Page 131 of The Penalty

“I have no idea. It sounded urgent.”

“But he said no one died.” Tobi narrows his eyes.

“No.” I’m just as lost as he is, but Tobi seems suspicious of me.

“Is this one of those calls you use to try and get out of a date?” Tobi throws at me.

I’m caught totally off guard by the accusation. “What? I’m not fucking having my brother fake an emergency. That’s really fucking low to accuse me of. I don’t know what your problem is with me but I’m over it.” My chest aches as I say it, but I can’t just pretend it’s not happening anymore. I shove to my feet.

“Rhys…”

I hold up a hand. “Figure your shit out and either tell me or leave me alone. I can’t help how much I have going on and, before the last few months, I would have sworn my best friend would be by my side for all of it, but now it feels like you’ll only be here if it benefits you in some way.”

“That’s—that’s not what I—” Tobi cuts himself off with a sigh.

I pick up my tray. “Then what the fuck is it?”

“I’m in love with you, Rhys, and I feel like I’m losing you.” Sadness is etched into all his features.

And what the fuck can I even say? I feel like a bomb just went off in my head, I’m that surprised.

I never once suspected….but it all makes sense.

“You don’t have to say anything. I’m sorry I did.” He picks his tray up and walks towards the disposal.

“Tobi.” I grab mine and walk after him.

“Please don’t. I saw enough in your face. You don’t feel the same way.” He’s barely keeping it together.

“I care about you Tobi?—“

He cuts me off. “I know. But you don’t feel the same.”

We throw our trays away and stand there in silence again.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out but don’t answer.

“Go. I know it’s important,” he says.

“But—” I try, but Tobi won’t hear any of it.

“I’ll see you later. I might need some space for a while.” And he’s gone.

I’m left there reeling, phone ringing, and not sure if I should be chasing him or going with my brothers.

But that’s decided for me.

Owen walks in and grabs me before I notice him. “Are you okay?”

I blink. “Yeah, sorry. What’s up?”

“Get in the car and I’ll tell you.”

THIRTY-FIVE

RHYS

We get in the car and it’s just the two of us.

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