Page 66 of Penalized Love

“…I’m not sure yet,”I finally say.

It is the truth. None of this is easy, and I’m not sure which way to turn at this point. My schedule is pretty much what it is at this point. Having more money would be helpful, but I’m not ready to beg for handouts. My family and I are doing fine, but it could be better.

“I get it. And?—”

Knox’s words get cut off as heavy footsteps hit the stairs. If I didn’t live here, I would assume the person is falling down the stairs. But I know it’s Wilder trying to get… somewhere. As if conjured by my thoughts of him, Wilder pops his head in the room and says,“Is the coast clear?”

“The fuck…”Knox mumbles before I can comprehend what is going on.

“Are you two done? Are we all cool?”

Knox and I exchange a confused glance before I turn back to Wilder.“Uh, yeah, we’re good. Why?”

Wilder’s face splits into a grin.“Because the cavalry has arrived!”

He steps into the room, followed by Levi and Blaise, both of whom are carrying pizza boxes and a case of beer.

“Wilder was hungry and thought we could all use some bonding, so here we are.”

I shake my head because I’m not at all surprised that this is Wilder’s big idea.“You guys are something else. Thanks for this.”

Levi sets the pizza on the coffee table and plops on the couch beside me.“Anytime. That’s what friends are for, right?”

The feeling is mutual. I give him a slight nod and reach for a slice of pizza. The smell alone is enough to settle any tension in the room. It’s not New York-style pizza, but as soon as I take a bite, it hits the spot.

Wilder flops onto the armchair across from us and takes a long drink from his beer.“So what else are we going to be up to tonight? Should we continue the deep feelings talk? More heart-to-heart conversations?”

I roll my eyes, but Blaise speaks first.“How about we just watch the game? Although there is a time and place for it, I’m not drunk enough for a feelings talk.”

“Seconded,”Knox agrees, reaching for another slice.“I’ve had enough serious conversation for one night.”

“I’m not going to disagree with that,”I say before taking another bite of the pizza in my hand. The warm, cheesy euphoria is sitting in the top three of the best things ever, right behind hockey and sex. The order of importance for those things changes depending on the hour. Is it right? I’m not sure, but it’s where things stand in my head.

Levi grabs the remote and flips through the channels until he finds the game we’ve all been waiting for.“Here we go. The San Diego Sharks versus the DC Titans. Perfect timing because the second period is just starting.”

Our TV screen lights up with the packed arena, and I wish I was there. The DC Titans, in their bold red, white, and blue uniforms, are known for their excellent offense. On the other side, the San Diego Sharks, wearing deep navy and gold, have a reputation for their disciplined, hard-hitting defense. The clash of styles promises an exciting game, and because we are in Virginia, most people in our area will root for DC, including myself. However, I know that Isla’s older sister works for the San Diego Sharks, so I’m curious about who they are rooting for.

Probably still the Titans.

I stretch my legs as the second period begins. My discussion with Knox fades into the background as we focus all of our attention on the game. The Sharks strike first, a quick wrist shot from their star forward sneaking past the Titans’ goalie. Wilder lets out a groan, shaking his head.

“Come on, Titans. Get it together,”he mutters, taking another swig of his beer.

But the Sharks keep the pressure on, their defense smothering the Titans’ attempts to generate offense. By the end of the period, it’s 2-0 Sharks, and the mood in the room has shifted from relaxed to slightly anxious.

“They’ve still got time to turn it around,”I say. I don’t know how my optimism is going to fly at the moment, but here we are.“One goal, and they’re right back in it.”

“They better,”Knox grumbles.“I’ve got money on this game.”

I raise an eyebrow at him.“Since when do you bet on hockey?”

He shrugs.“Since I had a good feeling about the Titans. Which they’re currently making me regret.”

This time, Blaise chimes in,“You don’t bet on our games, right?”

Knox rolls his eyes.“I’m not gambling. Someone bet me that the Sharks would kick the Titans’ ass. And I couldn’t say no.”

The third period starts, and I’m ready to lace up my skates and jump in there myself if they don’t turn it around. Thankfully, it seems as if the Titans have gotten it together after the last period. They come out as if their asses are on fire, and I’m thrilled. They get rewarded for their efforts five minutes later when their captain, Hunter Callahan, scores on a deflection from the point. My living room erupts in cheers.

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