The Price of Penny

by T. C. Rybicki

  I finished everything but my hair in record time. I fussed with it the majority of the thirty minutes. Once or twice I was tempted to pull it in a ponytail or a clip. I didn’t even glance his way when I ran back to my room to grab my favorite pair of ankle boots that were so cute with my jeans. I was halfway bent over putting on my second shoe when he walked in my room. He didn’t even knock but then again the door was ajar.

  I jumped and had to grab the bed so I didn’t fall over. He apologized. I thought I might as well sit down to finish. I zipped up the side and declared I was ready. Chet’s eyes were all over the place. “Nice. Not what I pictured, but this room suits you.”

  Wait, he had pictured my room?

  “Anyway, Keats and Maggie are here so they’re going too if that’s okay?”

  What the heck did I miss when I was in the zone getting my hair perfectly straightened?

  “But they already have plans.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know what happened, but they showed up ten minutes ago and said those got cancelled. I told them the more the merrier. Keats seems cool.”

  “He’s great.”

  “Then we’re set, we just need to settle on a spot. It’s early, so we should be good.”

  I walked out and Chet followed closely. Maggie was practically giddy as soon as she spotted us. I wasn’t disappointed it wouldn’t be just the two of us, but I was a little worried Maggie would embarrass me before the night was over.

  Keats asked what we wanted to eat. I considered the nearby options when my sister blurted out the first embarrassment of the night. “Oh definitely Mexican. Poppy and I need salty chips and salsa since we’re both paying the monthly bill. You knew the answer to that, babe?”

  I turned several shades of pink. Of course, it was a biological fact, but I wasn’t about sharing it so freely with mixed company. Chet laughed. Keats slapped him on the back. “Get used to it brother. These two can be a handful. I’m happy to have another male to watch my back.”

  Everyone was amused but me. Maggie said to grab my keys since my car was the roomiest. Keats held up his hand for the keys. I tossed them as we walked down the drive. I had to pull a few satchels, a box and files out of the backseat before we could get in. Chet helped out and asked why I didn’t have a file cabinet in the back since it appeared my SUV doubled as my office. I kept the house super neat, but the car, not so much. Chet got in behind Maggie and I sat behind the driver’s seat.

  I looked over at him as we were backing out. “I like your Ford, Penny. A little messy, unlike your pristine bedroom.”

  “Thanks.” I inwardly thought, I think.

  We sat in the back without saying too much. The space between us seemed like more distance than it truly was.

  Keats started asking questions about Chet’s Vanquish and he promised him a ride soon like they were also going to be new buds. Maggie flipped her mirror down and made puzzling gestures at me, but it was obvious Chet could easily see her as well. I kicked the side of her seat with my fringed boots. I thought they were the best part of the outfit but it was funny how men rarely said, ‘I sure love those kick ass shoes.’

  I gritted my teeth. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m trying to talk to you about the cake. Scooch in, you seem so far away.”

  She was pathetic. Since when did she have trouble making her voice carry? She thought I should be sitting closer to Chet was the only reason she was making a big fuss. He knew as well, but when he tapped the empty seat between us, I ignored him.

  “Tell me, I hear you fine, as always. Did you decide?”

  “Yes, we’re going with the pink champagne, but wait until you see how the outside is going to look. It’s going to be gorgeous with real flowers on a white surface.”

  Chet broke in, “Oh, our fave. Isn’t that right, Penny?” I had no choice but to remember tasting that particular cake. He playfully poked my arm. I looked his way and shook my head at the way he wriggled his eyebrows. I was serious that he and I would never date. I think I could get used to this friend thing. Chet was pretty fun to have around, but I’d have to get over those striking good looks. They continued to be so distracting.

  Maggie and Penny’s personalities clashed. I marveled at their interactions because her feistiness magnified in her sister’s presence. I had one sister, so I never witnessed such interactions. Penny spent half the evening correcting Maggie or at least shushing her. Nothing stopped Maggie, she always kept going. I felt for Keats, but he seemed to have a handle on it. Obviously, the guy was nuts for her. They were not shy about affection in public at all. That took some getting used to. I would never. Too many risks for being filmed and I preferred my privacy.

