A dramatic pause.
“It’s called Not Today, Ryan.”
Antonio’s shoulders tense.
“I wanted to add Not Tomorrow Either, but Becky said it was excessive,” Earl informs us.
“Are you ready for the motto reveal?” Becky asks, glowing.
Antonio presses his back against my chest, and I put my arms around him, creating a shield between him and the room.
“They have a motto reveal ,” he mutters.
“I think they’re only getting started,” I say, slightly worried. “Are you still okay?”
He nods.
“If this helps us to get Ryan out of our lives, I think it’s worth it.”
I can tell he’s uncomfortable, though. It makes perfect sense—this is his past, his lived experience, being turned into slogans while people sip coffee and eat cake.
Becky clears her throat.
“The motto is—”
“Try another town!” Steve shouts.
“Steve, you ruined the reveal!” Becky hisses.
“My suggestion was better, anyway.” Ann-Sabrina looks around. “Harassment has consequences.”
“I like that one,” Antonio says quietly.
Maija raises her mug.
“I’d like to offer an alternative.” She looks around in her unwavering way. “In the swamp, nothing screams for long.”
We all stare at her, slightly terrified.
Then the bell above the door jingles.
Ryan steps in.
“What the fuck are we supposed to do now?” Steve asks.
Antonio’s fingers curl tightly in mine, almost bruising my knuckles.
CHAPTER 76 – ANTONIO
I press myself tighter against Caspian.
“Do you want me to throw him out?” he asks, his voice a reassuring murmur in my ear.
I feel the familiar signs of anxiety gripping me, but Caspian’s presence feels stronger. I let his body anchor mine.
“It’s fine,” I whisper. “At least for now. I want to see what happens.”
“Everyone, positions!” Becky hisses.
