He laughs, and I want to punch him. Mostly because I know exactly what he’s thinking.
I glance toward the gate where she disappeared.
One final look.
Then I force myself to turn away. Making a mental note to avoid the medical clinic this summer.
That’s Cabe’s girl.
And damn if my baby brother isn’t one lucky son of a bitch.
Jovie
By the time Bryce finally wraps up his presentation in the arena and dismisses everyone toward the dining hall, my brain is swimming with schedules, safety protocols, student names, staff names, emergency procedures, and about a thousand other things that I absolutely cannot afford to forget.
The second the crowd starts moving toward dinner, relief settles over me, and my stomach begins to rumble, reminding me that I’ve only had a banana and a protein bar today.
I fall into step beside Seth as we follow the stream of students down the wide pathway toward the academy dining hall.
The massive lodge-style building towers against the evening sky. Strings of lights hang across the covered porch, and laughter spills through the open barn-style doors.
“You survived orientation. Are you ready to get started in the morning?” Seth asks.
“Absolutely,” I say confidently while trying to hide how nervous I actually am.
This is the first time I’ll be in charge of my own PT program. Yes, Seth is here to guide me if I need him, but I’ll be assessing and treating patients myself without another therapist giving instruction.
He notices my trepidation. “You’ll do fine.”
“I’m internally panicking,” I admit.
“That’s normal. I was a nervous wreck when I joined the Bradley clinic. I was just coming off of my three-year residency and turned down a fellowship at Ivinson Memorial Hospital togo into private practice. I still felt like a medical intern who wasn’t prepared, but as soon as the first patient walked through the door, all the knowledge and training kicked in. It will for you too.”
“Good to know.”
The scent of barbecue hits me before we even reach the entrance.
My stomach growls loudly, and Seth raises an eyebrow.
“I’m starving.”
He chuckles. “You and every teenage boy on this property.”
When we step inside, the dining hall is already buzzing.
Long wooden tables stretch across the room.
Students fill most of the seats.
Staff mingle throughout the crowd.
The entire room feels warm and welcoming, more like a family reunion than the first night of a professional academy.
And honestly?
That’s exactly what Wildhaven does best. It makes everyone feel like family.
The first thing I notice is the buffet line.
