Page 5 of Extended Bridge

“I’m trying. It’s difficult.”

She nods. “So, what brings you over here? Don’t tell me you’re on the lam from the paparazzi.”

“Sort of.” I shrug. “But I do have a reason for bothering you. I need to find a new location.”

“You’re never a bother.” She rearranges some papers on her desk. “Are you moving?”

“No. I want to open another clinic, but don’t have a clue where to look.”

She twirls a lock of her hair. “You’ve come to the right place, Jenna. We have some great listings. Tell me what you’re looking for.”

Without thinking, I rattle off the requirements for my next location. I give her my top ten list of hopes and dreams I’ve developed while searching for my other three locations. Angie takes copious notes, asks questions, and consults her computer. When I’ve finished my laundry list, she holds up a finger and leaves her desk. A moment later, she returns with printouts in her hand.

“Here you go. I think any one of these would make an excellent location for your next clinic.” She passes me a stack of papers.

“Oh, wow. I didn’t expect all this.”

“Goes to show that you should’ve been working with me all along.” She smiles, her brown eyes dancing.

I flip through the pages. “I have to agree.”

She places her hand over mine. “I’m glad we met,” she removesher hand and I feel a sudden emptiness. “You and Bennett make a great pair.”

At her mention of the man who’s taking up so much of my head—and heart—space, I wince. “He should be whisking away to the City in under fifteen minutes.”

Angie’s eyebrows pull together. “Why on earth are you here with me, then, and not with your man?”

“He’s not my man. Not really. I don’t know.” I lean back into the chair. “The tabloids came out with some awful stories today.”

“I saw.”

“Lies.”

She does a slow nod.

“I’m trying to figure out my next steps.” I hold up the papers. “This is part of it.” Ma’s car pulls up to the sidewalk and I stand. “Thanks for listening to me, Angie, and for giving me these options. My ride’s here, so I have to leave. I’ll be in touch soon.”

“I’m here for you, anytime. As a woman who has gone through this before, I can at least commiserate.”

I hug her first this time. “I may take you up on your offer. You’ll probably be sorry you made it.”

“No way. I’ll always be your wingman.” She pauses. “Wingwoman.”

With a jaunty wave, I exit her office and hop into Ma’s car, kissing her cheek in greeting. We caught a break since the paparazzi tired of waiting. Or ran off to the helipad for Bennett. “Thank you for picking me up.”

“No worries. I can guess what’s got you rattled.”

“The tabloids have a knack for doing that.” I tuck the paperwork Angie gave me into my bag. “But I’m here now.”

Her lips tick up. “Let’s get you home.”

We enter the small but orderly ranch house Ma moved into a few years ago. It doesn’t hold the memories of the home I grew up in, but framed photos on every surface and on the walls go a long waytoward recreating the old place. Ma said the four-bedroom was too much for her now that my sister Kara and I had left.

“Let me get you some tea. Ginger, peppermint, or hibiscus?”

I love that she rattles off a variety of herbal teas. “Peppermint, please.”

Her eyes crinkle as she smiles. “You got it.”

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