Page 26 of Deadly Sins: Envy
“We’re not,” she said. “We just hang out sometimes.”
I wondered what all was included in the “hang out” package.
“I wasn’t aware you two knew each other so well,” I said.
“We met at another festival a few years ago. Bender’s part of the event crew. Ever since Willow went missing, he’s been here, watching out for me.”
Bender laced his fingers behind his head and said, “Yeah.”
Based on his facial expression when I came in, I got the feeling the man of few words may have had more feelings for Gina than she had for him.
“I was looking for you, Bender,” I said.
“Oh? Why?”
“I heard you’ve been telling people the reason The Wild Honeybees are on tour is because Willow’s father paid to make it happen.”
Gina tossed the blanket to the side, sat straight up, and glared at him.
“Is that true?” she said. “Did you?”
Bender waved his hands in front of his face. “I ... no. I mean, kinda. It’s not what you think.”
“Didyou, ordidn’tyou tell people?” Gina asked.
“I haven’t been going around gossiping about it. I swear. I was talking to Kendra the other day, and you know we go way back. It just slipped out. She said she wouldn’t tell anyone else.”
“I can’t believe it!” Gina said.
“How long ago did you tell her?” I asked.
“Three or four days ago, I guess.”
“Hold on,” I said. “Bender, who toldyouWillow’s father paid for the tour?”
Bender looked at Gina and didn’t say a word.
“I did, all right?” Gina said. “It was me.”
“You?” I said. “Why?”
“The whole thing was my idea. I’ve known all along.”
My head was spinning.
“I’m confused,” I said. “I’m going to need you to explain it to me.”
Gina sighed and crossed her arms. “A couple of years ago, Willow went through a bit of a depression. Ever since we were in grade school, all she’s ever wanted was for us to make it big one day. But she kept getting shot down, told she wasn’t good enough, that her voice doesn’t stand out. She knew if she didn’t find a way to break in soon, she never would. I thought if I found a way to give her a shot, maybe she’d get noticed by the right people.”
“Youbothwould get noticed, you mean. It couldn’t have just been about Willow. The two of you are in this band together.”
“I don’t have a love for it like she does. I mean, it’s fun. We’ve had a great time, but whether we hit big or not, I’m okay to move on. It’s her dream, not mine.”
“How did the tour come about?” I asked.
“About a year ago I went to Willow’s father. I told him I’d met a guy connected to the industry who said he could set up some tour dates for us in exchange for money upfront.”
“What’s the guy’s name?”