Chapter 6
Chapter Six
A ll of my belongings are packed into the two suitcases I use for the tour. Since my wardrobe on stage is provided by the label, I don’t need too much. Plus, if I want anything, I can simply buy it in whatever town we’re in or have it delivered to the hotel du jour .
The band crowds into my suite. “It sucks you have to go away for PT,” Coop moans.
I pause. “It’s similar to when we’re on a break from touring. We all go our own ways for a couple of weeks. Nothing different.” Truly. We hang when we’re on tour, then I usually go to some nice beach for the break. Alone. Well, I start off alone until some obliging chick realizes I’m there.
“I guess,” Coop replies, tucking his sunglasses into the top of his shirt. “We’ve been together so long; you and the other guys are family.”
Family . No, thank you. Instead of getting into it with our guitarist, I slap his back. “I’m sure you’ll get along just fine without me.”
Río joins us. “Don’t tell me you’re giving each other tearful good-byes.”
Coop gives him a dirty look and replies, “Dick.”
I appreciate both his timing and the reminder to keep my distance. “You wish.” I limp over to my backpack and shove my lyric notebook in it. “Hoping I’ll get some writing done out in the Hamptons.”
“Sounds good to me.” Tris walks up to us. “I’ve got some new stuff in the works as well. I’ll email you when it’s in better shape.”
“Cool.” Writing with collaborators makes everything better. We don’t need to write anything since our new album dropped and the tour will support it, but this is how we work. Always having new songs to perfect keeps us on our toes. I know this isn’t how other bands do it, but UC has its own ways.
The only band member who hasn’t come to wish me well is 007. It’s hard for me to get help from Jenna, but for him...it’s an impossibility. “Hey, can you please do me a favor? Keep an eye on 007 while I’m away. You know my seeing Jenna is bringing up all sort of shit about Darren’s death. This is tough on him.” Me, too, but I don’t share this with the band.
“You know we will,” Coop replies. “We’ve been through it before, and we’ll do it again.”
Coop’s right. The fallout after Darren died was terrible, especially for the keyboardist’s best friend. Seeing 007 laugh again was a milestone we won’t ever forget. Watching him accept Tris as Darren’s replacement was an even bigger one. No, I never want to relive such dark times. None of us do.
I catch the guitarist’s hazel eyes, which appear browner today. “Thanks.”
The moment is broken when someone knocks at the door. Tris offers to get it and Luke strides through, with 007 at his side. Wow.
I extend my right hand. “Happy you were able to see me off.”
We shake. “It’s not every day our lead singer leaves for PT. You’ll be back in no time, jumping around the stage like the madman you are.” 007 smiles. It doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Not sure about the latter, but I know you’re right about the former. Eleven days is no time at all.”
“That’s right,” Luke pipes up. “Are you ready for the helicopter ride out to the Hamptons?”
“No way!” Variations of this greet my ears.
I toss my head back. “All you have to do is pull your groin and you too can get a ride in a helicopter.”
They laugh. It’s been nice hanging with them, I won’t lie. If I believed in friends, these guys would be them.
They help bring my luggage to the taxi, then Luke and I are off to the helipad. On the way, he tells me to focus on my recovery and he’ll take care of the tour. He does, however, promise to keep me in the loop about staging so I can hit the ground running—no pun intended—when I return.
Luke brings my luggage to the helicopter, where it’s loaded into the cargo hold. He looks me in the eye. “Take care of yourself, B. I want you healthy and whole when you get back.”
“Sounds good to me.”
With a pat on the back, I turn and face the chopper with its blades whirling. An attendant points me toward the open door—where there are no steps or ramp. Under normal circumstances, I would simply hop into the cabin and buckle my seatbelt. These are anything but normal conditions.
I approach the doorway and toss my backpack onto the empty seat. At least no one else is here to witness my embarrassing entry. My hand fists around the grab handle, and using my good leg, I step on the thin bar and bring my other to meet it. I repeat these awkward movements, stopping to absorb the piercing pain.
A hand lands on my back. “You okay, buddy?”
Through gritted teeth, I reply to the pilot, “Yeah.”
“Alright, once you get settled, we’ll be on our way.” Two more pats on my back .
Easier said than done. I stare into the cabin and will myself to take the final step. When my ass lands in the seat, I hang my head. If I can’t do something as simple as enter a helicopter, how will I perform in front of thousands in under two weeks?
