Read Second String (In Too Deep #3) for Free Online Page A

harsh as we expect them to be," he said. "In fact, most of the time, people perceive us as whatever we project. You won't have any problems getting people to take you seriously, but if you really want to go to school, you should make it happen. Fill out the application. Who says you can't take classes part time on top of your, what is it, three other jobs?" He may have been joking about my job situation, but I could tell he was serious about me pursuing the idea of going to college.
    "I should just be honest with Gretchen about everything. She was a theater major, so I'm sure she'd have some advice. The news of the art center is still so new to her, though. I think I'll give it a little time to sink in before I go sharing all my doubts and goals."
    "I think you're closer to having it all figured out than you think," Ethan said. "You're lucky to know what your passion is. Some people go their whole lives without figuring that out. Now all you have to do is sort out the details."
    "You make it sound so easy," I said.
    "Why make it complicated?" he asked. He looked at me with that easy smile and my heart sped up a little at the sight of it.
    "Thanks for letting me get that off my chest," I said. I glanced at the center console to avoid staring at him for too long. "I think you're right about me being lucky to know what my passion is."
    "I'm the one who's unlucky when it comes to your passion," he said.
    "Why's that?" I asked.
    "I'm getting the short end of the stick here. I think I'm the only one of my friends who hasn't seen you in action. You know, shaking that money maker."
    " Well you'll have to get tickets to a game," I said, acting a little coy.
    "I was hoping for something a little more private, if you know what I mean," he said.
    I laughed. "Oh, I'm sure you were… but it'll take more than a few trips up the coast to get something like that."
    "How many trips exactly?" He was looking at me with a teasing grin, so I knew the question was only half-serious.
    "For a private dance?" I contemplated for a few seconds. "Five trips." I didn't even think about it really. I just said the first number that popped into my head. I knew he'd scarcely be able to come see me since he was training so hard.
    "You know I'm gonna hold you to that, right?"
    "Sure," I said. It came out more sarcastic sounding than I intended. But really, I didn't expect him to come up at all. I knew he'd probably only driven up here today because of the shock and novelty of learning I was here with his friends. Most likely, he just wanted to see if it was really me.
    " I really should be getting on the road," he said. "I'm already going to be paying for the way I ate today. I definitely can't add tired to the list."
    "I hear you. I have to work tomorrow too," I said.
    "Are you planning on spending the night here?" he asked.
    "No. In fact, I'm right behind you. I just need to go in and get Sal and my things together."
    "Are you glad you spent Christmas up here?" he asked. "Seems like Sal had fun."
    I let out a laugh. "Sal's had more people food in the past two days than he's had in his whole life." Gretchen's little nephews keep sneaking it to him when I'm not looking."
    "I hate to tell you, but I think everyone's sneaking him food when you're not looking. I saw at least three grown ups feeding him too."
    "That explains why he's comatose in there," I said, rolling my eyes. "I hope I can get him to walk to the car when I'm ready to leave in a few minutes."
    "You want some help? I didn't know you were planning on leaving right away or I would have just waited for you. I can still wait if you want to stay together on the interstate as far as L.A."
    "No, I'm fine. Thanks anyway," I said. "It'll take me a little while to get my stuff together and tell everyone goodbye."
    Ethan thought about pressing the issue for a second, but decided to do the logical thing and get on the road. I was glad, because my car was starting to act funny, and I'd be embarrassed to have it