TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 43

Becca

Dinner is mostly cold now. My plate sits untouched, save a few bites I don't even remember taking. Across the table, Nick is talking to Shane—something about the rush of life in New York, the madness of the subway, and how, despite what everyone else says, he still prefers bagels from Ruby Creek Bakery because they "don't taste like sad cardboard."

Shane chuckles—a soft laugh, the kind that only comes when he's truly at ease.

I watch them in silence, not really following the conversation, as my mind remains tangled in tonight's revelations. That is until I hear Nick's next words.

"Still, I'm glad I went with Columbia. It's everything I thought it would be. Hell, more."

"Wait," I interrupt, surprising them both. "You go to Columbia?"

Nick nods, looking a bit sheepish. "Yeah. Freshman year. Political science major."

"Wow." The word escapes me on a breath, my mind racing to catch up. The shock tightens in my chest. Of all the schools in the world... he's at the one I've spent years dreaming about. The one I never dared to say out loud—not even to Joss or Felicia—for fear of jinxing it.

Nick shrugs nonchalantly, though the slight twitch of his mouth tells me he's reading my surprise as a compliment.

Shane however, recognizes for what it is. His gaze snaps to mine, his thumb brushing gently over my hand beneath the table. His eyes—always sharp—assess me with that quiet intensity that never misses a thing. "Why? Are you... interested in Columbia?"

My pulse flutters, and I hesitate as my thoughts jumble together. I take a breath, trying to calm myself, then nod. "I applied for early admission."

Both of them pause. Shane's brows lift, the surprise on his face unmistakable.

"You never told me that," he says, his voice not accusatory, but quiet and curious. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I drop my gaze, hating the way the words catch in my throat, hating that he might think I've kept this from him. "I didn't tell anyone. I wanted to wait until I knew for sure. And even now... I don't know if I'm going to accept."

The words hang in the air. Shane stays silent for a beat, lips parted, his head shaking slightly like he's trying to process what I've just said.

"Wait... you got in?"

I feel the flush of heat creeping up my neck, and my throat tightens. I peek up, finding him watching me with a warm understanding look, as if he's giving me time to answer. No pressure. Just his quiet show of support. But behind the excitement in his eyes, there's also a flicker of hurt. A silent why didn't you tell me?

And God, does it hurt to see it.

This is why, as hard as it is to admit it out loud, I decide to go with the truth.

"Yes. I didn't say anything because I'm still deciding."

What I don't say is that, while I've been accepted, the financial aid package I was awarded might not be enough to cover my expenses. And sadly, I have no backup plan. No secret college fund. No parental safety net to fall back on. Just hope and prayer, both of which seem more out of reach the closer I get to graduation.

The thought of it only makes my embarrassment worse, deepening the awkwardness that follows.

From the corner of my eye, I see Nick shift in his chair. He rubs the back of his neck, glancing between us nervously like he's concerned he might be intruding in a moment not meant for him.