Page 61 of The Scientist
Lovely. I wasn’t sure this could get any weirder.
“I don’t know. I think this look works for you. It’s definitely working for me,” he said, still not letting go of her hand.
Guess it could get weirder.
My mom laughed, not bothered in the least with how forward Stuart was acting. “Outside Demi Moore, I’m not sure many women can pull off the bald look.”
“Hey now.” He patted her hand with his free one. “Will Smith wouldn’t allow that kind of talk and neither will I.”
She smiled even wider. “I think I’m being charmed against my will.”
“Okay, that’s enough, Stuey.” I pulled him away from her. He grumbled a little as Lex was finally able to step forward.
“Mom, this is Alexsander Strovinski.” I got a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach as I introduced the two of them.I told myself it was because I wanted her to like all of my new friends, but I knew deep down there was more to it with this particular friend.
“The scientist,” she said inscrutably. He nodded and smiled at her.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Ms. Olivier,” Lex said politely as they shook hands. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Likewise.” She turned her head slightly, examining him. I thought she might still be holding a grudge from the time I told her I didn’t think he liked me very much.
“Do you two gentlemen have time to join us for coffee?” she asked.
They glanced quickly at one another, which told me they definitely didn’t.But Lex smiled and said, “Of course.”
“Wonderful!” my mom said excitedly.
As she turned to find a table, I said to Lex, “You don’t have to do this. I know you guys are busy.”
“We have some time,” he said, not meeting my eyes. I knew he was lying, but I didn’t argue any further as they got their coffees and we sat down at a table together—Lex and Stuart on one side, my mom and I on the other.
“Boys, Hadley has already told me so much about you, but I must know more.” She absolutely loved meeting new people.
“Fire away. We’re open books,” Stuart said, leaning back in his chair.
“First, I want to know why you chose Alzheimer’s to study.”
Hell of a first question, I thought. No “How’s your day going?” or “Where you from?”
Stuart took it in stride. “I’m just along for the ride. You’ll have to ask Lex about that one.”
All eyes turned to Lex. I realized I was actually curious to hear his answer.
He took a sip of his drink before responding. “I couldn’t think of anything worse." His fingertip traced the lid of his cup. "It’s one thing for your body to fail you, but the mind seemed like a far greater loss to me,” he said almost shyly. “I hope that doesn’tcome off as insensitive. I realize it’s a terrible thing you’re going through.”
He looked at my mom apologetically.
“Not at all!” she said. “I couldn’t agree more. I’d choose this fate any day over a disease like Alzheimer’s.”
Stuart leaned over to me and said, “Well that got deep pretty quick.”
“Buckle up. She’s just getting started,” I told him.
My mom ignored that last comment. “Did you always want to be scientists?”
“Not really,” Stuart answered. “I was just always good at chemistry, so I got my degree in it. I didn’t know what I was going to do after I graduated, but I ended up seeing an advertisement for this job. I’ve been a part of Lex’s team ever since. Luckily, I enjoy this work.”
“That’s so lovely,” my mom said. “You’ve been friends and coworkers all this time.”