“Ahh. I think I’m staying here.”
“Really? Do you have family in D.C.?” I asked.
“Nah.” She shrugged. “It’s just not worth going home for a few days when I’m going to be back at Christmas. A lot of the students are getting together for a Friendsgiving thing.”
“Oh. I hadn’t heard.”
“I don’t think it’s a big deal. But some people want to study.”
Sometimes I forgot how much work Jessie had. On top of her clinic hours with me she had classes and exams. The holidays were a miserable time when I was in law school.
“How are classes going?”
“Fine. Or terrible. Depends on which day you ask me.” She smirked.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No. I like being in the clinic. It’s a nice break.” Her smile was pretty. Underneath sometimes I thought I saw something sad.
“What about a break today?” I suggested. “Take the rest of the afternoon off and study. Or just sleep. I remember how awful law school was. Time is precious.”
“Are you serious? Don’t you have to sign off on my hours.”
“It’s fine. Really. I can handle the rest of the afternoon.”
“What about Addie?” She looked at the empty desk next to us.
“She doesn’t know if you’re researching something for a case or not.” I grinned. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
She picked up her bag. “Thank you. I don’t know what to do first.”
“Maybe sleep,” I advised.
She nodded as she turned for the door. “I think I might.”
Addie walked in past her. “Is Jessie leaving?”
“I gave her an assignment.” I glanced at my laptop, ignoring Addie’s needling stare.
“Oh.”
I felt some sort of satisfaction having a secret from my officemate. I wasn’t a rule breaker, but today there was something renegade about my attitude.
We both looked up when we heard a rap-tap on the frosted glass of our front wall. It was Max Harrison.
“Professor Harrison.” Addie suddenly had a bright smile and warmth.
“I know you’re busy, but Emily I was wondering if you had a few minutes.”
I could feel the anger dripping off Addie. She shouldn’t be jealous. Neither of us knew what this was about.
“Of course. Would you like to sit?” I offered.
“How about we take a quick walk?”
I covered my salad. “I can do that.” I grabbed my jacket and followed him outside.
We started on one of the sidewalks that looped around the building.