The Love Hypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood

I really need to sit on the couch and watch American Ninja Warrior for forty-five minutes while eating Cool Ranch Doritos, which taste surprisingly better than you’d give them credit for.

which meant that he was older and all that. Thirtysomething. He did look fit, but he probably had a bum knee and was only a few years short of osteoporosis.

‘Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.’ ” “More than that, if possible. Since there is absolutely nothing mediocre about you.”

he had made her feel unjudged. Less alone.

And you were answering a multiparagraph email with an uncapitalized no.”

“It’s not what they say. It’s what you think. It’s that you think they’re right.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

Lying like this, Olive was a little embarrassed of how concave her stomach was. Of the way her ribs stuck out. Adam, though, didn’t seem to mind.

She felt so safe with him. Invincible.

“Believe me, Holden is very ready to file taxes jointly.”

I’m starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.

Apparently, weeping silently was her new baseline state.

People who cross me will come to regret it.

Eat the rich.”

she loved him even more for it. For looking at her like she was the beginning and end of his every thought.