Page 9 of Extended Bridge

“Thanks.” I glance around and choose a table far away from the windows and sit in the corner. From my vantage point, I see Michelle talking with the reporters. Wonderful.

When the same server approaches, I order a Diet Coke and run through my options. I could walk back to my car, but reporters would be all over me. I could call a car service, but that seems extravagant. I could ask Ma to pick me up, but after our little tea, I don’t think that’s a good idea.

The server drops off my drink, for which I thank her.

There has to be a way out of here. Court’s shining face bubbles in my mind, but she’s busy with patients.

Angie. She’d be excited to help me evade the media, I know it in my bones. After a quick call, she pulls up outside the diner. Leaving some money on the table beside my half-empty glass, I prepare for the onslaught. With fluid motions, I dash out of the diner’s protection and dive into Angie’s car.

“Buckle up!” With this only warning, Angie steps on the gas and we fly away. “I’m not taking you directly back to my office, as I want to shake these vultures off your tail.” Her evasive driving rivals Bennett’s. Within ten minutes, she pulls into an apartment building’s quiet parking lot off the main drag.

She puts her car into park. “Whathappened?”

I reach for my ponytail, only to remember I left my hair loose today, because Bennett prefers it this way. Was our bath and shower only this morning? Resting my head against the headrest, I say, “I was out for a walk checking out the ocean when the paparazzi appeared out of nowhere.”

“They have a knack for doing that.”

“I know. One minute I was enjoying the waves, the next Michelle came up and was harassing me, and then the media showed up.”

“Wow. You’ve had quite the day.”

I roll my head toward her. “You don’t know the half of it.”

“I know we’ve only just met, but I like you, Jenna. I feel what you’re going through. Can I offer you some unsolicited advice?”

Why not? Everyone else has. “Sure.”

She turns to face me, tucking her leg behind her. “Leave. Go out on tour with Untamed Coaster. Get out of this town until some new celebrity diverts the media’s attention. You’ll also get an added bonus.”

I can’t resist wading into the open-ended statement. “What’s that?”

“You’ll be able to control the media from the inside.”

After a sleepless night, I finally come to a decision. I make an early morning stop at the office, confirming I can follow through with it. “Ensure you make an appointment to have the air conditioner checked by early spring.”

“On my list,” Court replies.

“Double-check to see if salt needs to be added to the water softener every month.”

She salutes me. “Aye, aye.”

“And—”

Court raises her hand. “I got this. Stop worrying.”

“I know you do.” I pace across the floor. “I’ve never left my baby for months.”

“You were smart. You’ve structured At Your Service PT to run without you. I promise you, it will. If something unforeseen happens, I know how to reach you.”

My legs keep moving. “You’ll keep an eye on Felipe at the second location, right? Based on your astute observations regarding Sylvia, and the way Austin failed on Bennett’s skater jumps, I’ve decided to tap Greyson for the third location like you suggested. Of course, that won’t happen until I get back, so you don’t have to worry about telling anyone.”

Court laughs. “You need to get your head out of Aroostook and focus on your one patient about to tour the world. I can’t even imagine touring with my man across the globe.” She fans her face. “If only I had a man. I have to live vicariously through you.”

“Bennett isn’t myman,” I correct her. “He’s my patient.” This reminder is more for me than for her.

“Whatever. If it were me, I’d be all over that fine man like moss on a tree.” Using the bottom of her shirt, she cleans her glasses.

“Not. Going. To. Happen.” I don’t add in the last word, again. No matter how much he excited me or played my body to perfection, it can’t happen again. “Two words—Professional. Ethics.”

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