Page 86 of The Penalty

“Me either.”

We both knew it would come out eventually, that this would blow up in our faces. But now that it’s here, I don’t know what to do. I expected Kylie to be upset, but I suppose I’d hoped that she would understand. I didn’t expect her to turn this around into something it’s not.

I consented to the relationship with Tyler. He never took advantage of me like Kylie is thinking, and I hate that that thought even popped into her mind.

Now I’m torn between comforting Tyler or running after Kylie. Two of the most important people in my life.

And I’m walking the fine line of losing them both.

THIRTY-FOUR

TYLER

Fuck.

I knew this was going to blow up in my face.

After Kylie stormed out and I tried calling her several times, I had to go to work because I had meetings with the sports admin and my coaching staff. I tried hard to focus on work, hoping that Kylie would come around and call me back when she realized I didn’t do this to hurt her, but it felt impossible. All I could think about was what a terrible father I was. I need Kylie to let me explain.

All I get all day is a text from McKenzie saying she would be staying somewhere else tonight to try to give Kylie and me some space. I didn’t even have it in me to tell her no. I want her to be with me, but I know she’s right. I need to fix this with Kylie. I need her to see that it’s not what she claimed it to be.

I’m not a predator.

McKenzie is an adult.

It’s consensual.

Right?

I’m all messed up right now, second-guessing every decision I’ve ever made. But I can’t say that I regret being with McKenzie. Not when it feels so right.

I need Kylie to give me a chance to explain.

After my meetings, I head home to an empty house. I wait for hours for Kylie to come home. I call and text her, but she doesn’t respond. Finally, I give in and text McKenzie to see if she’s heard from her.

Tyler: Any word from Ky?

McKenzie: No :( She hasn’t responded to me. I told her I’d be staying somewhere else though.

Tyler: Ok. I’ll try to find another way to get a hold of her.

McKenzie.: I’m so sorry

Tyler: Not your fault. I need to fix this.

McKenzie: I’m here if you need me.

As a last resort, I suck up my pride, call Hayes, and ask him if he has Jake’s number. College athletes tend to hang in the same circles so I knew if he didn’t have it, he could get it for me.

Which he does.

So, I call my daughter’s boyfriend at almost midnight to see if she’s with him.

“Hello?” Jake answers.

“Jake. Coach Danvers here.”

“Oh.” His tone indicates he knows something.