Page 78 of Lessons in Chemistry

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After lunch, Emory and I find a quiet corner to sit in, where I distract him with lots and lots of kisses.

“You are such a bad influence,” he says, sitting on my lap with his arms around my neck. “I should be studying or tutoring you.”

“You are studying.”

He arches an eyebrow. “This doesn’t feel like studying.”

“Think of this as a chemistry lesson.”

“How is it chemistry?”

“Sexual chemistry. Today’s lesson is all about practising your kissing technique.”

He blushes and then kisses me. “I do enjoy doing that.”

“Where will Casey be right now?”

“Do you think I have his schedule memorised or something?”

I smirk. “I know you do.”

Emory checks his watch. “Either at home or the library. He doesn’t have lectures on a Wednesday afternoon, but he does have swimming practice at six.”

I shudder. “Don’t tell me he’s as focused on doing work as you are.”

“All right, I won’t.”

“How did this happen to me? How did I end up involved with two nerds?” I ask in a dramatic voice.

“Casey isn’t a nerd. He’s a jock.”

“What does that make me?”

“One of the cool kids.”

“You watch too many high school movies.”

“I do. Why do you want to know where Casey is?”

I shrug. “I thought if he had a gap between lectures that the three of us could hang out again.”

Emory’s lips quiver between a smile and a frown. “I think it’s great that you want to spend more time with him.”

“But?”

“There isn’t a but. I’m glad you’re becoming friends.”

I put on the dramatic voice from a few seconds ago. “How did this happen to me? I’m friends with two nerds. Me? The slacker, party boy. I’m going to lose all my street cred.”

Emory laughs. “Street cred? Does anyone say that anymore?”

“Cool kids say it. Cool kids say gooseberry too.”

He laughs harder. “Well, I was never one of the cool kids, so it makes sense that I’m not down with the lingo.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Down with the lingo? No one says that anymore.”