Page 93 of The Penalty

“We’re going to head back to the hotel and let you finish up here. But we’ll meet you at the restaurant for dinner, yeah?” Matty says. I’m so grateful they were all able to come and spend the day with me.

“Ok, sounds good.”

Matt’s smile fades as his eyes move over my shoulder. I turn to see what made him turn cold so quickly.

I suck in a breath.

Tyler.

We’ve texted a few times over the months, but nothing meaningful. I’ve been careful to avoid him. Seeing him makes it feel like someone is squeezing my heart in my chest.

“What are you doing here?” Matt asks in a tone that very much says Tyler is not welcome. I’m too shocked to see him again to say anything, but it’s very obvious that my brothers are not happy with his presence. I eventually had to tell them all what happened. Thankfully, they didn’t rub it in my face.

“I’d like to talk to McKenzie if that’s alright with her,” Tyler says.

“It’s not alright,” Chris says.

“Chris,” I snap, finally finding my voice.

“Boys, McKenzie can speak for herself,” my mother says. She starts pushing my brothers away. “We’ll see you in a bit.” I’m not sure if I’m happy or terrified that they’re all leaving. Every single one of my brothers shoots Tyler a death stare before they leave.

Then it’s just me and Tyler surrounded by the rest of my graduating class.

“Hi,” he says as he puts his hands in his pockets. He looks good in his black slacks and gray La Vista polo, but I can tell he’s nervous.

“Hi,” I say back.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I can’t believe it’s finally here.”

“You’re going to do great things.”

“I hope so.” There’s a pause. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

He rocks on his heels, looking more nervous than I’ve ever seen him. “I wasn’t sure if I should, but I wanted to talk to you about something and it needed to be in person.”

“Ok. . .” I say slowly.

“Kylie and I had a long talk the other night. She’s staying at La Vista for her senior year, but she’s asked to live in an apartment off campus instead of with me. Which, of course, I agreed to. But she also said she wants me to have the space to find my own happiness, and if that includes you, she’ll try to be open-minded.”

I suck in a breath as he continues.

“You are my true happiness, McKenzie. You have given me so much patience while I’ve figured things out with Kylie. Patience I know I don’t deserve. But I want to try to make that up to you. So, I’m hoping you’ll give me a real chance to be the man you want.”

“I-I don’t understand. What does this mean?”

“It means I’d like to take you on a date. I want to start over. No sneaking around. Me and you. In public. If you’ll have me.”

Me and you. It’s what I’ve been dreaming of. But now that he’s here, standing in front of me, it still doesn’t feel real. Will this work between us or would I be setting myself up for heartbreak all over again? Is Kylie really ok with this? I’ve already ruined what we had. I’d hate to make it even worse.

“Can I think about it?” I ask.

Hurt flashes through his eyes, but he quickly nods. “Of course. Take all the time you need.”

“Thank you. It’s what I wanted for so long, but I’ve got to make sure I’m making the right decision. . . for both of us.”

“I understand, Kenz. You can tell me to go kick rocks, or we could take things as slow as you want.”