Page 140 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“I– I can’t be sure. This feels like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

“Because it is something you’ve never experienced before. This is new for us all. I am not dismissing what you’ve said to me. I’m locking it in here.” I pointed to my head.

“But, until you can decipher… until you can separate your feelings from this matter… give me a definite answer, nothing changes, okay? But, when, and if you say the word, Rome, I’ll handle it accordingly.”

“Okay.”

The worry lines that creased her forehead were repulsive.

“Listen, don’t worry about me, okay?”

“You say that like it’s so easy. It’s not.”

“Just don’t, baby. I’m alright. I can handle my shit.”

“I’ve never worried about you because I know that already. But, things change.”

“And so do people. Please keep that in mind when you’re finalizing your decision. Alright?”

“Okay.”

“You look beautiful, Rome. Has anyone told you that tonight?”

“You.”

“Good, then. That’s enough right there.”

I took her by the hand and led her down the hallway. Just before we entered the dining hall where everyone was waiting, Rome stopped.

“What is it?”

“I do like her,” she told me.

“But, not for me?” I chuckled.

“The verdict is still out.”

“You want your big brother to yourself and I get it. But, how will he give you nephews and nieces if you don’t want him to find someone to give them to him?”

“Yeah. Yeah, Teddy.” She chortled.

“When you’re ready, let me know, okay?”

“I will.”

A final kiss on the forehead and we were headed back inside. Seeing Eden had changed seats and was occupying Rome’s chair to get closer to the action and a healthier distance for ease of conversation, made parts of me smile. But the pang in my chest was potent, forcing me to disregard everything else for a moment. It wasn’t until she was by my side, her palm was against mine, and she was unveiling those three words I often yearned for that I settled.

“I love you,” she confessed, resting her head on my shoulder.

FIFTEEN

Seeing Art’s face after so many months gave me all the feels. I didn’t want to let her go.

“Argh. I wish I could hold on to you all day.”

“Then we’d never have a chance to chat or have anything to drink,” she teased, taking her seat.

The simple denim pants and shirt she wore were as adorable as she was. Art was a minimalist. In her world, less was more. I’d adapted a number of her ways and they made life so much simpler.

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