The pilot points to his headset and I put mine over my ears. His voice comes through them. “Welcome to the Airborne Jitney, Mr. Hardy. It’s a pleasure to transport you today. Please sit back and enjoy the quick ride.”
“Thanks.”
Enjoy ? I wish I had an ice pack to soothe my angry thigh muscle. At least the pilot refrained from making fun of how I entered the chopper. I can hear my bandmates from here, and I’m glad I left them at the hotel.
A short eight-minute flight later, we land at an airfield in the Hamptons. I manage the exit much the same as my entrance. A couple stands near an SUV, waving at me.
A blond guy with amber eyes—like his father’s—greets me. “Hi, I’m King Hunte. Your manager Luke called us. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a big fan.”
His sentiment is shocking, considering his father’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’ve had the pleasure of hanging with your father and brother before, and they’re cool. I’m very happy to finally get to meet you.”
The helicopter attendant brings my luggage to me, for which I give him a big tip. Feeling like a douche but knowing I can’t do this myself, I point to the car. “Can you please put them over there?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Hardy.”
King and I follow him. When King realizes I’m not keeping up, he shortens his stride. I sigh. “Normally, I’m much faster. I pulled my groin muscle, and it hurts like a bitch.”
“Got it.” He tilts his head. “If you’re hurt, may I ask why you’re coming all the way out to Aroostook?”
“My physical therapist is out here.”
If King thinks my answer is weird, he keeps his own counsel. We stow—rather he puts the luggage into the trunk while I stand helplessly next to him—and his co-star wife Angie greets me. “Nice to meet you, Bennett.”
While she seems perplexed at why I’m not helping with my bags, she doesn’t ask. Which prompts me to tell her about my injury.
“Oh no. Who are you going to see?”
“Jenna Westfield of At Your Service PT.”
“I’ve met her a few times,” Angie supplies. “We both go to the same Chamber of Commerce. She’s quiet but has a good reputation.”
Her assessment of Jenna provides a bit of comfort. At least coming here was the right decision. After we get into the car, I redirect the conversation. “Luke mentioned you might have a short-term rental for me?”
Switching into professional mode, Angie rattles off the details of three, fully furnished places she wants to show me. I hold up my hand. “Thanks for all your research, but I’m not up to checking out different places. Can you pick one for me? I trust you.”
Truth is, I don’t really care. Eleven days will pass in the blink of an eye. Even if it were a year, I wouldn’t be bothered. I’m not one to put down roots.
King replies. “Sure. We have one pretty close to where Jenna’s clinic is located, so it might be the most convenient.”
“Sounds perfect.”
He pulls up to the front door of a one-story bungalow, where he unloads my luggage. Again. “Since I’m not usually such a prima donna, how about I take you guys out to dinner as a thank you?”
Angie’s full lips tick upward. “I’d love to, but I need to get home to our kids.” The two share a soft look. “Our baby is six months and starting to get into everything. Her older sister is three.”
“Congrats.” Kids are not something on my bucket list. Growing up in my dysfunctional household taught me never to repeat my parents’ mistake.
King says, “How about this? I’ll drop Angie off while you get settled in your new house. Then I’ll come back and we can go out to dinner.”
“I wouldn’t want to deprive you of family time.” I may not want rugrats running around, but I’m also not a total douchebag.
“That’s a good idea,” Angie replies. “It’s total chaos at the house between feeding them and baths, and King had to do evening duty twice this week. It’s my turn.”
“If you’re sure?” I don’t want to intrude, but it might be nice to get the inside scoop about my temporary town.
“Definitely.” King wheels my luggage into the house. “I’ll be back in an hour. Will that be enough time?”
Seeing as all I need to do is unpack and ice my throbbing leg, I can be ready in forty-five minutes. “Perfect.”
The couple drives away, and I fumble lugging my bags into the bedroom. Although I want to sit and take a breather, I decide unpacking is the better choice. Get it done, earn the ice pack. When I’m sitting on the plush sectional facing a big screen television hung above a modern fireplace, I put ice on my throbbing thigh. Guess I pushed a bit too hard.
“Get used to it. I’m going to rehab hard so everything can move forward without a hiccup.” My thigh protests my resolution but I don’t care. I deserve the pain for doing something so stupid.
The doorbell rings and I check the app to confirm it’s King. Because I still have ten more minutes on my ice pack, I press the “talk” button and tell him to come on in. A minute later, he strolls into the living room. “Guess you’re not worried about security?”
I shake my head. “Nah. I slipped out of the City and no one knows I’m here.”
