Intermediate Thermodynamics: A Romantic Comedy (Chemistry Lessons Book 2)

by Susannah Nix

  “Did something happen at work?”

  She made herself stop staring at his legs. “Sexism happened.”

  “Can you be more specific? It’s my understanding sexism happens every day.”

  Esther sighed again, scraping at the beer label with her thumb. “This guy at work fucked something up, but because he’s bros with the team leads, I’m the one who has to redo a bunch of stuff to fix it.”

  “You’re right, that does suck.”

  “But when I try to point out his bullshit, I’m the one who’s not a team player.”

  Jonathan shut his laptop and set it on the table next to him. “So, some other guy screwed up, but you’re the one who looks bad for calling him out?”

  Something was different about him today, other than the shorts. She couldn’t put her finger on it.

  “Pretty much, yeah.” Her eyes went to his legs again. What was with her? Drooling over a glimpse of calf like a sex-starved Victorian duke in a romance novel.

  He shook his head in commiseration. “That is totally sexist.”

  “Thank you.”

  He wasn’t smoking—that was what was different. There was no cigarette smell hovering around him, and no butts lying nearby. Had he really quit because she’d told him she didn’t like it?

  She looked away, watching a wasp hover over the surface of the pool. “That’s not even the worst thing that happened today. My brother called. Our mom’s losing her apartment.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah.” She took another swallow of beer. “Her landlord’s selling the building. Seattle’s so expensive, I don’t know how we’re going to find anything in her budget.” She could feel the grinding edge of anxiety building already, and tried to push it out of her mind. This was why she needed company tonight. To distract her from tormenting herself over something she couldn’t control.

  “What are you going to do?”

  She shrugged. “Sulk. Stress. Drink.” With you, hopefully.

  She was about to ask if he wanted to join her when he said, “You should come out with me tonight.”

  She looked over at him, startled. “What?” It sounded like he was asking her out on a date.

  “Some friends of mine are having a party tonight. You should come.”

  Oh. Not a date, then. He already had plans.

  She rolled her eyes to disguise how disappointed she was. “Pass.”

  “It’ll cheer you up. Come on.”

  She took another swig of beer to soothe the tightness in her throat. “I don’t think hanging out with a bunch of writers is going to cheer me up. No offense.”

  “They’re not all writers. These are my undergrad friends. They’re cool. You’ll like them.”

  She seriously doubted that. Even if they were the coolest of the cool, Esther plus party rarely equaled a good time. She wasn’t into making small talk with people she didn’t know unless there was a likelihood of sex in it for her at the end of the night. Even then, it was an ordeal. A gauntlet she had to run to claim the prize. She wasn’t in the mood for gauntlets tonight.

  “Come on, what else are you going to do tonight? Sit around your apartment alone feeling sorry for yourself?”

  That was exactly what she was going to do. “Did you not hear my sulking and drinking plan?”

  His face crinkled with concerned disapproval. “Don’t do that. Come out with me and drink around other people. It’ll be more fun.” He leaned over and nudged her arm. “You know you don’t want to be alone.”

  She didn’t. But she had no desire to go to a party either. She wanted to have him all to herself.

  But she couldn’t very well ask him not to go. If she wanted to spend time with him, it would have to be on his terms.

  She blew out a breath through her front teeth. “Fine.”

  Esther couldn’t believe she was putting on more godforsaken makeup. Fresh foundation and blush and an extra coat of mascara. A darker lipstick than the tinted balm she wore to work. She’d even let her hair down and taken a curling iron to the ends. And changed into a pair of skinny jeans and a low-cut top with a coordinating scarf.

  She’d wound up going to more trouble than she would have if she’d gone out with Jinny tonight.

  Her carefully laid plan to spend the night snuggling on the couch with Jonathan had fallen to shambles. Not that she’d necessarily planned on snuggling with him. It was just that his limbs were long and her couch was only so big. Some physical contact was inevitable.

  Well, she didn’t have to worry about that now. She’d be spending her evening trying to think of interesting things to say to strangers. Joy.

