Page 7 of It Happened Back Then (Nilsson Family #3)

Blossom: So do you have your cap and gown yet? Or are you strutting across that stage naked?

Me: That would be a show! Yeah, I picked it up today. It’s real now. Can’t believe it’s almost over.

Blossom: Four years. Feels like I blinked and you became a grown-up.

Blossom: Pics or it didn’t happen!

Me: Ha. I’ll send a pic in the cap to prove it. You’ll probably cry.

Blossom: Only a little. Okay maybe a lot. I'm just really proud of you.

Me: Means more than you know, Peach.

Blossom: I wish I could be there.

Bennett: I understand. This is a busy time at the boutique.

Blossom: So what’s next? Are you thinking about coming home?

Me: I was gonna call you, but since you asked, I got an offer at Rains Steakhouse here in Seattle. It’s a line cook position but it’s a good start. The restaurant is a top ten on Seattle’s Eatery list.

Blossom: That’s amazing, Bennett! Congrats.

Me: Thanks. It happened fast, honestly. Chef reached out after I did a showcase for the program. They said I had “a fire they want to feed.” Corny but flattering.

Blossom: They’re not wrong. You have amazing talent.

Me: I’ve worked hard for this. It feels right, even though it’s not what I expected.

Blossom: Yeah. I get that. But It’s what you’re meant for.

Me: You okay?

Blossom: Of course. It’s just funny how things change.

Me: Totally. But I’ll come back home and visit soon. Who knows, maybe I’ll burn the mayor's steak and get fired.

Blossom: Ha! You know better than that.

Me: Promise me something?

Blossom: Anything.

Me: Take care of you.

Blossom: I’m trying. I miss you, Bennett.

Me: I miss you too. Every day.