whether Kate was Farahnaz’s or Colin’s friend. Better not burn any bridges with the first normal person in this lab.
Kate nodded, understanding. “It’s a big adjustment, joining a new lab. Let me know if I can help you out. I know it can seem intimidating to not know where to find things, and not wanting to bother anyone.”
Lia smiled at her new friend. “Thank you, I really appreciate that.”
They walked down the tiny sidewalks in Cambridge, squeezing through the thick crowds of college students. Lia felt someone shuffle into line behind her. She turned, startled. Colin. Crap. Her heart skipped a beat. She walked faster. “Let’s go ahead,” she said to Kate.
Kate frowned. “Why?”
“I want to get away from the crowd,” Lia explained. Her eyes darted sideways.
Kate turned around, in the direction that Lia’s eyes were looking. “Oooh.” Her eyes softened. “Come.” She grabbed Lia’s arm and pushed through the crowd until they were well ahead of Colin.
The group turned into the Moose Ale Brewery and Restaurant. It was dark inside and the smell of beer was overpowering. Maybe I should have eaten something this morning. Lia’s stomach grumbled.
She followed the group into a side room, which was even darker than the main room. All sorts of dead animals adorned the walls. The face of a moose stared at Lia as she sat down next to Kate.
“Creepy.”
Kate laughed. “After a few beers, it won’t bother you.”
“You want some onion rings?” she asked Lia.
“That sounds awesome.” Her tummy grumbled. She was so hungry that watching her calories was the last thing on her mind. She bit into a crunchy onion ring. Ahhh.
Out of the corner of her eye, Lia saw a tall, brooding figure. Even in the shadows, she knew it was him. He was standing next to the bar. Ordering a drink? Lia’s chest felt tight and she quivered inside. Why does he get to me so much? She turned her head to look away, when the figure of a tall woman with long and shiny black hair caught her eye. Farahnaz? Oh God. She sucked in her breath.
“You ok?” Kate asked.
“Mmm hmm.” Lia couldn’t bring herself to speak.
She couldn’t keep her eyes off her. Farahnaz sauntered over to where Colin was standing. She draped her arm around him casually. Her head was right up against his. It looked they were conspiring or sharing a secret. Colin leaned back. Is he laughing at what she said?
Colin stood up and stretched. He said something to Farahnaz and walked towards the table reserved for the lab lunch. Lia wished she could turn invisible. She sat there, frozen.
“Hi.” Oh god, he’s here. “Lia?”
“Yeah?” What does he want?
“Can I ask you something?” His voice sounded unsure.
“Um, I’m kind of busy here.”
“Please?” His breaths were short and fast.
“I’m fine,” she said, her resolve still strong.
“Please, just a second.” His brown eyes pleaded with her.
“Okay, but quickly.”
He pointed over to a corner next to the restrooms. “Let’s go there, it’s quieter.” She stood up and walked over to the spot he had pointed out next to the bar.
Now that she had to look at him, she Lia saw that he was wearing dark jeans and a light blue shirt that made him look boyishly cute. Cute, but taken. And cheating apparently.
“I’m, so sorry about the other day—”
“It’s fine,” she interrupted.
“It was a mistake.”
Lia felt the humiliation rising inside her. Of course. He has an actual girlfriend.
“Yes, it was.” She stood there, glaring at him. “Are we done?”
Colin cleared his throat and took a deep breath. He cleared his throat.
“Um, well you want to have dinner?” He looked down, waiting.
“What?” She practically spat at him. “No thanks.”
What now, he expected her to just fall into his net like other women did? He was hot and cold, with no rhyme or reason. He had kissed her, but it was a mistake, and now he wanted to go out to