Page 132 of Pinch

“Wow.” Timothy’s brows rise. “You’re really pregnant.”

I want to pop him in the mouth for that crack, but Haddy takes it in stride.

“I sure am!” She puts a hand on her belly and rubs it up and down. “She’s an active little lady.”

“Hey there, Tim.” I step up beside her, putting a large hand on her shoulder. “What’s your deal here, anyway?”

“Mydeal?” His tone is so condescending, I want to pull that sweater over his head backwards. “Do you mean myfield of research?”

“Sure.” I stand straighter, emphasizing our height difference. “Let’s go with that.”

“Tickling.”

The room falls silent, and I’m not sure if he’s making a joke. I glance at Haddy, who’s biting her lip and lining up the things she brought here. She could’ve warned me.

“I’m sorry… Did you say tickling?”

“I did.” His tone is defiant.

“No offense, but what are you researching when it comes to tickling?”

“None taken, hockey boy.” This guy. He has the balls to slap my shoulder, and I gotta hand it to him, I’m impressed by his bravery. “Have you ever wondered why you can’t tickle yourself?”

“Not really.”

“And how there are some people who aren’t ticklish at all? While others can barely stand to be touched in certain places?”

My eyes narrow. “Is that something you can study?”

“Yes, it is.” All of a sudden Timothy is as excited as Haddy gets about wind. “The results are directly correlated to increasing tactile responses in babies with autism spectrum disorder. Basically, we’re making autistic children laugh.”

That stops me. I lower my arms, finding a new respect for this nerd.

“Well, hell, Tim, that’s pretty fucking amazing.” I shake my head. “You never said you were helping babies, too.”

“You never gave me the chance.” He sniffs like he’s offended, like he wasn’t the one always leaving the minute I showed up. “I wanted to share the lab with Hayden because of the crossover nature of our work.”

“Does that really cross over?”Nice try, Mr. Rewriting History.

He wanted to share the lab because he’s got the hots for my future wife, and we all know it.

He shrugs. “We’re both working to help children.”

I look over at Haddy, who’s continuing to pack without joining the conversation. She’s very focused… and possibly trying not to laugh.

“That’s very cool, Timothy. Keep up the good work.”

“You’ve never used my full name before.” He blinks a few times.

“I was wrong about you.” I hold out a hand to shake. “I’m sorry I underestimated you. If you ever want to come to a hockey game, just let Haddy know. We’ll get you in for free.”

“Thanks…” I can’t tell if he’ll do it, but I pick up the box of Haddy’s things.

“Good luck with your studies.” Haddy steps forward to give him a polite hug.

I notice she’s been very different around him this visit,and I’m not sure if it’s for my benefit or if something happened.

Then he stops her. “I thought it was shitty that they took your scholarship away… and your crown.”