“You’re wasting half your summer working with annoying little kids. That’s why not. You just graduated after busting your ass to get dual degrees. This is your last summer of freedom.”
School wasn’t hard for me, so I wouldn’t call itbusting my ass. But there were plenty of nights I wished I could have gone out and let loose instead of staying in to study. Enrolling in Gradford University’s dual degree program seemed like the best solution to get where I wanted to be at EdTechU. But by the end, my motivation dragged, and the last few months were some of my hardest. I did it though, getting both a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in information systems. This summer is supposed to be all about enjoyment and relaxation before diving into the corporate sphere. Serving others is something I enjoy.
“It’s not a waste if I like doing it.” I move back to the dresser with the last of my clothes.
Hunter’s eyes widen. “Does this mean I have to go early too?”
“Nope.” I close the top dresser drawer and zip up my suitcase. “Your volunteering schedule hasn’t changed.”
“I’m only doing it for that stupid service-learning credit Gradford makes us earn before graduation.”
“Yeah, and if you wouldn’t have put it off until your last year, you could’ve had your pick of organizations to volunteer with.” I tuck my empty suitcase into the closet and lean against the wall next to him.
“Why do it now when I can do it later?” he jokes.
That’s probably the biggest difference between us. Hunter’s spontaneous, impulsive, flighty. Procrastination is his middle name, and school is not his friend. I plan, calculate, and scrutinize. I don’t like leaving a lot of things to chance. If I can figure out a strategy beforehand, I almost always will, or persist until I find a solution.
“I guess this will give you a good chance to explore Fort Bender. Maybe hit up the puff-puff train while I’m busy at camp.”
“I’ll need a good puff-puff to make it through the summer in this boring-ass town. Why did my dad pickthis place?Make it make sense, bruh.”
“I don’t know. It doesn’t seem so bad to me.” I shrug, remembering the pretty waitress at the diner. I think if I could spend a little more time around her this summer, it will be anything but boring.
CHAPTER FIVE
KAYLA
Pulling a double shift probably wasn’t the smartest way to start off the summer. I’m worn out from talking to people, my feet ache, and I just want to fall into bed. My house is close enough to the diner that I usually walk. Today, it feels like I’m trudging through wet cement, each step heavier as I make my way up the sidewalk. To my surprise, Mom’s car sits in the driveway. She should be at the hospital for her night shift.
“Mom? Is everything okay?”
“What?” she calls from the back of the house.
I hang up my bag by the door and slip off my shoes before trailing my hand across the back of the worn leather couch. My toes sink into the plush beige carpet as I head to her bedroom. Mismatched nursing scrubs hang out of an open suitcase, with toiletries scattered all over the bed. She’s digging through the back of her closet, black curls piled high into a puff on her head.
“Mom”—I try again—“doesn’t your shift start soon?”
“I start my summer caseload in the morning. Pretty sure I put it on the calendar…” she trails off distractedly.
She didn’t. I check our shared calendar daily. I would have noticed this schedule change. It’s not the first time she’s forgotten,and I’m sure it won’t be the last. But it’s annoying enough for me to point it out today.
“Mmm, nope. Not in the calendar.”
“Oops. Have you seen my green scrubs?”
“They’re in the laundry room.” I step out of her way as she leaves the room. “How long is your first contract?” My mom, Karla, is a nurse at Fort Bender Hospital. During the summer, she takes on travel nursing contracts.
“This first one is in Sacramento for four weeks, then I’m home for a week. I swapped shifts so we could get groceries before I left. Plus, I need some travel snacks.” She grins, her glasses raising slightly on her rounded cheeks from the movement.
If my feet could do it on their own, they would run away. Grocery shopping is the last thing I want to do tonight, but I’ve barely seen Mom since I came home a week ago—and now, she’ll be gone another month. My back cracks in several places as I straighten it out, urging the aches from the day to go away for a couple more hours.
I take my time getting ready, jumping in the shower to let the hot water loosen up the tension in my back and shoulders. The warmth from the stream might have made me even more tired. When I head back to my room, I slip on a SSU sweater with some black leggings. I resist the urge to fall into my bed and sleep until my early morning shift tomorrow, instead moving to the wooden desk in the corner of my room. I hope the sustained focus required for me to repaint my nails will help keep me awake.
When I enter the living room with my lotion, Mom has finished packing and is rustling around in the kitchen, making something that has my stomach rumbling. She’s still wearing her navy-colored scrubs, and a few wispy curls frame her bronze face.
“Beef Stroganoff?” I ask, leaning over the pots on the stove. White cabinets swing open and closed as she gathers plates and cups.
“Yeah. I thought I’d go all fancy for our last dinner together. You didn’t eat at the diner, did you?”
