Chet peered in the window at us, then got in the front seat like nothing was different. He and Keats talked about sports. Occasionally, I’d catch him glancing back at me, but I did like Maggie suggested, I didn’t respond. I pulled out my tablet and Maggie and I started up wedding chatter. Sometimes, she would say Simon a little too loud and I’d see Chet react. That was so childish. I wouldn’t point out that if he didn’t want to deal with me any longer, another handsome, successful man was already interested. Maggie on the other hand didn’t hesitate to plant the seed in his brain.
I’d told her the whole party story and about spending the night a few days ago. She said I probably gave him blue balls for days, but she admitted it was also romantic. There was something magical and old-fashioned about how we were proceeding and maybe the weeks of reserved behavior would eventually unlock my ability for passion. Maggie was my worst enemy and my best champion all rolled into one. I loved her more than I could ever express. As we turned on the main road toward home, she squeezed my hand and winked. I whispered thanks and she mouthed love you.
Chet acted normal with everyone but me. This first day would just be immediate family. A few out-of-town guests had rented places nearby, but most weren’t arriving until the next afternoon. Keats and Chet took their things to the nearby rental. Aunt Shar’s beach cottage was a huge money maker during the tourist season, but she was happy to donate it for the weekend. Maggie and I thought since Sunday was a free day after the big birthday bash Saturday, the four of us might cook dinner and spend sometime sightseeing together. I wanted to fix what was wrong between us, but didn’t know where to start. Chet was the straightforward one when it came to his emotions. I despised the silent treatment. Perhaps, I’d built this version of Chet in my mind that he was too good to be true with minimal faults and that he understood when clearly he didn’t. I experienced another side of him today. I was the moody one, not Chet.
He came up behind me as I was digging out Daddy’s present. I contemplated giving the books to him in private. Chet looked around my old room. “There’s purple. I’m shocked.”
I straightened up. “Yeah, seems like a good day for all things shocking.”
He rolled his shoulders to work out the obvious tension. “So Kate just slipped me some cash.”
“She did?”
“Yep, she ordered huge sandwiches, apparently the best around. Keats and I are leaving in a minute to pick them up.”
“Oh, yeah I guess everyone’s too busy to think about cooking tonight. Okay, well, I’ll see you soon.”
He took three more steps toward me. “Penny.”
I looked down as he closed the distance. He put his hands on my waist. “I’m truly sorry.”
“For what?”
“You know damn well what. I was out of line. I shouldn’t have yelled at everyone like that. Also, I’ve been pouting like a punk bitch for the past three hours. This is a special weekend and you should be happy, not stressed.”
I felt my lip tremble. I wasn’t one to cry in front of anyone other than my sister. He rubbed his finger there. “Don’t cry, honey. I feel like a complete asshole. I already apologized to Keats and Maggie.”
“It’s fine,” I lied, as a traitorous tear fell down my cheek. He leaned in and kissed it away.
“I’m human. I fuck up sometimes.”
“I’m frustrating you. I know that and I’m sorry too, but I’m trying.”
“I know.” He wanted to move past it and only focus on the here and now, but also the future. He promised again we would have a good weekend and in no way did he regret coming along. Keats yelled down the hall for him. I pulled Chet closer and kissed him on the cheek.
“After dinner, let’s take a walk. I want the grand tour. Your folks are sitting on a lucrative piece of property.” I looked forward to the walk. He and Keats took off for the food. Aunt Shar, Mum and Maggie argued over decorations in the living room, so I slipped out the back in search of my father.
Daddy hid in his hobby house often. It was a little workshop off the back of the garage. “Hey Daddy.” He’d already welcomed us when we all arrived, but this time, he gave me a longer hug.
“I’ve missed you. It’s been awhile since you were home.”
“I know. It stinks being a grownup at times. I’m so busy.”
“I know you are and I’m proud of my hard-working daughter.” He asked what I was hiding behind my back. I held the box in front of us. Daddy took it and commented how heavy the gift was.
“Heavy. You sure I should have this now? The party isn’t until tomorrow night. I always thought Margaret was the rule breaker, not you.”
“Yes, well, I’m trying to be daring for a change. I really wanted your full attention when you opened it.”
He ripped off the paper and opened the box. He pulled out both books with great reverence. “Oh, sweetie thanks. I love these. They were on my wish list.”
“I know. Mum peeked for me. There’s so much lovely photography. We should check these places out soon once this wedding stuff is out of the way.”
“Yes, it’s been too long since we took a journey. I’m losing Maggie, although, she never cared about my interests. Not sure how much time I have left with you either, apparently, so most definitely we’ll make a plan before I have regrets.”
“Dad, you’re never losing me or Maggie. You know that. We’ll always be your little girls.”
“I know, but every father knows the day comes when another man becomes first in his daughter’s life. You’re getting serious with Mr. Parker and it’s happening fast. I’m only now warming up to Mr. Keaton. I never imagined I’d be preparing myself to watch you whisked away at nearly the same time.”
