“Yea. Nice to meet you.” Clint waved him on as he began to scan the crowd. “All right, Jensen. Where did you go?”
…Outside, Jensen climbed into Scott Walker’s car and fastened her seatbelt. Straightening her skirt, she gave the man and his wife a smile. “I could’ve followed you in my car. Now, you’ll have to drive all the way back to Pappadeaux’s when we’re finished.
“We don’t mind, Jensen.” Lia Walker assured her. “It’s not that far.”
“Yea, we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown.” Scott looked over the seat to glance at Jensen. “When this reservation opened up at Uchiko, I couldn’t turn it down. I think you’re going to love the place.”
“I’m sure I will, and I appreciate this opportunity. Very much.” Clasping her hands together, she tried to stop them from shaking. Yes, she was nervous. This wasn’t just a dinner; this was an interview to join one of the most prestigious neuro practices in the south.
“You’re welcome. I think you could be a great fit with the team. The research you’ve done with this new concussion medication is fascinating.”
Jensen cleared her throat. “I was so fortunate to work with Dr. Bennett. He gave me free rein to test my theories. The engineered molecule is called a capton and it can be targeted to a specific region of the brain, conceivably halting trauma from spreading and preventing long-term problems like ALS, CTE, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”
“That sounds amazing and we’re ready to give you whatever you need to continue your research.” Scott changed lanes to take the next exit.
“I’m honored by your interest.” She gazed out the window at the wet highway. The rain was still coming down in sheets. Jensen couldn’t help but think of the last rainstorm she’d experienced in Central Texas. A sad smile came to her lips. Who was she kidding? She recalled that day often. The memory of Clint and the kiss they’d shared was never far from her mind. Just being back in Texas brought him to the forefront of her thoughts. For a moment tonight, she’d almost convinced herself she spotted him in the parking lot of the restaurant. How unlikely was that? He was probably enjoying the nightlife in Houston, not seeking out a bowl of gumbo at a Cajun restaurant in Austin.
“How do you feel about moving back to Texas from the east coast?” Lia asked. “The heat can be so intense here.”
“I’ve missed Texas, to tell you the truth.” She smiled a bit sadly. “I guess I’m not as fond of snow as I thought I’d be.”
“I hear you,” Scott commented as he tapped the screen of his GPS. “We’re getting close to the restaurant. Considering the weather, I think I’ll use the valet service.”
“Sounds good to me,” his wife agreed. “I’d rather not look like a drowned rat over dinner.”
Wanting to freshen her makeup, Jensen dug in her purse. Where was that lip gloss? With trembling hands, she felt in every compartment. She found everything from hair clasps to a bottle of Tylenol. When her fingers touched a well-worn piece of paper, she jerked her hand back as if the tattered remnant burned her skin. Call me if you change your mind. Anytime. Tomorrow or next year. Five years from now. Jensen was embarrassed to admit how many times she’d dialed the number, then ended the call before it could register on the other end. Reaching back in her purse, she clutched the paper, thinking she should just crumple it up and throw it away. This probably wasn’t even his number anymore. Besides, she was sure he must have a girlfriend by now. Or twenty. Even with her avoidance of everything football, Jensen couldn’t help but be aware of his growing reputation and popularity. Clint Wilder had made a name for himself in the past five years. She just hoped he was safe and well, unscathed by the game that stole her father’s health and ultimately his life.
The thought made her hang her head. When she pushed Clint away, she’d felt so adamant about avoiding involvement with anyone who would put themselves at such risk. Playing football was dangerous, no one could dispute that fact. After studying the autopsy results of a hundred and twenty players who were confirmed to have suffered from CTE, she understood the perils even more now. Yet here she was facing an equally dangerous and devastating battle – not with repeated brain injuries – but with a quiet