Page 59 of Opening Strain

“Let’s have a seat and talk about the properties,” Angie suggests. “And discuss how to handle the media.” Her eyes dart toward the window.

Once we’re seated with drinks—Jenna brought me another tea—and bagels, we strategize about how the morning’s going to go. Angie shows me listings for a few different properties, and I pick two to visit, mindful of Jenna’s time. We also decide to go in two different cars as a diversion and because Jenna needs to be at the clinic for her meeting.

I test my leg, which feels relatively normal. For recent days. “I’ll drive.”

Jenna crosses her arms. “I was in no state to drive last night, but I’m capable today. I don’t want you to put more strain on your leg than absolutely necessary.”

I counter, “How will it look to the reporters if I let you drive?”

We’re at a standoff.

King suggests, “How about this? Bennett, why don’t you come with us? It’ll look like we came here to pick you up to scout houses. Jenna can meet up with us. Might even throw the vultures off.”

I consider his idea, but don’t like how it leaves Jenna vulnerable. I’ve been dealing with paps for years. She hasn’t. “No. I don’t want to leave Jenna to the wolves.”

“What if we switch up the order?” Angie queries. She addresses me. “You can go with King, and I’ll ride with Jenna. You two can even speak with the press while we leave first. I bet none of the reporters will follow us when the story’s talking with them.”

Her idea makes sense. We can be the decoy, so to speak. I’ll put out the story that I’m checking out properties. “I think it may work.”

We sit and make small talk, getting to know each other better over our makeshift breakfast. My mind, however, runs amuck with a potential fly in the ointment—how do I account for being with Jenna? No way am I telling the reporters I’m here for physical therapy after my stupid jump onstage. Nor am I discussing Darren. Perhaps he can provide cover, though?

When the ladies take the dirty dishes into the kitchen, I turn to King. “Hey, the paps will want to know why I’m here with Jenna. Since I need to keep my physical therapy off their radar, do you think they’d buy I’m catching up with Darren’s ex-girlfriend?”

He winces. “I’m not sure about that one. The best decoy tactics are closest to the truth, at least that’s what Dad always says.” He goes silent while his biceps flex. “How about saying you came here because of our television show and ran into her in town? Then you went out to dinner to catch up?”

“You know, that might work. It’ll loop you guys into the press, since it’ll appear I came here to seek you out. Will that be a problem?”

He grins. “Nah. Call me a media whore.” We’re chuckling when the ladies return into the living room.

Angie takes one look at her husband and says to Jenna, “Don’t ask.”

King and I laugh even harder. This relative normalcy is unusual. I like it.

All too soon, Jenna and Angie prepare to go to Jenna’s car. “Wait,” I stop them. “How about we all go out together and I divert their attention with our cover story. In the meantime, King can help both of you into Jenna’s car and then you drive off? We should be only five or ten minutes behind you.”

We can see them off, then monopolize the press. As we put on our coats, I ask King, “How are your evasive driving tactics?”

He wraps a scarf around his neck. “I don’t get to brush them off too much anymore, but I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.” He puts a hand on my shoulder. “I’m ready for them, don’t worry.”

About as prepared as we can be, I open the door and walk out of the house. Taking my time—both to allow King to help the women into their car as well as not to let on about my injury—I draw the reporters’ attention. The screaming begins, questions being hurled at me from all sides.

“Does the rest of UC know you’re out here?”

“Does Jenna have anything to do with your appearance?”

“Are you dating the Black Widow?”

No one takes notice when Jenna’s car starts. After the ladies pull back from the driveway, King joins me.

“I didn’t think my appearance in Aroostook would cause this much of a ruckus,” I say. “Must be a slow news time for you all, being winter and all.”

“What drew you to the Hamptons?”

My gaze takes in the clear blue sky. “I came out here to check out real estate.” I turn to face King. “This guy has a show on television, if you didn’t already know, and it makes all the homes out here seem like the place to be. So, I took this little break before Untamed Coaster’s tour starts next week to visit for myself. I heard you all don’t bother celebrities much in Aroostook.” I give them a pointed glare.

“We are excited to show some properties to Mr. Hardy,” King picks up the mantle, allowing me time to verify all the reporters are still here with us and not following Jenna’s taillights. At least this part of our plan worked. I tune back in to hear King explain, “We’re off to look at houses. Because these are private properties, I don’t expect to have you travel with us. That is, unless you’re ready to shell out some of your money to buy a house yourself. In which case, give my office a call.” He chuckles.

Gotta hand it to King. He knows how to handle these vultures. We turn toward his SUV when the same pap as before screams, “What about the Black Widow?”

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