“That’s…that’s great news,” said Toby with much more enthusiasm than he felt.
“He won’t say anything, but your father is so excited he can hardly see straight.” Mom grinned. “He’s been hoping to get this job for going on six months now. It’s the opportunity we’ve been waiting for since before you were born.”
“Well, congratulations.”
“We’re going to miss you like crazy. You could come with us.”
“I think I’m kind of old to be moving across the country just to be close to my parents.”
Mom gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re never too old. It also works out great because your aunt Jean is out there, so we’ve got somebody to scope things out while we make the moving arrangements. It’ll be nice to see her more than once a year.”
“Yeah.”
“You look upset.”
“Well, I am, kind of.”
“It’s going to be hard, but it really is a great thing for your dad. And don’t worry, I’ll make him keep a bedroom open for you. And we both know he’ll complain about it, but I’m going to put up all of your posters and toys and everything.”
“You don’t have to go that far. Just put them up right before I get there and pretend you had the room that way.”
“Are you okay with this?”
“Yeah, sure, of course. It’s great news. Seriously.”
“We can’t wait.”
“Wow. Las Vegas. That’s…not close.”
“We’ll come back to visit. I promise.”