Page 27 of Love, In Balance

Many students in younger years are showing more than necessary for a social open evening.

Quin may be in for some attention this evening.

These people look good, don’t get me wrong, but the vibes I’m getting from them are that of club goers.

Maybe I’m just jealous of the tremendous cleavage, perfectly sculpted backsides and flawless makeup.

Perhaps.

Drew and the guys are all dressed smart-casual.

Shirts, smart shoes and some of them in blazers too. They look good. I’m proud to be with them. Well, other than pierce, who is currently chatting up said club goers and pretending to be more important than he actually is.

Thankfully he hasn’t yet noticed me.

He turned upaftermy talk, so unbeknownst to him, I’m not here. So I’m trying to blend in as I make my way to the bar, and hopefully for the rest of the evening.

If it wasn’t for my rather ‘out there’ lower leg, I’d be great at blending in. But, as I’ve learnt throughout my life. It’s good to stand out and be your own person.

Pip reminds me of this consistently. He is the most unapologetically authentic person I have ever met.

Unapologetically himself. I wouldn’t change a thing about him, or any of the guys for that matter.

I’m happy to deal with the occasional infuriating things that they do.

I get to the bar without being seen by a certain dickhead and grab myself a drink whilst chatting briefly with Professor Peters about Quin being my new advisor.

He wishes me well and says what a good team Quin and I make.

“You two are both so alike. He will be able to shed tremendous light on biomechanical topics. He’s one of the brightest young lecturers and biomechanical engineers I know Lista. I can see great things coming from your partnership for this research”.

He seems to think highly of Quin. It’s nice to hear. I certainly think highly of him too.Wink wink.

“I agree. It’s going very well so far. Quin’s been a huge help. I’m grateful for you putting me on his schedule. I couldn’t have asked for a better advisor”.

“Did you and Quin know each other prior to meeting on campus? You seem to naturally have a good rapport considering the little time you’ve known one another” He asks.

For some reason his question makes me nervous. I don’t want to say something wrong or get Quin into trouble.

“We met briefly on New Year’s Eve. We both happened to be out of the city on a break and our paths crossed. It was a pleasantsurprise to see that he’s a lecturer here” I say. Hoping I’ve not made the wrong move. Honesty is the best policy after all, right?

“I had a feeling you both knew one another. I’ve never seen two people get on so well instantly. I look forward to seeing more from you both”.

He looks over my shoulder and smiles. Raising his eyebrows.

“I’ll leave you to it anyway Lista” he says, placing a warming hand on my shoulder as he walks past me.

Quin appears from behind me, lightly brushing my back with his hand as he walks to stand next to me.

“Evening” he says to me pleasantly.

“Hey. You just missed Professor Peters”.

“I just saw him as he walked away. He gave me a nice pat on the shoulder. You lookgreatby the way” he says to me. His eyebrows lifting as his eyes scan my body.

I feel heat rise to my cheeks.

“Oh, thank you. I was panicking whilst choosing an outfit. And the guys were useless. Oli tried, but his idea of helping me choose an outfit was just him telling me what he’s wearing” I say laughing. He laughs with me. “And I’m not sure I’d quite rock a man’s baggy shirt the way you guys do”. I notice him swallow intensely.

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