Page 19 of Extended Bridge

“Didn’t know you were superstitious.” Bennett shoves a fully loaded chip into his mouth.

“I’m not, but I also don’t want to tempt fate when I have a choice. Which we definitely do—Kieron doesn’t come with such baggage. Plus, he seemed like a cool dude.”

Bennett weighs his manager’s opinion. “I liked Kieron. He has a great resume. I could see him with the band, especially Coop. Let’s introduce those two tonight, plus 007, and see how things go.”

Makes sense, considering Coop plays lead guitar and Pierce is on bass. Luke voices my thought. “I like it. Assuming they hit it off, we’ve got our new guitar tech. Chico can work with him to transition throughout the week.”

Chico was funny, always cracking Darren and me up with his off-color jokes. I bet he still makes the crew laugh. Personalities aside, the speed of this interview process astounds me. Perhaps I can pick up some tips for my own business model with UC? Wow.

Luke holds his hand in the middle of the table. “Are we in?”

Bennett looks at me, his eyebrows furrowed.No way is he seeking my approval. “Are we?”

Kieron seemed like a nice enough guy. He’s been vetted in two other rounds. I’ll give him my blessing, as if he really needs it. “Sure.” I place my hand on top of Luke’s and I feel...nothing.

When Bennett places his hand on top of mine, though, my nerves explode. “Count me in,” his distinctive tenor announces.

Just like that, a new member of the crew is hired. Luke texts him to meet up with Coop and 007 tonight. Assuming all goes well, he’ll let HR know of the decision as well as have the dubious honor of telling the finalists they didn’t get the job. It impresses me that Luke extends this courtesy instead of letting someone else handle it. Or worse, ghosting them.

Our plates arrive. Luke digs into his steak burrito while Bennett dives into his hard-shell tacos. Me, I pick up my fork and play with my chicken quesadilla, my mind too busy with thoughts of Darren’s family and reporters to relax and enjoy.

“Not liking it?” Luke wipes his hands on a napkin.

“It’s good. I guess I’m not as hungry as I thought.” Even if my stomach rumbles, thankfully not loud enough to alert my table companions.

“Well, I loved it.” Bennett drops his fork onto his empty plate, and sips his hot tea. This time, he ordered peach.

I play with my own tea mug, filled with soothing chamomile. The need to escape raises its ugly head, and I don’t second-guess myself.Standing, I say, “I’m going back to my room to make sure I’m ready for tonight. I’ll see you both in a couple of hours.”

Without waiting for their replies, I take off at a fast clip to the hotel. A short time later, I’m sitting in a comfy chair in my room, figuring out how I can get a replacement therapist at this late date.

I grab my phone. “Hey, Court.”

“Jenna! How’s everything starting for you? Have you seen Bennett yet? What about the rest of UC?”

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking this might be a huge mistake. Want to switch places? I’ll manage the first clinic in Aroostook as well as oversee the expansion, and you can tour with the band. I know you’d do a fabulous job with them.”

“Jenna, can you hear yourself?” A pen clicks. “What’s spooked you?”

“Things you don’t give a damn about. Reporters. Darren. Darren’s family. None of which would faze you. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. If you could pack your bags, I’ll stay for tonight because there’s no way you can get out here in time. Then, you can take my place tomorrow.” Tidy. Orderly. Perfect.

“No.”

I must not have heard her correctly. “What?” I stand and begin pacing around the small room. “I know for a fact you enjoy Untamed Coaster’s music. You’ve commented about Coop and Río enough to let me know being around them won’t be a hardship. You don’t have anyone tying you down to Aroostook, and I can do your job with At Your Service PT until you return. What’s your issue?”

“I don’t have an issue. Your scheme would work fine but for one major flaw. Bennett is your patient. Need I remind you that you said you want him to have continuity of service—which he wouldn’t have if I take over.”

I stomp my foot. “We went to school together. We have the same philosophy and follow the same protocols. I don’t think it would be an issue.”

“The fact I’m Court and not Jenna is the only issue that matters.”

I stop behind the upholstered chair and pick at its back. “I’m sure this could be overlooked,” I mumble.

“I think my unflappable Jenna is scared. Scared about dealing with reporters. Scared of having to deal with the various personalities in UC, and the one who is no longer with it. Scared of how Bennett makes you feel.”

I complete her list. “Scared of the loss of control, the travel, the tour bus, overwhelming logistics, the judgmental fans, crappy food, and Darren’s family in two days.” The list repeats in my head. “Well, maybe the food won’t be so crappy, assuming I have the capacity to swallow it.”

“Did you say you’re seeing Darren’s family?”

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