Page 54 of Punish Me

“He says the two of you were at his house last weekend for game day.”

“We were.”

“He also says that you both walked away at halftime and while he didn’t think anything about it then, he’s second-guessing everything now.”

“As he should, but he doesn’t even want to talk to me now, Mak. I don’t know what to do. It hurts because we’ve always been close. He won’t answer my texts or calls.”

“Well, it just happened last night. Give it some time and let it sink in. After a while, he’ll come around. Are you sure this is what you want, sis?”

“I am. I love Ro. I always have.”

“It sounds like it, and it sounds like he loves you, too.”

“He does. Of that, I’m sure.”

“Then stand strong for your love. Things won’t always be easy. You know it hasn’t been for Shep and me. You and Ro may have spent more than a decade apart, but try being married and spending six years apart while married.”

We hadn’t even known my sister was married all that time. It was a shock when she announced it to me, but she still didn’t tell our family or his right away. When the revelation came, it brought its share of challenges for her and my brother-in-law, Shep Maxwell, but they’ve both survived.

“I know that was hard for you, too.”

“It was, but our love helped us to survive, and we wouldn’t change a thing. Stand by that man’s side if this is what you want. Bray will get over himself in time. No one’s told him and Shay how to run their relationship. This is your time and your life. No one can tell you how to live it, baby girl.”

“I know.”

“So, just be patient. He’ll come around in time, and I’m sure Shay is over there giving him hell.”

I chuckle.

“I just wanted to check on you. I’ll let you get back to sappy movies and ice cream.”

“How do you know I’m watching sappy movies?”

“You’re eating ice cream, wrapped in your Snoopy blanket, wearing a hoodie from your alma mater, and your hair is pulled into a messy ponytail.”

“You think you know me,” I say, scrunching my nose at her.

“I’ll bet you’re wearing a pair of fuzzy neon-colored socks, too.”

“Goodbye, Makenzi Layla Amara Maxwell!” I say, blowing a raspberry at the phone.

She giggles and says, “Goodbye, Brynlee Olivia Scarlett St. Clair. And don’t forget that you are loved by me.”

“And so are you,” I say, blowing a kiss and catching the one that she sends back.

I end the call and look down at my attire.

Am I that predictable?

Since high school, I have always watched sappy love movies when I’m in my feelings. Whether I’ve been upset with my parents, siblings, friends, or a guy, I do the same thing.

I throw on a favorite sweatshirt and fuzzy neon socks, wrap up in my Snoopy blanket, pull my hair into a messy ponytail, and eat my woes away with my favorite ice cream.

I laugh and shake my head. Grabbing the remote, I unmute the TV and return toThe Vow.

16 – AMBROSE

“You can sit here with your arms crossed, not speaking to me, and be angry as fuck. You’ve earned that right. I’m asking you to stop being a dick and answer your sister’s calls.”

---