Page 41 of The Penalty

“Kylie—” She doesn’t let me say anything else before she’s gone.

A few minutes later, I hear the front door shut. Then, I’m alone to think about all my stupid fucking mistakes.

SEVENTEEN

MCKENZIE

It’s been three days since I was essentially kicked out of the Danvers’ house. I was able to crash on another friend’s couch one night, but the other two nights, I had to sleep in my car. I did manage to clean out the back seat so I could sleep back there instead of reclining in the driver’s seat. It was a little better, I guess.

Today is the first day I’ll have to see Tyler again after the most awkward breakfast of my life. I’m actually hoping I won’t have to see him. The only reason I’m going to the field house is to get a few quotes from a few players and talk to Zach, the offensive coach. I emailed him earlier this week, and he told me to meet him on the field this afternoon during practice so that’s what I’m doing. If it wasn’t for that, I would be avoiding this place as much as possible.

“There she is.” Hayes spots me first. He always seems to see me even when I don’t want to be seen. I’m not sure if he has a general radar for girls or if it’s specifically for me. For his sake, I hope it’s all women. As much as I wish I was attracted to Hayes, I’m just not. “Where you been?”

“Busy with school and work. I’m ready for the game this weekend. Excited to see you play.” We finally have a home game this weekend, which means I’ll be on the sidelines with all the action.

“You wanna see the team play or me?” He winks.

I laugh and playfully shove him. “The team. You guys are on fire this year.”

“Hell, yes. We’re going to Nationals. Mark my words.”

“Oh, I will.” I shake my notebook. “I’m here to get quotes.”

“Make me front page, baby,” he teases. He’s probably been on the front page more than any other person in the entire four years I’ve been at La Vista.

He smiles right as Zach yells for him to get his ass on the field. Hayes turns and runs off while Zach makes his way over to me. He’s nice. Friendly enough. But he’s a busy man, and I’m sure he’d rather be doing anything other than talking to a Journalism student right now.

He crosses his arms on his chest and keeps his eyes on the field. “Hey, McKenzie. Ready to chat?”

I glance over his shoulder and see Tyler standing there. He looks away as soon as he notices me staring in his direction. Great. The rest of this semester is going to be awkward as hell.

“Yes. I won’t keep you long, Coach. First, I’d like to know how you feel the offense is doing halfway through the season.”

He tells me where he feels their strengths are and where they’re working on improving this week. We talk about the game that has stood out the most to him this season and which of his players have improved the most.

It’s quick and easy.

Once I have everything I need, he leaves me on the sidelines so I can take a few pictures of the practice with the camera I borrowed from the journalism department.

I’m kneeling down on the grass to get a shot when the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, as if someone is watching me.

“McKenzie.” I don’t need to look up to know whose voice it is.

“Hey, Coach. I’m almost done, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”

“Take your time. I just, uh.” He lowers his voice. “Just wanted to see if we needed to talk about last weekend.”

In this moment, I wish I was one of those women who could stand up to this man and say something like Hell yes, we need to talk. You did all sorts of nice things for me. Made me my favorite breakfast, stayed up late playing cards and talking, threw me a birthday party. Then you kissed me. The best kiss I’ve ever had. Only to turn around and throw me out of your house not even twelve hours later.

Unfortunately for me, I am not that woman. So instead, I keep my focus on the field and reply with a “Nope. All good, Coach.”

Thankfully, he doesn’t follow up. I don’t know if I’d be able to say anymore without my voice shaking. It takes a second, but he finally turns and walks over to his assistant coaches.

I stand, ready to get the hell out of here, and shove the camera into the bag. Hayes happens to be coming off the field as I’m leaving, so he runs over to me.

“Kenz. Party this weekend after the game. You in?”

I feel Tyler’s eyes on me, but I do my best to ignore it. “I’ll think about it.”