“Yet.” King sits on the sectional a couple of cushions away. “Believe me, the paparazzi will find you. Since it’s off-season here, they may be more rabid than ever to get a scoop.”
My gaze drifts to the tray ceiling. “Great. All I want to do is recover in peace.”
“I think if you keep a low profile, most of the full- time residents won’t bother you.” I pull the ice away from my leg and he takes it to the kitchen for me. “Maybe wear a disguise. It helps Dad sometimes.”
“How about I use a cane? No one will recognize me then.”
We both chuckle. King puts his hand on my shoulder. “C’mon, Charlie Chaplin. Let’s go to a nearby restaurant, less than a ten-minute walk. Should I drive?”
“If we go slow, I can walk. The exercise should help me.” I lock the door, and we lumber toward the restaurant. We stop in front of a store boasting the largest selection of arcade games in the world. Pinball machines, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and more are on display. My gaze lights on my favorite.
Embarrassed but needing a break, I pant, “Can we check out this store?”
King notes, “This place is the bomb. If they don’t have something you want, they’ll get it for you.”
I’ve been wanting to get an Asteroids Deluxe forever. Without a home to store it, though, my pipedream dissipates. “Can you play them in addition to purchasing?”
“Don’t you know it.”
I lick my lips. If I can’t buy one, I can still play it here. Realizing the throbbing has died down, I motion to keep going, thrilled when I’m sitting in the restaurant.
“Which game?”
Unsure what King means, I ask, “You mean in the arcade store?” When he nods in the affirmative, I admit, “Asteroids Deluxe.”
He sits taller. “I’m more of a Pac-Man guy myself. I hold the high record in there for that one. Although, I’d be open to learning a new skill.”
We spend the next half-hour bonding over arcade games, discussing the role he played on TV as well as his love for real estate. I deposit the cherry from my Manhattan onto the table. “So you’re not tempted to return to the small screen?”
“Nah. Angie and I make appearances on the show from time to time, but we have new agents whom the cameras follow. Angie and I have two daughters now, and we don’t need the intrusion, you know?”
“Cameras sure can be. Although with the movie, we learned how to keep them at bay.”
“We haven’t had a chance to see your film yet, but it’s gotten amazing buzz. UC seems to be back on top.”
“Thanks. We’re happy to be making music again. The movie Quinn Walker made is the bomb, if I do say so myself.”
He raps his bourbon on the table. “A healthy ego must come with being a rock star. Dad and Trent both are never in short supply either.”
I retort, “I don’t think a reality TV actor is missing out.”
“Touché.”
Instead of our server, a woman appears at our table. She has glossy pink lips, long brown hair and eyes that match. She’s wearing a skintight dress that doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. Not that I blame her—her bod’s rockin’.
“Hey, King,” she sidles up to him. “How’s the real estate biz treating you?”
His features tighten. “Great, Michelle. Been keeping us busy.”
She trails a manicured fingernail up his arm. His lips purse. “Even in the off-season, you’re still moving and shaking.”
“Angie and I like to keep things interesting.”
She fluffs her hair, tucking it behind her ear. Next, her fingers play with a large hoop earring. “I bet you do.”
King’s gaze meets mine and speaks a silent question. I shrug. “In fact, this is our newest client. He just rented the bungalow a few doors down.”
Michelle turns her attention to me. If I were in the market for a hot chick to while away the hours, she would be a good candidate. Right now, though, I’m not feeling her. Mostly I’m feeling my freaking groin pull, and don’t want to do anything to delay my progress .
“I swear, do you only associate with beautiful people or what, King?”
“I do my best.”
His tone and demeanor suggest he’s ready for her to move on. Given my situation, I am too. Before I can open my mouth, she stares at me, tapping her finger on her lips. “You look familiar.”
Crap. At least King didn’t introduce me—I don’t want to deal with her attention, or potential paparazzi. “I’m only in town to get some physical therapy.” My statement should make her leave us alone.
“Really? I work for the number one doctor here in Aroostook. Who sent you here?” King long-forgotten, I’ve now captured her imagination.
“A doc from New York City. He didn’t recommend the therapist, and we already knew her.”
Michelle moves to my other side. “Interesting. I can give you the scoop on everyone here. Who’s the therapist?”
What harm can this do? Maybe I’ll learn a little more dirt about Darren’s girlfriend, so I know what I’m walking into tomorrow. “Jenna Westfield.”
