Page 74 of The Scientist
“Benowitz,” Sarah said curtly.
“Samaha,” he said in return with a coy smile. “You’re looking lovely as ever.”
She smiled sweetly back at him. “And you’re looking… delusional as ever.”
“Come on. I just got here,” Stuart whined, dropping the flirting act.
“Emily, these are my friends. This is Stuart, Dan, and Peter. We all live in the faculty housing units together,” I said,introducing the guys to the bride. “They’re all neuroscientists doing research at the university.”
“What in the Big Bang Theory?” Emily said, looking between the four of us.
“Nice to meet you, Emily.” Stuart put his game face back on. “The groom is a lucky man.”
“Damn right he is,” she said, raising her glass.
“Should we get a drink?” I looked around at everyone. “First round’s on me.”
“Yes!” Sarah exclaimed. “Let’s do a round of shots.”
“I’ll go get them. Be right back.”
I made my way over to the bar through the crowd of people. I leaned over to get the bartender’s attention and got a big surprise when he finally turned around. Merrick started making his way over to me with a roguish grin on his face.
“Hey,” I said, surprise coloring my tone. After our memorable dinner, I had seen him a few more times at the guys’ house when I’d been over, but it had been a while.“What are you doing here? I thought you worked for a shipping company.”
“I still do. I work here on the weekends sometimes to make extra cash.” His eyes moved over the length of me. “You here alone?”
“No, I’m here with some friends.” I motioned to where they were standing.
“Where’s Lex?” he asked.
“Poker tournament.”
“Huh,” was all he said.
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. I just thought he’d be here with you.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Just thought you guys were kind of a package deal.”
That hit a nerve. “Well, we’re not,” I said sharply, unable to hide my annoyance.
“So, you’re telling me that he’d rather be hanging out with a bunch of guys playing poker than be out with you?”
“Oh, there are girls there too,” I said before I could stop myself. Nicky’s head leaning against his shoulder was still burned into my retinas at the moment.
His eyes flared with excitement when he noticed my jealousy.
He leaned over the bar toward me. “Men can be idiots.”
“I noticed.” I eyed him meaningfully.
He chuckled. “Look, I’ve been wanting to apologize for how I acted when we first met. I know I came on strong.”
“I’d say a wrestler’s entrance is more subtle,” I said, to which he laughed again.