Glancing up at the young woman who'd approached the table she'd commandeered, Marie gave her a welcoming smile. "You're in the right place, sugar," she assured her in a soft southern drawl. "Have a seat."

Straightening up the papers she'd let take over the table, she studied the young woman for a moment before hesitantly asking, "Are you in one of my classes? I'm so sorry, I was in an accident and things are still a little foggy."