Page 140 - The Love Hypothesis

pointed at the target protein. “This—it shouldn’t . . .”

He nodded, thoughtful. “You’re sure the starting sample was good? And
the gel?”
“Yep, not runny, or dried out.”

“It looks like the antibody might be the problem.”
She looked up at him. “You think so?”

“Yep. I’d check the dilution and the buffer. If not that, it might also be a
wonky secondary antibody. Come by my lab if it still doesn’t work; you can

borrow ours. Same for other pieces of equipment or supplies. If there’s
anything you need, just ask my lab manager.”

“Oh, wow. Thank you.” She smiled. “Now I’m actually a bit sorry that I
can’t have you on my dissertation committee. Perhaps rumors of your
cruelty have been greatly exaggerated.”

His mouth twitched. “Maybe you just pull out the best in me?”
She grinned. “Then maybe I should stick around. Just, you know, to save

the department from your terrible moods?”
He glanced at the picture of the failed Western blot in her hand. “Well, it

doesn’t look like you’re going to graduate anytime soon.”
She half laughed, half gasped. “Oh my God. Did you just—?”

“Objectively—”
“This is the rudest, meanest thing—” She was laughing. Holding her
stomach as she waved her finger at him.

“—based on your blotting—”
“—that anyone could ever say to a Ph.D. student. Ever.”

“I think I can find meaner things. If I really put myself to it.”
“We’re done.” She wished she weren’t smiling. Then maybe he’d take

her seriously instead of just looking at her with that patient, amused
expression. “Seriously. It was nice while it lasted.” She made to stand and

leave indignantly, but he grabbed the sleeve of her shirt and gently tugged
at it until she was sitting down again, next to him on the narrow couch—
maybe even a little closer than before. She continued glaring, but he

regarded her blandly, clearly unperturbed.