“You’re going to med school, too?” Judy asks.
I cringe. Ryan was not supposed to know about my possible plans for med school. I hadn’t told him or Frank. I knew if I did they’d start scrimping on food and other things trying to save money to pay for it and they already scrimp enough trying to pay for Ryan’s school.
“Um, yeah,” Ryan says. “I took a short break from college so it’ll be another year.” He looks at Judy. “Did you say someone else is going to med school?”
“Yes. My son, Carson, is also going. And of course, Jade. So all three of you.”
Ryan stares at me. “Yeah, I guess we all want to be doctors.”
“Well, the world can always use more doctors,” Judy says, clueless that she’s just spilled my secret.
Carson and his dad walk into the room and I introduce them to Ryan. They make small talk about Des Moines for a few minutes.
“Ryan, could I get you something to eat before you get back on the road?” Judy asks. “We have plenty of food.”
“Thanks for offering but Jade and I should get going. I don’t like to leave my dad alone for too long.”
That comment causes another 10-minute conversation about MS and Carson’s dad telling Ryan about different treatments Frank could try.
It’s 11:30 and I’m starting to think we’ll never get out of here. Carson’s parents have a way of making you want to stick around.
Finally, Ryan heads to the door.
“Jade’s stuff is in my car so I’ll meet you out by the garage,” Carson tells Ryan.
“I can get it,” I say, following Carson to the garage.
I hear Judy talking to Ryan as I leave. “Let me pack you up some food in case you two get hungry.”
She’s so funny. She’s one of those moms who’s always worried that people aren’t getting enough to eat. Totally unlike my mom who never even noticed or cared if I ate.
“Do you have any plans for the week?” Carson hits the button to open the garage door and a rush of cold air blows in as the door lifts. “Or are you just hanging out?”
“Just hanging out. We’ll probably watch some movies. Play cards. How about you?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Hey, I hope things work out with Madison.” I’m sure Judy wouldn’t like me saying that but whatever. Carson seems to want his ex back.
“Can I call you when you’re home or did Garret ban that?” Carson opens the back of the Jeep and pulls my suitcase out.
“You probably shouldn’t. I don’t think Garret, or your ex, would like that.” I spot Ryan by the car with Judy at his side, holding bags full of food.
“You gotta get over this no-guy-friends rule of yours, Jade. I can be a great friend if you just let me.”
“We’re already friends. You just can’t be calling me all the time. It’s not a good idea.”
“Well, have a good trip.” He gives me an unexpected hug. I sort of hug him back, then pull away.
“Thanks again for the ride. I’ll see you next Friday.”
Ryan loads my stuff into his car and we take off. I turn up the radio, trying to put off the talk I know is coming.
As expected, Ryan turns the radio back down so that we can barely hear it. “Carson seems like a good guy. His parents were friendly.”
“Yeah, they’re nice. It looks like Carson’s mom gave us a ton of food. Do you want something?”
“Maybe later.” He turns onto the entrance ramp to the interstate. “So anything you want to tell me?”
