Page 69 of Lessons in Chemistry

“Yes. You can show him that you can have a romantic relationship without the need for sex.”

I shake my head. “I mean, yes, I do want to show him that, but you need to be there too. Please, Auggie? You should be there too.”

He sucks in a breath. “Okay. Tell me when and what you’d like to eat, and I’ll make it happen. No games this time. Just an open and honest conversation about how we feel and what we want.”

15

CASEY

I get home on Tuesday around six after a group tutorial led by one of the masters’ students. I stop in my tracks as I walk through the door. Since when do we have a table or a tablecloth? I inhale a tangy scent mixed with spices I can’t name.

“Oh, hey, you’re home,” Em says as he walks out of the kitchen with a steaming bowl in his hands.

“What’s going on?”

“We cooked for you.”

“We?”

Auggie steps out of the kitchen behind him, carrying a large bowl of fluffy white rice. “Emory assures me you like chicken korma.”

“Sit,” Emory says.

Our desk chairs are around the table, plus a stool that isn’t quite tall enough. I sit in the chair from my room, feeling useless as Em and Auggie wander back and forth to the kitchen until the table is covered in incredible-looking food which smells divine. My mouth waters as I stare at the dishes. It’s like being at a restaurant with a spread of korma, rice, naan bread, poppadoms, mango chutney, and spiced cauliflower before me.

“What’s going on? Where did the table come from?”

“Oh, I borrowed it from next door. We have to take it back when we’re done with it,” Em replies.

“You know our neighbours?”

“I do now. Sarah. She’s a single mum with a cute three-year-old. I offered to babysit if she ever needs us to.”

Casey’s eyes almost bug out of his head. “You did what?”

“Relax. It’ll be like looking after Hazel and Ash.”

Auggie holds his hands up. “Rather you than me. Kids are messy and scream too much.”

“Is that what you were like as a child?” Em asks.

“No. I was perfect.”

Em laughs. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m with Em on this one. I think you were probably a wild child.”

Auggie rolls his eyes. “You know it’s not fair for you to gang up on me, right? If this is a sign of things to come, I’m not sure I want to have this conversation anymore.” He’s grinning as he stands.

Em grabs his hand. “Sit down.”

“What conversation?” I ask.

They exchange a glance.

“About us.” Em gestures around the table.

“Us? What do you mean? You want us all to be friends? I’m cool with that. Just tell me when to buzz off. I wouldn’t want to be a third wheel.”