5:47 a.m.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand.
It’s Jess, the new lead in the three-year-old room.
Jess: Can you take my class today?
Me: Are you sick?
Jess: No.
Me: Flat tire?
Jess: No.
Me: Then clock in.
Jess: I can’t come in.
Me: Why?
Jess: I’m not at my apartment.
Me: Where are you?
Jess: A hotel off I-35.
Me: Jess.
Jess: I left the bar with someone.
Me: Congratulations. Still not a reason.
Jess: He’s asleep.
Me: So leave.
Jess: There’s a framed picture on the dresser.
Me: Of what?…