighed. “I screwed up pretty badly with Tessa.”

“Yes. But it wasn’t all fake, was it?”

“No.”

“Since we’re being honest, I wanted to tell you something too. You remember Aaron? The boy at the Pancake Express? He’s going to IU, too.”

He definitely wasn’t telling his dad that. “Okay, Gigi,” he said, pulling out the pet name he hadn’t used since she was a toddler. “Looks like you’re going to college. And whatever you do, you’re going to be great.” He reached over and gave her a side hug. Then he rolled up his napkin and tossed a walnut at her just to make sure she didn’t forget he was still her annoying brother.

“So, where’s Tessa?” she asked.

“She’s with her sisters somewhere.” Suddenly, the noisy background from the phone call came back to him. The clack-clack-clacking.

This is the Brown Line to the Loop.

He’d been so upset he hadn’t been thinking straight.

They had to be on the L, the elevated train. In Chicago. Her sisters had probably gone with her to look for a place to live.

She didn’t want to take his calls.

But maybe she’d see him in person.

“Tell Dad thanks for the food,” he said, looking for his keys. “I’m going to Chicago.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three