Page 36 of The Penalty

“Got it. Are you coming to the house tonight? Can I give this to you, then?”

“Kylie asked me to, so yeah. I was going to come over after my shift. I’m working lunch today, so I’ll be done by four.”

“Ok, I’ll have these ready for you tonight.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Ty—I mean, Coach.”

He chuckles at my almost mistake. I’ve probably been getting too comfortable calling him Tyler, but I like using his actual name. In my head, it makes me feel like we’re closer.

“See ya.” I wave, grab my bag, and head out.

Once I’m out of his office, I check my phone to see the birthday texts from my family rolling in.

Dad: Happy Birthday, baby girl. I love you.

Oliver: Are you feeling 22 (or however that song goes)? HBD love you

Chris: Happy Birthday Sis <3

Matty: Happy Bday Kenz. Miss you

Spencer: HBD ILY

I quickly text them all back and then head to Alessandro’s.

The lunch shift goes by fairly quick. We’re busy, but Angel still manages to squeeze in a small birthday celebration for me. She gives me a piece of tiramisu with a candle and makes everyone on staff sing Happy Birthday to me. It’s embarrassing, but I let her do it. She’s the only one who knows it’s my birthday, and that’s only because I’m her employee, and it’s on my paperwork.

After work, I head to Kylie’s house. I wish I could stop and take a shower and change so that I don’t smell like the restaurant when I get there, but it would take too much time, and I’m already pretty tired.

Tyler’s truck is parked in the driveway next to Kylie’s BMW. My stomach flutters with butterflies, which is ridiculous because I see him almost every day. But he’s not usually home when I get here.

I shove some clothes and my shower stuff into my backpack before I head to their front door. I ring the doorbell like I always do and wait for Kylie to answer. When she does, she’s smiling at me like a maniac.

“What?” I ask her.

“Nothing. Just glad you’re here.” That’s not suspicious.

She pulls me inside, shutting the door.

“Do you mind if I take a shower really quick?” I ask. I hate that I have to shower at her house. It makes me feel so shitty, and every time I ask, I’m afraid she’s going to think I’m using her. Which I’m not. I certainly wouldn’t be here as much if she wasn’t asking me over.

“Um, can I just show you something first?” she asks.

“Sure. . .” I say slowly and follow her into the kitchen.

I stop in my tracks when I see Tyler standing by the kitchen table, smiling like he’s happy to see me. But that’s not what makes my heart pause. It’s the birthday cake on the table with lit candles and party decorations hanging around the kitchen: a happy birthday banner, balloons, and colored streamers. It looks like a little kid decorated in here, but I love it all the same.

“Happy Birthday!” Kylie and Tyler say at the same time.

I’m completely surprised. “What—how did you know?”

Kylie is beaming with excitement next to me. “Dad said he saw someone text you Happy Birthday earlier. He called and asked if I knew it was your birthday today. I didn’t, by the way, so boo on you for not saying anything. Anyway, we started planning a little party. Why didn’t you tell me? We could’ve done something really cool.”

I shrug. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.”

“Ugh. You kill me with your humility. On my birthday, the whole state of Nebraska will know.”

“Thank you, guys. This is too much.” I look over at Tyler, who is still smiling at me. He looks genuinely happy. Not a forced smile like he’s doing this only to appease Kylie, and I’m not sure how to take that.