Page 99 of Opening Strain

“So you’re familiar with the hiring process,” Luke notes. “We’re going to be interviewing a replacement for our guitar tech and could use your skills in deciding which candidate to hire.”

I refrain from slapping him on the back. This is perfect—give her more things to do on the tour besides my PT.

“Oh, I don’t know. I hate the interview process.”

“You’ll only have to sit in on one set of interviews. Because you know the rest of the band, your insight would be helpful.” Luke offers an apologetic laugh. “Especially when they flake out on me.”

“Hey,” I interject. “I said I’d be there for the interviews.”

“And I thank you for that, B. But another set of ears and eyes would be welcome.”

“I don’t know,” she says. “You leave tomorrow and there’s no way I could be ready so soon.”

“Join us as soon as you can.” I point to my thigh. “I can continue doing our exercises for a day or two. After that, I’d be lost.”

Her hands go to her hips. “You need to keep up your PT. I expect you to be able to do skater leaps by next week.”

My chest goes concave. Those things fucking hurt. “I won’t promise anything.”

Jenna looks between the two of us, and I read so many opposing emotions on her face—annoyance, excitement, fear—I honestly don’t know which direction she’s leaning. “Excuse me, I need to use the washroom.” With that, she hustles away.

Luke and I walk out to the waiting room. “Don’t take this the wrong way, B, but are you sure about this?”

“I definitely want Jenna with me. I know this will be a shock to the guys, especially 007, but she’s a fantastic therapist.” I duck my head. “Outside of PT, she’s amazing too. I need to see where this goes.”

Luke pauses for a moment. “Then we need to get her on the UC tour.”

My head pops up and I meet his coffee-colored eyes. There’s no guile in them. “You mean it?”

“Of course. If she’s important to you, then she’s important to me and UC. Give me tonight, though, to sort it out with the band.”

“Thanks, man. We’ll be joining up with you in the morning.” I rub two fingers over my nose. “At least I will. I’m not sure where Jenna’s head’s at right now.”

He puts his hand on the top of my shoulder. “She’ll come around. I mean, what woman can resisttheBennett Hardy?”

I bark a laugh. “I’m positive she can.”

“Then you better put your powers of persuasion into hyperdrive tonight.”

The object of said powers reappears. “I haven’t made up my mind,” she cautions. “I need to talk with Court, my manager, to make sure this plan might work. I also have to discuss this with Ma. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do.” She tucks her hands into her pockets.

I stand straighter. “I’ll take indecision over a ‘no’ any day.” My manager and I chuckle while Jenna shakes her head.

“Well, I’m heading back to the hotel,” Luke announces. “Make sure you get plenty of sleep. The helicopter will be in the Hamptons tomorrow at noon.” He slaps me on the back and surprises Jenna by giving her a hug. He whispers something in her ear, then walks out of the office.

After we collect my paperwork from the nurse, I askwhat Luke whispered. She makes a zipping noise across her mouth. I’ll get it out of her—or him—soon enough.

On the helicopter, Jenna twists toward my body. Into the headset, she says, “You’re wrong, you know.”

Okay. Many ideas flit through my mind but I simply don’t know to which of the plethora she’s referring. “Care to be a bit more specific?”

“Luke is your friend.”

“No. We’re acquaintances, nothing more.”

Her lips purse. “You may think that, but I’m sure he doesn’t. He gave you a hug and you reciprocated. That alone shows you’re more than mere acquaintances.”

“So? You hugged him too.”

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