Duncan: Drive safe, beautiful.
“Katie! I’m home!” Aurora called, throwing her purse on a chair and kicking off her shoes. A one-person stampede down the stairs was her only greeting.
“Mom! Mom! You’ll never guess what happened!”
Aurora smiled. “Miss Smith called me. She says congratulations are in order.”
Katie squealed. “Did she tell you I got a full-ride for photography?”
“No! Katie, that’s—that’s amazing!” Aurora pulled her daughter in for a hug. “Oh, honey, I’m so proud of you! But I never heard of this school until today. Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to go there? Why waste our time with other schools?”
“Well, I didn’t know if I would win, and …” Katie looked sheepish. “It’s just so far.”
“Katie, I would never stand in the way of your dream; if this is what you want, we’ll do what we have to.”
“Thank you, Mom!” Katie squeezed Aurora so tight she thought she might bruise a rib. “You know, it’s not far from Sunnyvale. We could visit Duncan when we go look.”
“I’m sure he’d be thrilled. Why don’t you tell him when I call him tonight?”
At their usual time, dsullivan18 was online.
“Hey, I’m working at the office late tonight. The auditor’s here, and it’s going to be a long one.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Katie wanted to give you some good news.”
“Really? What’s up, Katie?”
“Hi, Duncan! I got a full photography scholarship for CCA!” Katie was jumping up and down.
His jaw dropped, and he punched the air. “That is amazing! You’re going to do so well there. Hey, I actually have some of your work on my desk.” He turned the phone to show a double frame with her photos; one of himself and Aurora at the gala, and one of Aurora twirling in her gown. “I have the dip photo at home.”
Katie beamed with pride. “I thought we could visit you when we go out to tour the school.”
“Of course! It’s only an hour from me. I know, why don’t you guys stay at my place? I have a spare bedroom. Then you won’t need a hotel or a rental car.”
Katie looked at her mom.
“That’s very kind of you. I’ll let you know about dates. Katie still has to arrange the tour.”
“Anytime. Just let me know so I can arrange my meetings.”
“Thanks so much, Duncan! Later!” Katie ran off.
Aurora turned back to the computer. “When do you think you’ll finish?”
“I have no idea. You know how audits are. I pull a salary, but it’s my company.”
“Yeah, I get it. Finance audits, healthcare audits, they’re all nightmares.” Aurora sighed. “At least I got to talk to you for a little bit. It’s very sweet of you to offer us your extra room.”
“My pleasure. How do you feel about letting Katie stay in it alone?” He winked.
“I think she could handle it. I’m very candid with her about those kinds of things.”
“Can I convince you to stay awhile? Let California woo you?”
“Like you have been?”
“You need a vacation, and you know it.” He touched the phone like he was touching her face. She loved it when he did that; it felt like a stronger connection.
