Page 2 of Enemies to Lovers

Some groans float around the room, but for the most part, the class seems more relieved than anything. It’s our last exam before Christmas break, and I sit up straight and stretch my back.

“Mr. Stoll, Miss Johnson…?” Professor Young says once everyone starts packing it up. “See me for a second before you take off.”

Val catches my eyes and shrugs. If he suggests she tutor me, I’m quitting this career.

I stuff my laptop into my bag, trying not to feel horrible about my bouncing leg as Trevor leaves without a word. One would think with an undergraduate and three years of veterinary school under my belt, I’d be used to exams, but I still shake like an 8.5 earthquake every test.

Val’s up front already—of course—and I trip my way down the stadium steps, pulling the strap of my laptop bag over my head. It yanks some strands clean from my scalp.

Val’s lips purse together, probably reveling in my state of distress. Everything’s so easy for her, while I claw my way to the top of everything.

Professor Young leans against his desk, resting his hands on top of his portly stomach. He gives us his signature grin underneath his hefty beard. He grows it out this time of year to play Santa, and his sweaters reflect just how much he enjoys Christmas. Today he’s donning a Rudolph, complete with a light-up nose and bells hanging from the antlers.

“I’m sure you’re both aware of the coveted internship position to work with Dr. Goff.”

Oh, I’m aware, all right. It’s beenthegoal. Dr. Goff is the number one rated veterinarian in the state, and he takes his knowledge and skill and offers that up to one student, usually a fourth year. His program is a surefire way to get a license and start practicing right away.

I nod, my voice stuck somewhere between my throat and my tongue.

Val has a much more succinct response. “I think everyone knows Dr. Goff, Professor,” she says through a laugh that puts my nerves on edge. Laughing after an exam is something I’ve never had the urge to do. I’m prone to run to the bathroom in case I need to extricate my morning smoothie.

Professor Young chuckles, his sweater jingling with the action. “Well, I’ve recommended you two for the spot.”

I trip backward, grabbing onto the closest thing to me so I don’t fall to my ass, which happens to be Professor Young’s Rudolph antler, positioned perfectly around the guy’s man boob.

I jerk right into Val, and I pray I didn’t touch any part of her breast.

A musical laugh floats from her lips, and she steadies me. “Dr. Goff? Are you for real, Professor?”

Professor Young nods. “You’re both at the top of the class—neck and neck, to be blunt. He only has one spot, but I wanted you to know how impressed I’ve been.”

He hands us each a freshly printed piece of paper. The first real smile I’ve had since walking into this classroom creases my lips as I read over the letter of recommendation.

“I’ve sent these to Dr. Goff, and he said he’ll be popping in next semester to observe each of you. He’ll make his selection at the end of the year.”

“He’s coming to watch us?” Val asks, then nudges me. “No pressure or anything.”

She says it like it’s a joke, but hell, it’s no joke.

“Hmm…” is all I manage to get out.

Professor Young puts his hand on my shoulder. “No need to worry. Relax over the break. Celebrate this achievement.”

“Yeah, okay…”

He nudges me like a father would a son, and that should make me feel better, but it doesn’t. My dad hasn’t given me an ounce of affection my entire life, so I don’t know how to react when someone does.

We each thank him, then I walk from the classroom in a haze. It isn’t until we step into the sunlight of the bright December afternoon that I remember Val is next to me.

“Here we go again,” she teases, and my gaze drops.

She’s still that short, round, pink-cheeked girl on the playground. Maybe only five-two, coming to my mid-chest. She pulls the pen from her hair, letting the strands cascade across her shoulders and flutter to her waist. There’s such an ease about her.

It grinds against every single nerve I have.

“Meaning?” My voice has finally made a non-shaky appearance.

“Oh, just our little friendly competitions.” She kicks a chunk of snow on the path, and it explodes into powder. “Science fair, class president, the librarian position…”

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