  The way Jonathan’s eyes bulged when Esther opened the door made the effort she’d put into her appearance worth it. His gaze dropped furtively to her chest then quickly away again, giving her a sharp thrill of satisfaction.

  He’d dressed up too. “I almost didn’t recognize you without a hat on,” she said, smirking at him. In addition to losing the beanie, he’d changed into a dark blue denim button down and black pants with ankle boots. Esther was getting to see Date Jonathan tonight.

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Funny.”

  “Don’t do that.” She reached up to smooth his hair back down. “I like your hair. You should show it off more often.” It was thick and silky soft, and it made her want to bury her fingers in it.

  His mouth dimpled in surprise. “Really?”

  She forced herself to stop petting his hair and dropped her hand to her side. “Yeah, really.”

  His eyes slid up and down the length of her body, lingering on her cleavage again before skimming away. He cleared his throat, blushing a little. “You look very nice.”

  My god, he was adorable. He smelled nice too. Clean and masculine, like some kind of piney soap, with no trace of cigarette smoke on him. She could get used to Date Jonathan.

  She stepped outside and locked her apartment. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” As much as she appreciated Date Jonathan, the prospect of this stupid party filled her with dread. The only upside to the ordeal was that she’d be there with him.

  “Don’t be negative,” he said. “You’re going to have fun.” He waited for her to stuff her keys in her pocket before presenting his arm like they were attending a cotillion. “I promise.”

  She took his arm and let him lead her away. Like a lamb to the slaughter.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The sun was a blinding orange blaze in the rearview mirror as Jonathan drove toward downtown. The farther east they got, the more nervous Esther got. She sank into a moody silence and turned her face to the window, watching the palm trees and shiny glass buildings glide by in the coppery light.

  By the time they found a parking space on the crowded Echo Park street where the party was being held, it was full dark and growing slightly chilly. A brisk wind blew in, smelling faintly of tar, and Esther wished she’d brought a sweater.

  “Who are these people again?” she asked as they walked the three blocks up the street to the party.

  Jonathan cut a sideways look at her and reached for her hand. Warmth seeped into her skin from his palm, bolstering her courage a little. “This is Kelsey and her girlfriend Devika’s place.”

  Esther leaned into him, angling to absorb more of his warmth. “Kelsey and Devika,” she repeated, trying to memorize the names. Why had she let him talk her into this? She was terrible at parties; she didn’t even like them when she was in a good mood. She hated trying to get people to like her. They were probably going to hate her anyway, and Jonathan would abandon her in favor of his friends, and she’d end up standing awkwardly by the food all night.

  She should have stayed home with her cat. Sally liked her without expecting her to be friendly and interesting.

  Jonathan glanced at her again and put his arm around her shoulders, gathering her to his side. He smelled like warm cotton and whatever woodsy soap he used. She nestled into him shamelessly, craving the contac
t even though it wasn’t that cold.

  “The party’s for my friend Lacey.” His fingers smoothed down the inside of her arm as he led her around the side of a beige stucco building. “She just got accepted into the LAPD training academy.”

  Esther nodded. “Lacey, police academy.”

  He dropped his arm and took her hand again as they ascended a flight of rusty metal stairs. “Lacey’s girlfriend, who’s also hosting the party, is named Tessa.”

  “Tessa. Got it.” She glanced at him. “How do you know so many lesbians anyway?”

  His mouth dimpled. “I’ve known Kelsey and Lacey since my freshman year at UCLA, and they’re not lesbians, they’re bisexual. Lacey just came out a few months ago, so be cool.”

  “I’m cool,” Esther said as they stopped in front of a green door. There was music coming from inside, and voices and laughter. “Kelsey and Devika. Lacey and Tessa.” She should probably be writing all this down. She was bad with names. If she didn’t learn them in advance, she’d never be able to remember them.

  Jonathan gave her hand a squeeze. “It’s going to be fine. They’re going to love you and you’re going to have a great time tonight. Trust me.”