  Penny nudged my leg while we were both spectators to a full-blown make out session because the food was taking longer than expected. They didn’t hold back. Keats said he was happy with their cake decision to which Maggie replied she couldn’t wait to be his wife. That started the current kiss, complete with tongue and everything. I attempted to avert my eyes when Penny tapped me. I decided only looking at her was my safest choice.

  She mouthed, so sorry.

  I shrugged it off. They looked to be slowing it down. I leaned in and whispered. “It’s fine, they’re madly in love. We could kiss too if you’re feeling left out, but it might complicate our new friendship.” Penny’s cheeks fired up. It could be the margarita since Keats ordered them a pitcher. I shouldn’t have brought up kissing so soon, but it was worth a shot.

  She pushed me out of her space then loudly cleared her throat. “Could you two please stop? This is a family place. You’re making Chet uncomfortable.” They broke apart and Keats apologized.

  I corrected her, “Oh, I’m not uncomfortable. It’s Penny,” I covered my mouth with both hands cupped like I was telling a secret. “I think she’s jealous.”

  “I am not, you, arse. They’re being obscene. You’re lying, you were uncomfortable, it was evident.”

  The waitress brought the tray of food about that time which was good for changing the subject. Maggie babbled on about forgetting the rest of the world sometimes when she was with her man. I wasn’t exactly distressed about the displays of affection, but I was pretending to only be friendly with Penny and seeing someone else get passionate before my eyes put certain thoughts in my head. I didn’t need to be having such thoughts or I’d mess up everything.

  “So Chet, tell us about your newest film. Poppy says you recently wrapped. How many more do you think there will be? I can see the series going on and on. It’s such a massive hit.”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m committed to the fourth one which starts filming in about six months, but I think it’s a good place to stop after that. Moviegoers should have their fill of me by then.”

  “I doubt that. Huh, sis?”

  Penny dove into her loaded nachos pretending not to care about our conversation. She slurped her drink to wash it down before replying, “Oh, I agree with Chet. He should do something else.”

  “Really? What would you like to see me doing?”

  She cleared her throat and took another long sip off her salted rimmed glass. “Er, um, nothing. Do what you wish. I just meant an actor could easily get pigeonholed if all he did was make the same film over and over.”

  Maggie called her out, “Nonsense, you know they’re all uniquely different or at least, you should, you watched them enough the past couple weeks.”

  I hinted with a smirk. Maybe Penny had thought about me, too since we last saw each other. I honestly tried my damnedest to stay away for her own good. I kept myself occupied. I hung out with several female friends, not exactly dates though. My crowd and I went to clubs, had parties and did our usual thing. The only problem my usual didn’t seem so fun anymore. I felt out of place in my own life. I thought I would break my dry spell. I could anytime I had the urge, but I refrained. Given the opportunity, several times over the last fourteen days or so, I still backed out with various excuses. What was wro
ng with me? I couldn’t figure out any other reason than avoiding Penny was my only problem. I’d already planned to try to see her again when Gage sent me the message from Maggie. That was all I needed to be convinced today was the day, I would try again. Penny liked me. She acted aloof, but I saw through her facade. I said friends, but I hoped for a little more for the first time ever.

  We took our time at dinner, sitting back enjoying conversation. Those two women finished off the pitcher of margaritas with ease. I noticed Penny progressively got louder, but it didn’t do much to alter Maggie’s personality. She was the same buzzed or sober.

  She whispered to Keats and he said she was right whatever it was. Committed and completely whipped resulted in such behavior. Penny shook her finger across the table at them.

  “No fair. Secrets are rude. What did you say about me?” She looked my way and then changed her mind. “No, better not. Tell me later.”

  Keats answered. “It’s no biggie. My perceptive lady only pointed out this is way better than our other attempt at a double date. Simon might be my best friend, but Maggie’s right. There was no real chemistry there.”

