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Once I return to the Winnebago after my visit, I go for a jog. I’m processing the time with my mom, and I’m understanding more why she and Grams had a strained relationship. People are complicated. Grams was really crappy to my mother, but by the time I knew Grams, she wasn’t that person anymore. I’ve realized the woman my mother knew and the woman I knew were two very different people.
When I’m back and showered, Skye walks in through the door. “Go to Facesnap.”
I log on to see a buzz of posts from women, all with their stories of social media bullying. Someone had her college applications ruined because her ex-boyfriend posted nude pictures of her on websites that proliferated in an act of “revenge porn.” Some teacher had a student go online and accuse her of touching him inappropriately, and she lost her job before she could even prove her innocence. It turns out, she was found innocent. The teen was out to get her after a poor grade, but now, no one wants to hire her because her name’s been dragged through the mud.
One story after another. “Oh my God.”
“You started a movement, Riley.” Skye flips on the TV. “They’re calling it the ‘Be Kind Online’ movement.”
“What?”
“Your stories hit a nerve.”
“I guess they did.” Something bubbles from my gut, and when it reaches my throat, I let out a sob. Tears instantly form in my eyes. “It’s not just me.”
Skye cups her hand on my face. “It’s not just you. It’s the way many women are treated, but you facing it online has magnified the issue.”
I open my mouth, croaking out, “Do you think I can make a real change?”
“You’re Riley Glenn. Of course you can.”
I go up to Skye and pull her into a hug. “I know you hate this. But you’re just gonna have to take it. I love you, and I don’t know what I would’ve done without you in my life. Thank you for always being here.”
Skye doesn’t pull away. She doesn’t speak. When she finally does, her voice wobbles. “You’re welcome. I love you too.”
I sit in the moment, taking it in. I’m so utterly grateful to have made the kind of friends who have become family. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“You made it really damn easy.”
30
The Surprise Visit
Five days later, on Wednesday, I head to Maddox’s house, as I decided to take Eva and Sophie’s advice and hear him out. By the sheer number of calls and texts from him, it would seem he regrets what he did.
As I approach his front porch, he comes outside. His smile is glowing when he sees me, and a rush of relief passes over his face.
“Hey, there,” I say, walking faster, the cool October breeze hitting my face.
“I missed you. So much.”
As I step onto his front porch, I hear Kathryn’s voice behind me. “Wait. Maddox and Riley.”
He groans, looking around me. “How did you get through the gate? Riley’s here to have an important conversation with me, Kathryn. I can’t talk to you right now.”
“I see that, and I’m sorry, Son. But I wanted to apologize for my behavior at the engagement party.”
“That was four weeks ago.”
She’s justnowapologizing to Maddox for that? Ugh. My heart hurts for him.
“I know. I’m sorry.” She rubs her temple. “I’m also sorry you two were forced into a mess. I had to leave town for a bit, but now I’m back. You wouldn’t answer my calls. I had too much to drink. And I made a fool out of myself and out of you. I’m so, so sorry. Please. Tell me how I can make it up to you.”
“You can’t—”
“No. Please don’t say that.” She wrings her shaking hands. “I’ll do anything to make it up to you. Then I’ll leave you alone. Promise.” She puts her palms in the air.
