Page 103 of Lessons in Chemistry

I put my hand up. “We’re going to go round in an everlasting apology circle if we’re not careful.”

He laughs. “Let’s not do that.”

“The first part of the kiss was nice.”

“Nice enough to do again?”

I nod, and he leans in and kisses me.

I touch my lips. “I’ll think about it.”

His brow furrows. “About what?”

“Changing our vee into a triad. I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you. Do you have evening training on Thursday?” Auggie asks in a thoughtful tone.

“No.”

“You and Emory should come to mine to celebrate his birthday. I’ll cook. Maybe you could stay over. Bring your swimming stuff. Then you can go straight to training in the morning.”

“Stay over?” Has he missed the part where I said I’d think about being in a triad with him and Em? I’m not there yet.

“If you’re not comfortable sleeping over, that’s fine. If it helps, my house has three bedrooms. We could all sleep in separate rooms. Or you and Em could share.”

“Won’t your housemates have something to say about us hijacking their rooms?”

“I live alone.”

“You—why didn’t I know that?”

“It hasn’t come up in conversation.”

“You and Em could share.”

“Right. Three rooms give us options.”

Knowing I’d have my own room makes me relax, except it’s not that simple. “We’re travelling to Sheffield on Friday. The first session of the competition starts at six, and Josh wants us there and checked into our hotel in plenty of time.”

“That’s fine. Bring everything you’ll need with you.”

“Okay. I’ll bring my things and tell Em to bring his.”

“Great. The two spare rooms only get used when I have parties.”

“People have sex in them?”

“And crash in them when they’re drunk. I’ll make sure both beds have clean sheets on in case neither of you wants to share. I mean, I’d like you to. Both of you. Share with each other. Or with me. But you might not want to. Emory might not want to.”

I press my hand over my mouth to repress a laugh.

“What?”

“I’ve never seen you get flustered before.”

He cups my cheek. “I’ve never wanted to date someone on the ace spectrum before. I know we’re not dating. But maybe we will soon. I’m trying not to fuck up here.”

Hi again, butterflies. My knees have gone weak too. “You and me both, but I think we’re doing okay,” I whisper.