“We’re not serious.” I bit my lip as soon as I denied it. What else was it then? I most definitely didn’t feel flippant regarding Chet. I pretty much felt ripped in half the portion of the drive he wasn’t speaking to me.
Dad was good at reading me. “Come again. What was that?”
“Okay, that wasn’t the best answer. Chet’s unique and he’s special. I’m still struggling with my past and it makes our situation a little unique.”
He smoothed down my hair like he’d done hundreds of times before during one of our talks. “That’s understandable, but don’t let your struggles define you. Allow the past a presence because strength comes from heartache, but the grief needs to know its place. Your pain isn’t all of you, Penny. It’s only a small portion. Trust me, you remember how hard I was on myself all those years ago. I wouldn’t be here about to celebrate my 48th birthday, much less enjoying a long, happy marriage with your mother if I’d clung so tight to the hurt. You’ve got to let go, baby.”
I shook my head up and down. “I’m trying.” All the other times, I said I was trying my best, I was lying. This time was different.
“Good, because I think he’s made his choice and it’s you.”
I rolled my eyes. “You say that like I’m his final choice. We’re just trying a relationship, don’t get too far ahead.”
“Well, I distinctly remember the way a young GI acted the first time he happened upon a show while on leave with a few buddies. There was a certain dancer that caught my eye and I can say with absolute certainty, no other woman was ever able to tear it away from the special one once I found her. I recognize the look and Chet has it. My only reservation is the public eye he’s in. That most definitely has never been your thing. Have you thought about the future repercussions?”
It was cute when my father talked sappy about Mum. I was a little shocked he was so candid about discussing my love life with me. He was normally a little more low-key, like I was. He was right about the public eye. I had concerns I preferred to ignore for now. If I wished it away, maybe this inevitable media firestorm wouldn’t happen like Chet predicted. I had bigger things to consider, like did Chet honestly have a look? Did everyone but me notice? I couldn’t hide my hopeful smile, but I changed the subject, “Happy birthday, Dadd
y. Dinner should be here any minute.”
“Thanks, I’ll be in soon. Katie was on my nerves. It’s okay to admit that. The ones we love the most are the ones that get under our skin the easiest.”
I left the workshop with the words ringing in my ears. Of course, Dad loved Mum. They’d been together since they were teenagers. I’d proven I could frustrate the hell out of Chet and he did the same to me, but it was too soon to mention love.
He pulled in the driveway about that time driving my car. I think he liked my Ford, but enjoyed teasing me about my generic tastes. Mum and Aunt Shar descended on them to retrieve dinner. I watched a funny exchange between them. He handed Mum her money back. Chet paid for dinner. That was his way. I had no idea what Mum said to him but they both laughed out loud. Mum covered her mouth and Chet threw his head back. He noticed me across the yard so he smiled in my direction. I waved back. It took a few seconds to get my feet working because I’d just realized the actual truth. I loved him already. My heavily guarded heart broke free after all these years when I least expected it. Now the additional question was, did he love me back?
I enjoyed Penny’s family. Getting acquainted was natural and easy. Shar informed her boys I’d be around all weekend. They brought me half their comic collection to sign. I promised them opening weekend Voyagers tickets. They begged me to join their team. Apparently, they had plenty of party games planned the next day. I assured them I would be happy to team with them. Penny giggled. She said some of those activities might be embarrassing, but I never could say “no” to the younger fans. Shar’s boys were twelve and fourteen. Penny clued me on past family drama. Her aunt thought she finally found her Prince Charming after years of working her dream job. Hunter and Mason came along early in their marriage back to back. Sharlene took leave when the boys were babies. She considered going back, but her husband took her choices away from her. He split, along with their savings. Shar ended up letting him go without a fight because she preferred to say good riddance than raise the boys around a deadbeat dad. She was lucky to have Katherine. My mom wasn’t exactly crazy about Dad’s sister, but Penny’s mom and aunt were best friends that spent everyday together.
I waited for a break in my conversation with Frank and Keats. Pretty much everyone, but Penny was interested in conversing with me over our super-stuffed deli sandwiches. I wasn’t sure I’d smoothed over things well enough after my tantrum. Being on the outs with Penny wasn’t tolerable, even if it was only a few hours.
The second she came back from clearing the table, I caught her attention. I motioned with my head and eyes simultaneously toward the door. I requested the full tour of the area as an excuse for some alone time.
I followed Penny as she strolled out of the neighborhood and along the sidewalk. We joined hands after a few hundred feet. I noted the quickly fading sun. She said she felt safe enough walking back in the dark with me.
If she could see in my brain, she might reconsider. My perv levels had risen as a result of our slow-paced relationship. Tonight wasn’t the night to bring up what she must suspect. I slipped up often. I praised her former childhood home instead.
