Page 10 of Extended Bridge (Passionate Beats #2)
Our plates arrive. Luke digs into his steak burrito while Bennett dives into his hard-shell tacos. Me, I pick up my fork and play with my chicken quesadilla, my mind too busy with thoughts of Darren’s family and reporters to relax and enjoy.
“Not liking it?” Luke wipes his hands on a napkin.
“It’s good. I guess I’m not as hungry as I thought.” Even if my stomach rumbles, thankfully not loud enough to alert my table companions.
“Well, I loved it.” Bennett drops his fork onto his empty plate, and sips his hot tea. This time, he ordered peach.
I play with my own tea mug, filled with soothing chamomile. The need to escape raises its ugly head, and I don’t second-guess myself. Standing, I say, “I’m going back to my room to make sure I’m ready for tonight. I’ll see you both in a couple of hours.”
Without waiting for their replies, I take off at a fast clip to the hotel. A short time later, I’m sitting in a comfy chair in my room, figuring out how I can get a replacement therapist at this late date.
I grab my phone. “Hey, Court.”
“Jenna! How’s everything starting for you? Have you seen Bennett yet? What about the rest of UC?”
“Yeah. I’ve been thinking this might be a huge mistake. Want to switch places? I’ll manage the first clinic in Aroostook as well as oversee the expansion, and you can tour with the band. I know you’d do a fabulous job with them.”
“Jenna, can you hear yourself?” A pen clicks. “What’s spooked you?”
“Things you don’t give a damn about. Reporters.
Darren. Darren’s family. None of which would faze you.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner.
If you could pack your bags, I’ll stay for tonight because there’s no way you can get out here in time.
Then, you can take my place tomorrow.” Tidy. Orderly. Perfect.
“No.”
I must not have heard her correctly. “What?” I stand and begin pacing around the small room.
“I know for a fact you enjoy Untamed Coaster’s music.
You’ve commented about Coop and Río enough to let me know being around them won’t be a hardship.
You don’t have anyone tying you down to Aroostook, and I can do your job with At Your Service PT until you return. What’s your issue?”
“I don’t have an issue. Your scheme would work fine but for one major flaw. Bennett is your patient. Need I remind you that you said you want him to have continuity of service—which he wouldn’t have if I take over.”
I stomp my foot. “We went to school together. We have the same philosophy and follow the same protocols. I don’t think it would be an issue.”
“The fact I’m Court and not Jenna is the only issue that matters. ”
I stop behind the upholstered chair and pick at its back. “I’m sure this could be overlooked,” I mumble.
“I think my unflappable Jenna is scared. Scared about dealing with reporters. Scared of having to deal with the various personalities in UC, and the one who is no longer with it. Scared of how Bennett makes you feel.”
I complete her list. “Scared of the loss of control, the travel, the tour bus, overwhelming logistics, the judgmental fans, crappy food, and Darren’s family in two days.” The list repeats in my head. “Well, maybe the food won’t be so crappy, assuming I have the capacity to swallow it.”
“Did you say you’re seeing Darren’s family?”
Leave it to Court to pick up on that gem. “Lucky me. They’ll be at the tour stop in Philly in a couple of days.”
“Shit.”
“About sums it up.” I delve into the recent article in The Gossip . “I can’t face them. They hated me when I was with Darren. Now they think I’m some sort of groupie who only wants to spend time with the band.”
“We both know that couldn’t be further from the truth. I think you need to say it to their faces. Flat out.”
“Oh, I forgot about Lissa and Michelle, too. No, Court, this was a bad idea. If you’re not willing to take my place, I’ll call Felipe. I bet he’d do it.”
“His boyfriend might have something to say about it.”
Rats. I forgot about his partner. “Then that leaves you. Start packing.”
“I won’t do it. You need this, Jenna. You need to explore whatever it is between you and Bennett.”
“There’s nothing?—”
She continues as if I didn’t object. “Plus, tell those reporters where they can shove it. This is your life, Jenna. Do you really want someone else telling you how to run it?”
“Well, no. But it’s too much. ”
“It’s a lot, I agree. How did the sound check go?”
I shrug. “Bennett didn’t do anything stupid and the band sounded great.
” When don’t they? “I met this roadie, Jeb. He’s huge!
Seriously, a giant built like a Mack Truck.
” I pause. “Anyway, he works setting up and breaking down the staging. He confided about back issues, and I promised him I’d send him some exercises to do.
” Which I have to do as soon as I get off the phone.
“That’s pretty cool. Think you could give him PT while you’re on the road?”
“I never considered that. Maybe?” Could others in the band and its entourage need therapy? I should explore this avenue.
“I think you need to stick it out, Jenna. Yes, meeting up with Darren’s family could suck, but maybe you could clear the air? No matter what, you’ll only have to deal with them for one concert, right?”
I sigh. “It’s going to be bad.”
She repeats. “For one day.”
“I guess so. But the reporters are forever. They were relentless when I was with Darren, remember? He wasn’t as in demand as Bennett is. Plus, I wasn’t branded the Black Widow back then.” Guilt summoned by the phrase still makes my stomach clench.
“I get it, Jenna. Try to turn things around on them. That’ll make them back off.”
I remember Angie’s suggestion for me to fight the media from within. “You’re not the first person to suggest this to me.” I slump onto the bed. “Guess I’m stuck here. I’ll try.”
“That’s all anyone can ask of you. Now go and send Jeb his exercises and get Bennett ready to hit the stage.”
I stare at my phone. It’s not Jeb I’m worried about.