Page 95 of The Penalty

“Yeah, well. I’ve realized it takes more energy to hold a grudge. And I figured you’d want to call after Dad talked to you.”

Ok, at least I know she’s aware of what’s going on. “So. . . you are ok with this?”

“No,” she says quickly. “It’s weird as hell. But I’ve seen how unhappy my dad has been over the past few months. I truly believe he’s in love with you, and I don’t want to stand in the way of his happiness anymore.”

“Kylie—” I start to interject, but she cuts me off.

“I think I needed to know that he would pick me. And he did. Maybe it was selfish of me, and I’m sorry if it hurt you. But I needed it.”

“I don’t think it was selfish at all. I think you had every right to ask him to do that.”

“Yeah, maybe. But anyways, I’m going to move out to give us some space. I think that’ll help us both heal. And I want him to be happy, McKenzie. Even if that means the two of you are together.”

“I’m sorry, Kylie. I truly am. I hate that I’ve lost your friendship, and I know we’ll never get back to the way we were. But I hope one day, you’ll allow me to be a part of your life again.”

“Maybe,” she answers noncommittally, and I guess I’ve got to be ok with that.

“Well, thanks for taking my call,” I say, knowing there’s nothing left for me to say. She’s already given me more than I deserve, and I know she needs time.

“Just. . . go easy on him, please. He’s really opened up to me these past few months, and I truly want him to be happy,” she says before she ends the call.

It may not have been the conversation I hoped for, but it still feels like a weight has been lifted off me.

I open my messages and scroll to the thread I have with Tyler.

McKenzie: So, when is our date?

THIRTY-NINE

TYLER

My palms are sweaty.

Which is ridiculous since I’m a grown-ass man. I’m going on a date with someone I’m already in love with. I shouldn’t be this nervous.

But here we are.

The wait from the time I knock on her apartment door to the time she opens it feels like a lifetime.

Before I even say hello, I hand her the flowers I brought for her. I was worried it would be too cheesy, but her face makes whatever cheesiness worth it.

“These are beautiful,” she says as she takes them. She waves me through the door, and I step inside. I didn’t even know where she was living until she told me where to pick her up. The apartment itself is plain, but it’s quiet. I’m relieved that it’s at least pretty nice. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if she was back to sleeping in her car.

“Is your roommate home?” I ask, looking around.

She shakes her head as she puts the flowers in a large cup. Fuck, I should’ve bought a bouquet with a vase.

“She’s gone more than she’s here, which has worked out well for us.”

“That’s good.”

She places the flowers on the counter and turns to me. “So, where are we going?”

“An arcade.”

Her eyebrows raise like she wasn’t expecting that answer.

“Yep. Let’s go.” I reach out and take her hand, hoping she doesn’t notice how clammy mine is.