Page 70 of The Scientist
“We’re not having a standoff.” I didn’t know what to call what was going on between us.
“He’s not interested in her anymore. I promise,” he said, digging in the freezer for more ice for his drink.
“Who?” I asked, pretending like I didn’t know exactly who he was talking about.
He ignored my bad attempt at feigning ignorance. “I mean, did you see her?” he asked, dropping the ice cubes into his cup with a clink. “She’s been hanging all over him all night. He’s been trying to shake her off, but she just keeps coming back around like some kind of evil, desperate boomerang.”
It didn’t seem that way to me, but I could hardly think straight through the blinding jealousy I was feeling.
“Let’s get back out there,” I told him, not wanting to talk about this anymore.
There were a few open chairs near the couches, so he and I went to sit with the rest of the guests not participating in the card game. Unfortunately, these seats were directly across from Lex’s table so I was getting a front-row seat to Pinky and the Brain. I tried not to look their way, but I would catch glimpses of him out the corner of my eye looking up at me from his cards every so often.Dan, Peter, and Jace came to sit with us, and I was happy for the distraction.
“Lex looks like he’s cleaning up over there,” Dan noted, taking a seat on the edge of the couch. So much for the distraction.All eyes turned to Lex’s table.
“He always does,” Peter commented.
Lex was watching our little group, looking more annoyed by the minute.
Dan heaved a sigh. “Why does he have to be good at everything?”
“I’d kill for his brain,” Peter said. “Did you see how fast he worked that Nernst Equation today when we were looking at the ion concentrations?”
“UGHHHHH.” Stuart rolled his eyes and slid down in his chair dramatically. “We get it. Lex is the second coming of Christ. Can we talk about something else please?”
“Sure,” Peter said before turning toward me. “Hadley, you think you might change your mind about going out with Jace?”
“Absolutely not,” Stuart cut in before I had the chance to respond. “Jace is an idiot.”
Jace raised his glass. “Thanks, man.”
“If you want to go on a date, then I’m going to choose the guy,” Stuart said, pretending like Jace wasn’t sitting right there.
Dan raised his hand. “I volunteer as tribute.”
Stuart rolled his eyes. “That’s actually a good option for you, Hadley… charity work. You could claim it on your taxes.”
“Fuck off, Stuart,” Dan said, flipping him the bird.
Stuart’s eyes widened with surprise. “Why does everyone keep saying that to me tonight?”
“Because you’re a dickhead, that’s why.” Peter shrugged. “Not that you’ve ever cared.”
“Not only do I not care, I actually prefer it.” Stuart took a large swallow of his new drink, smacking his lips. “Sets people’s expectations a lot lower.”
“Well, it’s working. My expectations of you are always ridiculously low,” Dan remarked.
Stuart grabbed my chair, pulling it close to his, and threw his arm around my shoulder.
“We’ll find someone for you, Betty. Don’t worry. I already told you, none of these assholes are good enough for you anyway.”
“I doubt she needs your help finding a date,” Peter commented.
“Of course she doesn’t. Look at her! She’s the face that launched a thousand ships, for god’s sake. But I’m just trying to help my friend out of the goodness of my heart.”
“Mhmmm,” I said doubtfully. “What is it you really want?”
He pretended to be thinking about it for a moment, tapping his index finger against his lips. “Well, if I’m able to find you the man of your dreams, then there is oneteensything I’d like in return.”