The Arrangement

Chapter 31

“He gave me hell, but I got you access.”

“Can I use it now?”

“Sure,”

“Cool, I was supposed to call Meri about an hour ago, but” I giggled. at the memory.  “We were a little busy.”

Trent grinned up at me.  “Yes, we were.”

“Well, anyway, before I get distracted.  Let me get dressed, and will you show me how to get back to the study?”

“Sure.”  

I threw on a pair of jeans and a shirt Nikki had insisted I needed.  It hugged my bust but flowed down to my waist.  I threw my hair back into a bun to keep it out of my face, grabbed my lap top and I was ready.  

“You ready?” Trent asked amused while he lounged on the bed watching me.

“Yep,”

“Alright,” Trent got up and copped a feel as he went to open the door.

“Hey!”

“What?” Trent mused innocently as he gave me a cheeky grin.

“You know what!” I snorted indignantly.

“You know you like it.” Trent grinned and I felt my face heat up.

“Hey, you, be a gentleman and just show me the way.  Got it?”

“You spoil all the fun,” Trent sighed as he took my hand and started leading me to the study.  “How much time do you need?”

“Probably an hour or two.”

“Okay, just come find me when you’re finished.” Trent kissed my cheek as he opened the door to the study.

“You got it,” I smiled up at him.

I watched Trent turn and leave before getting myself set up.  I Skyped with Meri and got caught up on everything.  It looked like we had plenty of volunteers for three separate studies with both a control group and a test group for each.  I was beyond excited.  This was the actualization of a dream I’d had for nearly ten years now.  I was going to be able to test my theory and potentially save millions of lives.  I had to fight getting emotional.  Everyone else kept butting in on our call.  Jason was making goofy faces through out most of the call in the background.

“So, you know how everything’s going on this end.  I’ve got your notes and I think we have great candidates.  All at different levels.  We’ll have a nice rounded group.  We’ll do the final selections once you get back.  You’ll be back Tuesday morning right?”

“Yeah, we fly back Monday afternoon, so don’t be surprised if I show back up early.” I laughed.

“You don’t know how to take a vacation to save your life.” Meri laughed.

“Scootch over!” Rory teased as he push himself into frame while rolling the chair Meri was sitting in out of the way.  “Bet you miss us already.” Rory teased.

“Of course!  This is the longest I’ve been away from you guys.  I feel like a mom who’s left her kids home alone for the first time.” I laughed.  “I mean look at Jason, we can’t leave him alone for ten minutes.  Who knows what trouble he’ll get himself into.”

“That’s why we have Meri.  She keeps him in line.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I rolled my eyes.  “So how’s everything with you?”

“Boring without our fearless leader.” Rory admitted.  “Are you having fun?”

I shrugged and nodded.  “I didn’t expect to, but I really am.”