Liam Takes Manhattan (Elder Races #9.5)(16)

“Not at all,” Killian replied. “Your application looks quite impressive, young man. I’ll just be wanting to verify some of the details. Perhaps you can show me a touch of your talents. If everything looks to be in order, I’ll be submitting your request for a scholarship to the finance committee.”

That sounded like it could be a lengthy process. He frowned. “How long will that take?”

“Scholarship students are fully funded, which is an expensive process, so the committee might not approve your application for another six months to a year.”

His lips tightened. Rika was starting to shiver, so he scooped her up and tucked her inside his sweater, where she snuggled against his chest and promptly fell asleep.

He said, “What if I told you I’ve come up with financing on my own, so I won’t be needing a scholarship after all?”

“Ach, well, that changes things completely,” Killian said.

“Do you think my application might be approved in time for me to start the next term? I mean, if there’s room for Glenhaven to take me.”

“Young man, I can approve your application when I meet you tomorrow. As long as everything is in order, of course. And yes, there’s room for you to start this next term, if you can be ready by then, and you don’t mind being flexible on what kind of housing you get. If your financing is enough to allow you to get your own apartment, you should be fine. The new term begins on January fifteenth, so that isn’t much time for you to prepare. But we can talk all about that tomorrow morning, so be sure to come with a list of your questions.”

Excitement pounded through his body. He could hardly believe it, but it sounded like everything really would fall into place. “Yes—yes, I will. Thank you so much, Mr. Killian!”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Giovanni. See you in the morning.”

As Killian disconnected, Liam let out a loud whoop. Rika was sound asleep by that point and never stirred, but Dragos and Pia strode quickly into the living room, drawn by the noise.

He rushed inside and waved his phone at them. “That was a representative from Glenhaven College! He wants to meet me tomorrow morning!”

“You’re kidding,” Pia said faintly. “Already?”

“He said he came to New York for the Masque, so he’s already here. The dean forwarded my application to him, and his flight leaves tomorrow evening, so we’re meeting in the morning! The next term starts January fifteenth, so it’s not quite as soon as I was afraid it would be. And if I can afford an apartment, he said there would be space for me!”

His dad and mom gave each other a long look. It was complicated, that look, filled with a lot of things Liam didn’t know how to categorize. Wryness was there, and a touch of sadness, along with pride and acceptance.

“Kids these days,” Dragos said quietly. “They grow up so fast.”

“Supersonic fast,” Pia said just as quietly. She laid a hand on her flat abdomen. “I guess we need to fasten our seat belts, because we’re about to go through it all again.”

It touched Liam’s heart, how much they loved him. “Come on,” he said gently. “Be happy for me.”

Immediately, Pia strode over to throw her arms around him and hug him, puppy and all. “I am so happy for you,” she told him. “And so proud of you, I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m not going to lie to you, Liam—I just hate the thought of Glenhaven closing its doors for an entire term. But I understand why you need this, and I’m behind you every step of the way.”

Dragos strode over and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good job. I’m proud of you too.”

“Well,” he felt compelled to say, “I’m not in quite yet.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, pfft,” Pia said, brushing his caution aside with a wave of her hand. “You’re in.”

“I think this calls for a toast,” Dragos said. He looked into Liam’s eyes with a smile. “How about a glass of champagne?”

Liam perked up. He wondered if he would like champagne. He knew he would like finding that out. “Hell yeah.”

Pia’s eyes sparkled. “Dinner’s in the oven, so while we drink champagne and the puppy sleeps, I think we should open a few presents.”

Liam nodded. “I second that idea.”

While Dragos and Pia left to collect a chilled bottle of champagne and three flutes, Liam pulled Rika out from underneath his sweater and carefully settled her on her new dog bed. She was so sound asleep, she never noticed a thing.

“You need to crate her tonight,” Pia said as she came back into the room carrying the champagne flutes. “She needs to get used to sleeping in her own bed, even if she cries a bit at first.”

He nodded. Probably so. But he had a feeling he would let her out of the crate and let her sleep with him.

Dragos strolled back into the room, a bottle of champagne in one hand. Pia and Liam watched as he opened it and poured the frothing golden drink into the flutes. When he was done, Pia handed the flutes around, and then she raised hers in the air.

“To family,” she said. “We can get through anything together. Even arguments and really weird stuff. Merry Christmas, guys. I love you with all my heart.”

They clinked glasses, and Liam tasted champagne for the first time. He said, “Oh God. Oh damn.”