  She pressed her lips together and nodded, unconvinced.

  He squeezed her hand once more before knocking.

  The door was thrown open by a woman who looked like she should be painted on the side of a WWII fighter plane. “Johnny!” she shouted, and threw her arms around Jonathan’s neck.

  Johnny. Esther had never thought of him as a Johnny before.

  His hand fell away from Esther’s to return the woman’s hug, and he wrapped his long arms around her waist. “Hey, Kels.” He was smiling when he let go of her.

  Esther had shrunk back, but he snaked his arm around her shoulders again, drawing her forward. “This is Esther. Esther, Kelsey.”

  Kelsey’s eyebrows lifted and she beamed a perfect red-lipsticked smile at Esther. “Esther! What a fantastic name!”

  “Thanks.” Kelsey, Esther repeated in her head. Kelsey the pin-up girl.

  Kelsey stepped back, gesturing them inside. “Drinks are over there.” She waved toward the small kitchen, which was packed with people jostling for access to the fridge. “Food’s on the dining table, and the guest of honor’s in the living room, last I saw.”

  “Come on,” Jonathan said, steering Esther into the crowd. “Let’s say hi to Lacey.”

  People were jammed in like sardines near the door, and Esther pressed her body against his as they squeezed through a narrow gap.

  “Johnny?” she said, arching an eyebrow at him once they had a little more breathing room.

  He gave her a sheepish shrug. “It was freshman year.”

  It was less crowded in the living rom. Just a few smaller groups talking over the indie music being played on a speaker hooked up to someone’s phone.

  “Lacey!” Jonathan called out, waving to someone on the couch.

  An intimidatingly fit Latina woman jumped up to greet them. “You made it!”

  Jonathan let go of Esther and gave Lacey a hug vigorous enough to lift her off the floor. “Of course I made it! I’m so proud of you!”

  “Who’s your friend?” Lacey asked, eying Esther when he set her down.

  Jonathan made the introductions, and Lacey smiled as she stuck out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Congratulations,” Esther said. “The police academy, that’s really cool.”

  Lacey shrugged. “My dad’s a cop, so I’m a legacy.”

  “Don’t listen to her,” Jonathan told Esther. “Lacey’s a total badass. She could probably kill me with one of her thumbs.”

  “I’d need both of them to do a really good job,” Lacey said wryly.

  “Yeah, well, study hard,” he said. “I’m going to be using you as a source from now on whenever I need to write about police procedure.”

  “Oh god.” Lacey groaned as she turned to Esther. “Has he roped you into helping him with one of his scripts yet?”

  “Actually, yes,” Esther replied, feeling herself smile.

  “It never stops.” Lacey waved to someone on the other side of the room. “Tessa! Come meet Johnny!”

  Esther smirked at Jonathan and he rolled his eyes.

  “Hello,” said the slender blonde who joined them, slipping her arm around Lacey.

  “This is my friend Johnny,” Lacey said to Tessa. “We went to college together.”

  “Jonathan,” he corrected, shaking Tessa’s hand. “No one calls me Johnny anymore.”

  Lacey punched him in the arm. “I call you Johnny. And so does Kelsey.”

  He rubbed his arm, wincing. “You’re the only ones besides my sisters.”

  “This is Johnny’s friend Esther,” Lacey told Tessa.

  “Hello,” Tessa said warmly. She had a surprisingly strong grip for her size.

  “Lacey says you’re a yoga instructor?” Jonathan said to her.

  Tessa nodded. “And a massage therapist.” That explained the iron grip, then.

  “I should book an appointment with you,” Jonathan said. “I get this crick in my neck sometimes from hunching over the keyboard.”

  “Get my number from Lacey. I’d be happy to work on you.” Tessa smiled at Esther. “What about you, Esther, what do you do?”

  “She’s a rocket scientist,” Jonathan said before she could answer. He was beaming like a proud parent.

  “No shit?” Lacey said, eyes widening.

  “Aerospace engineer,” Esther said. “But yeah, kind of.”

