Page 28 of The Penalty Box

She sighs and walks across the room to sit on the bed next to me. “He would be a fool not to let you play. It was just one mistake.”

“One mistake can make or break the game.”

“Is that why you’re sulking in your room?”

“I don’t sulk.”

But of course, she ignores me. Placing her hand over mine when the ball lands in my grip, she looks me straight in the eyes. “Or does this have anything to do with the fact you and Evie have barely spoken in two weeks?”

“How do you know about that?”

She gives me a look. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s hermomlook. The condescending, yet loving one. The one that says do you know who you’re speaking with, kid? I’m your mother, I know everything, even things you don’t want me to know.

“Did you really think we wouldn’t notice?” She rolls her eyes at me. And great, of course, she’s not the only one. She and Aunt Emma, Evie’s mom, probably had a long talk, dissecting our new relationship or lack thereof over coffee and cake. “Please, it’s not like your sneaking skills and the fight on their porch went unnoticed.”

“Great,” I mutter.

“Want to talk about it?”

“There is nothing to say.”

“Then why are you sulking on a Friday night while Evie is out on a date?”

Kick me while I’m down, why don’t you, Mom?

When I don’t react, she continues. “That cute boy came to pick her up earlier today.” She taps her chin like she’s thinking, but I can see right through her. “Noah, was it?”

“Fucking Russell.”

“Liam Ward!” she chastises. “That is no way to talk about your best friend’s boyfriend!”

Are they official? Actually dating?The blood starts pumping harder through my veins, but my heart… it’s free-falling to the pit of my stomach.What the fuck?

“Where did they go?” I ask, getting off the bed.

She can’t date him. No fucking way.

I grab my phone and wallet, stashing them in my pocket, and turn to her.

“Mom? Where is she?” I demand, but if I can hear the panic in my own voice, I’m sure as hell she can too.

She stands up, her hands on my shoulders. “You better make this right, Liam. Or I’m going to kill you.”

There is a knowing look in her eyes.

“How long did you know?” I ask, and she knows exactly what I’m referring to.

“Oh, I always hoped. Both me and Emma did.” She laughs softly. “But sure, sure? This past few weeks.” She cups my cheeks and I nod in acknowledgment. “Go get our girl, Liam.”

* * *

Hill’s house is packed per usual. I’m struggling to pass through the crowd of people, my eyes scanning every dark corner on my way. Still no Evie.

Where the fuck is she?

I’m muttering curses when my eyes land on a familiar face. He’s sitting on the couch that’s pushed against the wall, girl in his lap. Her hands are underneath his shirt, his in the dark mass of her hair.

“Jack?” My words startle them. They turn around to look at me. And I was right, it’s Jack and…Jessy?

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