Page 29 of The Penalty

“I guess you’ll either tell me or be late.” He gets that damn goalie look and I know he’s not going to give in.

“You’re such a stubborn fuck.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“I’m going to a dedication for the new building my dad donated.” I finally say.

Teddy gets his ‘thinking really hard’ look on his face. “Your brothers are going to be there, right?”

I nod.

“They don’t like you, right?”

“Yep.” I sigh. “Which is why Tobi was going to go with me.”

“They do?”

“No, they don’t.”

“Why are you being confusing?” he asks.

“They don’t like me.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Can I go now?”

“I’m going with you.”

“No. Why would you do that?”

“Because it’s my duty.”

“Duty?! This is not the sixteenth century.” I hold my hands up. “You can’t. Just let me go.”

“There is still duty and chivalry!” He jabs his pointer finger into his palm.

“Is there?” I don’t even know what to do with any of this, but it occurs to me that he might be the best person to go, as I’m sure it will drive my brothers crazy.

He nods vigorously.

“I thought you said I was the enemy?”

“This is different,” he says emphatically. “This is family honor which comes above hockey. Barely, but it does.”

“How?” I can’t believe I’m actually thinking of this.

“You need it and it’s right. I have to step in for my brother.”

“You don’t even like your brother.”

Colin’s words come back to me, and yet I want him to go. It will be fun annoying Oliver and then maybe afterwards I can get him on his knees again.

“I like him just fine. He doesn’t like me, but it doesn’t matter. I will keep his commitments!”

“You have to drive Tobi home.”

“Send him in your car. We can get another.” Why is he making so many good points?

“Do you even have something you can wear?”

He scrunches up his brow. “I have something. Let’s go to my room.”

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