Page 21 of Extended Bridge (Passionate Beats #2)

Chapter Eleven

T urns out, all of the guys except Tristan left to visit Darren’s mother and sister about thirty minutes ago. I’m in no mood to socialize with Nese or the other crew members or roadies. Nor do I want to talk with Ma or even Court. Better I keep my own bad company.

Inside Bennett’s bus where we did our morning therapy session, I sit then stand. He’s doing so much better than I expected. He’ll probably be able to drop down to one session a day sooner than I had predicted. At least there’s that.

I pace the bus, which isn’t small by any means.

It’s not big enough, either. Maybe it’s the fact the guys are visiting Darren’s family, or the reality of touring with UC again, I have a sudden need to talk with my former boyfriend.

I slip out of the bus, which is parked in the back of the stadium that will host the concert tonight.

Using my all-access pass, I enter backstage and find myself standing on the stage, behind his keyboard.

I stare at the instrument Darren used to adore. In my mind’s eye, I picture him playing in front of a massive crowd. My feet move forward until I’m so close I can touch the keys. I reach out but my hand falls to my side.

“Darren,” I begin. “I loved you. You drew me into your life and opened my eyes to crazy experiences. I will always remember our time together with wonder.” I lift my arm again, but it lowers.

“I’m not sure, though, what I brought into your life except maybe a remembered sense of normalcy.

With Bennett, it’s different. He’s been hurt deeply, which I understand more than you know.

Because we never talked about my grandmother.

You never shared about your addiction either. ”

I take a step backward. Now’s not the time for recriminations.

I’ve made peace with nearly all this with the help of my therapist. It was his life’s path, not my responsibility.

I advance to the keyboard again and my fingers lay atop the keys.

“I owe you for introducing me to the vibrant colors of your world. I loved you, but I know it’s time for me to let someone else into my heart. You’ll be a part of me forever.”

I gently press down and a light sound is produced. Tears flowing, Darren surrounds me in the place he adored. His fingers envelop mine, skimming over the ivory and black keys. I whisper, “I want to let Bennett into my life. Give me a sign. Please.”

My heart jolts as if it were squeezed from within.

As if Darren kissed it.

He gave me his blessing.

“Thank you.” My eyes continue to leak.

Behind me, someone says, “Jenna.”

Half expecting Darren to have materialized behind me, I turn and am greeted by another tall guy, this time with the beginnings of a five o’clock shadow even though it’s not even two. I swipe my cheeks. “Hi, Tristan.”

He joins me at the keyboard. “The guys all went to visit Darren’s family. I thought you went with them.”

“Nah.” I can’t let my answer hang out to dry, so I add, “It would be way too weird.” At his nod, I say, “Didn’t you want to meet them? ”

He mimics my response. “Nah. It would be way too weird.” He shoves his hands into his back pockets, friendship bracelet pushing up his arm. “Do you play?”

“Huh?” I press one final key and shake my head. “No. It was Darren’s thing. And now, the keyboard is yours.” I allow Darren’s approval to permeate my being and change places with the new keyboardist, who plays a melody I’ve never heard.

“Something I’m messing around with,” he says, his neck tinged a light red.

“I like it.” The band did well with their choice. Tristan’s very talented.

After listening to him practice a couple of UC songs, ones I can hear Darren play with him, we leave the stage. As we enter the parking lot, I ask, “How do you like playing with Untamed Coaster?”

“They’re great. I love performing on such a big stage with fans screaming our lyrics back to us. That’s amazing. And UC’s letting me test out my chops with writing. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”

Seems to me there’s a lot more behind his answer. “Is this your first stadium tour?”

“Hell, yes.” He turns his head toward me. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to curse.”

“I appreciate it, but it’s not like I’ve never heard the word ‘hell’ before.” I elbow his stomach. Which is quite hard. Must be a requirement that all the members of the band be shredded. “Kidding. Feel free to speak as you normally would around me.”

“Thanks. Momma would have my scalp if she heard me curse around a lady.”

I stop walking and do a full turn around the parking lot. “I don’t see any ladies here, so your secret’s safe with me.” It’s hard to believe such a polite, well-bred guy has joined up with the rowdier men I know in UC.

“’Preciate it. So, you and Bennett, huh?”

“Go right to the heart of it, why don’t you, Mr. Polite? ”

Tristan’s hands return to his back pockets. “Sorry. Last night’s story’s been plastered all over the internet, adding to the others from a week or so ago.” He stares at the pavement. “It’s none of my business.”

