Page 60 of Things We Do for Love and Science
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Gabriel followed Deliathrough the dimly lit corridor to her friend Sandra’s living room. Music pumped from the speakers, and the room was already packed to the rafters with people. He knew nobody but her.
Maybe it hadn’t been such a good idea to come, since he couldn’t stay glued to her side all evening. There’d be no choice but to mingle and make conversation. He sighed. Dance music wasn’t his thing. His throat itched. The air was already pale with cigarette smoke. Who knew scientists smoked that much?
Delia looked at him. “Everything okay?” she shouted over the din.
“Yes.” He gave her a tight smile, unsure how she wanted him to behave or how much his posture and gestures were allowed to give away.
A petite, blonde woman made a beeline for them and hugged Delia tightly. “You’re here, finally.”
“Hi, Sandra, this is for you.” She held a gift bag aloft.
The other woman took it, gave Delia another hug, then focused her attention on him. “I see you brought your earl with you.” She released Delia. “Hi there, I’m Sandra, and you must be Gabriel.” She offered her hand, and he shook it.
“Ah, yes, lovely to meet you, but I hear you’ll be leaving us soon,” he said.
“Yes.” She clapped her hands. “And I’m glad you’re around so I don’t have to worry about Delia.”
He was momentarily stunned.How much does Sandra know?
She said something to Delia and tugged her away from him. “We’ll get the drinks. What would you like?” she called over her shoulder.
Gabriel cleared his throat. “Ah, a beer.”
“Excuse me, Lord Renwood.” Sandra put a hand on her hip. “You’ll have to be more specific:Kristallweizen, Dunkles Weizen, Pilsener, Alt, Kölsch,what’s it going to be?”
He raised both eyebrows and shot Delia a look.
“I’ll get you something,” she promised.
The muscles of his forehead loosened. “Thanks.”
When the two women were out of sight, a bearded, dark-haired man with a passing resemblance to the actor fromGame of Thronesapproached him. “Hi, I’m Johnny Snow, the nephew of Sandra’s boss. And you must be the Earl of Renwood.” He took a swig from a beer bottle.
Gabriel tilted his head. “I am, but I don’t think we’ve met before.”
“I know this sounds creepy, but my uncle has a picture of your ancestor in his office and you’re the spit of him.” Johnny shot him a lopsided grin. “Sorry, by the way, about my uncle’s obsession with your family’s genes.”
“Ah well, you know...” Gabriel gave a dismissive wave.
“You’re lucky Delia put an end to all further DNA requests, otherwise my uncle would have you digging up skeletons left, right, and center.” Johnny laughed.
Warmth spread through Gabriel’s chest. Delia had cared enough for him to rein in her boss. It must have cost her.
“How do you know Sandra?” Johnny asked.
“I don’t.” Gabriel shifted his weight to his other foot. “I’m here with Delia.”
“You’re together or something?”
The shock of having been asked a personal question by someone he barely knew, slowed Gabriel’s reaction. “No, we’re friends.” It felt like a lie. But that’s all they were—at least publicly.
Johnny took another gulp from the bottle he carried. “German beer is great stuff, mate, you should try it.”
“Delia is getting one for me.”
“You’re sure she’s not into you?” Johnny pointed the neck of the bottle at him. “Delia never brings guys along to parties.”
