Chapter 40: I’m Sure It Will Be So Much Better“You’re what?” Mama demanded, pausing with vodka-spiked eggnog halfway to her mouth.
It was New Year’s Eve and we were at Mama’s house with Billy, Shelly, and the kids.
“I’m moving to Boston, Mama,” I said.
“Jesus!” Bill muttered unhappily. “You never said anything about moving!”
“Well, I am. I mean, we are—me and Jack.”
An unhappy silence fell.
One minute we were getting ready to celebrate having survived another year without dismembering each other. Now we were at a loss for words.
Josh and Eli, playing with their phones and watching the New Year’s countdown on the television, paid us no attention. Bill’s wife, Shelly, fussed over fried chicken on the stove in the kitchen.
“It’s just Boston,” I said. “It’s not like I’m moving to Middl