  Penny quickly corrected him. “This isn’t a date nor was Simon if memory serves.”

  I didn’t even know what they were talking about, but the thought of her sitting here with another guy like this caused all the fine hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attention. I disputed what he said as well, “Yeah, Penny doesn’t date.”

  “Like I said, that wasn’t a date either. It was trickery.”

  “Relax, it was a failed experiment. He still asks about you though. Doesn’t he, babe?”

  “Sure. He isn’t well versed with body language and signals. He still thinks you enjoyed yourself.”

  So slightly reserved, but shoot-from-the hip Penny was a bit of a liar. She most certainly did go on dates. I wanted to know more without sounding like I cared too much. Maggie would spill so I looked toward her.

  “Oh, so when was this?” I casually grabbed a handful of chips shards even though I was plenty stuffed.

  Tequila made Penny open up. She answered when I wasn’t expecting it. “Here’s the deal,” she also talked more with her hands when she was buzzed, “not that I expect you to be interested because it’s a huge bore, much like Simon Schultz, Keats’s best friend from law school. He does international law and while I’m certain his job is important and necessary, I can barely hold my eyes open when he discusses it.”

  “She’s right, he talks shop far too much. He’s socially awkward.”

  Keats defended him to Maggie. “Not exactly. The man’s a genius. He intimidates others easily.”

  “Yeah, hun, he is and we weren’t intimidated, we were bored to actual tears. Poppy cried that night when we got home. Now, believe you me, he makes up for all that in good looks. Holy hell, that man is hot and an impeccable dresser to boot.” I looked down at my everyday appearance. I preferred casual, and Penny did make a weird face at my plain tee shirt earlier or at least I thought she did. Maybe, I should stay in touch with my stylist more often. Her sister kept going with the Simon praise, “I figure, any sane woman could stuff her ears and nod her head a few hours in hopes of taking that hot body to bed at night. What can I say? My sister was not moved. I’m beginning to think she’s asexual. I offered to buy her earplugs and everything.”

  “Jesus, Mags. Do you ever shut up? Nothing you’re saying is even remotely true.”

  “He was too, hot, that is . . . so hot.”

  “I agree, babe, enough with the hot thing. I’m feeling second rate all of a sudden and this is my best friend you’re drooling over.”

  “Second anything, my arse. You are numero uno in everything and I’ll prove it later.” She gave him a sloppy, loud kiss and they were at it again.

  “Argh. Are we ready to go?”

  Keats held up his hand and waved down our server. I reached for the check, but he insisted since I’d treated them to the wedding cake of his bride’s dreams. I let him and it got me a beautiful smile along with a leg pat from Penny. I think she thought my arm was to my side, and that’s what she aimed for, but nope, she got my upper thigh which was far more thrilling than I ever thought possible.

  Keats passed Penny’s keys to me, since I was the only one that didn’t drink at dinner. He seemed fine, I didn’t see him finish one entire beer. I presumed he wanted more alone time in the backseat with his fiancé so she could prove he was number one to her after all that Simon talk. Didn’t those two live together? They were a bit over-the-top. I dangled the keys in front of Penny.

  “Sure, it’s fine if you don’t mind.”

  “Great, I can’t wait to test out this practical little SUV.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Where to?”

  “Home, of course unless you want to drop those two off in an alley somewhere. They do this to me all the time. It’s so embarrassing. They’re getting it all out of their system because tomorrow’s family dinner. Daddy would not be pleased.”

  Maggie broke away from her smoochfest. “Oh my God. Thanks for reminding me. Chet, you should totally come.”

  Penny turned completely around. “What? No, he shouldn’t. He wouldn’t. I mean, I’m sure he’s busy.”

  Meeting the parents this soon sounded pretty insane. However, I met Penny’s mother already. She seemed fun, lots more like Maggie than her older daughter. I was slightly apprehensive about the father of these beautiful ladies.