Michelle’s nose scrunches as if she smelled a rancid lemon. “You can do much better than her, handsome. What about?—”
On second thought, I don’t let her finish her recommendation. “I’m afraid this is a done deal. Contract signed and everything.” Was there a contract? I consider this question for a moment and decide I don’t care. “I start tomorrow.”
“There’s still time to change your mind.” She flips her long, brown hair. “Right, King?”
“I think Bennett here has everything well in hand.”
Michelle rises on the balls of her feet. “Bennett? Unusual name. Not Ben or En?”
God no. I shake my head, ready for the inquisitive—although sexy—woman to disappear. Across from me, King stands. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back. ”
The able-bodied guy strides toward the bathrooms in the back of the restaurant. He looks as if he never even had a hangnail. I hit the top of my thigh, causing a ripple effect throughout my leg. Fuck.
Go for deflection . “I take it you’re not a fan of Jenna’s?”
Michelle rolls her eyes. “You could say that, Bennett .” I ignore how she stresses my name. “I’ve known her forever. She’s sort of a,” she pauses. “A holier-than-thou type of person.”
I consider her assessment and find it lacking. “She’s always seemed down-to-earth to me.” Darren never could’ve been with someone with a chip on her shoulder.
“She can play nice if the situation calls for it.” Michelle leans in. “But don’t be fooled. The woman’s a snake.”
Smart. Skilled. Sweet. Not any of the s-words Michelle used to describe her. I lean back in my chair.
“So, Bennett , enough about your therapist. You look familiar. Tell me where I know you from—do you party in the Hamptons often?”
Michelle’s question takes me to summer parties on this glitzy East Coast. “I have been to some events out here. Maybe that’s where you saw me.” Please don’t dig.
Fingering her earring again, she says, “Maybe.” After a moment, she points at me. Her voice raises, “You’re Bennett Hardy of Untamed Coaster fame. I knew you looked familiar.”
“Shh,” I hush her. “Please keep your voice down. I really am in town for rehab and need to lay low.”
In a sultry move, Michelle checks me out. “No one knows you’re here?”
“Outside the band and Jenna, no.” I’m sure the doctor doesn’t even remember Jenna’s name.
“Didn’t you have a big movie opening recently?”
Damn. I’m not getting a good feeling. Better flirt and try to rile her up rather than use logic. I lean my arm against the table and drop my voice to a sultry tenor. “We did. Too bad I didn’t know you then, or you could’ve been my plus one.” If nothing else, she would’ve looked hot on my arm .
“I like the sound of that.” She giggles and pushes her tits toward me. “Untamed Coaster’s music is amazing.”
I let my gaze drop down to appreciate her assets. Seen better, seen worse. “Appreciate it.” Where is King? He should be back by now.
Our server approaches, causing Michelle to jump to the side. While he’s clearing the table, King finally reappears. I address the woman ogling me. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Michelle. Maybe I’ll see you around town while I’m here.” Please don’t rat me out to the media.
“I’d like it.” Her hand drops to my forearm. “How long are you in town?”
I school my features to appear disappointed. “Only a couple of weeks.”
“Could be enough time for what I have in mind.”
Not with my injury.
King steps into our conversation. “Michelle, he’s here to lay low and concentrate on rehab. I’m sure he’ll get in touch once he’s in better shape.”
I nod. “Give me your phone number and I’ll give you a call.”
I pass her my phone and she types. “I’m under Michelle in Aroostook.”
Retrieving my phone, I smile. “Thanks.”
She walks away, and I allow myself to admire her ass for a moment. My gaze returns to King. “No way was I giving her my digits.”
King chuckles. “Smart man.”
Our server comes back and drops off the tab, which I insist on paying. After I sign the credit card slip, I note, “Your Michelle was a bit pushy.”
“First of all, she’s not ‘my’ anything. Second, from where I sat, she seemed pretty interested in you and your situation.” King takes a deep breath. “Third, but most important, please don’t tell Angie I was talking with her. ”
“It’s like that, is it?”
“She’s nice enough, but Angie has a definite opinion about her.” He chuckles. “I, for one, don’t want to cross my wife.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” I stretch my leg, ignoring the ripple of pain. “I better get back to the house and ice this again.”
When we’re outside, I sag against the wall, getting my breathing back under control. Hard to believe such an easy task causes me to pant now. Sucks.
King waits next to me. “My advice, man? Steer clear of all women, especially Michelle, and focus on your rehab.”
“Without a doubt.”