Page 141 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“I need something very strong, so I guess it makes sense to let you go, after all.”

“Hiiiiiii,” she exaggerated, grabbing my hands from across the table.

“Right. It feels like forever has passed us by.”

“I love your hair. Is this how you’ve been wearing it for your new gig?”

“Yes, but I’m thinking about adding it to the rotation when it’s all over.”

My heart crumbled at the thought.

Oh Chemistry.

Art dipped a chip into the salsa as her head bounced. She agreed with the decision.

“Yes. I think you should.”

“Yeah.”

Sadness blanketed me. I’d grown anxious over the last twenty-four hours. I spent a full two days with Chem and family, falling head over heels for each and every one of them for different reasons. The girls were the epitome of elegance. Their brains weren’t full of air like most women born into wealth. They were knowledgeable.

In the short period we’d mixed and mingled, they had taught me so much. Chem had put most of them on a plane and sent them on vacation for Roaman and Royce’s birthdays. They’d filter in until everyone arrived. I’d been convinced to join them and would when Chem wrapped up his schedule on Friday evening and could accommodate me.

“Start talking, babe. I don’t like the dread I hear in your voice.”

“I messed up, Art. Royally.”

I palmed my face, groaning as Chem’s handsome face appeared behind my lids.

“Hi, ladies. I’ll be your server this afternoon. Can I get you started with some appetizers or something to drink?”

Though I couldn’t see our waitress, I heard her. The bubbly energy she exuded was such a privilege I wished had been bestowed upon me this morning when I crawled out of bed. Unfortunately, there was too much on my mind, too much on my heart.

“Give me something strong.”

“Give her something strong, preferably fruity. As for me, I’ll have a strawberry martini.”

“Alright. I’m going to put those in and come back in a few to take your orders.”

“Sounds good.”

The vibration in my hand prompted me to view the screen on the phone I waited near on the days Chem and I were apart. It was glued to my skin. When the opportunity to talk to him presented itself, I didn’t want to miss it.

He was calling. His presence surrounded me almost immediately. The guilt made my eyes burn from the tears waiting to fall.

“Hello?”

“Head up, Choc. What’s the matter?”

“Are you near?”

My elevated temperature made me hot all over. As requested, I lifted my head and pierced the arm with the peak of my nose.

“If you need me to, I can be.”

“I am having lunch with a friend I miss dearly. That won’t be necessary.”

“You still haven’t told me what’s wrong.”

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