Chapter Text
The next day at work Santos was heading up to the charge nurse station to start her shift when she heard Robby taking to Dana, “Some administrative bullshit. Apparently according to Gloria we need to do team building. Supposedly us working together better and that will help patent satisfaction scores.”
Dana rolled her eyes, “So not more staff but team building is the solution?”
“Yes and I can’t get us out of it. She’s calling in some temps and moving some start times around so we can be out early whatever day is picked and now I have to plan the event and apparently drinking in the park doesn’t count.”
Santos grinned as she got an idea and walked up, “I couldn’t help but overhear team building?” She started, “If that’s true I have a great idea”
“I don’t know if I should trust this just judging by the look on your face…” Robby started
“Hey if you let her plan it you don’t have to.” Dana adds
“Fuck it fine. Let me know when and where and the earliest I can get the whole team off is 5pm Dr. Abbot will be joining as well.” Dr. Robby said.
“Alright let me go make a few phone calls. Whitaker and I might need to be off a little early to set up.”
Dr. Robby just nodded and Santos ran off to plan. All it took was a quick Google search to get the number and call the stable Amy owns.
“Key Stone Ranch, this is Amy, how can I help you?” Amy answered after two rings.
“Hi yes my name is Trinity Santos and I work in the Pittsburgh emergency room with Dennis Wittaker.”
“Yes he’s told me about you, roommate right?”
“Yes he took me on the trail ride last night, that's a beautiful farm you have.”
“Thank you. What can I do for you Dr. Santos?”
“I’m planning a team building exercise for the day shift team here and I was wondering if there was a time we could all come there for a trail ride? Anything after 6pm works.”
“I don’t normally take out groups that late because of Jane but since Dennis can lead it I can book you all at 6 this friday looks like the weather will cooperate if that works?”
“That works perfectly, thank you so much. Can I give admin your email for billing?”
“Of course do you want to tell Dennis about this or should I?”
“I can tell him. Thank you so much Amy.”
“Of course Dr Santos I’ll see you all on Friday.”
After she hung up the phone she went back to the charge nurse station to fill Dr. Robby in on the plan. “Alright Dr. Robby one team building activity for everyone Friday at 6 I’ll send the address. Everyone will need jeans and close toed shoes. We will be outside. Also Whittaker and I will need to be off at 4 to get everything set up.”
“Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Nope, the email for billing is [email protected] everything else is all taken care of.”
“Fine you and Whitaker are off a 4 on Friday for set up send me the address I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.”
“Thank you, I'll let Whitaker know what’s going on.” Santos then started walking away excited about her new plan.
“Should I be worried about how excited she is?” Robby asked Dana
“Probably but I think this will be fun either way.”
Santos spent a few hours to track down Whitaker and ask if she could go up to the stables with him again on Friday since they were both off early. He sent a quick text to Amy asking if there was anything scheduled and offering to run the ride since Santos asked if she could do a trail ride again.
Over the next week it took a bit of planing to keep Whitaker from learning too much about the team building event but he didn’t think about it too much since he was too excited for another trail ride.
Once Friday rolled around everyone on dayshift was talking about what this mystory event would be. After hearing people talk about it so much Whitaker turned to Santos and asked, “Why do people keep talking about a mystery team building event tonight? Do I need to cancel our trail ride?”
“Nah Huckleberry,” Santos answered, “I already let Dr. Robby know we’d be at the stables tonight no big deal.” Whitaker just nodded at her answer and moved on. He had a feeling that something was up but no one seemed to know anything and there was no getting information out of Santos when she didn’t want to share.
Before long it was 4 and after handing over their parents to different doctors staying until 5 for handover both Whitaker and Santos went to get changed. Santos put on different tennis shoes, jeans a band shirt and a flannel adding a light weight leather jacket in case it got gold after dark, Whitaker ended up with some tighter jeans, a crop top he stole from Trinity, a flannel, to pair with his boots and hat. The two met up after changing to head out only Santos noticed how many people had to do a double take seeing Whitaker walk through the halls. Once they left Dr. Robby turned to Dana and asked, “So if that’s what she talked Whitaker into wearing, what did I sign the rest of us up for?”
