“I said, can I get a look at your ID, sir?” the other guy said, still smiling but also shooting daggers from his eyes—at Brock.
Grumbling, Jerold pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. “This is outrageous. I thought this was supposed to be a professional organization, but instead, they’ll let anyone in. Assaulted on the second day by the town tramp.”
Brianna’s face felt hotter than her burns. But what did she expect?I was stupid to think I could do this. I’m always going to be white trash in this town. Then Rachael’s arm was around her shoulders turning her and they were walking away.
“Think it’s best if we go over here,” she said. “I’m Rachael Collins, by the way.”
Brianna giggled; she couldn’t help herself. “I know. Everybody knows. I mean, I think you’re great. Just gonna fangirl for a minute, sorry.”
Rachael laughed. “Well then let me fangirl right back. You were amazing today. Your video didn’t do you justice.”
For the second time that day, Brianna felt her knees go weak. “Thank…thank you. That means everything to me.” She pressed the paper towels harder against her dress than she’d intended and flinched at the pain.
Rachael stopped them. “We should get you over to the first aid station and get you checked out.”
Brianna shook her head. “No, I’m okay, I promise. I’ve had worse sunburns.”
Rachael turned her head and smiled. Brock and Hot Guy were just jogging up. Jerold was nowhere in sight.
“What’s this about first aid?” Brock asked, concern written all over his face.
“I’m fine,” Brianna asserted for what felt like the millionth time. “I should have seen him coming—”
“Oh, no you don’t,” Brock growled. “You are not blaming yourself for that jackass’s behavior.”
The other guy put his arm around Rachael.Well, that’s mighty…bodyguardly of himBrianna thought.
Rachael leaned into him and said, “Thanks for handing that.”
“You bet, Angel.” He kissed her cheek and she blushed.
“Brianna, this is my husband, Jake.”
“Oh! Sure, of course.” She smiled and shook his hand. “Here I just thought the bodyguards were extra-friendly.”
Jake laughed. “Friendly? Really? After I had to prevent Badger from taking a bite outta that guy?”
Brock growled again. He looked Brianna over. “I’m taking you to first aid. Can’t be too careful with burns.” He put his arm around Brianna’s shoulders and steered her toward the first aid station with shocking gentleness.
* * *
The first aid station was housed in a wooden structure near another locked gate that led to a private parking lot, around the corner from the row of stalls for food vendors. Some were already setting up for Thursday when the crowd of festivalgoers would descend on the farm, hungry, thirsty, and ready to spend money. Huge old cottonwood trees provided shade and additional cover for the station, which was open on one side like the food stalls and the pavilion. The station’s patients mostly suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration, sunburns, and stomachaches, but also the occasional injury and even a few heart attacks through the years.
Brianna recognized the three EMTs setting up their equipment and puttering around.Probably bored out of their minds until everyone gets hereshe thought. From the way they practically jumped to attention, she knew she was right.
“What’s the problem?” One of them, Ellie who Brianna had gone to school with, looked from Brianna to Brock and back again.
“Some asshole tried to scald her with coffee,” Brock answered.
Brianna rolled her eyes. “Seriously, it’s not that bad,” she told Ellie.
“He ran into you on purpose. I watched the whole thing.” Now Brock had the attention of the other two EMTs, David and Will, who were a few years older than Brianna but often came to Riversong first thing in the morning.
“Who you talking about?” David asked.
“Jerold Glass,” Brianna answered.
Ellie made a face. “The guy who thinks he’s Tom Cruise with the car ads?”
