Page 45 of Ancient History

“Today I’m going over how to combine chemical equations and getting into the transitive properties of metallic alloys.”

“That’s…awesome.” I wished I remembered more about my science classes. I took the maxim that we wouldn’t need it in real life to heart.

“There are so many chemicals in real life that people don’t even know about. Chemistry is the bonds that hold us together, quite literally.”

“That’s poetic.” I took a step back to admire what Chase had written on the board. I didn’t understand it, but I admired the way his brain worked and the passion and artistry involved in science. I had really interesting friends.

“What’s up?” he asked, brushing chalk dust off his shirt, which only smeared it around.

I handed over my phone, open to the Notes app with the snack list. “I wanted to make sure we had your favorites there. I’m going to attempt to make spinach artichoke dip, your favorite.”

“You can just get the store brand.”

“Nah. You love that Ina Garten recipe.”

“Thanks, Amos,” he said, touched. Only the best for my friends. He handed back my phone. “I’m already hungry reading this list.” He bit his lip slightly. “Is it cool if I add to the party list?”

“Yeah.” I wasn’t a hosting dominatrix who needed to tightly control a party. Social gatherings were fluid, which made them fun. “The more, the merrier.”

“I invited Raleigh.”

We shared a laugh. “Does Everett know?”

“Maybe you could break the news?”

I nodded yes. I would take that hit.

“He’s cool. We’ve gotten to know each other during our free period this year. I’m helping him infuse some mathematics into his defensive and offensive plays.”

Before he taught chemistry, Chase was a math teacher. He was easily the smartest person I knew. If he was more versed in pop culture, he would kill onJeopardy!.

“Cool. Anyone else?”

“Yeah. Hutch.”

“Oh. You invited Hutch?” I asked, wanting to make sure I wasn’t mishearing.

“Yeah. I liked hanging out with him at Remix. I went ahead and invited him today.”

I felt a little guilty for not being the one to invite Hutch. It’d been on my mind all week, but I hesitated over saying anything. Were we friends that hung out outside school? Were we even friends?

Hutch would be in my apartment. In close proximity to my bedroom. Why my mind instantly went there was something I would not be unpacking anytime soon.

“So it’s cool that I invited him?” Chase asked.

“Sure!”

14

HUTCH

Was it sad that this was my first party in…I tried doing the math in my head but it got too depressing.

Pop was at a poker night with his buddies, the first one he’d been up to attending post-hospital. I ordered him to stay away from the booze and cigars. He was relieved that I wasn’t sitting home alone tonight. That made two of us.

The doorbell rang. I hustled downstairs and yanked open my front door.

“You’re not ready?” Raleigh asked, eyeing my white undershirt and unbuttoned jeans.

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