Game Winner (Penalty Kill 3)

I admire the ring for a moment, before gingerly putting it in my pocket. That box is a comfortable, reassuring weight. Pops and I hang out for a little bit before he tells me he’s going to retire for the night. I hug him tightly. “Thanks, Pops.”

“You’re welcome, son. Drive safe, and call me when you make it back.”

“I will.”

I can’t go back to Presley’s without going to see my momma first. The drive to the cemetery is short, and the walk from my car to that cement bench isn’t long either. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. It would probably sound very weird to say that I’ve missed it, but I have. I’ve missed the feeling that my mom is near, and I do feel like she is here.

“Hey, Momma,” I start in a soft voice. “Pops gave me your ring because I’m going to propose to Presley. He said you would be happy about that. I guess, I wanted to come see for myself.” A soft breeze blows. “I don’t know how I’ll ask her yet, but turns out, I can be quite romantic.” I chuckle and continue, “Let’s hope I can be this for Presley. Before I go, don’t forget to keep an eye on Pops. Miss and love you.”

Then I stand and walk back to my car. I feel really calm as I drive back to her apartment. This all seems a little crazy, but it’s undeniably right. Just as I get out of my car, I see Marley and Trevor making their way towards the parking lot. Perfect timing.

“Hey, Levi. We were just dropping Pres off. Is your dad feeling okay?” Trevor greets as we come to stand across from each over.

“Yeah, probably just coming down with something. Thanks for asking.” I pause, glance at Marley wondering if I should say this in front of her and decide against it. “Could I get your opinion on this new workout regimen I’m thinking of trying?”

“Uh, sure. Marley, I’ll meet you in the car.” He hands her the keys, and I’m thankful he picked up that I wanted to speak to him alone. Marley says goodbye, and as soon as she’s out of earshot, Trevor gets skeptical. “What’s this about, Levi? Everything is good between you and Pres, right?”

“Thanks for the confidence, McCarthy,” I say sarcastically.

“Well, you don’t ever want to talk to me by myself.”

“Yeah, I know. But I wasn’t sure about Marley.” His eyes narrow, so I add, “Because of what I’m going to tell you, I mean. I wanted you to know that I’m going to propose to Presley. Your father approves too.”

Trevor grins. “She’s going to freak out. Thanks for telling me.” The smile disappears, and he adds, “Don’t fuck it up, either, Levi. We’re on good terms, but I’ll still beat the shit out of you if you hurt my sister. The stakes are even higher now, and Presley deserves the best of everything.”

“Don’t worry. She’ll get that. I promise.”

Chapter Nineteen

Presley

Since the amazing Thanksgiving I had, my nose has been stuck in a book. Finals week has come, and I’m sitting in my last class. My head is killing me, I’m barely wearing makeup, and I’m so tired. To top that off, Levi’s been traveling a lot, and we’ve hardly talked this week.

I grip my pen tightly as the professor hands out the blue books for the essay test to start. I detest these types of test. I’ll take multiple choice or short answer any day of the week over essay. I shake my head, take a deep breath, and begin.

After almost a straight hour of writing about the impact the economy has on business laws, my hand is cramping up. I shake it out as I hand in my essay and walk out of the classroom. When I walk outside, I feel different. I’m done with this chapter in my life. I have finished my undergraduate, and I’m about to embark on my new adventure: law school and being on my own.

I close my eyes because the tears are building, and all I want to do is call Levi. Sure, I’m acting a bit silly. I mean, it’s just school, but I did it.

“Wow, you look like you need a tall drink.”

I turn to see my twin brother coming up to me. I smile. “How did you know I was still here?”

“Oh, just a guess.” He hugs me tightly. “What would you say if we went to the diner and grabbed a bite to eat?”

“That sounds like a perfect idea.”

On our walk over, Trevor never lets go of my shoulders. Marley had told me that he was having a hard time with my leaving, and I knew it too. He’s my twin and being separated is difficult for us, but I’m not going to let our bond break because of it.

Surprisingly, the diner isn’t that busy, then again, classes are still going on. We find a booth and settle into it. The waitress takes our drink and food order. Trevor doesn’t say anything at first, but the sadness all over his face.

“Hey,” I reach over and squeeze his hand, “it’ll be okay. I promise you.”

He nods, remaining quiet. We hold that position for several moments; letting the noises of the diner overtake us. I thought Trevor might actually cry, and it will break my heart if he does. I need to break the tension, because if I don’t, I will start bawling.

“So, I was packing up some boxes last night, and you won’t believe what I found.”

Trevor looks up at me. “What?”