Page 56 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

I will my feet to go faster, but they’re already fighting me. My legs scream for rest. I ignore them. The more I push, the more the fire in my muscles burns away my frustration, and I want it turned to ash.

If I stop, though, it’ll come back. So, I keep going, because I may not be able to run away from Sam, but I can run until I’m too exhausted to think about him anymore.

***

On Tuesday, as I anxiously await Dr. Hinkle’s arrival, I chew off all of my fingernails. Even though I haven’t seen Sam since we bit each other’s heads off Friday night, I’m still not ready to face him. Nor do I want to. Running helped, but when I was finished, I was right back where I started? embarrassed over the mistaken kiss and seething anger from our argument.

Maybe, since it’s midterm week and this is an optional lab day, he won’t show. I’m here because extra lab time pads my accolades on the internship application, and I’ll do anything to get ahead of him on that front. That intern spot is mine, has been for years. I won’t give it up easily.

As lab time inches closer, a few other students walk up, but Sam isn’t one of them. A weight lifts from my shoulders. Maybe my luck is changing.

Think again, Brynn.

Sam strides around the corner, but he’s not alone. Walking in step with him is Maya, and she’s doing her best rendition of a coquette. She flips her hair, laughs at Sam’s every word, and goes as far to touch his forearm at least a dozen times. It’s sickening. Especially because he soaks it all up. His ego must be the size of a watermelon right now.

When they reach the door, Sam stops. “Hey, Brynn.”

“Hey,” I say through a clenched jaw. I don’t want to, but when I look up, I meet his amenable gaze and inwardly shrink.

“So, Sam. What were you saying about The Broncos? I think football is so cool.” Maya all but pulls on his arm, tearing his gaze from mine.

Even if she does like football, her obvious attempt to steal Sam’s attention makes me want to gag. As does his quick reaction. He doesn’t even hesitate to resume their conversation.

Whatever. I’m just glad to have the focus taken off me. Sam strode up here all nonchalant, like nothing happened last week, and it’s so fucking irritating. I hate how unaffected he is by all this, and yet, here I am, stewing over something as dumb as a petty argument. I don’t let things go very easily, but maybe this is one time I should. Sam’s not worth me fretting about.

Maya can have him.

When Dr. Hinkle finally arrives, only half of the lab class is present, so he gives us all individual assignments, and I couldn’t be happier. This is my time to shine. I don’t have to worry about sharing the work with my lab partner, or waiting for another group member to finish their calculations. I can simply do my work without any annoying interruptions.

“Aw, boo.” Maya pouts. “My lab partner is so helpful. Will you still check my answers, Sam?” she asks, batting her lashes.

“Of course.”

I glance at Sam to see a self-satisfied smile on his face, and I want to puke. I don’t know what’s worse; Maya’s constant, obvious flirting, or the fact that he doesn’t seem to get his fill of it. If this continues too long, I might actually be sick.

“Besides Maya, you’re easy to work with. Some people can be as stubborn as a mule.” Arrogance drips from Sam’s words, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of reacting.

Instead, I dive into the assignment. It’s fairly straightforward. We are to write out our steps and show our measurements and calculations before performing the actual experiment. No problem.

As I’m listing out the amount of chemicals to be used, Maya’s giggling infiltrates my ears. I look up through my lashes and find Sam leaning toward her, his mouth next to her face as he whispers something.

“Oh, Sam. Stop,” Maya playfully whines before giving him a light smack with the back of her hand.

I narrow my eyes. This amount of philandering is a bit much, even for them. I wonder if there’s more here than meets the eye?

Telling myself that I don’t care, I decide to show Sam that I’m perfectly capable of ignoring him, and turn to Micah. “Hey, do you want to work on the next part together?”

My lab partner does a double take at me. “You want to work with me? On an individual assignment?”

“Sure, why not?” I ask, but it’s clear I’m out of my element. If I could work alone on every experiment, I would, and everyone knows it. Micah’s reaction is completely understandable.

His gaze flicks from me to his paper. “Um, okay. This is what I have so far.”

As he slides his work toward me, I note the jumbled mess of calculations. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to his organization. With a sigh, I try not to sound condescending as I suggest ways to keep the information neat. I’m honestly trying to help, but Micah seems to be a bit sensitive whenever he receives criticism.

He pulls his paper back. “On second thought, I’ll just finish it up myself. Thanks, though.”

I deflate, my shoulders sagging, so I put my focus back on my work. Maybe try to focus is the better way to put it. Between Maya’s giggles and Sam’s whispers, I can’t concentrate long enough to get anything done. Reaching into my backpack, I pull out my earbuds and pop them in. As I click the play icon on my phone, I’m basked in sweet melodies instead of shameless flirtation, and I’m back on track.

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