Page 216 of Burn Bright
“As a doctor,” she concludes for me.
“Yes.” I nod, licking coffee off my lips. “That’s the goal.”
Rose is processing quickly. She edges forward. “My children being taken advantage ofdoescross my mind, but Connor and I haven’t suspected you of anything nefarious. That being said, have you and Ben discussed your futures?”
“He knows I want to be a surgeon. I can’t exactly accomplish that in an RV or backpacking the Appalachian trail.”
Her nails clank the iron table. “Has he bought an RV?”
“No,” I say fast.Oh shit. “No, I was just throwing out hypotheticals. He doesn’t even talk a lot about what he wants to do beyond this semester.” That is true.
As wind picks up, she tugs black gloves on her fingers. “Are you two being safe?”
“In what way?”
“If you’re sexually active.” She grabs her coffee. “I was on birth control when I became pregnant with my first.”
My eyes bug. “Are you serious? Did the condom break?” I can’t believe I’m askingRose Callowaythis. Not to mention, Ben’smom.But she’s making this conversation easy. I’d almost believe she wants me to ask.
“No condom. I was on the pill, and I proudlynevermissed a day.”
I’m freaking out. “That’s like a one percent chance of getting pregnant.” My face falls. “I’m on the pill too.”
“Just be very careful,” she says ominously.
“What, is there something in Cobalt sperm?” I’m joking of course; as a lady of science, this is absurd.
“The tireless willpower to impregnate, yes. I’ve already cautioned my sons a thousand times.”
“We’ll be extra safe.” Maybe we’ll use condoms when I’m ovulating and chances of pregnancy are higher. I’ll have to talk to Ben. Part of me still thinks this is silly.
But if it turns out he has godlike super sperm and knocks me up, I might actually start believing I’m with some immortal being.
She plucks out her phone. “I understand being focused on career goals, so let me know a time that’s best for you to meet again. I want to bring you to Le Petit Rêve. It’s my favorite café in the city. We can make it a girl’s date or invite Ben and Connor. What’s your number?”
I exchange numbers with his mom. She also sends me Connor’s cell too. While I add them to my contacts, I receive a new text.
Tom
Meet me at Duke’s on 10th at 7 p.m.? Just you, Harry. Ben doesn’t need to come.
Even though we’ve been around each other more, Tom and I still volley insults like we’re competing in some deranged version of Wimbledon. I don't think we’re friends, so this invite to a Hell’s Kitchen dinerwithoutBen is strange. He must sense my hesitance because another message pops up.
Tom
I will repay you however you want. Free favor on the house. Just give me a half hour.
I hope I don’t regret this. I send him a reply.
Harriet
Fine, Thomas. See you then.
I’m on a high from meeting Ben’s parents, from how well it went, and it’s all about to be squashed by Tom.
As I walk up to the diner, Tom stands beneath the lightbulb marquee sign blinkingDuke’s on 10th, and he says, “We’re not going inside.”
I glare. “Then where are we going?”
