Page 44 of The Love Simulation

“I have a teeny, tiny, innocent little question for you,” Angie says when we’re in our room later.

I hesitantly put down my book and stick my head out of my pod. “Yes?”

“So, are you not worried about Roman being the principal’s son?”

“What do you mean? Why should that bother me?”

Angie narrows her eyes at me. “If you like living dangerously, then I love that for you. Really. Just watch out. Roman typically hates just about everyone, and I’d hate to see you get your feelings hurt.”

I automatically want to correct her. Roman doesn’t hate everyone. He gets along with Kareem and Raven, with the students. And here, me. But she’s already too deep in my personal business.

“I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. The same way I told you nothing is going on between Jordan and me earlier, it holds true for Roman.” I lean back in my bed before she can detect any lies.

I wake up the nextmorning in a state of disbelief and elation. I can’t believe Roman said he wants to date me.Romanwants to dateme. Brianna with the too-gummy smile.Brianna with the word vomit whenever I get around him. Rather than being on another planet, it’s like I’m in an alternate reality.

With a sigh, I flop on my back, let my smile fall, and look up at the ceiling of my pod. Once I get out of this bed, I need to put thoughts of getting to know Roman better behind me. I made my stance on dating teachers crystal clear to him yesterday, and I need to make sure I hold on to my word.

Will I have to tell him we can’t be friends as well? Before I left the server room yesterday, it didn’t seem like he was ready to back down. In such a short period of time I’ve grown used to the way he smiles just for me. I don’t want to have to lose that. But I know getting closer to him would be a mistake.

I finally get out of bed. Jordan is at the experiment station, looking at something with a magnifying glass. I’m surprised to see Angie up and eating oatmeal rather than a protein bar. I’m proud of her for branching out.

“Good morning,” I say, eyeing her. “You’re up early.”

Angie takes in a deep breath. “Yesterday, I was really worried I was going to lose you and be stuck here with Jordan. I’ve come to accept that this is my life. It’s not Cancún, and it smells like the pits of hell, but I’m here.” Even though I like it, I’m thrown by her air of calm acceptance. Maybe she did yoga this morning or something. “So I’m going to help us win, get that teacher bonus, and use it to go to Jamaica, bay-bay!”

That’s more like it. I shake my head and walk to the cabinets to make some tea. I pour hot water in the pot and add tea leaves. While waiting for the tea to steep, I turn and lean my back against the counter, looking around inconspicuously.

“Looking for someone?” Angie asks.

“No,” I quickly respond, fiddling with my shirt. “But I am wondering what everyone is up to this morning. What is Jordan looking at?”

“It’s the samples from the rocks you and Roman brought back.”

“I see. And Roman, where is he?” I mean, Angie was the one who brought him up to begin with.

Angie smiles like she’s satisfied. “He’s in the greenhouse. Said he was going to check on the plants since nothing shows signs of sprouting yet.”

I nod. Then I mess with my shirt some more. Then my foot starts tapping. I want to go speak to Roman. I need to reiterate to him that we can’t date. But if I do, Angie will think I want to spend time with him.

“Well.” Angie stands up from her stool. “I’m going to get some cardio in. You’ll come join me after you eat?”

“Yes, of course,” I answer quickly. Maybe a little too quickly, as I’m eager for Angie to leave the room, but hopefully she won’t notice.

“Well, okay then.” Angie walks away, smiling at me one more time before she’s out of sight.

I take the pot off the stove so it won’t burn and start a fire, and head for the greenhouse. I don’t worry about Jordan thinking anything is up. He’s still engrossed with the magnifying glass.

Once I’m in the greenhouse, I immediately spot Roman. He’s inspecting the sprinklers. He turns in my direction as I walk in and close the door.

“Hey,” he says.

“Morning.” I walk toward him, stopping before I can get too close. But I don’t stop so far away that I don’t notice the bags under his eyes and the overall worn-down look hehas. “Are you okay? You don’t look so good.” I hope he’s not getting sick.

His smile is tight. “I’m fine. I just woke up with a headache.”

“Have you taken any medicine?”

“Yeah.” He puts his hand on his head, pushing his hair back in the opposite direction of his waves. “I’m not putting too much faith in it working. Once a migraine starts, it’s too late for medicine.”

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