Noah laughed, and led her around to the back. The air was blessedly cooler, and although they could still smell the arum, the smell was muted to some degree. More bearable, at any rate.
"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing toward the picnic table. This was where greenhouse staff took their breaks and lunches. He opened up a cooler and pulled out a fresh bottle of water for her. "Yes, I've been here since--" he glanced at the watch on his right wrist, "--since seven or so. But I have scientific enthusiasm to buoy me, so I don't mind it so much. It's really an incredible opportunity, most likely a once-in-a-lifetime event. I'll put up with almost anything for that."
He settled down at the other end of the bench, and smiled. "And so now you see that the loquacious part of my name tag is pretty true. But you didn't come to discuss plants, I'm sure." He reached back and tugged at the back of his shirt; it was sweaty and clung clammily to him. "Welcome to UW. How have you been settling in? Mathematics, right?"