  “That’s so cool!”

  “I’m gonna go get us some drinks,” Jonathan said. “Who needs a refill?” Lacey and Tessa both shook their heads. “Beer?” he asked Esther.

  She nodded. “Yeah, thanks.” Shit. He was already leaving her on her own.

  “I’ve got a friend who works for an aerospace company,” Lacey said. “Two friends, actually. They’re supposed to be here.”

  “How long have you and Jonathan been together?” Tessa asked.

  Esther felt her face redden. “Oh, we’re not—we’re just friends. Actually, we’re neighbors.”

  Tessa smiled. “Right.”

  “How about you two?” Esther asked, shifting the subject off her and Jonathan.

  Lacey laughed. “That’s a complicated question.”

  “Sorry.” Great. Here five minutes and she’d already put her foot in it.

  “It’s fine,” Tessa said, laying her hand on Esther’s arm. “We started seeing each other before Lacey came out, is all. So officially, it’s only been a few months, but really more like a year.”

  “Wow,” Esther said. “A year, that’s a long time.”

  Jonathan had gotten sucked into a conversation with someone in the kitchen. Esther could see him in there, holding two drinks and chatting happily away.

  “Hey, Devika!” Lacey called out. “Come meet Johnny’s friend Esther. She’s a rocket scientist.”

  “No shit?” said a tall black woman with copper braids.

  “Devika? This is your place, right?” Esther said, proud of herself for remembering.

  “Yeah, me and Kelsey. Did you meet Kelsey yet?”

  Esther nodded. “She let us in.”

  “Devika’s a pediatric nurse,” Tessa said.

  “That’s really cool,” Esther said, and Devika shrugged.

  She could already feel the conversation petering out. Lacey’s attention was on something across the room, and the other two wore the sort of bland smiles you offered to someone you’d rather not be talking to. Any second now, they’d wander off and she’d be left by herself.

  Jonathan had made it halfway back from the kitchen, but he was talking to someone else now. He seemed to know everyone here. Unlike Esther, who knew no one.

  Lacey excused herself to go greet some other party guests, but Devika and Tessa stayed with Esther. Devika mentioned that Kelsey was an actor. She’d played a dead body on a network procedura
l, which was pretty cool. Chris O’Donnell had knelt over her and talked about blood spatter. Then she and Tessa started talking about someone else at the party. Someone Esther didn’t know. But at least they hadn’t abandoned her. After a minute, Tessa smiled at her as if she’d noticed she was feeling left out, and complimented her scarf.

  Esther had made it herself. They seemed excited to discover she could knit. Tessa said she’d always wanted to learn. Devika said her mother had tried to teach her, but she didn’t have the patience for it—or maybe it was her mother she hadn’t had the patience for. They all laughed.

  The conversation stayed on knitting until Jonathan finally made his way back and slipped a beer bottle into Esther’s hand. After that, things were a little easier.

  They talked about movies for a while, and it turned out Tessa and Devika shared a lot of Esther’s opinions. Jonathan tried to make a case for some turgid Australian art film being the best thing he’d seen this year, but the three women united against him in favor of the latest Marvel movie.

  “Oh, hey, there’s Melody,” Tessa said after a while, tugging Devika away. “Let’s go say hi.”

  “Shit.” Jonathan muttered, sidling around so his back was to the door. “I didn’t know she’d be here.” He took a swig of beer.

  “Who?” Esther craned her neck for a better look at the person who’d just come in.

  “Melody. Lacey set me up on a blind date with her a few months ago.”

  Oooh, interesting. She was cute. With the glasses and the long hair, she looked a little like Supergirl’s alter ego Kara Danvers.

  “I’m guessing it didn’t work out,” Esther said, based on the way he seemed to be trying to fade into the ficus.

  “Not so much, no.”

  “Who’s she with? Is that her boyfriend?” Melody’s date looked vaguely familiar, but Esther couldn’t place him. Maybe he was an actor? He was good-looking enough to be on TV.