Vivienne:Are you serious?
I chuckle. This girl is way too gullible.
Nate:No, of course not.
My reply is met with a thumbs down.
Vivienne:You’re not funny.
Nate:People tell me otherwise.
Vivienne:I’ve heard that one before. It’s time you came up with better lines.
Nate:What can I say? I’m at a loss for words whenever I’m in your orbit.
Vivienne:Orbit? To be in someone’s orbit, you have to be close enough to be drawn in.
The three little typing dots flicker, vanish, then reappear before her follow-up message finally comes.
Vivienne:Tell me you aren’t standing outside the lab.
I snort.
That woman is so paranoid, but I’ll admit her instincts are off the charts. Little does she know, she just handed me a clue to her whereabouts.
Nate:Maybe or maybe not. Depends what you’re up to.
The text earns me another thumbs down.
I wait for her to respond, but the reply never comes.
Nate:What are you up to?
Vivienne:I’m not giving you more information than you already have. I can’t have you finding out where I am.
I groan in frustration because she’s making this way harder than it should be. Plus, she said it herself—if we want this fake relationship to work, we’re going to have to communicate.
Nate:I’m trying to make it up to you.
Vivienne:Oh.
Nate:Yeah, oh.
A quiet guilt lingers behind her word, and I can tell her hard exterior is slowly cracking.
As strong as her armor is, Vivienne Brown has a soft heart. I got a small taste of that myself when she was comforting me at the gym, and now, for some odd reason, I’d do anything to see that side of her more.
Vivienne:I’m currently listening to the postdoc present his research update at our biweekly group meetings.
Nate:And how is it going?
Vivienne:Can’t say I’m interested. Why do you think I’m texting you?
My eyes roll in amusement.
That’s another thing to note about Vivienne. She’ll never back down from some great teasing.
Nate:Ouch. Are you saying I’m a second thought? That really hurt to know, my love.
