“His physical issues are just a symptom of his creative problem,” Jane said. “If you can help him get the writing flowing again, that would fix everything else.”

“I’m not really qualified for that.”

“You’re as qualified as anyone else,” Jane said. “Gavin wouldn’t let one of those creativity coaches anywhere near him, but he’s talking to you.” She laid her hand on Allie’s arm. “He’s a friend as well as a client to me, and it kills me to see him suffering like this. He’s been putting an immense amount of pressure on himself because he’s missed some deadlines. Not to mention that the movie is stalled without a script. I think the stress is blocking his creativity. Writers need to write, or they begin to have mental and emotional problems.” She sat back. “Whatever you can do to help him, do it.”

“I’ll try my best.” Allie began to understand why Gavin’s muscles were clenched so rigidly. He was carrying a heavy load of responsibility.

“I have a feeling your best is impressive,” Jane said, giving her a warm smile. “By the way, I might have another patient for you.”

Allie forced herself not to hug the agent. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. Let me know who, when, and where.”

There was a stir as an auburn-haired man strode into the room. “Doc, it’s good to see you,” Luke Archer said, shaking the new arrival’s hand.

“Congratulations on your Super Bowl triumph and your retirement,” the doctor said. “I’m glad you decided to stop punishing your body before it was too late.”

“I could have played another four years easy,” Luke said, “but I found better things to do with my time.” He looked across at Miranda with a private message in his eyes.

Allie nearly sighed out loud.

Jane stood. “Now here’s someone you should meet. Come with me.”

The doctor greeted the rest of the group as Jane and Allie approached.

“Allie, I’d like you to meet Dr. Ben Cavill,” Jane said. “Ben, allow me introduce you to this very talented physical therapist, Allie Nichols. She’s working with Gavin quite successfully.”

Ben raised his eyebrows in surprise as he shook Allie’s hand. “Miller hired a PT? I’m shocked.”

Everyone seemed to know about Gavin’s prickly personality, yet they all cared about him. Gavin was a fortunate man.

“I hired her, but she did the heavy lifting of persuading him to accept treatment,” Jane said.

Nathan swiveled to look at Allie. “I’d like to offer you a position on my contract-negotiation team.”

The group laughed, and Allie felt color light her cheeks at the compliment. “Deep down, he knew he needed help, so it wasn’t that difficult,” she said.

“When Gavin most needs help, that’s when he pushes you away,” Miranda said, her brown eyes filled with understanding.

“I’m always looking for good specialists to recommend,” the doctor said. “Let’s go talk shop.”

Once again Allie sat in the Sherlock Holmes corner, except this time she felt as though she was going through her PT final exams all over again. Ben Cavill knew his stuff and wanted to make sure she knew hers. She must have passed, because at the end of their conversation, he handed her his business card and asked for hers.

Allie nearly broke into a jig as she and the doctor headed back to the main seating area. Jane had disappeared, probably to stand watch over her authors. Allie slid into a chair that was slightly removed from the intimidating group of friends and let the conversation flow around her.

The only time she was tempted to join in was when Chloe and Nathan began discussing their wedding plans. Allie wanted to know why they were getting married at a Marine base in North Carolina when they could rent an entire cathedral, but didn’t want to presume to ask. As if reading her mind, Chloe turned and said, “Nathan’s father is a major general in the Marine Corps and is stationed at Camp Lejeune, so we’re going to have the arch of swords in full regalia.”

“That sounds magnificent,” Allie said.

“Chloe and my father have forged a close alliance,” Nathan said. “When those two master tacticians put their heads together, I stay out of their way.”

The approach of new voices interrupted the conversation, and Gavin walked in, surrounded by a small entourage. He was carrying a cardboard carton and talking with Kendra Leigh, who looked like she would turn and flee when she saw everyone gazing in her direction.

Gavin stopped to survey the group. “Good evening, my friends. I’d like you to meet the new sensation of the mystery-writing world, Kendra Leigh. She has very kindly signed copies of her debut book for you, and I am presenting them as my gifts.” He slid the carton onto the coffee table and pulled out two copies of the paperback. “There’s one slight catch. Seth, the marketing manager, wants to take a photo of all of us with the books in our hands.” He nodded to the young man who’d been Allie’s guide.

Kendra looked panic-stricken, so Allie edged over to her as Gavin and Seth discussed the best way to fit everyone into the photo. “Is this your first book signing?”

The writer swallowed. “Yes.”

“Gavin says your story is terrific. I can’t wait to read it.”

“He really said that? I thought he endorsed my book because we have the same editor.”

Allie laughed. “Gavin is brutally frank, so he wouldn’t praise your book if he didn’t mean it.”

“But he’s been so nice to me tonight.” Kendra looked confused. “He gave me some pointers on how to keep the line moving and even suggested a tagline for my autograph.”

So Gavin could be kind and helpful. Maybe that explained why he still had friends, despite his crankiness.

“All right, we have a plan.” Seth raised his voice to get their attention. He proceeded to arrange the group in a way that suggested they were carrying on an interesting conversation about Kendra’s book. Allie gave him kudos for composition, even as she did her best to hide in a corner so no one felt obliged to include her in the publicity shot.

“Allie!” Gavin shifted out of his position to find her. “You need to be in here, too.”

“No, I’m good,” she said, moving a step farther away.