Page 55 of The Penalty

“Isn’t it counterintuitive to bring Teddy if you want a good relationship with them?”

“Owen’s husband really likes Teddy, and it would be weird to just break up don’t you think?”

“People break up all the time,” Tobi says in a disgusted tone.

“Plus, Oliver is still being a dick, and I like that he annoys Oliver.” And Teddy feels like a safety net.

“And you’re just going to bring him to everything you do with your brothers?” Tobi asks with disdain.

“They think we are dating. Remember?”

Tobi’s expression darkens. “Right. So, tell them you broke up and I’ll go.”

“So I’m dating my ex-boyfriend’s brother? That doesn’t look better.” I sigh, flopping back on his bed.

“You said you wanted to use Teddy to annoy them. Does it have to look good?”

“Not like that. Teddy is just—well Teddy—so he annoyed Oliver. I don’t want to look bad to them in general.” Nor do I want to look weak and needing my best friend for moral support just looks like I can’t face Oliver.

“Me going is still better than you going alone.” Tobi seems upset but I can’t put my finger on why.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” I drape my arm over my face.

“Where are you going alone?” Teddy asks.

“Have you been listening this whole time?” I ask.

“Not the whole time,” Teddy says sheepishly. “I wanted to make sure you weren’t talking about my breeding.”

“We don’t want to talk about you!” Tobi scoffs.

“Good!” Teddy throws back. “Now, where are you going alone?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say not wanting to do this in front of Tobi.

“If it doesn’t matter, then tell me!” Teddy says.

Fuck. I just need to get him off my back.

“To dinner with my brothers. They think we are dating because of the dedication. So, I have to tell them we broke up, but I can’t bring Tobi now and act like I’m dating your brother. That won’t look good.” I say it all in one breath, so maybe he’ll leave.

“You’d date my brother after me?” Teddy sounds offended.

“This is fake.” I sit up glaring at him, so he’ll shut up.

“I can be fake mad you’d date my brother after me!” Teddy says seriously, like all of this doesn’t sound fucking wild.

“Maybe I’m mad you’re fake dating my fucking best friend, then,” Tobi interjects.

Teddy stiffens, hopefully realizing what he’s done.

“I’m not going to bring him. I don’t think dating my fake ex’s brother would make me look good,” I say sternly. “I’ll just go alone.”

Cherry Pumpkin: u shouldnt have to go alone

Not My Brother: Just drop it.

Cherry Pumpkin: y

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