Page 72 of The Equation of Us
“Yes, you have.” She stands, pulling me up with her. “Come on. Let’s find you something that says ‘I’m still mad about the library incident but also want to jump your bones.’”
I let her lead me toward our dorm, torn between exasperation and gratitude. Maybe she’s right. Maybe this thing with Dean is worth the risk, worth breaking a few rules.
Or maybe I’m rationalizing, looking for permission to do what I want despite the consequences.
Either way, I have until 9 p.m. to figure it out.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Unexpected Inconveniences
Nora
The dining hall buzzes with the usual Thursday night chaos—students crowded around tables with textbooks propped against water bottles, the basketball team occupying the corner tables, their laughter carrying across the room. I spot Sadie’s pink hair immediately, her arm waving me over to where she and Daphne have claimed a table near the windows.
“Finally,” Sadie says as I set my tray down. “I was about to send a search party.”
“Sorry,” I slide into the empty chair. “Wexler kept me late going over data.”
“Nora and her oxytocin,” Daphne says with a smile. “The love hormone that’s stealing all her free time.”
I return her smile weakly, guilt twisting in my stomach. It’s not oxytocin research stealing my time lately, but the actual effects of the hormone itself—the attachment, the bonding, the physical pleasure of being with Dean.
Breathe, Nora.
“How’s James?” I ask, deliberately changing the subject as I unwrap my sandwich.
Daphne’s face lights up. “Really good, actually. He’s meeting my parents next weekend.”
“Wow,” Sadie raises her eyebrows. “The parental introduction. Things are getting serious.”
“I think they are,” Daphne admits, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “He’s… different. In a good way. Uncomplicated.”
I take a bite of my sandwich to avoid responding. Uncomplicated is exactly what Daphne wanted—exactly what Dean isn’t. The reminder should make me feel better about our relationship, but instead, it just intensifies the guilt.
“Oh, before I forget,” Daphne says, setting down her fork. “How’s the tutoring going with Dean? Is he actually applying himself these days?”
My heart stutters. “It’s going well,” I say carefully. “He’s actually really smart when he focuses. His biomechanics understanding is impressive.”
“That sounds like him,” Daphne nods. “Brilliant when he cares about something, completely checked out when he doesn’t.” She takes a sip of her water. “Do either of you have plans to see him soon? For tutoring or whatever?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I left my favorite sweater at his place ages ago—you know, the cashmere one my mom got me for Christmas? I just remembered it, and with the weather getting cooler again this week…” She shrugs.
Sadie shoots me a look that screamsTell her now!I ignore it.
“I have a tutoring session tomorrow,” I say, the lie slipping out easily. In truth, I’m supposed to see Dean tonight, but Daphne doesn’t need to know that.
“Would you mind asking him about it? No rush, just whenever.”
“Sure,” I say, my voice overly casual. “No problem.”
Just kill me.
“Thanks.” Daphne returns to her salad. “I’ve been meaning to get it back for weeks, but it’s been so weird with the breakup and everything.”
“Of course,” I say, feeling like the worst friend in the world. “I’ll check with Dean.”
