Page 272 - The Love Hypothesis

Olive briefly fantasized about Holden texting Adam the equivalent of

what Olive and Anh had been subjected to for the past two hours, and
smiled. “How bad is it?”
“Bad?”

“This thing between Malcolm and Holden?”
“Ah.” Adam leaned his shoulder against the wall, folding his arms

across his chest. “I think it can be very good. For Holden, at least. He really
likes Malcolm.”

“Did he tell you?”
“He hasn’t shut up about it.” He rolled his eyes. “Did you know that

Holden is secretly twelve?”
She laughed. “So is Malcolm. He dates a lot, and he’s usually good at
managing expectations, but this thing with Holden—I had a sandwich for

lunch and he randomly volunteered that Holden is allergic to peanuts. It
wasn’t even PB and J!”

“He’s not allergic, he fakes it because he doesn’t like nuts.” He
massaged his temple. “This morning I woke up to a haiku about Malcolm’s

elbows. Holden had texted it at three a.m.”
“Was it good?”

He lifted one eyebrow, and she laughed again.
“They are . . .”
“The worst.” Adam shook his head. “But I think Holden might need it.

Someone to care about, who also cares about him.”
“Malcolm, too. I’m just . . . concerned that he might want more than

Holden is willing to offer?”
“Believe me, Holden is very ready to file taxes jointly.”

“Good. I’m glad.” She smiled. And then felt her smile fade, just as
quickly. “One-sided relationships are really . . . not good.” I would know.

And maybe you would, too.
He studied his own palm, undoubtedly thinking about the woman
Holden had mentioned. “No. No, they’re not.”

It was a weird kind of ache, the jealousy. Confusing, unfamiliar, not
something she was used to. Half cutting, half disorienting and aimless, so