Page 26 of Byte

Gabby covered her face with her hands. “I can’t believe she did that. What did Flint do?”

“He took her number and left, but he has no intention of calling her.”

“This is unbelievable. We’ve studied together a few times this semester. Before that, we’d had lunch together the handful of times we had a break between classes. We’re acquaintances, not friends, so I don’t know why she’s acting like I owe her explanations of my whereabouts.”

Gabby’s phone dinged with a text.

“Is it Lauren again?”

“No, it’s from my instructor. She said three people at the office are out with the flu, including the physician I’ve been shadowing. He’s out for the rest of the week, which means I am, too,” she explained.

“Is that going to be a problem?”

“Not unless something else happens. I had some extra hours worked into my schedule to cover for emergencies, but this is going to use up all of them.”

Gabby’s phone dinged again.

“It’s Lauren,” she sighed. “I’m not sure what to say to her. I don’t exactly want her to know I’m still in Croftridge or that my clinical hours have been canceled for the week.”

“Tell her you’re sick and have been sleeping a lot. If she pushes for more info, don’t respond.”

Seconds after Gabby sent the message, Lauren responded with multiple texts. I could tell Gabby was overwhelmed. I held out my hand. “Give me your phone.”

She handed it over without hesitation.

Lauren:Are you okay?

Lauren:Where are you?

Lauren:Do you want me to stop by?

Lauren:Do you need anything?

I typed out a response and turned Gabby’s phone off.

“What did you say?” she asked.

“I told her you had the flu and there was no need for her to stop by because your family friend was taking care of you. Then I said you were going back to bed and would text her in a few days when you were feeling better.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem,” I said and got to my feet. “I’ll let you get some rest. Do you need anything before I go?”

“I’m good, but I’m going to take a shower first,” she said.

“I don’t think so.”

“You’re telling me I can’t take a shower?”

“I’m telling you I don’t think standing in a hot, steamy shower is a good idea. You could barely walk down the hall,” I pointed out.

“Byte, I haven’t showered since Thursday, and quite frankly, I stink.”

“I think you should wait until you have more strength. Maybe tomorrow.”

“No,” she said firmly. “If you want to hang out in the bathroom while I’m in there, fine. But I’m taking a shower.”

“All right. Let’s go,” I said, hoping to call her bluff. Unbeknownst to me, she wasn’t bluffing.

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