Body Chemistry Read Free Page A

needed a strong drink.
    Moments later Brenda sat in Sam’s Coffee House, staring down into her second cup of coffee. She liked it black and strong. Nothing fancy. Unfortunately, the coffee hadn’t helped her come up with any new ideas. She had six people, including herself, depending on the funding she urgently needed. She’d thought of everything: finding angel investors—she’d already borrowed from close family and friends, venture capitalists, seeking new grantees, or getting a bank loan. Because she wasn’t a well-known preeminent biologist, Brenda knew that none of the sources she thought of would work. This award had been her last option. How was she going to come up with 1.5 million dollars in four months, without robbing a bank?
    “Dr. Everton,” a bright voice said.
    Brenda stifled a moan. Wouldn’t anyone leave her alone? She glanced up and saw Sonya Ling, one of her researchers. For a moment she didn’t recognize her out of her lab coat. “Hi.”
    Sonya sat in the booth unaware that Brenda did not want any company. She was an attractive woman in her mid-twenties and extremely gifted, which is why she was on Brenda’s project. Her black hair, which sported streaks of red highlights, framed her petite features.
    “I have fabulous news. Bobby, I mean Robert, and I just bought a condo and we’ve set the date for our wedding. It’s going to be in August. You’ll get an invitation soon.”
    Brenda gathered up the energy to look cheerful. “That’s fantastic.” She was happy for them. Robert also worked on the project.
    “I’m telling you now so that you’ll make sure your schedule is free so you can come. You have to be there.”
    “Of course I’ll come.” Brenda took a sip of her coffee, then opened her briefcase hoping to give the impression that she was busy and encourage Sonya to leave.
    Sonya stayed. “Oh good. My mother can’t wait to meet you. You’re the reason Robert and I can get married. After I was removed from Dr. Franklin’s project I only had a few options until you hired me and I wouldn’t have met Robert either. I love working on this research. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found this job. You’re a saint.”
    Right now Brenda felt like the devil. She brushed away the praise. “You were highly qualified. I wasn’t doing you any favors.”
    “Yes, you were. I know that there were two other candidates, who were better qualified, ahead of me. We’re all grateful to you. I don’t think we tell you that enough but we are and we’re thrilled with the progress we’re making. It’s all so exciting.”
    “I wouldn’t expect less.”
    Sonya jumped up. “Can I give you a hug? I’m just so happy I need to hug you.”
    Brenda hesitated, then nodded. “Sure.”
    Sonya rushed over and hugged her. Brenda remained seated and politely patted her on the back. As Sonya pulled away Brenda could see that she was blinking back tears.
    “Please don’t tell me you’re pregnant too.”
    “No, I’m not. I’m just really happy.” She returned to her seat. “You can bring a date to the wedding if you want.”
    “I’ll probably come alone.”
    Sonya shrugged and pulled out a little black book from her purse. “Don’t you like men?”
    “Of course I like men,” Brenda said, wondering why she was having this ridiculous conversation with a researcher.
    Sonya scribbled something down in her book.
    “What are you doing?”
    Sonya hid the book on her lap and continued to write. “Just taking down some notes.” She looked up at Brenda and grinned. “There are so many things one has to remember when you’re getting married.” She lowered her gaze and started writing again. “You were married before, right?”
    “Yes.”
    “Ever thought of getting married again?”
    “No.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because my marriage was a disaster and I’d prefer not to talk about it,” Brenda said when Sonya opened her mouth.
    Sonya nodded and put her little book away.