Page 79 of The Publicity Stunt

Bri knows Tessa's right, but it doesn't take away the guilt she feels. "I feel like I should have donated more than I did."

"You donated more than enough. Plus, you're here, which means media coverage will also be soon to follow. The more media coverage, the more funding they'll get through donations."

The vehicle passes by Mr. Hanks' house, and Bri lets out a sob. It's completely flattened, the roof lying on the front porch. "Oh, God."

Tessa can't seem to find the words either and just pulls her into her arms.

"Stop the car," Bri squeaks out, and Bobby pulls alongside the curb. As soon as the car stops, she hops out.

"Bri," Tessa calls and hurries after her. "Be careful. It's not safe."

She doesn't care. This is the home of the only father she had in her life. Someone who cared about her unconditionally. The man who showed up when the only other person around was Tessa.

A large wall lies facing the sky with blood pooled on it, and another lies next to it with a smaller amount. "Oh, God, Tee. This is where he was."

Bobby hurries over before Tessa, and he wraps his arms around her, catching her, as her legs give out and a cry of anguish that starts in her stomach and works its way out sounds.

"I'm so sorry," Tessa says and takes over for Bobby as they sit on the ground.

"He was right here. He died right here. The only man who never let me down is gone, Tee. What am I going to do? I feel like I've lost everyone but you. I have lost everyone but you."

Holding Bri tightly, Tessa lets her sob into her shoulder. "We'll get through this. You have me, and you have a whole team of people who care about you. I mean, look at them. Every security guard on your payroll stands around us blocking you from the view of anyone around who might see. And don't forget about the fans you have. The fans love you. Even through everything with Easton and Kace, they've stuck by you."

"If I lose my fans, I lose my team."

"You aren't losing anyone. I promise, okay?"

"Can we do anything?" Oscar asks.

The man returned towards the end of February. His daughter passed just a few days after the New Year, and he's been a different person ever since.

"I, uh, I gave him one of my awards a few years ago," she says. "It's probably destroyed, though."

"What does it look like?"

Sniffling, she wipes her nose. "It's a glass pyramid. It was when I won Best Songwriter."

Oscar and Bobby start flipping over walls carefully while the others start looking through the broken pieces. Bri stares in awe. These men do love her. She knows she compensates them well, but this isn't just because they work for her. This is nothing short of pure generosity.

"I think I found it!" Zip yells.

He holds up a clear award, and she's shocked to see it completely intact. There isn't even a chip on it. "That's it," she says and lets out a sob as he brings it to her. "It's perfectly fine."

"There was something under it," Bobby says and picks up a metal print of Bri and Mr. Hanks at her first headlining concert. "I think it's safe to say he loved you, Bri."

"He, uh, he lost his son in a car accident. His wife left him shortly after that, and he didn't have any other family. Even with all of that, he never let it harden him. He became my inspiration when I had moments where I felt like it would be easier to become bitter. I'd call him, and he'd help me. I don't know who I'm going to call now. I don't want to become cold and bitter."

Bobby hurries over to her and picks her up to set her on her feet. His hands grab her shoulders, and he looks into her eyes. "Bri, you are not capable of becoming bitter. Bitter comes when people don't have kindness in their heart, and you, my girl, have more kindness in your pinky finger than most people have in their entire body. You have one of the largest hearts I've ever seen in anyone, and that's exactly why everyone loves you."

"Told you so," Tessa says and winks.

Lip quivering, Bri hugs Bobby tightly. His strong arms around her feels more comforting than she expected, and she's thankful for all of these men in her life. "Thank you."

"Bri!" Nia calls and hurries over. "Sweetie, you're never going to believe this."

"What?" she asks and wipes her tears as her head of security releases her.

"There are four NHL teams volunteering. No one knew they were showing up, and they came with bodies, very hot bodies, and necessities."

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