Brendan pulls me to a stop. “Haven’t you looked at your socials?”
“No. I’ve just been ignoring it cause there’s too much stuff to sift through.”
“Rory. Everyone is outraged for you.”
“What? Seriously?” I grab Brendan’s phone and look at the news feeds.
He chuffs a laugh. “You’ve got people all over the world in your corner.”
I smile and scroll.
Sure, there are some hateful comments, but overall, the outpouring of support is amazing.
Brendan takes his phone back and tucks me under his shoulder. “Let’s forget about all of this shit and enjoy our trip.”
“I can do that if we get some snacks.”
He laughs and pulls me to a food stand. “So, tomorrow is our last full day. I was thinking that we should focus on shopping.”
“Shopping? Bren, you’ve already spent so much money?—”
“Believe me, bro, I know, but I was told to spend more money on you.”
“The group who planned this wants me to spend more money?”
“Yes.” Brendan grimaces.
It has to be the big boss. No non-profit is going to want to spend more money than necessary.
“Did they really say that?”
“Yes, and they’ve been very pushy about it.”
“Alright, but let’s wait until we’re done. I don’t want to carry everything around all day.”
“Smart.”
As the plane touches the ground, I can’t help but feel relieved to be home.
Sure, I had fun on vacation, but there is nothing like being in your own house. And I’m so tired of the extreme heat. Anyone who thinks that avoiding winter is worth that kind of humidity and heat is nuts.
“So, I didn’t want to tell you, but the police will be waiting for us when we land.”
“Okay.” I shrug.
“Okay? Just okay? Are you okay?” He sounds genuinely concerned.
“I’ve talked to the cops before, and we weren’t here.”
“Alright. Good.”
“Are you worried?” I ask.
“Me? No. Like you said, we weren’t here, but I don’t want them to make you feel like this was your fault somehow.”
I want to dismiss what he said. Obviously, it wasn’t my fault, but maybe it was. Someone clearly targeted Tanner in retribution for me.
“No. Don’t even think it.”
