Page 62 of The Penalty

Ihesitate. I don’t want to tell him, but how can I not? He’ll notice if Teddy isn’t around and he’ll probably see me picking him up.

This is just getting awkward. Why do I keep doing this to myself?

Maybe it’s because I do secretly want a relationship with my brothers, but the fucking stress of it fucking blows. But bringing Teddy is—I don’t know what it is. Do I want them to like me or do I want his help? Deep down, do I think their husbands will like Teddy more than me? What a weird fucking thought.

Teddy feels like a safety net when I’m dealing with my brothers.

This is an existential crisis I don’t need right now. So I just stomp it down. In a box and on the shelf to never deal with later. Probably not the healthiest thing, but is coping healthy?

Tobi: You just gonna leave me hanging about my own brother?

Tobi: If you don’t tell me, I’m going to ask Teddy.

Tobi: And I will not be held responsible for what he says.

Rhys: Keep your fucking panties on.

Rhys: I told you. I’m in films with the team.

Tobi: That’s your fault. You can’t dangle things in front of my face.

Rhys: I’m not dangling.

Tobi: And yet, you’re not talking either.

Rhys: Remember how Teddy went with me to the dedication thing for my dad…

Tobi: Unfortunately.

Why is this so hard? It’s a text but I can’t make my fingers write it.

Tobi: don’t tell me you’re still doing this.

Tobi: I thought you were telling them you broke up?

Tobi: Why do you even still want to take him.

I suddenly remember Teddy asked me not to talk to him about it. Is this why? I assumed Tobi would be fine with it because he knew I took Teddy as my date to the building dedication. I mean, I know he’s not going to be happy about it, but he’ll at least deal with it to help me.

Tobi: Rhys?

Tobi: What the fuck?

But it doesn’t seem like he’s taking it well at all.

Rhys: I just didn’t want it to be weird telling them we broke up and have to go alone.

Rhys: Don’t be mad.

Rhys: It’s just a bit.

Tobi: So you’re fake dating my brother as a bit?

Tobi: You told me you were ending it. What happened?

Tobi: Why would you even want to keep it up.

Tobi: How long are you going to do this for?

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