Page 159 - The Love Hypothesis

“We’re out of the small size.” Anh stepped inside, rolling her eyes.

“Honestly, they never buy enough because I’m the only woman in the lab,
but it’s not like I don’t go through gloves as fast as—”
“No, why are you grossed out?”

Anh made a face and plucked two purple gloves from Olive’s stash.
“Because of how in love you are with Carlsen. Is it okay if I take a few

pairs?”
“What are you—” Olive blinked at her, still clutching her phone. Was

Anh going crazy? “I’m not in love with him.”
“Uh-huh, sure.” Anh finished stuffing her pockets with gloves and then

looked up, finally noticing Olive’s distressed expression. Her eyes widened.
“Hey, I was kidding! You’re not gross. I probably look the same when I’m
texting Jeremy. And it’s actually very sweet, how gone you are for him—”

“But I’m not. Gone.” Olive was starting to panic. “I don’t—It’s just—”
Anh pressed her lips together, as if biting back a smile. “Okay. If you

say so.”
“No, I’m serious. We’re just—”

“Dude, it’s okay.” Anh’s tone was reassuring and a little emotional. “It’s
just, you’re so amazing. And special. And honestly, my favorite person in

the whole world. But sometimes I get worried that no one but Malcolm and
me will ever get to experience how incredible you are. Well, until now.
Now I’m not worried anymore, because I’ve seen you and Adam together,

at the picnic. And in the parking lot. And . . . every other time, really.
You’re both crazy in love, and over the moon about it. It’s cute! Except that

first night,” she added, pensive. “I maintain that was pretty awkward.”
Olive stiffened. “Anh, it’s not like that. We’re just . . . dating. Casually.

Hanging out. Getting to know each other. We’re not . . .”
“Okay, sure. If you say so.” Anh shrugged, clearly not believing a word

of what Olive was saying. “Hey, I gotta go back to my bacterial culture. I’ll
come bug you when I’m on break, okay?”
Olive nodded slowly, watching her friend’s back as she headed for the

door. Olive’s heart skipped a beat when Anh paused and turned around, her
expression suddenly serious.