Page 35 of The Statistically Unlikely Reunion

Even though this was theoretically my argument, my way of dissuading Lucas from pursuing a relationship with me, I can’t help but feel the tiniest bit offended. “I’m fun.”

Lucas grins, that rare, full-blown grin that transforms his face. “I certainly enjoy my time with you.”

“But you don’t think I’m fun.”

“I think you’re interesting. Often maddening.”

“You’re asking me out because I’m maddening?” Yes, my voice tilts upward a little at the end, but it can’t be helped.

He reaches forward and grasps a piece of hair that has fallen out of my ponytail. My hair’s still too short to keep up consistently, and now that Lucas is closer, I find myself breathing him in. His lips curve a little as he whispers, “How about if I acknowledge you’re interesting… and you admit you’re interested?”

And yes, I see now the trap I’ve fallen into. Might even admire the way Lucas has baited me. “This is not the normal way you ask a girl out.”

“Normal is a distribution,” Lucas tells me.

I close my eyes and press my fingertips into my eyelids before a laugh escapes me, because this entire conversation is just so . . . very Lucas. My voice is almost strangled as I tease him, “Yes, by all means, let’s talk about statistical bell curves of likely outcomes while negotiating a potential relationship.”

Lucas waits until I’m looking at him again before continuing. “That’s why I have to date you. I can’t think of anyone else who won’t just tolerate my inadequacies.”

“Are we talking about programming or dating now?”

“Yes.” He reaches out and takes one of my hands in his, and . . . I let him. “You’re adept at pointing out my deficiencies, great at helping me shore up weaknesses.”

“How romantic.”

“You’re the one who told me you don’t believe in relationships and love. I figured a practical approach would be more your style.”

But I’m not about to be tricked a second time. “I don’t believe in relationships and love. This is more my style.”

“Then isn’t it a good thing I’m asking—or rather, attempting to ask—for one date? Uno. Yi ge.” He holds up one finger, clearly proud that he can say a whole two words in Mandarin. Then he smiles again, that broad, wide-open grin that feels intimate. It’s so rare and precious.

Mine.

I look down to where his hands are sandwiching mine. “Help me find the time, promise it won’t hurt our team dynamics, and I agree to help you become a better boyfriend.”

For the next woman, I think.

Because that’s as far as this goes.

When he doesn’t answer, I start to raise my eyes to his, afraid of what I might see. For the first time I notice Lucas is dressed in a collared shirt and khakis. The last time he wore this outfit was . . . regionals?

“Did you dress up to ask me out?”

Finally, as the blush spreads across his face, we return to our normal roles: He’s the awkward and inexperienced introvert, I’m the one nominally in control. “My mother thinks you’re out of my league. Suggested I needed to make an effort and wear something more presentable.”

I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face.

In truth, I don’t even try.

“You told your mother you were asking me out?”

“You’ve met her, right?”

11

CAMBRIDGE HAS CHANGED YOU

PRESENT