Read Online Prince Charming by Sara Celi - Free Book Online Page A

at the ceiling, as if doing another math problem in his head. “It could cost your parents about a hundred thousand dollars when you are finished.”
    “But I got some scholarships.” I gulped. Just the week before, I’d shuddered when I’d seen the packet breakdown the school sent me of expected expenses for the 2014 freshman class. Books alone could cost $700 bucks—used. “I know. It’s not cheap.”
    “The point is, if you’re going to spend money like that it is important to think about what value you’re getting. Just getting a degree in history won’t pay the bills, Mr. Miller. You have to have a plan, and execute it. That’s the best way to get things done.”
    “You don’t know that.”
    He laughed. “Oh, I most certainly do. I’ve been in the adult world longer than you. I know a thing or two about how things work.”
    “So what are you saying?”
    “If you are confused about your major, I suggest you reconsider Virginia. Why spend all that money?” He leaned forward, his beady eyes locked on mine. “Have you thought about Gateway Technical College?”
    “Technical college?” I almost spat out the words.
    He sized me up again. “What? Think you’re too good for technical college? What did I just say about thinking you’re better than anyone else?”
    “Well, but I am better,” I struggled with my answer. “Um. Yeah. I’m salutatorian.”
    “Right.” He cleared his throat. “Number two. Not number one.”
    “But I mean, I got into Virginia,” I replied, aghast. “Virginia! Doesn’t that mean something to you?”
    “It shows me you know how to write a good essay. And perform well on a standardized test.”
    “Wasn’t this conversation supposed to . . . suppose to help me?”
    “It’s not helping you, Mr. Miller?”
    Why was he always calling me Mr. Miller? God, it was as bad as “Geoff Megadeth.” Couldn’t these people be more creative? “Well, I don’t think it is. I’m not trying to limit myself at all. I’m trying to get away from Robert Hill, and Cincinnati. For good.”
    “Technical colleges are a good place to go for someone who can’t decide on their future, and who doesn’t have a plan, Mr. Miller. When you get out in the real world, you’ll discover that it’s not where you went, but what you know, and how you use it. Not just book knowledge. Practical knowledge.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Just tell me you’ll consider it.”
    I sucked in a deep breath, and leaned in closer to his desk. “Okay,” I lied. “I’ll consider it.”
    “And you mean that?”
    “Yes,” I lied again. “I’ll consider it. You’re right. Why limit myself?”
    A satisfied look came over his face. “That’s what I like to hear, Mr. Miller, that’s what I like to hear.” He nodded at the door. “You can go back to class now.”
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    S ATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
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    A TEXT FROM Josh broke up the monotony of polishing the silver, a chore I did every Saturday. David and my mom had so much of it, with an antique silver service for six, multiple trays, and a silver spoon collection. Between the silver, mopping the tiled floors, cleaning the bathrooms, mowing the lawn in the summer, shoveling snow in the winter, and washing the large windows in the mansion, I made $200 a month. Blake and Bruce were also required to do that kind of work, but they always wanted to get out of it, and often paid me huge chunks of their allowance so they had more free time.
    David had told my mother that these chores would be good for me. “It’ll teach him some structure. Help him, since he’s grown up without a father for so long.” I’d overheard them in the living room not long after the wedding. “He needs this. This is what I do with my boys, how I raise them, too. We’re all required to help out around here. Trust me.”
    To my dismay, my mother had agreed. At least it paid well.
    2:30PM
    Josh: Dude are you going out tonight?
    Me: