Office Hours

Dr. Jane Warren looked down at her newest pupil. Katie Jefferson was in an oversized hoodie with the school logo on it -- undoubtedly overpriced. Black sweatpants, white tennis shoes with a black backpack. But it did appear the student had a nice body under there, somewhere.

"So what brings you here?" Jane asked conversationally. "We're still in the first week, we haven't even given you your first assignment."

"I just wanted to say I've really enjoyed what I've heard so far," Katie said breathlessly.

"Thank you," Jane said dryly. "Tell me about yourself. Some northeasterner fleeing strict parents? Some southern daddy's girl making him proud?"

"Umm, neither," Katie said. "I grew up a little bit in South Carolina, but mostly Memphis. My mom works for a chicken place. My other mom works as a pitmaster at a barbecue restaurant."

"I see," Jane said, her ears perked up. "Not often we see girls yet with two moms. How did that go for you growing up."

"Fine," Katie said, shrugging. "I mean, I got looks and comments, sure. But boys are dumb."

Jane smiled even more broadly. "Yes, boys are quite dumb. Girls have to stick together."

Katie beamed, and Jane saw a fellow traveler in her midst.