Page 40 of Mic Drop

“Hayden’s working up some ideas. I promise to show them to you when they’re ready.” Her eyes drift toward the house and she squints, leans forward, then rears backward. “I think Ma just fell. I have to go.” She unbuckles her seatbelt.

Before she can disconnect the call, I beg, “Text me what’s going on.”

“I will.”

The phone goes dead before I can tell her I love her.

From the driver’s seat, Elias says, “I hope everything’s all right with Jenna’s mother.”

Because we still have a ways to go to get to the stadium. Because I’m raw after our conversation. Because I need an outlet and he’s always been the face of discretion—being our head of security and all—I admit, “Her mother’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She looked pretty good when I saw her today, but I’ve noticed a decline in her health since we first met. Doctors say she has maybe a couple of months left.”

“Wow. I’m sorry.” He turns left. “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. Jenna’s a doll. I liked her before,”when she was with Darrenremains unsaid. “She’s grown up since then. You two are a good fit.”

Two fingers rub over the bridge of my nose. “I love her.”

“Great to hear. You’ll figure out how to help her mother.”

I don’t unburden myself on Elias any further. He doesn’t need tohear of the multiple doctors who have examined her, only to reach the same prognosis. I simply say, “Or be there for Jenna.”

We continue our ride in silence, pulling up to the back of the stadium where a crowd has gathered behind iron gates. His knuckles clench around the steering wheel. “Stick with me, Bennett. I’ll get you into the building without any issues.”

“Will do.” My mind remains in Aroostook. I need to get an update from Jenna about her mother. Why hasn’t she called me back yet?

He pulls to a stop as close to the doors as possible. We get out and the mood in the crowd shifts. Like it always does. Although, this time, excitement is interlaced with something else. Hostility?

“Bennett!” Someone screams my name. My head whips to the sound. I let my performance mask fall into place, smile, and raise my hand.

Followed by, “How could you abandon your high school sweetheart when she was pregnant?” My arm lowers.

“How could you be so heartless?” I keep my face trained on the cement.

“Why are you with the Black Widow? She’s nothing compared with Lissa Baker!” My stride lengthens.

“I can’t wait to see you perform tonight!” This final shout, at least, makes me feel somewhat better.

Elias nods at the security guarding the door, which the burly guy opens. I give him a thumbs up and follow Elias into the stadium. Once the door closes, I lean against the wall. Now I understand why he picked me up at the airstrip. “Christ.”

“I was hoping we would’ve avoided any interactions with the public before I got you inside. Things escalated since Lissa’s latest interview.”

“I’d say.” We resume walking toward backstage. “I might have a lead that will end things. Still working out the details.”

“Good to hear.”

Elias doesn’t ask me if what Lissa’s been spouting is true. Guess itdoesn’t matter to him either way, but I have a need to set him straight. “For the record, she wasn’t pregnant by me.”

“I believe you.”

His trust shocks me, given it’s still only ahe said, she saidsituation. A couple of steps later, I say, “Thank you.”

We turn the corner and Elias opens a door that leads to the stage. This is my domain. Better prepare myself to perform, even if it’s only pregame. Before I even can close my eyes to visualize the staging and our performance, Elias puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’ve got your back.”

His heartfelt sentiment lodges in my throat. This man has been like a father to me since I joined UC. For the first time, I wonder what his home life is like. Does he have a wife? Kids? I need to talk with Luke and get the dirt on him. See how I can make his life better. It certainly can’t be easy dealing with the five of us on the regular.

My cheeks puff. “I’m forever grateful.”

“B, you’re back!” Luke walks up to us as Elias melts into the background. Where he always is, ever vigilant. Making sure his charges are safe.

“Hey, Luke. What did I miss?”

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