The dining hall is busy when we arrive. Students fill tables, and staff members cluster together.
Cabe spots Royce and Axle. They’re already seated. Their plates are loaded with turkey sandwiches, pasta salad, and apples.
Royce waves us over.
“How was your morning?” he asks as I slide into the seat across from them.
“I educated future rodeo champions on the merits of lifting weights and eating their vegetables.”
Royce smirks. “I bet they loved that.”
Cabe disappears toward the serving line.
Charli settles into the chair beside Royce.
I look around the table. “How’s the first day going for you guys?”
“So far, so good,” Royce answers.
“Yeah?”
“Some of these kids are talented.”
Axle agrees. “Couple bull riders caught my attention.”
I glance at him. “That good?”
He nods. “I’m planning to spend extra time with them in the evenings.”
That earns an approving nod from Royce.
A moment later, Cabe returns, carrying two plates, and sets one in front of me.
I blink. “You got my lunch?”
He shrugs. “You were busy talking.”
The gesture is sweet enough to make my chest ache a little.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
As he takes his seat, Charli turns toward Axle. “How’d the rest of your night go?”
Cabe looks over at his older brother and raises a brow. “Why?”
Axle groans. “The plumbing in my cabin exploded.”
Cabe laughs. “No.”
“Yes. Flooded the place.”
Charli gestures to me. “Which means poor Jovie has a new neighbor.”
I nod.
Cabe grins. “Oh, that sucks.”
