Page 78 of The Publicity Stunt

"We'll wear gloves, and we can fly down there with a plane full of bottled water and blankets. It's not the first twister Kace and I have helped clean up after. And I'm willing to bet Brett and the rest of the Twisters need to get out some anger and frustration," Rudy says.

"Rudy and I can also call in our old buddies who are still in the area to help us," Kace says. "But if it's okay, I'd rather not announce that we're going to help. The last thing any of the towns need is media crews there to cover NHL players offering their assistance before we even show up."

Nodding in agreement, Rudy says, "I agree. If we make a statement before we show up, it'll look like we're there for the press, not the towns affected."

"Our press team won't like that we aren't announcing our presence, especially after the shitstorm you two created earlier this year," Coach says.

"Tell them how good we'll look when the press covers how we serve our fans' communities without any need for press coverage. We did it in spite of the bad press. It'll probably make their job ridiculously easy for the rest of the season."

Kace watches Rudy advocate to do this and to do it the right way. In the past, he's been all about the media attention. It's unnerving, but he's not going to argue with him in front of everyone.

"Okay, can I get volunteers to go and pick up as many large packs of water bottles as you can get, as well as blankets?" Coach asks. "We'll bring them back here and load up the plane."

A few of his teammates head towards the door, and he stares in awe at the level of commitment they have to help him do something. He knows Bri will be there, and he knows she's hurting. He needs to do whatever he can to help her see he's still here.

"If anyone doesn't want to participate, I won't force you," Coach says. "This isn't mandatory."

"We're a team," Bruno says. "There may have been a few moments where that was forgotten recently, but the majority of us haven't lost sight of it."

"Okay, men, the rest of you, go home and get some sleep. We’re going to have a ton of work ahead of us."

Everyone filters out, but Rudy stays back as though understanding Kace wants to talk to him. Kace has to know why he's doing this. Why he volunteered before Kace had a chance to, and why he opts out of the spotlight. This isn't his character, and he can't help but feel like it's a trap.

"What's up?" Rudy asks. "I can see you want to talk. Or punch me. Either way, I'm here."

"What's the deal?"

"Excuse me?"

Laughing, Kace shakes his head. "I don't get the personality change. No press coverage? You live for press coverage."

"This isn't about me. This isn't about the team. This is us doing something for a community. And for you."

"Me?"

Sitting on the bench, Rudy sighs and looks at the ground. "I don't know how to make this up to you, Kace. I think about everything I did, and I don't even recognize that person. God, I was so fucking stupid. About all of it. You were my best friend, and I forgot that. And whether you consider me yours anymore, you're still my best friend. Besides, this gives you a chance at seeing her."

"I wish I could believe you."

"One day, I hope you will. I really am sorry, Kace. I deserve every hateful thought you have towards me."

"This doesn't magically fix anything."

Rudy nods and stands. "I know, but I'm hoping maybe it'll start rebuilding the bridge I burned. Even if it's a sketchy, rickety bridge that only one car can pass on at a time."

Kace wants to laugh, and he wants to forgive the man he used to trust with his life. But he just can't. Not yet. Instead, he just nods and walks out with his bag over his arm as he tries to call Bri again.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Bri

The damage to the houses in Enderlin is nothing short of devastating. Tessa grabs Bri's hand in the backseat of the SUV as they drive past Bri's childhood home. As far as she knows, her family still lives there, but there's an equal chance they've moved. Tessa's family was from a smaller town untouched by the tornadoes, which is the only bright side to this entire situation.

"It looks relatively unharmed," Tessa says.

"That's good. That should hopefully mean no one was hurt."

Tugging on her hand, she forces Bri to look at her. "You don't have to feel guilty for not being here. Or for them being here. What they've done to you and how they treat you is not your fault. And it certainly is not your responsibility."

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