This Is My Brain on Boys Read Online Free PDF

the nor’easter predictions when she took to the hill, was rattled by the storm’s ferocity, the bending trees, the drastic plunge intemperatures, and the heart-stopping thunderclaps. It was much more than she’d bargained for. Plus, getting Tess injured hadn’t been part of the plan. The plan had been for them to get caught in the storm and call for Ed’s help. Now they were in deep, deep trouble.
    Fortunately, Ed seemed almost charged that not only was his crush in need of protection, but also medical treatment. “Be right there. I’m a half mile away,” he told Addie on his cell. “Stay put.”
    â€œEd Wiziak?” Tess grimaced in disappointment when Addie explained that he just happened to be leading a Scout troop in the area and was coming to their rescue. “He’s such a dork.”
    It was true that Ed preferred white cotton knee highs and liked to tuck his shirts into the waistband of his pants. The buzz cut was not the most flattering hairstyle and his attitude of lead, follow, or get out of the way didn’t exactly jibe with Tess’s West Coast philosophy of live and let live. He was also a year older than they were, which presented its own set of challenges.
    But Addie had observed Ed sneaking furtive looks at Tess while they were outside sketching charcoal images during their drawing elective class. She took no notice of him, even when he went out of his way to compliment her use of shading, which, to be honest, wasn’t anything special. The boy was smitten, that much was obvious, even to Addie.
    To Tess, not so much.
    â€œWhatever,” she said. “If he can get us out of here, then he’s my hero.” Though her tone was totally blasé.
    It was dark when Ed finally found them cold, wet, and hungry. He arrived with a backpack of fresh water, hot chocolate, granola bars, blankets, a first-aid kit, and a hearty upbeat attitude.
    â€œTwo points,” he joked, examining Tess’s ankle with an expert eye. “Four if it’s broken.”
    He assured her that he knew all about breaks and sprains, seeing as how he’d been volunteering as a local EMT since he was fifteen. During his winters back in Colorado, he was on the ski patrol, where he handled injuries way worse than this, and in the snow, too. He’d have her fixed up in a jiffy. No worries.
    Addie watched in fascination as Tess melted in his capable hands. After he securely wrapped her ankle and assured her repeatedly that lightning could not enter their little cave, she let him fold a blanket in his lap so she could rest her head and sleep off the pain. Ed sat up all night, happily holding her in his arms.
    By morning, she was madly, passionately, and seemingly permanently in love, as was Ed, their two hearts fused by trauma, adrenaline, and the primeval urge to survive.
    That was the day she knew her thesis was solid. Love could be induced, as long as you had the right conditions.
    Addie’s phone dinged and she jumped in her seat. Dexter!
    I see by my GPS that you have deplaned and are en route. Will you be coming to the lab? P.S. You are late.
    She imagined him peering into a microscope, blond head angled intently. Most likely, he was attired in summer casual—salmon-colored shorts, teal polo shirt (collar popped), Lacoste flip-flops. He bought all his clothes online from a store in Martha’s Vineyard where his mother had a standing line of credit. Many of his accessories were decorated with whales, which she found incongruous since whales did not wear belts.
    Bad weather, she texted back. Nearly died.
    For shame, A. It’s not like you to succumb to hyperbole. Is your presentation ready?
    She inhaled and quickly texted a reply. Dex’s forthright manner never failed to leave her slightly dizzy. Of course she hadn’t “nearly died.” Why had she written that?
    The PowerPoint is cued up. I will meet you at the lab once I unpack and wash my