Page 62 of The Penalty

Heat crawls up the back of my neck when I see the yellow triangle of cheese. I’ve never seen it in that form before, and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit I don’t recognize the fresh ingredients.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“It’s all good. Now put those muscles to work and grate it. Sorry we don’t have the already grated stuff, but fresh is so much better.”

“Hey, Dev, tell me about your teammates. I’m doing research into hockey players.”

Research. That’s weird. “For a project?”

“You could say that,” Georgia replies, spinning away from the sauce she’s stirring on the stove to give me a long-lashed wink.

“Really, Georgia. Trying to dig up dirt on his team. He’s more loyal than that.”

“Not dirt.” She waves a hand. “Information. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that information is the world’s most valuable commodity?”

“Well, they’re people, not commodities, and I highly doubt Dev has the information to help you lure one of them into your bed.”

“Ah well.

“Why don’t you tell us about that ghost tour you did on campus last week? I think the only way I can handle it is if I’ve got Dev here.”

Georgia launches into a story about a couple of ghosts that lurk in a closed-off tunnel in one of the residence halls. She’sa fantastic storyteller. Changing her voice and inflection as needed. Setting the scene with great detail. I don’t even believe in ghosts and my eyes are watering. Cece might think she needs me to comfort her tonight, but I think it’s the other way around. I’m not going to sleep ever again if I’m alone.

Dinner is incredible. I think it’s the best pasta I’ve ever put in my mouth. The rich flavor bursts in my mouth. We made a homemade Caesar dressing with an outrageous amount of garlic, and Blake even whipped up some crispy, buttery garlic bread.

I’m groaning, hand resting on my over-inflated stomach, but still eyeing the big bowl of pasta in the center of the table.

“Go ahead, take another helping,” Cece says.

“I shouldn’t.” But I reach out anyway to fill up my bowl. I can’t resist.

Making the dinner was fun, cleaning up less so. We pile whatever we can in the dishwasher and leave the rest for morning.

“Beau couldn’t handle that.” Cece waves at the pots and bigger dishes we left on the counter.

“Nah, definitely not. Even just living with him has sparked an itch in me that’s hard to resist. I really want to clean it up so it doesn’t upset him, even though he’s not here.

We plop down on the dark grey couch. I helped move in here and roll to see who starts first.

“Me. Yes.” Cece bounces, clapping.

“I think I need a refresh.” I tell them, picking up the rule book.

I won the first game. It’s always that way. Beginner’s luck or something. But no one gets upset. The team has tried playing board games at our house, but it always gets way too competitive, so the only ones we can handle are party games like Cards Against Humanity.

We’re on our fifth or sixth game, and I’m yawning hard. A quick glance at my watch tells me it’s past midnight. I don’t want to be the first to suggest bedtime, but I don’t think I can keep my eyes open any longer.

Cece drops her hand over mine. “Let’s call it a wrap. I’m going to pass out in the popcorn bowl if I don’t hit my bed soon. I need my beauty sleep.” I shoot her a thankful look, and we say our good nights, heading for her room.

My stomach tries to leap out of my throat when a tiny blur zooms at us when we open her bedroom door.

Cece bends down to scoop up the fuzzy little troublemaker.

“Loki, calm down. Ready to pet him yet?” She holds him out to me, and I reach out to see if I can do it. But my stomach clenches with dread. Nope, no way. Not happening. Yet. I’ll get over it. I have to.

I shake my head, and she gives him a few more pats before dumping him in his cage. I’m ripping my socks off when she bends down to give me a kiss. “Let me wash my hands. I’m sure you don’t want ferret germs all over you.”

I rip my shirt off, stretching my arms over my head. She left the door open so I can hear her singing along with the sound of running water, but I can’t make out the words. I could get used to this. And that is a serious problem.

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