Page 25 of The Scientist

“He couldn’t make it. Said his IBS was flaring up from all the Thai food.”

“Wow, that’s…. TMI.” I was trying very hard to think of anything else besides Stuart’s IBS. “You don’t have to bring me, though. I know you said you had work to do. I can just call a taxi or an Uber.”

He shrugged. “If you want,” he replied noncommittally. “But since I’m already here, we might as well stick to the original plan.”’

I scrutinized him for a moment, trying to figure out what his motivations might be, but then I decided I was overthinking it. “Well, thanks. I appreciate it.”

I followed him to his vehicle, thinking the whole way that I could still make a run for it. Against my better judgment, I got in the car and just hoped for the best.

“Where are we heading?” he asked.

“I looked up a few places last night. There’s a used car dealership called Esteban’s Auto Sales on Monterrey that seemed to have a good selection.”

He plugged it into his GPS and pulled out on the roadway without another word.

“How’s work in the lab going so far?” I asked, casting out the conversational line, hoping to reel in something pleasant.

“Fine.”

And with that response, let the awkward games begin.

“What about your classes? Stuart was telling me they’re packed.”

“Yes, they’re full.”

Internal sigh.

“So, Strovinski… That’s Polish, right?”

“Yes.”

And he wins! Firstplace for the most awkward car ride goes to Alexsander Strovinski. The silence seemed to drag on and on until I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to do something.

I sucked in a sharp breath. “Ow,” I said, clutching at my lower back. “Oww. OWWW!”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, startled.

“It’s my back. It just started hurting all of a sudden.” I massaged the spot. “OUCH!” I called out, putting my hand on the dashboard.

He pulled over onto the side of the road. “Might be a kidney stone. I’ll turn around.”

“No, that’s not it,” I said, peeking over at him. “I think it’s just hurting from having to carry this whole conversation.”

He stopped the car and was staring over at me in disbelief. I couldn’t help it. I immediately broke out into laughter.

“That was a terrible joke,” he said, but he had a slight smile on his face as he said it.

“Well, it is painful trying to talk to you right now. Like pulling teeth. I promise that despite what you may think, I’m really not that terrible of a person.”

His eyebrows pinched together in confusion. “I never said you were.”

“Then let’s do this... Let’s small talk,” I said, giving him my warmest smile.

He held my gaze wordlessly for a moment, then sighed. “Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry.”

As he pulled back out onto the roadway, he began to talk. “Let’s see… the lab work is always stressful. Trying to coordinate a team of people, most of whom have become close friends after working together for so long, adds an extra layer of difficulty.”

He looked over at me, and I smiled encouragingly at him to continue.