Page 48 of The Penalty

Coach gave us the morning off training to recover before our next game, so the guys are celebrating a little harder than usual during the season. I lift my cola to take a sip, but my mouth stretches in a huge yawn.

Beau has had a few, but he’s not too sloppy. Still keeping things under control as the captain.

“How are you doing?” He leans closer, so I can hear him over the noise of the crowded bar.

“Pretty wiped. Mighthead out.”

He nods. “I’d come with, but someone has to keep an eye on these jokers. Take my car. I’ll call for a ride later.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. All I really want right now is a quiet room to recover in with some ice for my shoulder and a book.

“Sure you don’t want to come with? They’re all adults. They can look after themselves.”

As if to prove me wrong, there’s a loud clatter as Grant knocks over a glass of beer, and JJ laughs hysterically as he’s trying to sop it up with the shirt he whipped off.

Beau grimaces. “Nah, I’ll look after this disaster scene. Make sure it doesn’t escalate. Coach would take my C if I let that happen.”

I nod, trying not to visibly wince as I stretch my arms over my head.

Beau’s ringtone pierces the air as I’m pushing up from my seat, but he doesn’t silence it like I thought he would.

“Cece? What’s the matter?Slow down.” His shoulders are tense and he’s speaking clearly again. Sobered up by whatever the emergency is.

My heart leaps out of my chest, leaving me breathless. What’s wrong? Is she sick?

“Okay, okay. It’s going to be okay.”

“It’s okay. It’ll be fine. I promise. But I can’t come right now.”

I’m so focused on his conversation, the sounds of the bar fade away.

“I’ve been drinking. I know. But maybe. Give me a sec.”

He pulls the phone away from his ear, and my leg is bouncing as I lean toward him, but he places it back.

“Hang on. I’m not ditching you. I’m just going to ask someone else. I’ll be right back.”

Beau slides the mouthpiece away, leaning toward me. “Dev, can you drive Cece to the vet? Her guinea pigs are sick and she’s freaking out. You’re the only sober one here. If it’s too much, I can send an Uber for her. I know you’re not so fond of rodents.”

“Yes. Of course.” My entire body eases up a little at the news that Cece is not hurt or sick. The things that flashed through my mind weren’t pretty. She could have been attacked, lying hurt in the middle of nowhere, burst appendix, intruder to her house. At least she’s safe. I’m sure she’s freaking out, and I feel for her, but selfishly I’m glad it’s not her that’s sick.

“If it’s too much...”

“It’s not. On my way.” I’m pushing past JJ to slide out of the booth before he can finish the thought. JJ stumbles and falls to the ground when I shove him, but I ignore his complaint, reaching over the table to snatch Beau’s keys.

“Thanks so much, man. I owe you one. Let me know how it goes. I’m not sure she’s going to be up for calling me. She loves those little creatures.”

He doesn’t owe me anything. I’m doing this for her.

“Hey wait. You need her address?”

“Got it.” I have been there after all. No need for him to be suspicious about why I remember where she lives.

I push Beau’s fancy ride a little faster than is wise to get to her house. The streetlights are lit up, and the houses all look the same. It might have been hard to identify which one was hers if she wasn’t standing on the porch glancing anxiously up the street. I wish I could have been there sooner for her.

She recognizes Beau’s car as soon as I swerve into the driveway and rushes back into the house to emerge a moment later with a plastic cat carrier.

I leave the car running but jump out to open the passenger door for her.

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