Page 16 of The Love Penalty
“Yes!” Caroline cracks up laughing, her red curls dancing as she throws her head back. “The name is supposed to be ironic. Funny, right?”
“Hilarious.” I nod, trying to be encouraging, and I do have to admit that my heart melts a little when she shows me the pics.
It’s actually the one of Casey holding the little guy against his chest that gets me the most. It’s all kinds of adorable, and I kind of want to call the guy and tell him “good job.”
But the practical, cynical side of me can only see how illogical it is to buy a puppy for your girlfriend when you don’t even live together.
Not to mention the work and effort that goes into raising a puppy. Do they have any idea?
“So, a puppy’s a lot of work.” I wince. “You’re not worried it’s too much too soon?”
“Don’t.” Caroline holds up her finger. The look on her face is stern and unyielding. “You are not allowed to ruin this for me with practicality and sensibleness. I am now the proud mother of the cutest puppy in the world, and you shall be happy for me.”
I let out a soft laugh and force my head to bob. “Okay. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.” She jumps on her toes, kissing my cheek before walking into the bathroom. “I’m gonna take a quick shower, then head back to Hockey House for dinner. You wanna come with? Rachel’s cooking, and you can meet little Fezz.”
Hockey House?
Asher?
Yeah, that can’t happen.
“Oh, you know, I would, but… um, this assignment is kicking my ass.”
Caroline lets out a dramatic wail. “Lani! You’re killing me, kid.” Her spray of red curls appears in the bathroom doorway. “It’s Sunday. You need to stop working and take a break.”
“I would. I really want to, but?—”
“Then do it.”
“I can’t.”
Caroline’s shoulders slump, her blue eyes filling with that sad concern I hate so much.
I glance away from it, my shoulders tensing as she tries yet again.
“Lei-Lei, what’s going on with you?”
A small part of me wants to just blurt it out. Maybe if I tell someone, I’ll feel better, but every time I go to open my mouth, my brain freezes. I can’t unlock that box in the back of my head. If I open that thing, all the ugly will come out and swallow me whole.
“I’m just stressed about school.”
“You never used to be that way.” She steps out of the bathroom, moving closer, getting within range.
Panic seizes me, and I scramble for my bag, shoving my shoes back on while I talk. “I know. This year has just been pressure, pressure, pressure and?—”
“It didn’t start out like that.”
“I’ve got this scholarship, and I really can’t afford to let my grades slip.”
Caroline laughs. “You work all the time. Your grades aren’t going anywhere but up, girl.”
I force out a laugh, shaking my head and refusing to look at her. “I’m sorry, I just… I’ll relax once the summer hits.”
Glancing across at her, I can see she doesn’t believe me.
I don’t either.