Conversation eventually drifted toward future plans.
College.
Work.
Upcoming projects.
At some point, Carlos mentioned NYU.
Immediately Isabella turned toward Reina.
"Carlos tells me you'll be starting in the fall."
"In September."
"And what do you plan to do afterward?"
The question caught her off guard.
Most people stopped at NYU.
As if getting accepted were the accomplishment.
Before she could answer, Carlos spoke.
"Hopefully something useful."
Reina looked at him.
Carlos shrugged.
"What? It's an expensive degree."
Anthony laughed.
David hid a smile behind his glass.
"Ignore him," Anthony said.
"I try."
"Good."
Carlos pointed his fork at her.
"Don't ignore me. Answer the question."
There was no warmth in it.
No encouragement.
Just expectation.
The same expecta