  “What’s the occasion? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

  “No intrusion. We’re all catching up because they don’t come down to visit too often. We usually drive up home instead, but we also have to go over wedding details. I think Daddy would love to meet anyone that saved him a few thousand dollars, but Poppy’s right. You probably think it sounds dreadful.”

  “No, not at all. I really didn’t want to make a big deal though, Maggie. It’s just a cake.”

  “And a huge dinner that would have never been so amazing without you.”

  Penny reached for my arm. “Trust me, say no. You really should. I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to. I mean, jeez that sounds rude. I love my parents but . . .”

  “What? You don’t want them to know about me?”

  “There’s nothing to know. We met. We’re going to be friends. They don’t know half of my friends and have never cared to. I’m not a child anymore.”

  Penny jerked forward. I assumed her sister kicked her seat. “Stop overreacting. If Chet wants to hang out with us tomorrow, then let him. If he doesn’t, no problem.”

  We drove up at the bungalow about that time. I kinda hoped Maggie and Keats took off so Penny and I could talk a little more. I wanted to accept the offer to family dinner, but if it really bothered her, then I wouldn’t go. She was difficult to read at times. I wondered if she really didn’t want me there or thought she shouldn’t have me there for whatever reason and that’s why she was so adamant I shouldn’t go. She needed to be honest with me, but also herself.

  We got inside and Penny tended to Pepper. Maggie and Keats didn’t leave. Instead, they went back to her room, running and giggling like they were about to do something wicked. We were left in the living room, a little too close to the action come to think of it. I couldn’t focus. They weren’t noisy, but then they emerged from the bedroom, entered the bathroom and started the shower. Things became all too obvious. I shifted uncomfortably next to Penny.

  “Good grief. Come on, let’s go outside. I guess they’ve been together long enough, Maggie’s time of the month doesn’t curb his libido.” She quickly covered her mouth. “Oops, sorry. That was gross and TMI. I shouldn’t have poured that last glass of margarita.”

  I took her hand and pulled her out the door telling her it was fine. She never had to use a mouth filter with me. I loved her honest moments. Penny flicked on a small light so we could navigate the way. “Stay on the stones and you’re safe from Pepper’s minefield. She only likes to go on the gras
s. I haven’t cleaned up in a few days. Gosh, I’m on a roll, talking of Mag’s shower sex and my dog’s bowel habits. Please, make me stop. You talk instead.”

  I chuckled. The glimpses of the real Penny were basically all I cared about currently.

  We sat on a little wooden bench facing what appeared to be the start of a flower garden. She shouldn’t tempt me to stifle her runaway mouth or I’d end up breaking the friendship contract the first night. The glow of the city lights hit her wild curly hair and made those natural highlights stand out. The whole backyard scene in the dark screamed romance and the exhibitionist couple getting it on in the bathroom had already ignited a certain part of my brain and body.

  I even slipped my arm around the back of the bench to test the waters. She didn’t lean into me, so perhaps my imagination was grossly misleading me. “So you have a green thumb?” I couldn’t see that much, but it seemed like someone paid close attention to the small backyard and for some reason, I didn’t think Maggie had that sort of patience.

  “I wouldn’t go that far. I’m learning. My Nan taught me everything she knows and Daddy always tinkered in the yard. Sometimes, I think it’s an innate gift, not knowledge. I’ve lost a few plants in my day, but I swear I’m not a true murderer. I tried my best to keep them alive.”

  “My mom would love you.” I didn’t elaborate, but she and Penny would definitely hit it off for several reasons, I imagined.

  “She would?” her voice rose a bit higher. I don’t know why I said that, neither of us were trying to put pressure on each other. I was willing to go to her family dinner just to spend more time with her. Now I was thinking about introducing her to my family as well, randomly, out of the blue, for no particular reason. Wayne wanted to meet her too. He messaged me constantly since the night I stayed over.

  Did u call?

  U going to see her?

  Come on, ur fucking Chet Parker . . . ask the damn girl out?

  Tell her u want her to be the mother of ur children!