“He didn’t look too mad about it; he looked more comfortable in the cowboy gear then his scrubs” Dana answered.
After the short drive up to the stables Whitaker and Santos got out and found Amy up by the horses already. “Hey since you didn’t get off until later today I thought I’d help get everyone ready. I know one person needs to use voice commands instead of heal clicks so I have Cinnamon ready as well.” Amy greeted them.
“Thanks Amy and Cinnamon knows this trail better than the rest of them. Last time he didn’t need a single command he was already walking the trail.” Whitaker stated.
“Thank’s so much for letting me come along Amy. I appreciate it.” Santos greeted.
“Of course any friend of Dennis is welcome up here. It sounds like you will have a fun ride. The group should be here around 5:40. I let them know about the request to be here 15 minutes early. They booked the two hour trail ride so I’ll come back here at 8 to pack up so you don’t have to worry about any horse but Shadow he only likes me when you aren’t here.”
“Sounds good, thanks Amy. I’ll finish getting everything ready so you can get to dinner with Jane.”
Once Amy left to head back up to her house Whitaker went to finish getting all the horses ready and set up in front of the mounting blocks, “Hey Trin,” He called, “I’m short a block think you’re good with a boost again?”
“Sure Huckleberry as long as I can blame you if I fall.”
They both laughed a bit and moved to wait where they could see the parking lot to wait for the group to arrive. They weren’t waiting long when cars started pulling up to the stables. Dr. Robby, Dr. Abbot, and Dana came out of the first car and the rest of the day shift started following them.
“Trin what did you do?” Whitaker asked
“Oh Dr. Robby said we needed to do a team building event and I offered to plan it so we are all here for a trail ride.” She answered.
“I should have known you were up to something you were far too excited” Whitaker just shook his head and turned towards the group, “Welcome everyone it looks like Trin was nice enough to let you know the dress code even if she didn’t tell you what we are doing.”
“Well that depends, she told us to dress comfortably in jeans and close toed shoes then yes. If anyone else is expected in a cowboy hat and boots then she only told you that.” Robby said.
“She didn't even tell me you would be here at all. So I guess you all are at the team building event I’m taking on a two hour ride.”
“Wait Whitaker you're taking us on a two hour trail ride? I know you can ride a horse sure but don’t you need someone who knows these horses and the area?” Abbot asked
“Yes to both and don't worry you all are not the first group I have taken out on the trails here, but with so many doctors you might be the first group to all make it back.”
“Go easy on them, Huckleberry, they didn’t know what they were here for either. I might have convinced Robby to let me plan the team building with little to no information.” Santos added
“Hear that if anything goes wrong it's Santos' fault.” Whitaker started, “Alright everyone I’ll skip the introductions since we all know each other. Has anyone here other than myself and Santos ridden a horse before?” Both Langdon and Mel raised their hands but everyone else shook their heads.
“Took my kids on a trail ride once.” Langdon explained
“My sister used to do equine therapy and I did some lessons with her to learn about it.” Mel said.
Whitaker just nodded, “Alright and is anyone nervous around horses?” No one raised their hands at that question. “Perfect, we have a good group here and I have worked with all of them myself at different points. So first things first I’m going to pair each of you with a horse. During the ride if any of you has any issues riding or directing your horse let me know and I’ll tie them to the lead rope.” Whitaker quickly went about placing everyone next to different horses. “Alright I’m going to have each of you stand with your horse while I go over rules and how to ride so they can get used to you. Feel free to pet them a bit. They all like having their neck and ears scratched.” Everyone moved to follow instructions as he continued, “Alright so all of the horses know this trail pretty well so we should have a nice smooth ride. When you are on your horse you are going to sit back on your pockets and keep your posture nice and tall.”
