Page 37 of The Penalty

“They can’t just hold us hostage at a place like this without giving us snackies!”

“They aren’t holding us hostage.” I laugh again. What has gotten into me?

“It feels a little like they are and I know how hangry you get.”

“I do not.”

He side-eyes me as he sips. “Okay. Gonna tell me about your brothers now?”

“I don’t think we need to talk about it.”

“I think we do,” Teddy insists.

“Why?”

“Because maybe I can help you fix it.”

I don’t want to ruin the light he’s got in his eyes, so I sigh and try to explain. “I think because their dad had an affair with my mom and made me. Maybe because I got part of their inheritance, though, it’s more money than anyone needs. Could also be because I’m not like them.”

“That all seems silly. I don’t think Owen dislikes you. Just that Oliver one.”

I shrug, wishing that was the case. “He’ll probably side with his brother.”

“You’re his brother too.”

“It’s not the same as being twins.”

“Ew, not all twins sleep together, Rhys. That’s a stereotype.” Teddy says in a shaming tone.

I stare at him. “I didn’t think—is that a stereotype?”

“It is. A harmful one to twins!”

I nod, trying to be serious. “Good to know. But I still don’t think they’ll side with us.”

“Let me work my magic.”

“Magic? No. Don’t do that.” I grab his arm.

He turns on me, putting his hand over mine on his arm. “Don’t worry. What could go wrong?”

“A fucking lot!” I say, but Teddy isn’t listening. He’s strolling off towards the group of them.

I have to jog to catch up with him. That damn sport mode of his. I miss the first part of the conversation, but by the time I catch up with Teddy, he and Colin are laughing.

“I think dinner to clear the air would be good,” Colin says.

“I thought so.” Teddy holds out his fist.

Colin bumps it. “Owen, baby. Let’s invite them to a family dinner in a few weeks. What do you think?”

Owen narrows his eyes a little bit like he’s in a daze. “Fuck it. I forgot to take my meds today. Everything seems like a good idea.”

Colin glares at his husband. “Baby! Why didn’t you take them?”

“Well, I was rotting under my chase lounge and frankly the kitchen might as well have been Dubai and my intrusive thoughts told me I should just stay there until I had to come hereso… that’s what I did,” Owen says it all without shame, and you know, good for him.

We’ve all had those thoughts.

---