He’s right. It isn’t. But talking it out with someone who never knew me with Darren is inviting.

“It’s fine. Hard to avoid.” We walk in an oversized figure eight among four empty parking spots.

“I met, rather examined, Bennett when he hurt himself at the end of the movie premiere. His doctor prescribed physical therapy and since I was a known quantity to the band, he came to my clinic. We’re not together.

” Did I add this last part for him or me?

“How’s our lead singer healing?”

“Good. He should basically be good to go in another week. The doctor wants him to continue therapy for three months, until he’s fully healed.” I lean closer to his frame. “Probably for liability reasons more than medical.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.”

We both grin at the fact he’s reusing my phrase. Tristan bends down and picks up a rock, tossing it across the lot. “So you two aren’t dating? Or is it a fake relationship for the media’s benefit?”

My protest rises without thought. “We’re not dating. I’m his physical therapist.” I continue walking and realize he stopped. When he catches up with me, I add, “It’s unethical for a therapist to date her patient.”

Tristan nods. “So if some other guy wanted to sweep you off your feet, you’d be open?”

Is he hitting on me? “Well, it wouldn’t be against any ethical rules.”

“I know. I wasn’t asking for myself,” he hurries to clarify. “I’ve heard things around the crew and wanted to see if I could help you out before things got out of hand.”

My feet stop. This man, whom I’ve only barely met, is incredible. “You’re looking out for me? ”

He shrugs. “You’re practically family. Wanted to make sure nothing bad happens to you.”

The fact he’s taking a big brother protector role over me makes tears tickle the back of my eyes. Again. Only a couple of days into the tour and I’m turning into a watering pot. I blink several times. “You have to be the sweetest man I’ve ever met.”

His hands return to his back pockets. “Momma raised me right.”

“She sure did.” After a few steps, I add, “If you could dissuade anyone from pursuing me, that would be most appreciated. I’m not here to find a man.

” Bennett checks all my boxes. “It was a hard decision for me to come tour with UC again, but the fact the doctor prescribed Bennett’s therapy tipped the balance.

I’ve been working with him since his injury and want to see him back to one hundred percent. ”

“I applaud you, Jenna. Stepping back into this world after everything that happened with Darren.”

“Yeah, well. The same could be said about you. Here you are, actually replacing him on the keys. I admire you, Tristan.”

“It’s been a long road, but I do finally feel as if we’re jelling together as a band.”

“I know.” I grin. “I saw the movie.”

“It’s all out there, thanks to Quinn Walker. You remind me of her. Smart, talented, and you don’t take any shit.” He pauses. “Stuff.”

“I try not to.” Don’t know how successful I am, however, given the way the media’s calling me Black Widow. “Are things really as relaxed among you and the band as you make it seem?”

“Mostly,” he replies. “Our struggles nowadays are about business and music things. I feel as if I’ve been accepted into UC by the original members. I make sure not to rock the boat.”

“I get it. Please do me a favor, though. Be yourself in all your Mr. Polite glory. Don’t let the rest of them take that away from you.”

His white teeth glint in the sunlight. I follow their rays to his ears, where holes for earrings rest. I’ve never seen earrings in them. “You have pierced ears? ”

Fingers cover both ears. “Yeah. I like how they look, but they’re Coop’s thing.”

“So? Nese’s eyebrow is pierced.”

“Well, true.”

“All the guys have tattoos, some more than others. I bet there are piercings you don’t know about.” Nor do I want to find out.

“I don’t want to encroach on Coop.”

He doesn’t elaborate and I don’t push. He’ll come clean with the guys when he’s ready. Why he’s hiding this piece of himself baffles me, but it’s his secret to share. Guess he takes polite to a whole new level.

A black limo pulls into the parking lot. “Looks like they’re back.”

I straighten my shoulders. I hope Darren’s mother didn’t badmouth me from here to kingdom come, but Darren’s support from the stage buoys me. Walking and chatting with Tristan was a wonderful diversion, but now that they’re back, my stomach churns with the unknown.

When the doors open, Luke leads the group out of the vehicle. Pierce is the first to say anything, and it’s directed at Tristan. “Hey there. Want to play some hoops?” He points to the back, toward the roadies’ buses.

“Sure thing.” Under his breath, he asks, “Will you be all right?”

Tristan’s concern for me overshadows the ruckus in my stomach. “I will, Mr. Polite. Go, have a great time.” He takes a step away. “Wait!” He looks at me and I kiss his cheek. “Thanks for a great afternoon.”