Lessons From the Professor

“So how long are you planning on bunking with me?”

“For a few weeks, maybe? It’ll give Mom time to cool down, and let me breathe a little bit. You know Michelle goes to U.T., so I’ll have someone to keep me company.”

Sutton nodded her head in agreement. Michelle and Carissa had been good friends since they were in grade school. Michelle had a good head on her shoulders. It’d be one less concern for her to have. Carissa seemed to gravitate towards people who weren’t good for her. It might bring excitement, but it also brought a ton of problems. Sutton fought back an eye roll as she thought of all the sticky situations she’d pulled her out of over the years.

“A little R&R is never a bad thing,” Sutton said.

“You should take your own advice.”

“Okay, enough lip from you.”

A chime sounded, and Sutton furrowed her brow. Who would be texting her right now?

She picked up her phone and smiled when she saw Leigh’s name.

:Hey I know it’s late, but given we work second shift I figured you’d still be awake:

:Yeah I was just doing some reading, then the little sister showed up:

:Oh lord, what’s up now:

:The usual, arguing with Mom:

:One day, that girl is going to have to grow up:

: I know, but try telling her that. So what’s up?:

: I wanted to see if you’d be up to some company:

: Always when it’s yours!:

: Sweet, see you in ten minutes:

“Who was that Sutton? Do you have a boyfriend you haven’t told anyone about?”

“No, that was Leigh. She just got off work, and she’s coming over to hang out for a while.”

“Oh, in that case I’m going to get settled in the guest room.”

Sutton shook her head as Carissa set her mug into the sink and made her way out of the kitchen, and down the hall way to the guest room.

“Don’t worry about cleaning up, Car. I got it,” Sutton said. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

A knock sounded on the door ten minutes later, and she slipped from her stool, eager to see her friend.

Sutton opened the door and grinned at her friend’s butterfly covered scrubs.

“Hey girl, come on in.” Sutton stepped back and allowed her to enter before she locked the door. “How was your shift?”

“Ugh, busy. I swear the full moon brings out all the weird ones,” Leigh said.

Sutton laughed as they made their way over to the breakfast bar.

“Do you want anything to eat?”

“Yes, I’m starving.” Leigh said.

“How does a sandwich sound?” asked Sutton.