Page 41 of Penalty Shots

My heart sinks to my stomach.She’s hurt.

She turns abruptly, gathering her fabric and running down the stairs. She pushes people out of the way and heads out the front door.

JR is at my back. “I didn’t do anything, man. I just wanted to talk.”

I whirl on him, pushing him up against the wall with my forearm pressed against his neck. “I don’t care who you are or who your daddy is, JR. Don’t you even look at Rina ever again. Do you hear me?”

“Chill, man. I already told you–”

I slam him again. “I don’t give a shit. You even so much as breathe in her direction, and you’re dead, JR.”

He pushes me away. Hands on his knees as he tries to breathe again. “Funny,” he says, through labored breaths. “You don’t seem to be so protective of Jenny.”

My eyes narrow. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“Something the matter here?” Ryker is now coming up the stairs, looking like a menacing villain and wearing his helmet.

JR calms down. Ryker is twice his size and would take him down without even flinching. “Nothing, man. We’re cool.”

“I mean what I said,” I tell him.

JR looks at Ryker and then back to me. “Whatever you say, hockey boy.”

That’s as good as I’m going to get out of the entitled prick.

I turn to Ryker. “We’re leaving.”

“Don’t gotta tell me twice.” He looks at JR and salutes him with his middle finger, before turning and going down the stairs.

“I’m gonna go look for Rina. You mind telling the others?”

“Sure, man.”

Most of the party has moved to the backyard and the line that had been gathered outside has dispersed. Unwelcomed guests have since moved on to other parties, it seems.

I look around, calling out to her with no luck. She’s disappeared.

I pull out my phone and shoot her a text.

Me

Where are you, Rina? We’re leaving.

JR won’t bother you again.

I keep looking around waiting for her to reply. One finally comes in.

Rina

No more parties, Keelan. Promise me.

I sigh. Of course I’ve wanted her to come out of her shell. To have and enjoy the full college experience. But why do I bother?

Me

No more parties. Promise.

Rina

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