Page 53 of The Penalty

RHYS

I’ve been avoiding going over to Tobi’s house all of break to make sure I don’t see Teddy, which isn’t easy considering I’m avoiding my mom as much as possible too. We still haven’t worked things out from before and it’s just growing more strained by the day. We can’t seem to have a conversation without shouting, and I don’t know how to fix any of it, and it is all too overwhelming.

So, I’ve just avoided her.

But I always go over to Tobi’s for dessert on Thanksgiving. Tobi’s parents are so good to me, and I don’t want to be rude.

Tobi said Teddy is leaving tonight because they have a game tomorrow, so I put it off as late as possible. I really don’t want to face him. I don’t get why he bothered unblocking me just to ask me something so trivial.

Rhys: I’m here. Come, let me in.

Tobi: Be there in a minute.

I shove my hands in my pockets, waiting.

Mrs. Ellis gets to the door before he does. She pulls me into a hug. “I was starting to wonder if you were too busy this year to come by.”

“I’m never too busy to come eat your pumpkin pie.” I give her a huge smile, forcing it to stay there when I spot Teddy hovering behind her.

“I’m glad you remember the little people now that you’re a hotshot hockey player with your own company,” she says playfully.

“Tobi needs to learn to keep things to himself.” I roll my eyes. “I’d never stop coming to see my second mom. Don’t worry.”

“You better not!” She pats my cheek before heading towards the kitchen. “Rhys is here, everyone. Let’s serve the pies.”

“Hi,” Teddy mutters.

I lift my chin in a silent greeting.

“How’s it going, kiddo?” Mr. Ellis asks. “How are you liking college?”

“I love it.”

“I saw that goal in your game against the Olympians! What a shot.”

I try not to wince, eyes flicking to Teddy to see how he reacts. “Thank you.”

“You hit that corner so fast, Teddy didn’t even have time to react!”

My gaze doesn’t leave Teddy and the muscle jumping in his cheek. “Lucky shot. Teddy is quick as fuck. It takes a lot to get past him.”

“I know! That’s what makes the shot so good. Teddy is killer in the goal. So for your first season to sink one like that!” Mr. Ellis gives a low whistle. “Incredible. I hope your coach sees how good you are.”

“I think he does.” I finally look away from Teddy, knowing this will end up in me being re-blocked.

Tobi nods, bringing plates to the table. “What’s up?”

“Not too much,” I say, taking my usual seat.

Teddy wordlessly sits across from me. I avoid his gaze.

“What kind of pie does everyone want?” Mrs. Ellis says as she starts plating them. “I already know it’s pumpkin for you, Rhys.” She sets the first plate in front of me.

“Thank you.”

“I want cherry and pumpkin so I can eat them together, please,” Teddy says.

Everyone at the table turns towards him.

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