Page 69 of Opening Strain

“Make yourself at home while I pack my stuff. I won’t be long.” I leave her with the fridge open and enter my bedroom. At least I’ve packed and unpacked my suitcase a million times while on tour, so this chore is completed in under ten minutes.

I wheel both pieces of luggage out to the living room. “Ready.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t know how you can live out of a suitcase. I used to say the same thing to Darren. He always replied it was part of the gig, and touring was something to be enjoyed.”

“He was right.” I join her at the kitchen island. “Listen, the press is a pain in the ass, for sure, but they don’t know what’s inside here.” I tap my chest over my heart. “They make up crazy stories, but I know the truth. UC’s PR team usually comes through with debunking the most outlandish stuff they dream up. Try not to let them get into your head. They don’t deserve it.”

She plucks at the label on the water bottle. “I’m trying. I’m not cut out for this life.” Her lips rise in a half-smile.

“I don’t know. From where I sit, you’re not letting them calling you a Black Widow get to you. Don’t. Keep up your barriers.”

“I’m trying, but it’s hard. I don’t like having a barrier.”

My hand covers the top of hers. “You keep the people you love inside with you. All the rest of the world can believe what they want. That’s all I’m saying.” Guess that’s why it’s so easy for me. I don’t have people inside the barrier.

My cell breaks the extended silence. Despite knowing exactly who it is, I pull it out of my back pocket and stare at Mom’s name. I close my eyes.

I’m about to decline the call, when Jenna says, “It’s your mother. She must be worried sick about you.” Her chin tilts. “Take it.”

I don’t want to answer the phone with Mom on a good day. Today certainly doesnotqualify as one. “How about this? I’ll call her when we’ve settled into Secluded Rest.” The phone rings again.

“Promise?”

“Yes.” On an exhale, I send Mom’s call to voicemail. “Let’s get ourselves to the mansion.”

Big, grey eyes meet mine. “Can we at least drive by my house to see how bad it is? Maybe I can squeak in?”

How can I deny her this simple request—one I brought to fruition. “Sure. But if it’s nuts, we’re not going near it, you hear me?”

“Thank you!” She wraps her arms around me for a fierce hug. “I’m sure they won’t be camped out at my place.”

Wrong. I keep my opinion to myself. Together, we each take a piece of my wheeled luggage, and I put the backpack on my shoulders. “Are you ready to face the music?”

Her head shakes. “Always with the band references, huh?”

I shrug. “It’s what I do.”

“Well, true.” Her shoulders plop downward. “I’m ready.”

I open the door and go out first to try to deflect the reporters. She clicks to unlock her trunk, and I stow both pieces of luggage and mybackpack in it while she rushes to the driver’s seat. I stand and close the trunk, then turn to face the vultures.

“Don’t you guys have something better to do than interrupt my vacation?” I whine. “I’m out here for some R&R. Can you please give it to me?”

“Is it true you’re buying property in Aroostook?”

“Why are you spending more time with the Black Widow?”

“Are you moving in on Darren’s girl?”

This last one hits a nerve. I stop in my purposeful walk to the passenger door. “I can safely say Jenna Westfield is her own woman and doesn’t belong to anyone. I would hope you would understand that.”

I open the door when another pap’s question sails through, “Are you excited for your tour?”

This one I can answer. I push away from the car. “I am very excited to go out on tour with Untamed Coaster. Following the amazing movie that chronicled our struggles over the past years, we’re ready to get back to performing.”

“Bennett, how is Tristan integrating into the band?”

“Bennett, who is writing the songs for the next album?”

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