Page 95 of Lessons in Chemistry

“Me too, but don’t be mad if I can’t stay awake.” Casey yawns.

Emory cuddles up to me again, assuming the same position he was in before.

The film is mediocre at best, in my opinion, but it doesn’t matter. I’m with my boyfriend and my friend, so I’m happy. Happier than I can remember ever feeling. About halfway through, Emory pauses it and goes to the toilet.

“How are you holding up? Still awake?” I ask Casey.

“Barely. It doesn’t help that I’ve seen this film before.”

“How many times?”

“At least twelve. Maybe more. Em loves it. It’s his go-to feel-good film.”

“Good to know.”

“If you’re going to stick around, you’ll end up watching it several more times.”

“I’m not planning on going anywhere. I adore Emory.”

“I’m glad. He adores you too. Hey, are you busy tomorrow during the day?”

I frown. “No. Why?”

“Would you be able to meet me in town?”

“Yes, but why?”

The bathroom door opens.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow,” Casey says.

“Mysterious. But okay.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Emory asks as he joins us on the sofa.

“You,” I deadpan.

“We were swapping notes on how awesome you are,” Casey says.

“Stop making me blush.”

“But it’s so easy,” I say.

“It’s true,” Casey says.

“And now you’re ganging up on me. No fair.”

I laugh at the mock indignation in Emory’s voice. I hug and kiss him. “Are we going to watch the rest of the film?”

He presses Play and cuddles up to me.

The second half is mildly funnier than the first. Emory laughs through most of it. Casey and I chuckle a few times too. Towards the last third of the film, Casey’s head nods, and then he relaxes against me. His body crumples in sleep, and he ends up with his head in my lap.

Emory pauses the film. “Should we wake him?”

“He’s fine. As long as you’re fine with him falling asleep on me?” I put my hand on Casey’s shoulder.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”