Page 165 of Promising You
“Like what?”
He checks his mirror as he merges into traffic, which seems heavy for a Saturday. “I don’t know. Like maybe the fact that you’ve decided to be a doctor?”
“That was just an idea. I haven’t decided for sure.”
“Jade, why didn’t you say anything? That’s big news. Plus, I’m a little offended that you didn’t ask me for any advice.”
“What advice would you give me?”
“I’ve had three years of pre-med classes and I’m studying for the MCAT. I must have something to offer. And Chloe’s already in med school, so she could’ve answered your questions.”
“I don’t have any questions. I told you. I’m just considering it.”
“What else are you considering? Something in a science field?”
“That’s the thing. Every time I think of other careers I keep coming back to the doctor thing.”
He jabs my arm. “You’re totally going to be a doctor.” I look over and see him wearing his proud, big-brother smile. “Dad’s going to be so happy.” He pauses for a moment, then says in an annoyed tone, “Thanks a lot, Jade.”
“What did I do now?”
“You’ll be Dad’s favorite kid again. I thought going to med school would score me some major points with him, but now you have to go and copy me.”
“Fine. Then we won’t tell him. He doesn’t need to know until it’s for sure.”
“I was kidding. You’re telling him.”
“I’m not his favorite kid by the way. I’m not even his kid.”
“You’re his daughter. You always will be. So don’t ever say you’re not. You’ll hurt his feelings.”
I wish Frank really was my dad. My life would’ve been so much different if I’d grown up with him instead of my mom.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Ryan asks. “Why were you keeping this a secret?”
“Because if I do this, I have no idea how I’ll pay for it and I didn’t want Frank thinking he had to come up with the money.”
“You’ll get financial aid, just like I’ll be doing.” Ryan turns the heater up. “I’m glad you didn’t consider asking your billionaire boyfriend to pay for it because that would not be a good idea.”
It’s true. Garret’s family has already given me way too much, and I would never ask them to pay for med school.
“I just got this heater fixed and it’s still not very warm, is it?” Ryan’s fiddling with the dials and adjusting the vents.
Now that he knows about the med school thing I figure I might as well tell him the other things I’ve been keeping from him and Frank.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE
“I havesome other news to tell you,” I say to Ryan.
He stops messing with the vents. His eyes get big and he grabs my arm. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”
“No!” I yank my arm back. “Geez, Ryan, what the hell?”
“What? It’s not like it couldn’t happen.” He hesitates, then cautiously asks, “You’re still on the pill, right?”
“Ryan! I am NOT talking to you about that.”
“Just make sure you take it at the same time every day. Otherwise it’s less effective. And you should really be using other protection as well.”
