Page 186 of The Substitute

“I think you should be in the middle tonight. Let us both take care of you.” Ambrose says, grabbing a handful of my ass around Tobi.

“But Tobi’s always in the middle…” I object, but Tobi is already moving.

They surround me.

“Let us take care of you,” Tobi says, echoing what Ambrose said earlier. Like they’ve talked.

Bastards.

“Fine.”

***

The next morning, when they find out I don’t have class they both insist on ditching and staying home with me. I try to tell them it’s not necessary, but realize they are as anxious as I am, a little downtime would be nice. We melt into a cuddle pile on the couch and watch movies.

After lunch Tobi has a lab he can’t miss, and Ambrose has to get ready for practice. I pick up my phone and nearly drop it. An email is sitting in my alerts and it’s from my top school.

“Fuck.”

They both pause in the process of putting their coats on and look at me.

“What is it?” Ambrose asks when I don’t answer.

“I have an email from the admissions office.” My thumb hovers over the alert. I don’t know if I can open it.

“What are you waiting for?” Tobi asks, shoving his way under my arm to look at my screen. “Which school is it?”

I hadn’t told either of them what my top school was. I didn’t want it to affect our relationship or for them to think they were influencing my decision.

I click on it and scroll down as Ambrose steps in behind me to read over my shoulder. I scan the text and can’t breathe.

“I got in.” I say not sure I fully believe my eyes.

“Where is it?” Tobi asks again impatiently.

I scroll back up so they can both see the header of the email.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Tobi turns in my arms wrapping his arms around my neck.

Ambrose hugs me from behind, laughing. “Shit, bro. Can’t believe you’re going to be a Olympian.”

“It’s one of the best med schools in the country. It has nothing to do with the Olympians.” I can’t help but smile, my chest so fucking filled with happiness I don’t know what to do with myself.

“Whatever. Don’t tell your teammates. They’ll think you’re a traitor.”

“Don’t ruin this for him.” Tobi playfully smacks Ambrose then looks at me. “Is that really your top choice? Over Boston?”

I nod. “I never wanted to leave the city. Boston might be the best med school, but Summerset is two, and then I can buy a place in Morning Heights and we could—all live there or something.”

Tobi squeals in delight. “Seriously?!”

“Yes,” I say, feeling Ambrose’s broody stare burn into my cheek. I half turn towards him, cupping his face. “What’s wrong?”

“How can I live with two guys?”

I give him a look like he’s lost his mind. “You’re my step-brother. You’re living with me and my boyfriend. It’s the perfect cover.”

“Oh.” His entire face lights up, and I love that I did that.