Page 156 of The Penalty

“Why wouldn’t you just say secrets?”

“You’re right. I should have said secrets.” I rub my forehead. “I’m not sure I want to know what’s in there.”

“You need to face the ghost of your father.”

“I don’t think his ghost will be in there.” I deadpan.

“You know what I mean. God, Rhys, maybe don’t take everything so literally.”

It’s so hard not to call him out, but I just fucking leave it because it’s not worth it.

“I guess I should go look at it.”

“Do you want me to go with you as tech support?”

“What?” I look at him.

“You know, to help with technical difficulties in your pickle situation.”

“Moral support?”

“Was your dad a killer or not? Because what would you need your morals supported for if he isn’t?”

“What do I need technical support for?” I ask because curiosity gets the better of me. “Are you resetting my router?”

“First of all, I don’t know what a router is, but I’ll try, and second, because I can technically help you unbottle your pickle juice.”

I look at the ceiling. “Yes, babe. I’d love that.”

Teddy gets up. “Let’s go now.”

“Right now?” I ask, glancing around at all the boxes.

“Remember what the therapist said, better to not back up your bottle.” He shoves his phone in his pocket and we walk out of the apartment. “Where is your router? Is that a bone? Because I am no chiropractor. I am not qualified to reset bones.”

“What are you qualified to reset?” I ask as we step into the elevator?

“I’m sure I’ll get qualified to reset something before I finish school. Sports medicine has all kinds of bones and joints and stuff.” Teddy waves it off like it’s nothing, but I’m suddenly terrified.

“Wait, is that your major?”

“Hmm?” Teddy asks as we get in the waiting car.

“Is sports medicine your major?! How did I not know that?”

“Because you never ask about me?” Teddy crosses his arms again.

“What’s my major?” I ask, staring him down.

“I know you have a major,” he says sheepishly.

“Well, I guess I didn’t think you had one. Do they make you have a major when you’re the goalie? Is that safe?”

“Rude, we all go to college.”

“Do we? Because we all know the football players have their own section of classes. I guess I just assumed they did the same for goalies.” I shrug.

“Is that why I’m the only one in half my classes…? Well, me and Lancelot, but he doesn’t show up a lot.”

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