Reality Check Read Online Free PDF Page B

New York, home of fresh bagels, real cold cuts, and decent pizza, but somehow Zorn's manages to butcher every dish they make, including grilled cheese (who messes up grilled cheese?). I glance at Zac's computer screen and see a Duke University logo staring back at me.
    “Um, that doesn't look like official newspaper business either,” I say.
    “Caught me,” Zac says. “I'm reading the admission application form again.”
    “Even though we won't be filling one out till next fall,” I remind him.
    “If I fill one out,” Zac says lightly.
    “What are you talking about?” I ask. Going to Duke is one of Zac's favorite topics. His dad went, his brother went, and Zac practically has his bags packed to go.
    “They raised tuition again,” he tells me. “We're talking almost forty-nine thousand a year. A year! Even if I get a small scholarship, how am I going to be able to swing that one?” He grins mischievously. “You think Zorn's would give me an advance on my paycheck?”
    “I'm not sure the place is even worth that much,” I joke, but Zac still looks bummed. “You'll figure it out.”
    He shrugs. “The school didn't cost anywhere near this when my brother graduated a few years ago and it was probably two thousand dollars a year when my dad graduated.” He runs his fingers through his hair. “I don't know how these schools expect us to pay for college anymore. Unless my dad becomes a brain surgeon in the next year, I think I'm going to have cross Duke off the top of my list.”
    Of course, this makes me think of the show. I haven't settled on anywhere yet, but I like Boston University and that costs just as much as Duke. My parents definitely don't have that much saved, but they've never pushed me to think about state schools that are cheaper. Maybe they're just as much in denial as I am.
    Forty-eight thousand a year, plus inflation. Two hundred thousand-plus for the four years. TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND. How do you pass up the chance to make that much plus more? I'd be a fool not to go for this show. Zac would do the same thing if given the chance. Anyone at Cliffside would! Brooke is right. My friends and I have been close forever. I shouldn't think a TV show is going to tear us apart. And if that's my only big concern, then I have to get over it, pronto.
    “I think someone spiked your Snapple at lunch,” Zac tells me. “You are anywhere but here today.”
    “I'm sorry,” I apologize. “My head is ready to explode at the moment. I have a big decision to make and I have to make it by three o'clock.”
    “Want to share?” Zac asks, and leans back in his swivel chair.
    “It's so complicated.” I groan, looking at the clock. There is no way to explain it all in twenty minutes. “I'll definitely give you all the details when I have them, but the short version is that I have the opportunity to do something huge that would pay me a ton of money and give my friends a ton of money, but I'm not sure if I should do it.”
    Zac looks at me skeptically. “Did you join the mob?”
    “No!” I swat him.
    “Are you selling stolen merchandise?” Zac's mouth begins to twitch.
    “It's nothing like that.” I smirk. “But it is kind of far out there. And if I want to avoid paying college loans till I'm sixty, the smart thing would be to consider the offer.”
    “Then what's holding you back?” Zac asks.
    “I'm kind of scared,” I admit. “It's HUGE. So huge, you have no idea. It's a little overwhelming to wrap my head around.”
    “You've got me so curious,” he tells me, and smiles. “I didn't mean to pull you down on this sinking college tuition ship with me. Let me throw you a life preserver. What are you doing next Friday night? We can get together and talk about this huge decision you will have made by then. I'd ask you to hang out this weekend, but my parents are dragging me to my cousin's baby's christening in Philly.”
    Did Zac really just ask what I'm doing on a Friday night? Is he asking me out on