Page 10 of Extended Bridge

Court waves her hand. “I’d never tell.”

“Ride or die,” I repeat our catchphrase from school, causing us both to laugh.

“Knock, knock.” Austin doesn’t wait for our response and breezes into Court’s office carrying a manilla folder. He stops short. “Oh, Jenna, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

His surprise seems a bit disingenuous. Bennett’s less-than-positive appraisal of him may have colored my thoughts, though. “Hey. I just told Courtney that I’m going to be going away for a few months so she’ll be in charge. Keep on doing what you’re doing and you’ll be great.”

He looks as if he ate a sour pickle. “Where are you going?”

It’s none of his business. However, the media won’t keep my whereabouts secret for too long, so I decide to get ahead of them. “Bennett’s doctor prescribed three more months of physical therapy while he’s on tour. Since he’s been my patient from the beginning, it makes sense for me to continue with him.”

The folder slaps the top of Austin’s thigh. “If you’re going to be away, who’s going to take the lead on your third clinic?”

I know he’s angling to be the manager, but I’m not about to spill the beans. I play coy. “I don’t think this is a decision that needs to be made right this second.”

He juts his chin upward. “I’d like to throw my name into the ring. I’m a good manager, can meet deadlines, and my clients love me.”

Except Bennett. “Those are excellent attributes,” I tell him, needing to stroke his ego. “Remember I told you I think you may need some more practical experience before moving up into management, so keep working on your connections within the community.”

“I will.” He rubs his eyebrow. “Bennett, huh?”

“She’s going to be working with her patient,” Court jumps to defend me. I shoot a grateful glance at her.

“Yeah, right,” Austin grumbles. My hands land on my hips. He turns to face Court, holding up the folder. “I actually came in here to ask you about this patient.”

“I’ll take this as my cue to leave, as I have several loose ends to tie up.” I nod at Austin, then address Court. “I’ll be in touch.”

Ignoring our audience, she gives me a big bear hug. In my ear, she whispers, “You better check in. Only to let me know how things are going with yourpatient.”

Because of Austin, I simply offer them a wave and leave the office. I hide my smirk until I’m well out of their line of sight.

My next stop is at home. A few intrepid reporters are camped out on the sidewalk, whom I ignore. Inside my house, I pull out a couple of suitcases and begin to fill them with my favorite pieces of clothing. Which need to last me three months. I stop. I’m going to be away for ninety days? How is this my life? Unfathomable before I metBennett Hardy. Even with Darren, I was away only a night or two at a time.

I need to get myself organized. Not only in the clothes department. I sit at my desk and write out lists of what I need to do before joining Bennett on tour. Stop my automatic food deliveries tops the list. Double-check that all my bills are on autopay. Cancel streaming services that I won’t be here to watch. When I’m done, I stare at the final three—tell Angie, Ma, and Bennett. A big sigh overtakes my body. No time like the present.

The first item is easily accomplished. Angie’s excitement for me buoys me to make the next call. Ma picks up on the second ring. Stomach churning, I tell her of my decision.

“I’m glad to hear this, Sweet Pea. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will. You know me.”

“Better than you know yourself, I fear. Enjoy this hiatus and see the world. Just don’t get caught up in Bennett’s drama.” She pauses. “For lack of a better word.”

“Ma. Nothing can happen, because he’s officially my patient. You know this is the best time for me to get away and regroup. I’ll be ready to tackle offices three and four when I return.”

“I know you will, Sweet Pea. I love you.”

With those three words, I know she’s given me her blessing. “Love you more.”

A timer beeps in the background. “I have to run. I can’t wait to hear how things are going!”

“I’ll call you—” my words are cut off when she disconnects the line. I stare at my cell for a moment.You’re being weird, Ma.

After a minute, I return to my bedroom and complete packing. Against my body, I hold up a new dress Court gave me, saying I’ll need the sexy outfit to fit in with a bunch of rock stars. With a sigh, I add it to my suitcase filled with leggings and tunic tops. Can’t hurt.

Shoes are easy, since I don’t own anything remotely akin to what groupies wear. No six-inch heels, no booties. I toss a couple ofdifferent pairs of Sketchers into the bag. The pumps I wore to the movie premiere dare me to take them along and I toss them in as well. They do match Court’s dress.

When my luggage is packed and everything’s crossed off my list except for the last item, I take a seat in my family room. Remembering what Bennett and I did in here, warmth suffuses my cheeks. I shake my head. Circumstances are different now. “Never again.”

---