12

And while the pep talk helped, it didn’t stop me from fixing my hair into a somewhat presentable ponytail before heading back out.
Either I’d taken a lot longer than I’d thought or the service here was extremely fast, because Derrick and Ryan were already seated at one of the tables, baskets of food in front of them. Hey, I said, sliding into the open chair where my food was. Thanks for this.
No problem.
A tingling sense of awareness swept over my skin as I shed my coat and picked up my cheeseburger, all because of the man in front of me. The one I’d slept with.
The last time we’d seen one another, both of us had been cool and self-assured, not the clammed up bundles of awkwardness we currently resembled as we ate in silence. But sometimes sex could do that ; take a good thing and make it weird.
Luckily, Ryan ended up being the perfect tension cutter. So, Lia, what do you do when you’re not stranded on the side of the road ?
My lips pulled up with mirth as I finished chewing. I’m actually finishing up my PhD at Harvard, I admitted, and knowing I hadn’t told Derrick this back in California, I wasn’t surprised to see both sets of eyes widen.
So, was it you that I saw earlier today on campus ? Derrick asked, looking almost embarrassed that the question had slipped out so quickly.
Wait, what ? My brows creased with confusion. You were on campus ?
That’s actually where we were coming from when we pulled over, Ryan explained. I was talking to Harvard’s goalie at the arena and this guy tagged along.
Yeah, and I thought I saw you walking on campus, but- He chuckled, shaking his head. -I also thought I was seeing things.
I mean, it could have been me, I offered. But it was probably somebody else. I was in my office most of the afternoon working through the lab results I collected yesterday.
What are you studying ?
In simple terms, I’m helping with research surrounding the generation of artificial cells. Specifically looking at ways to best transplant hand-crafted DNA into them.
The look of astonishment on their faces wasn’t new, as I was used to people reacting with surprise when I explained what I did.
Damn, Red. Ryan whistled. You’re like, really smart.
I felt a flush creep up my neck as I took a sip of my drink.
I think it’s cool. Derrick smiled warmly. You’re certainly doing a lot more for the world than either of us goons.
Hey, even us smart people need athletes to keep us entertained, I mused.
Yes, but if I recall correctly, he drawled, hilarity gleaming in his gaze, you’re more reliant on football players for that.
Ryan’s gaze snapped to mine. What now ?
She’s more into football than hockey, Derrick said teasingly, his voice hushed as if scandalized.
Well, we’ll have to change that, won’t we.
I rolled my eyes, staying quiet and finishing off my food as I let them tag team an argument for why hockey was the better sport. It was amusing really, seeing them go to bat for the game they both had worked hard at for years, but it was also kind of heartwarming. They genuinely loved the game, and their passion for it radiated off them in spades.
Though their reasoning was cut short when my cell began to ring, roadside on the line letting me know they’d be there to help within the next few minutes.
Which meant it was time to go.
Thanks again for all this, I said from the back seat when Derrick pulled to the side of the road again. This time behind my broken-down car since the space in front had been taken up by the tow truck, idling loudly. And it was nice to meet you Ryan.
He smiled in return. You too.
I clambered out of the car and was greeted with a blast of cold air that nipped at my skin. Burrowing into my scarf, I waved once more to Derrick and Ryan before heading over to greet the man in the tow truck, though my steps halted when I heard a door open behind me.
Hey, Lia, wait a minute, he called, and I turned to watch him catch up to me. Are you sure you don’t want us to wait around ? Give you a ride home or anything ?
Though it was thoughtful, I shook my head. I’m good, really.
Then at least let me know when you get home safely.
Uh, yeah, sure, I said, failing to sound casual and nonchalant as I pulled my phone from my pocket. In reality though, I could feel my heart beating rapidly inside my chest as he rattled off his number and I keyed it in.
Especially because, on top of gaining another contact, I could see the missed messages in my group chat with Esme and Harper. Ten of them to be exact. All likely curious and borderline frantic after my last message telling them I couldn’t make it out. Though considering I barely believed what events had transpired, I needed to find the right words before explaining myself. And I would. Hopefully.
Great, Derrick said once I tucked my phone away. Waiting a moment, he let the silence linger before taking a step backward. Well then- Another pause. -take care.
There was a charge in the air, growing more intense as we parted. Or maybe I felt that way because the ball was in my court now.
You too, I said before turning my attention to the patient tow truck driver. You too.