As he was talking Whitaker went over to move his own horse out in front of everyone so that he could demonstrate his instructions. Once he moved where everyone could see he placed a foot in the stirrups and gracefully mounted Shadow. “Alright you are going to hold the rains like I am here and if you start to feel unstable you can grab the horn in the front of the saddle. To turn simply move the rains in the direction you want to go,” He continued to demonstrate Shadow doing small circles with the different turns, “Pull back on the rains to ask for a stop. To go forward give a small kick to the side by the stirrups to ask for a walk and another to ask for a canter, Dr. Abbot Cinnomin there is trained for vocal commands and will respond to either the command forward or a click of the tongue. There are a few spots on the trail where the horses like to canter for a short distance, however if I see or hear anyone push their horses to go faster then that or try anything not instructed you will be attached to a guide line and tied to Shadow here. Any questions?”
“Yeah how long have you been doing this?” Lagdon asked?
“I’ve been riding horses for most of my life. Shadow here is my horse from Broken Bow. I’ve been working here off and on since that burn victim the owner is his wife and she lets me board Shadow here if I agree to help with the trail rides and some of the heavy lifting.”
“It’s like a whole new side of you.” Langdon added
“Yeah I've heard that before. I actually did a lot of the training with the horse Trinity will be on.” Whitaker added
“Fuck Huckleberry should I be scared?” Santos added with a laugh.
“I did all of the training on Shadow and you rode him a bit last time you’ll be fine.” Whitaker answered with his own laugh. “Alright let’s get you all on the horse you are next too. They each have a mounting block: grab the saddle horn in front of you for balance, put a foot in the stirrups and swing your other leg over. Trin I’ll come help you.” Whitaker instructed hopping off Shadow and moving to Trinity.
“How did you know already Santos would need help?” Robby asked, sounding genuinely curious.
“Oh I didn't have enough mounting blocks for everyone.” Whitaker answered as he went over to Santos “So I use my knee as a boost. It’s easier than moving the mounting blocks honestly.” Everyone watched still in a bit of shock as he propped his knee and Santos used it as a step and was boosted onto the horse. No one could believe it when he didn’t even flinch. Once she was seated Whitaker moved to start getting all the horses lined up for the ride. Once he got everyone ready he went over to Shadow, grabbed the saddle and swung his leg over like he did it every day. “Alright let’s go.” He called before signaling Shadow to move.
Everyone followed as Whitaker lead the group onto the trail. He pointed out different things along the way including stopping near a stream to see an eagle fishing and flying off with a fish in tow. It was a beautiful night and a great time for a relaxing ride. Whitaker listed as the group talked about how beautiful everything was smiling as everyone realized just how relaxing these horses are. As they came across a stream around the half way point Whitaker pulled Shadow to a stop to allow him to get a drink of water quick, “Alright everyone we are going to take a short break here and let the horses get a drink of water.”
Everyone took turns moving up to the stream and was chatting about everything they had seen. Robby moved up next to Whitaker after his horse got a drink and Abbot followed as well. “Thank you and Santos for planning this. I don't think I ever would have thought of a trail ride for team building and everyone seems to love it.” Robby said
“You’ll have to thank Santos for that. I didn’t know this is what we were doing. She just asked if she could come back after the last trail ride. I knew I was leading a group today but I didn’t know that it was you.” Whitaker said with a chuckle.
“Wait so she got you up here to lead a group just by asking you to take her.” Abbot asked
“I mean yeah. I’m up here most nights or days off anyway to spend time with Shadow. Besides maybe if I take her on enough trail rides she’ll forget about getting me to compete again.” Whitaker added with a chuckle.
“That’s right, the video I forgot…” Robby started but Whitaker stopped paying attention suddenly as McKay’s hours suddenly lurched and began to run. “Fuck!” Whitaker swore loudly before urging Shadow into a run and following McKay. He and Shadow moved faster than the group thought should be possible, quickly catching up to the spooked horse. Once he was running side by side with the other animal he grabbed a rope from his hip and reached over clipping it to the other horse before grabbing the rains from McKay and pulling both horses to a stop.
