Lessons From the Professor

“Yes, Jackson.”

A chill went through her body at the mention of her ex. Speak of the devil, or in my case, think.

“That’s nice.”

“Apparently his engagement fell through, and he’s back to being single.”

“Mom, stop right there. I’m not interested in getting back together with Jackson.” But I might like to talk to him.

“Honey, he was a good catch. A doctor from a good family who was crazy about you. I’m sure whatever your issues were you could work them out. Maybe they won’t even matter anymore now; you’re both older and wiser. “

“It’s not going to happen.” This would all be so much easier if she could just come out and admit she was seeing someone.

“I just don’t understand why you’re being so stubborn about this, Sutton Anne! He could take care of you.”

“I take care of myself just fine.” She gritted her teeth as she counted to ten mentally. If her mother had a clue of Jackson’s true nature, petitioning her to renew their relationship would be the last thing she’d want to do.

“I know, but you don’t have to do that your entire life, and I am not going to stand by and watch you end up alone either.”

“Mom, I’m only thirty-one.”

“Now, time flies.”

She rolled her eyes, tuning her mother out as she droned on. The usual spiel about marriage and children went in one ear and out the other. In her town, once you hit twenty-five you were practically an old maid.

“So, can I give him your phone number?”

“No, you can’t,” said Sutton. Her mom was asking her permission now, but she had no doubt in her mind she’d already given him her phone number and presented her like a trussed up turkey on Thanksgiving Day. She hoped to God he didn’t call her. Her stomach rolled at the thought of hearing his voice again.

“But I wouldn’t be opposed to taking his.” Guilt raced through her. She had just solidified things with Sidney. It’s just for closure, Sutton. You’re not going to fall back into that old trap. If she called him she’d keep things to herself. There was really no reason to upset Sidney.

The happy lilt audible in her Mother’s voice as she rattled off the number made her sigh. She was probably already planning the wedding in her head.

“Well I guess that’s a step in the right direction. I’ll leave it alone, now. Everything happens for a reason, and the odds of me running into Jackson in the grocery store after all this time shouldn’t be ignored.”

“Well you and the universe are just going to have to forgive me. I didn’t say I was actually going to call him. ”

“You’re always joking, but I’m worried about you. I don’t want you to end up old and alone like me.”

“Mom, the love you and Dad shared was worth more than what most people ever experience. It wouldn’t be a bad thing to end up like you. Besides, you know you’re still fly, Mom. You can get a man to court if you wanted.”

“Hmph, well I don’t. I’m done with all that mess.”

“Then maybe you should tell Mr. Henry that,” Sutton said. She was eager to shift the focus onto the widowed man who’d been after her mom for the past couple of years. Carissa hadn’t told her Mom about her dating suspicions just yet, but it was only a matter of time.

“Mr. Henry is just lonely. We enjoy one another’s company from time to time.”

“Mmmhmm.”

Their conversation moved on to lighter subjects, and she breathed a mental sigh of relief at the bullet dodged.

Sutton sat on the edge of her bed, and played with the cell phone in her hand. This was her chance to get the closure she craved. Never one to waffle, she dialed the number she’d scribbled down on a piece of paper and held her breath as it rang. Once, Twice, Three…. Maybe she should hang up.

“Hello.”

Her throat seemed to tighten when the familiar baritone rumbled in her ear.

“Jackson?”