Page 22 of After You Returned

I groan. “I’m not letting a man solve my problems, Dad. I can solve them myself.”

“You can?” He lifts an eyebrow. “You’re twenty-seven and still working at a restaurant.”

“First of all, there’s nothing wrong with working atSmuggler’s Cove Restaurant. I have flexible hours, and the tips are amazing.” Dad opens his mouth to respond. “And, secondly, maybe I’ll stop working there when I find another job,” I blurt out before he can speak.

“Another job?” Sadie asks. “You didn’t mention you were looking for another job.”

Because I’m not. I only said I was to stop Dad from making another derogatory comment about my life.

“But you also said there aren’t enough people for you to work full-time as a physical therapist here.”

Which is why it might be time for me to consider moving away from the island. I love my home. And I love my family – no matter how much Dad and Mom tick me off. But maybe it’s time to explore other possibilities.

I wink at Sadie. “There are more places in the world than Smuggler’s Hideaway. You know, places where soldiers are sent to defend our country.”

“What soldier?” Dad asks and Sadie’s shoulders sag with relief. The rumors about her pen pal have not reached his ears. She’s not ready to tell our parents about Ben. She better get ready because the rumors will reach Mom and Dad eventually. “Are you considering enlisting in the military? No daughter of mine will enlist.”

“Technically, I wouldn’t enlist. I’d be commissioned as an officer.”

I did my internship at an Army Medical Retention Processing Unit. Before I finished the internship, the commander pulled me aside and basically promised me whatever I wanted if I joined the Army. Except she couldn’t promise me a duty station near Smuggler’s Hideaway, which was the one condition I insisted on.

Weston wraps an arm around Scarlett’s shoulders and pulls her near. “We should get out of firing range.”

Dad slams a fist on the countertop. “I don’t care if you’re a sergeant or a captain. No daughter of mine is joining the military.”

“I’m confused—”

“Hazel,” Sadie interrupts. “Stop egging him on. You’re going to give him a heart attack and I have a shift at the motel this afternoon. I can’t be spending my evening at the hospital.”

“Fine. But only because you asked nicely. I’m not considering joining the Army. But I am searching for a therapist position on the Mainland.”

I haven’t exactly started searching yet, but I probably should. I can’t keep going the way I am now. Scrambling together enough money each month for rent on my apartment and my practice. Listening to Dad complain about my job at the restaurant at every family meal. Watching YouTube videos to repair my therapy equipment since I can’t afford to update any of it.

Besides, if I leave the island, I won’t have to treat Miles. Or see him and his bright blue eyes anymore. Or touch his muscular chest. Or give in to him again.

Huh. This leaving the island idea is becoming more and more appealing by the minute.

Chapter 9

Things are changing. Starting now.

Miles

Iwhistle as I enter Hazel’s physical therapy practice. I’ve been looking forward to seeing Hazel since our last session. Although, I could do without the torture.

“Hello!” I call out when Hazel doesn’t appear. I know she’s not treating another patient since all the doors are open.

“Come on in,” she hollers from the treatment room.

I frown. No sarcastic response? I make my way into the room.

“Good morning, Bl—.” I clear my throat. “Hazel.”

She smiles, but her green eyes don’t sparkle.

“What’s wrong?”

She motions to the treatment table. “Hop on. We’ll start with some stretching exercises to combat stiffness and improve flexibility.”