Once they were fully stopped he turned to McKay, “You ok?” He asked as he caught his breath.
“Yeah a bit startled but ok. Sorry I didn’t ask to run, I'm not sure what happened.” She answered
“I know,” He said as he started to lead her back to the group, “I saw the whole thing looks like something spooked this poor girl. She usually doesn’t spook easily. But it looks like she’s calmed down now. Do you want me to keep her on the lead line or take her off?”
“I think I’ll be ok. She feels calmer now, it's like a switch flipped.”
Whitaker nodded before removing the lead tie clip and heading back over to the group to check on the rest of the horses. When he looked up everyone was sitting there staring in shock, “So I’m not getting out of that rodeo when it’s found then am I?” He asked the group.
“Hun after that performance I think the rest of us will help find you a place to compete.” Dana answered, “How did you do that?”
“Not my first spooked horse.” He answered with a smile before turning to everyone, “Alright are we all feeling ready to continue?” When everyone nodded Whitaker signaled Shadow to walk again and the ride continued.
They made it threw the rest of the ride without any more incidents and they were able to watch the sunset from the river bank. It was always amazing to see how the oranges and golds bled into the pristine blue of the water and the glow of the last of the sun over the trees. It was a peace they didn't see working in the Pitt and everyone took a minute to just enjoy the feeling.
“I don’t think I got it at first,” Santos said, turning to Whitaker, “I mean I was here with you last time and even joined on a trail ride but this is something else.”
“Yeah,” Whitaker agrees, “Coming out here it reminds me of the best parts of home. This, out here reminds me that I can stop moving sometimes. It gives me two hours where I’m not holding someone's life in my hands and I can just be.”
Everyone sat for another few moments just thinking watching the sun sink lower and the first starts come out before Dana spoke, “Thank you Santos and Whitaker for this. Whitaker I know you didn’t plan for us to be the group you took on the trail but I don’t think I’ve let myself breathe like this since nursing school. I’ve been in that ED for 30 years, taking care of patients, my nurses, and you all then I go home and take care of my family. For once it feels like the world wants to take care of me for a few minutes."
Whitaker just smiled at everyone before asking for a walk from Shadow and bringing the group back to the stables where Amy was waiting for them, “Everyone enjoy the trip?”
“Yes, thank you again I think this was the perfect team building and just what we needed.” Robby said, “And Whitaker thank you for leading the tour.”
“Of course Dr. Robby my pleasure.” Whitaker then turned to the rest of the group, “I hope you all had a good ride and got to enjoy the trip. And if anyone wants to come back to get away from the rush for a bit and isn’t trying to plan my return to rodeo competition let me know and I’ll see if there are open spots on other rides. If Amy is ok with it.”
“I don’t have any issue with it. The horses need the exercise anyway, however if anyone is trying to get this guy back into competing let me know I might have a few leads.” Amy said to the group before turning to Whitaker, “You get out of here, enjoy your evening. I'll take care of the evening feeds and getting the horses in for the night.”
“Thanks Amy oh just a heads up Frost had a bit of a spook when we stopped for a drink. She’s been doing ok since then.” Amy just nodded and went to work as Whitaker got off Shadow and went to help Santos off her horse and meet up with the group. Everyone was standing together and chatting when Drs Abbot and Robby pulled Whitaker away.
“So kid next month we have to do team building for the night shift day and will be coming in a bit early to cover just like nights did.” Robby said
“I think this would be something they need if you are feeling up to running another trail ride early in the morning for us.” Abbot asked
“Of course as long as I can get the time off for it?” Whitaker said with a laugh.
“I’m sure I can adjust the schedule." Robby said with a laugh before they all returned to the group and started to head home. All thinking about the trail ride. Langdon was the first to message Whitaker asking to join on another trail ride, and he wasn’t the last.