Page 13 of Penalty Shots

"Sounds great." I pull the door open to the press room just as Keelan is pulling the mic toward him.

Mack and I both stand at the back of the room to get the best view of the entire space.

Read the notes. Just read the notes.I attempt to telepathically communicate with my problem child du jour.

Keelan clears his throat. "Well, as you all are probably aware, there was a physical altercation that took place at the Space CityArena today between myself and well-known athlete Redmond Bonner."

His eyes catch mine for a split second before he looks back down at the prompter card and continues, "I want to apologize to the Houston fans, who I know expect better from me. What took place today isn’t how I wish to be portrayed to you all. And for that, I’m sorry. I apologize to my team for the negative attention this incident has unfortunately brought on, even if that viral songisreally catchy," he adds. The room erupts into a wave of chuckles. "And lastly… "

Come on, Landry. You can do this.

His jaw ticks and the room is quiet. "I apologize to Redmond Bonner."

I feel my shoulders drop with relief. He did it. We might just be able to get through this without any hiccups.

"I apologize to Redmond… " he repeats. "For not breaking his leg and causing him the pain that he really deserved.”

Oh, no.

The room slowly fills with murmurs, and I motion to Toby to cut him off.

Why I thought Keelan would actually do anything he's told is beyond me.

Keelan looks right into one of the cameras recording him. “So if you’re watching this, Bonner… just remember who won.”He winks and gives the camera a sinful smirk before the chair he's seated in squeaks as he pushes it back and storms out of the room.

The reporters in the room rise to ask their questions. Coach Murray’s voice comes on the mic, making an attempt to calm them down.

I give myself a few deep breaths before I tug on my jacket top and follow him out of the room.

“Landry,” I call out once I'm in the hall.

He keeps walking.

“Landry!”

He continues with his long strides.

“Keelan,” I finally say.

He stops and waits for me to catch up to him. His head is hanging down, and I can see his fists clenching. I place a hand on his shoulder as I approach, and I immediately feel the tension leave his body.

“Keelan,” I say in an almost whisper. He looks at me, defeated.

"I told you, whatever the consequences—I’ll pay it, Rina. But don't for one second think I regret punching him in the face for what he did to you." His deep chocolate eyes study me for a reaction.

And I want to give him one. For thinking with his emotions and not seeing the full picture. For being reactive instead of calculative.

But that would mean expecting him to be like me. And if I've learned anything from Keelan Landry in all the years I've known him, it's that we're as opposite as they come.

I sigh. “Come on.”

I reach for his hand and pull him further down the hallway and into my office.

“What are you–”

“Just come on.” I shut the door behind me and lock it.

For a moment, I stand there, hands still on the door handle before I turn to look at him. I can feel the rise and the fall of my own heavy breathing.