AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 4
Sammi
7:04 PM FRIDAY
I’m still feeling high from the applause. So much hard work, so many hours in the lab, all leading up to this moment.
I clutch my award tightly to my chest.
Definitely never letting go of this thing.
The IMBC is a big deal. Not just for me, but for Marine Biologists worldwide, so I’m feeling more than a little proud.
The room is packed to the brim with scientists. More than one of whom has clearly taken advantage of the open bar.
Not me. Tonight, I’m keeping my wits about me.
I learned my lesson in Vegas: Sammi Brighton and tequila arenotgood friends.
I see the gang at a table up ahead and jog over to meet them.
“Tada!” I say, holding the award out for their inspection.
It’s met with a small chorus of applause and ‘Woo-hoo!’s.
It feels great to have them all here.
It almost makes up for the fact that Eggs is missing it.
In terms of fiancés, Eggs is nothing if not practical. If he could be here, he would, but he can’t. That’s part of what makes us such a great match—we get each other, and we don’t get emotional about it.
We share the same values, and that’s what really matters in a relationship.
I’ve never been big on the ooey gooey notion of love. You don’t choose your future based on butterflies or fireworks. Like all good decisions, you choose it based on numbers and facts.
Eggs and I have exactly the kind of relationship that I want. It’s logical, calculated. It makes sense.
Which is why I realize that he wouldn’t miss my award without a good, solid reason. It’s comforting—even though it would be alotmore comforting if he were here. This means a lot to me, and I wish I could share it with him.
He’s not the only absentee, though. There are a few co-workers I wish had made it as well. My team specifically, all busy with tasks of their own.
Makes me feel a little bad for even being here. They’re all out in the field with their noses to the grindstone, and I’m schmoozing it up in Bangkok while my contemporaries all applaud my efforts.
Some of my disappointment must show on my face, because Percy lays her hand on my shoulder, drawing me away from my thoughts.
“Stop looking like such a wet fucking monkey,” she says. “Eggo Humpdick will be here tomorrow—and then soon enough you’ll beMrs.Eggo Humpdick.”
“Humpdork, more like,” Misty rolls her eyes. “Y’all nerds are perfect for eachother…but I’m glad that it’s just us girls tonight.”
I look pointedly at Liam, who shrugs.
“Please. He doesn’t count.” Becky chimes in. “Do you, babe? You can borrow one of my dresses if you’re feeling left out.”
Liam just chuckles and shakes his head. “Love, that’s very sweet of you, but you know I don’t have the legs for it.”
“Besides,”Percy says, “without Eggs here, we can talk wedding!”
They’re all smiles at that.
