Page 107 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“Nice to meet you as well, Mrs–”

Johanson, I wanted him to say, but knew that wouldn’t happen.

“Reid,” he finished.

Playing into the narrative, my mother said, “Nice to meet you as well, Mr.?”

“Childers.”

“Good to know my daughter’s last name,” she joked.

Chemistry looked up at me under those busy brows. It was my turn to crumble under the stress.

“You’re staring.”

Blushing, I hid my smile behind my arm as I laid my head on the table.

“Eden Childers.”

“Chemistry, please.”

“Head up, Choc.”

“Is that your home?”

My mother was obsessed with home improvement television. I kept her sanity most days. When I walked into Chem’s second home, I knew she’d love it. I didn’t blame her.

“It is.”

“Oh, that is beautiful. I can’t see it all, but the little bit I can see is gorgeous.”

“We can change that,” he told her.

“Change wha–”

“You can see it in person if you’d like. I can have a car there to get you in twenty minutes.”

“No! Of course not. Maybe one day soon. For now, I want my daughter to enjoy her time with you. She deserves it.”

“I keep telling her that.”

“Don’t worry, she hardly listens to me, either. Her father was the only person who could get through to her, I believe.”

“Well, I’m trying to change that as we speak,” Chemistry bragged.

We both knew the truth. He could get to me, through me, under me, on top of me, and inside of me. Wherever. Whatever. However. Whenever. Forever. Nothing mattered but his word nowadays.

“Good. Good. You’re on the right track. I know that much, at least.”

“We’re about to get our day started. I’ll talk to you later, Mom!” I yelled across the table as I stood, prepared to get dressed and outside.

“Alright. I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too.”

“Chemistry, nice meeting you and I look forward to meeting you.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

---