Page 31 of The VIP Doubles Down
Allie cast a questioning glance at Gavin. He nodded. “You have my permission to answer her questions about the therapy. She has a vested interest, after all.” He touched the back of Allie’s hand, sending a shiver of delight up her arm. “You’ll stay until the bitter end?”
“Absolutely.”
Another smile that eased the tension in his face and made her feel as though her presence meant something to him. He leaned down to whisper beside her ear. “I may need a massage by then.”
“I brought my tools.” She held up her hands. Was that really why he wanted her to stay? Her gratification fizzled out.
Gavin returned to his seat while Jane led Allie back through the bookcases to a cozy room where it appeared a private gathering was taking place. Two tall men stood talking by a table spread with sandwiches, wine bottles, and cupcakes, while two women chatted on a brocade-covered love seat. Allie nearly gasped as she recognized Luke Archer, the newly retired superstar quarterback of the New York Empire. If he’d come to Gavin’s book signing, they must have gotten over their quarrel.
Jane proceeded to the buffet table. “Red or white?”
Allie was having a hard time not staring at the quarterback. The man’s golden blond hair and ice blue eyes were even more striking in person. And he was so tall. “Wh-white, please.”
Jane handed her a glass and turned to the two men. “Allie, meet Nathan Trainor and Luke Archer.” Jane had a little twinkle of humor in her eyes as she introduced the legendary athlete. “Nathan, Luke, this is Allie Nichols, Gavin’s physical therapist. She’s doing great things for him.”
Luke held out his huge hand. “I’ve worked with my fair share of PTs, so I know how hard your job is. I imagine Gavin isn’t the easiest patient.”
Allie nearly laughed as she remembered his attempt to throw her out the first day. “Once he got used to the idea, he was fine.”
“A pleasure, Allie,” Nathan said, giving her a firm handshake. “We’re all friends of Gavin’s, so we’re glad he’s found someone to help him.”
The name Trainor was nagging at her brain, and then she remembered. This was the CEO of Trainor Electronics and the inventor of the battery used in virtually every laptop in the world.
The two women joined the group and were introduced as Miranda Archer and Chloe Russell. Allie smiled wistfully when the two men slid their arms around the women’s waists with obvious affection.
They chatted for a few minutes, although Allie mostly just listened. Everyone was very pleasant, but she felt overawed. Then Jane said, “I’m going to steal Allie away for some private conversation.”
Jane hooked her arm through Allie’s and drew her aside to a quiet corner holding two mismatched upholstered Victorian chairs and a Moroccan-inlay occasional table. The agent surveyed it and said, “I think it’s supposed to evoke Sherlock Holmes’s study.” They sat, and Jane leaned in, fixing her blue eyes on Allie. “Tell me how Gavin’s therapy is going. He seems better.”
“He’s making good progress now that’s he committed to the treatment. We’re still working on relaxing the muscles, but soon he’ll be able to start exercising them, too. That should prevent this from happening again.”
“I’ll be honest,” Jane said. “I thought he would refuse to do it.”
Allie made a wry face. “It was close.”
“Dr.Benson said you were good with difficult patients.” Jane leaned in a little more. “Gavin mentioned that he’s talked to you about his writer’s block.”
“I didn’t bring it up until he did,” Allie was quick to say. “He found out that I’m a fan of the Julian Best books. That’s why he invited me here.” She decided not to tell Jane that she’d used that information as a last resort to keep him from firing her.
Jane shook her head. “Gavin wanted allies tonight. He considers you one.”
Allie remembered Gavin’s smile of greeting and dared to hope Jane might be right.
“Has he discussed Julian Best with you?” Jane asked.
“A little.” Allie wasn’t sure if Gavin wanted her to talk about this part of their sessions. “We’ve been focusing on his physical issues.”
“His physical issues are just a symptom of his creative problem,” Jane said. “If you can help him get the writing flowing again, that would fix everything else.”
“I’m not really qualified for that.”
“You’re as qualified as anyone else,” Jane said. “Gavin wouldn’t let one of those creativity coaches anywhere near him, but he’s talking to you.” She laid her hand on Allie’s arm. “He’s a friend as well as a client to me, and it kills me to see him suffering like this. He’s been putting an immense amount of pressure on himself because he’s missed some deadlines. Not to mention that the movie is stalled without a script. I think the stress is blocking his creativity. Writers need to write, or they begin to have mental and emotional problems.” She sat back. “Whatever you can do to help him, do it.”
“I’ll try my best.” Allie began to understand why Gavin’s muscles were clenched so rigidly. He was carrying a heavy load of responsibility.
“I have a feeling your best is impressive,” Jane said, giving her a warm smile. “By the way, I might have another patient for you.”
Allie forced herself not to hug the agent. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. Let me know who, when, and where.”
