Page 4 of Fostering Chemistry
“We didn’t do introductions,” Raymond pointed out. He had a freshman-like, overeager-yet-judgmental energy to him, and I was glad I was able to claim to be an almost-sophomore.
Please ignore him, Diego.
My silent plea got me nowhere. Instead, Diego grimaced. “Right. Sorry. We were supposed to do that first thing.” He looked over to the other couch, and the two students who had gotten up sat back down. “Let’s start over here. Just your name, major, and what year you’re in.”
Oh god. This was it. I was going to speak, and it would trigger the memory for him. It would all come flooding back, and then I’d have to leave school and join a convent. Did they still have those?
As my mind spiraled, I missed the first two students who spoke, which was a shame. I wanted to get to know the other womanliving here, especially. Then it was Aaron’s turn. He was a junior majoring in public administration.
Then all eyes were on me.
Alleyes. Including Diego’s.
“I’m Mia,” I squeaked. “I’m a sophomore.” Kind of, I amended in my head. “And my major is—” I made the mistake of looking directly at Diego. Why did he have to be so good looking? Apparently, drunk me knew a hot guy when she saw one.
I blushed, realizing that everyone was still staring at me. Crap. What was my major again? It finally came to me just as the others were starting to look concerned. “Digital media and communications.”
There. I’d done it. All that was left was to duck my head down and hope that Diego would move on as fast as possible. Fortunately, he did, turning to Raymond.
“Freshman, and finance,” he said, flashing a self-satisfied grin. “Planning to hit seven figures before I’m thirty. Minoring in international business—obviously, that’s where the real money is.”
The silence that followed wasn’t exactly admiring. Next to me, Aaron shifted in his seat, the corner of his mouth pulling tight.
Diego went last, saying that he was getting his master’s in public health. Whatever that meant.
Then the meeting ended.
The other woman made her way upstairs, her phone in her hand. The guy who’d sat next to her went to talk to Diego. Good. That meant I could finally make my escape.
Except I’d forgotten about Aaron. “I told you it wouldn’t be so bad.”
“Right,” I said, and then I mumbled something about homework that he likely didn’t even hear. “I’d be happy to show you the ropes, like the system in the kitchen. And in the basement, there’s a storage area. I could show it to you.”
“Thanks, but I don’t have very much. All my things fit in my room.”
His warm eyes showed understanding. “That’s the case for a lot of the residents here.”
“Hey.”
I swung my head around to see a smug look and blond hair. “Hi.”
“I’m Raymond.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“My room’s just across the hall from yours, so if you ever need anything, let me know.”
That was friendly, and I gave him a quick smile. “Thanks. Aaron just offered, too. Everyone’s being so kind.”
“That’s because you’re hot.” Raymond’s voice was casual as his words sent a shock wave through me. “No one offered me any help when I moved in.” He gave me a weird little smirk and disappeared toward the kitchen.
Aaron looked as surprised as I was, but he called out before Raymond had left the room. “That’s not true.”
Then he looked at me and a sheepish grin came over his face. “I mean the part about us not offering him help isn’t true. Not the part when… well, what he said.”
I couldn’t help biting back a smile. Aaron oozed confidence and charisma, so it was rather endearing seeing him a little embarrassed.
“Raymond’s just prickly, but you’ll get used to it. Or not. It’s not like we all have to hang out together all the time. But seriously, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you settle in. It can’t be easy, starting at a different time than everyone else. And let Diego help, too. He’s a great guy.”
