“Social work?” Carl laughed again. “You’ll never be able to pay back the student loans required to get that degree.”
My lips pursed as Rosa shot him a look.
“What?” He shook his head. “That wasn’t even a serious answer from her. Anyway, there’s something else we need to talk about.”
I cut off a huge chunk of enchilada as the conversation veered away from college studies to another topic I would just as soon avoid.
“Carl told me about tomorrow,” Rosa announced as I was about to shove a huge forkful of enchilada into my mouth. I froze, eyes wide. Round two was about to begin. “I think it’s a...good idea.”
Huh.
My gaze darted to Carl. He was cutting his enchilada with his fork in short, stabby motions.
“But I do have a favor to ask,” she continued, sitting back in her chair, and I went still, fork halfway to my mouth. “Try setting up a study date when we’re actually home.”
Holy balls.
Rosa smiled at me. Carl kept murdering his food. And I finally put the fork in my mouth. Okay. Round two was not happening.
After dinner I cleaned up and stored the leftovers in the fridge. They’d be perfect for tomorrow, for when I—oh my God—hung out with Rider, and then grabbed my bag and headed upstairs. Carl and Rosa were settled in the living room, and I could hear the Jeopardy music playing. Once upstairs, I opened up my laptop and clicked on the messenger app. Ainsley was online.
Clicking on her icon, I sent her a message.
You there?
A bubble appeared below and then her response:
Always.
I carried my laptop over to my bed and sat down, resting it in my lap.
I need your advice.
I am your sensei.
Rider is going to come over after school tomorrow and help me with my speech, and I’m not sure if I should have extra soda and food. I paused. And stuff.
The bubble immediately popped up.
Wait a sec. Back up. Rider is coming over to your house tomorrow?
I grinned, because I could practically see her face in my mind.
Yes.
Do Carl and Rosa know?
That grin faded and my stomach knotted.
Yes.
I paused.
Carl wasn’t too happy about it, but Rosa was okay.
Mallory Dodge!!! I’m so proud of you! You’re no longer a rebel. LOL.
My fingers flew over the keyboard.