Page 11 of The Substitute

“I did.” I keep my gaze on him until he looks up.

“And your brother is a meat head?” He’s pink to the tips of his ears. How did Ambrose get so lucky with his roommate?

“Like I said, step-brother. We aren’t actually related. Our parents are married. So I don’t claim his genetics. Intelligence is attractive.” I refuse to be my father, so while I love hockey, I won’t let myself turn into him.

“So sexy.” He sits up, and I seem to have caught his attention. “What made you want to go into medicine?” He’s cute, and having an in with my brother’s roommate wouldn’t be bad.

I give him a wide smile, and it’s easy to talk about medicine because I love it. “I’ve been volunteering in free clinics the last four summers and I can’t get enough of it.”

“What kind of medicine do you want to go into?” He picks at his blanket.

“Emergency. I love the rush. There is nothing like it.”

“Christ. That’s intense. I don’t know if I could handle that.”

“Why not?” I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees.

He shrugs. “Fuck if I know. Seems like a lot to handle, and I don’t really like people.”

I laugh again. “What’s your major? Hopefully not pre-med unless you want to be like an anesthesiologist.”

“Chem. I don’t know what I want to do. I’m trying not to think about it.”

“You’ve got time, right?” I ask because he can’t be older than a junior.

“Two years. Or less if I decide to go to grad school.”

“Better than med school. I had to apply in June.”

“Seriously?” he asks.

“Yep. It’s fucking stressful. I can’t stop thinking about these interviews.”

“Ugh. I don’t need that. I’m worried enough about taking my GREs.”

“Rough if it’s anything like the MCAT. But just take studying day by day. Do it a little at a time.” I glance at my watch again. This fucker better get back before I have to leave for practice.

As if I thought him into existence, the door opens, and Ambrose walks in.

He smiles seeing his roommate. “Hey, Tobi. Out of bed today?”

So that’s his name.

Tobi shrugs. “I was entertaining your guest.”

Confusion washes over Ambrose’s face. “What?” He finally turns, and I grin and wave. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Mom is still worried about you and wanted me to check you weren’t living on the street.” I roll my eyes, getting up. “So I came to check on you.”

“I’m alive with a place to live. Which means you don’t have to stalk me anymore. So you can leave now.” Ambrose turns his back on me to give his full attention to Tobi. “Want to go grab some food or something?”

Does he like Tobi?

“Not hungry.” Tobi half shrugs, then looks at me over Ambrose’s shoulder, and I grin back at him, an idea forming in my head.

“I guess I’ll go, but if you want advice or help studying for your GREs, Tobi.” I walk over to shoulder in beside Ambrose. “Give me your phone.”

Tobi reluctantly holds out his phone. Ambrose tries to intercept, but Tobi glares at him and makes sure I get it.