“My dissertation was on the regulation of gene expression, and now I am continuing that research,” Jenn said. “What about you?”
Luke explained his degree and dissertation before launching into the research he and Ash were working on. “Actually, Ash and I are working on this research together.”
Jenn turned her gaze to Ash. “I didn't know you had started doing research.”
Ash nodded. “Luke asked me to help with his project, and how could I say no? We learned our dissertations were so similar and thought it best to collaborate.”
Jenn smiled. “How did you two meet?”
Ash's palms went sweaty. They couldn't very well tell Jenn the truth, but thankfully, Luke swooped in with an answer. “We ran into each other in the hallway on the first day of classes and got to talking.”
Jenn laughed. “That's wonderful. I hope you two find success in your research. I can't wait to hear more about it. You'll be presenting at the poster session at the end of the year, won’t you?”
Luke smiled. “You can count on it. Well, we should get out of your hair, Jenn, so you can set up, but it was nice to meet you.”
Ash said their goodbyes before pulling their bag higher on their shoulder and slowly making their way from the room. Luke followed behind them, waving goodbye to Jenn as they exited. Once the doorwas closed behind them, Ash breathed a sigh of relief. Could they do this? Could they keep their whole relationship a secret? They wouldn't be able to touch Luke at work or stand too close to him. They'd have to keep a professional distance and only a professional demeanor. They couldn't let on that they were more than colleagues.
Ash had never been a good liar. When they were sixteen and had their first boyfriend, they kept it a secret for all of two days before telling their mom. They couldn't stand the pressure of having a secret, especially one so big. As soon as Ash realized they were queer, they came out to their mom, who then told their dad; neither of them cared. Ash did the same when they realized they were nonbinary.
“I hate to leave, but my next class starts in five minutes,” Luke said.
Ash nodded. “I'll see you later.”
Luke almost reached out to touch Ash but seemingly thought better of it and gave Ash a curt nod before turning on his heel and walking in the other direction. Was this worth it? Could Ash trust themself enough to keep their relationship a secret? Or would they put their jobs in jeopardy? As Ash watched Luke disappear around the corner, they let themself feel a pang of guilt. Was Luke willing to risk it all too?
Chapter nine
Luke led Ash to a beautiful cherry red pickup truck that shone in the low light. The sun had begun to set, and beautiful pink painted the sky. Ash should have expected, between Luke’s drawl and the flannel shirt and cowboy boots, that he drove a pickup truck, but for some reason, Ash hadn’t thought about it.
“Where are you taking me?” Ash still didn’t know where Luke was taking them.
A smile quirked up the corners of Luke’s lips. “It’s a surprise.”
After climbing into the truck, Luke handed Ash his phone, already open to Spotify. “Put on whatever music you like.”
Ash tentatively took the phone from Luke. “Are you sure? What kind of music do you like?”
Luke shrugged. “A little of everything. Lately, I’ve been listening to early 2000s pop punk throwbacks.”
Ash whipped their gaze to Luke so fast, they should have broken their neck. “I’m sorry, what?”
Luke shifted his gaze briefly to Ash before starting the truck and weaving out of the parking lot. “What?”
“You do notseem like someone who listens to pop punk."
Luke seemed to recoil at Ash’s words. “What kind of music do I look like I listen to?”
“Country,” Ash said with a laugh.
“Well, I do listen to country too,” Luke said. “I like a little bit of everything. Scroll through my liked songs.”
Ash wasted no time pulling up Luke’s list of liked songs and taking a quick scroll. Even the first fifteen songs blended early 2000s alternative bands like All Time Low and country singers like Dolly Parton. Ash couldn’t help the smile that spread across their lips—Luke was not what Ash had expected. Hell, at first glance, Ash would have expected Luke to be straight. But that was the problem with stereotypes—they were very often wrong. Ash finally selected a Green Day song and set Luke’s phone in the cup holder.
“What music do you like?” Luke asked, sliding his gaze briefly over to Ash.
“I like pop punk.” Ash gestured to their outfit. They sported ripped black skinny jeans, a beat-up pair of Converse, and a faded Green Day t-shirt.
Luke rolled his eyes. “Yes, you do look like you listen to pop punk. But if you saw photos of me in high school, you would understand.”
