Page 49 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“What did you do, Chem?” she asked, finally taking a second to gaze in my direction.

“Sit back, Choc.”

“You can at least tell–”

I applied pressure to the button beneath my thumb, hiking the volume on the stereo and muting Eden. She leaned forward and tapped the screen, turning the volume down instantly. Labored breathing displayed my annoyance.

“I was actually hungry.”

Silently, I continued down the highway until she loosened her grip on her seat and finally understood her quietness was appreciated. As my exit approached, I cut across four lanes, sure not to miss it. Full speed ahead, we flew down the ramp, stopping at the red light at the intersection of the first main street. We weren’t there for long. With the light still red, I sped through, slowing the wheels of my whip when we’d finally reached the callbox at the fast-food joint.

Eden didn’t deserve freshly cut and cooked steak. She deserved the quick, easy, processed food that was metaphoric of the character she’d chosen for the night.

“Welcome to Charlie’s. What can I get for you, today?”

“Salisbury steak platter. Mashed potatoes and broccoli for sides.”

“To drink?”

“That knock-off sprite.”

I could feel Eden’s eyes on me.

“Che–”

“You seem to be thrilled with generic versions tonight, why stop now?” I asked, reaching inside my pocket to retrieve a twenty-dollar bill.

She tutted, shaking her head as she rested it in her palm. She lay against the chilly window, staring back at me.

“Your change.” The drive-thru employee beckoned for my attention.

“Keep it.” I never tore my eyes from Eden. Nothing else was worthy of my attention at the moment. She was dazzling, even with the frown shaping her features.

“Can I have you pull up fro–”

“I’ll wait right here,” I assured the employee, finally taking a look in her direction.

“Alright. Give me a second.”

A nod finalized our conversation and my eyes were right back where they belonged. Even her fucking dress was generic.

“Don’t ever put that dress back on, Choc. It’s offensive.”

“How so?”

“Silk is far more flattering.”

“Since it’s bothering you so much, maybe I should take it off now,” she challenged.

“You should,” I agreed.

With a huff, she rolled her eyes. I’d called her bluff. We fell into a curious silence. Our thoughts lingered, threatening to ruin the quiet we’d embarked on. Before either of us could, I was handed Eden’s meal, fake-ass Sprite in tow.

Immediately after receiving the bag of food, she began devouring it. Watching her enjoy a meal she was supposed to despise and demand better left a bitter taste in my mouth. Nonetheless, I entered the expressway and began circling the city.

Sixteen minutes later and she was finishing up. With a napkin to her mouth and food digesting in her belly, she began taking into account our location.

“That was our exi–We’re driving in circles, Chem.”

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