“Your parents’ house is fucking awesome. I had no idea you grew up on such a real estate treasure. Location is key. I bet they could sell it for twice what they paid if you moved there ten years ago. Keats and I browsed a real estate pamphlet when we were waiting in the deli. Maybe, I should buy something nearby. It would be a good investment.”
She eyed me curiously. I’d never mentioned investment property before. “I’m sure the house is worth double, at least. My dad got a remarkable deal. It was a new, up and coming neighborhood. He was admired by a colonel with the inside scoop on this neighborhood expansion. He owned property here and sold my Dad the lot with the new home and the cottage to Aunt Shar. My parents would never sell. I’m pretty sure about that.”
“You know what I’m sure of?”
“Everything,” she answered without missing a beat.
“Yeah, well, almost, but I’m sure there’s no place I’d rather be right now than walking this wooded trail with little to no scenery when the entire majestic Pacific Ocean is in the other direction. Thanks for including me this weekend. It means a lot to be here with you and your family.”
She covered her face partially because I’d embarrassed her. “I’m sorry, I picked the boring route. What else is new?”
“No, remember, I’m never bored when I’m with you.”
“Oh, well, we can go back now. It’s just, I thought we might see the beach Sunday or something. I always loved this trail. It’s quiet, perfect for thinking.”
“Penny, I’m joking. I live in Santa Monica, I see the beach plenty. I get sick of it at times.”
“These beaches are different.”
“I’ve noticed.” She looked away from me. Something was wrong. “And you’re still upset. Admit it.”
“I’m not.” I brought out the piercing stare which always provoked a real reaction. She pushed me. “Stop, Chet. We’re over that thing from earlier.”
“Are we? Because you’re calling it a thing and we both know it was a little more than that. I blew up because Maggie and Keats get physical every three minutes in some form or fashion and . . .”
“And?”
“We’re taking a different path.”
“Yes, the slow boring path through the dreary woods.”
“These woods aren’t dreary and neither is our relationship, but I’m a guy. Sometimes, things boil over. You keep my temperature up most of the time and I can’t simmer forever.”
Penny grabbed both my hands. She’d made an important decision. The whole time she chatted, I wanted to say shut up and kiss me, but then she paused and that made me nervous.
“I’ve given myself a deadline.” I didn’t dare ask what that meant in case I was wrong. “Don’t you want to know what it is?”
I shook my head side to side until I felt dizzy.
“Stop, it’s not bad. It’s a good thing, kinda like setting a goal for myself, for us.”
“Okay, I’m ready, what’s the goal or the deadline?”
“Maggie’s wedding. If I can’t be what you deserve by then, it’s time to let you go and we’ll part as friends.”
I let go of her hands, grabbed her and pulled her against me. “Parting isn’t an option. We’re moving forward. Let’s get it over with and you’ll see where we are headed.”
Her deadline alarmed me. I spoke without thinking even though I knew Penny hated that.
She crinkled her face after my remark which sounded hot in my opinion. “Get it over with? Romeo strikes again. You swept me off my feet.” Penny went from positive to pissed. “Hey, I have an even better idea. How about I pull down my jeans and you plow me against one of those trees over there? Then it’s all over with at once.”
She shook her head at me and mumbled how unbelievable I was before stomping back up the path. I chased after her. “Penny, stop. That came out wrong.”
“You think? You’re normally so articulate. I’ve watched lots of footage. There. I admit it. I’m addicted to searching you on YouTube. Funny how with me, your foot is always stuffed in your mouth. I guess I’m not worthy of your practiced finesse.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her. She seriously didn’t catch the hints and I thought I was being so obvious. “You know, for someone with a master’s degree, you’re pretty damn clueless. I guess they don’t teach people skills at the university.”
“Are you calling me stupid?”
“Yep. You’re thick-headed, Ms. Penny.”
She started a long rant about how I shouldn’t even be with her in Monterey. Penny kept it going for several minutes and I didn’t stop her because I always enjoyed watching her get really mad. The last remnants of sunlight were about to disappear. The woods surrounding us made it appear even darker.
Finally, Penny gasped for air. I grabbed her by the shoulders. “Are you ready to listen?”
“No, not to you.” She stuck her bottom lip out so I brushed my thumb over it, then used my finger to trace all the curves of her face. It was my signature move reserved only for her and it always worked like a charm. I felt her tremble. I moved my hand lower, so I could rub my knuckles across the plane of her chest, right where I imagined her heart beating wildly.
“Stop that.”
I smirked, “Why? Because, you think you’re about to have an anxiety attack?”
“I could be.”
“You’re not. You don’t fear intimacy any longer, honey . . . at least not with me.”
Penny stopped my hand by grabbing onto it firmly. “You can’t be sure. I know I’m not. I just need a little more time. I’m not ready.”
I disagreed. She was ready. Penny seemed to equate desire with anxiousness, but I saved my theory for another day. I brought her hand to my lips and held a kiss there. “It’s enough.” I motioned my hand back and forth between us. “I mean, this. How we are is enough for now. We’re growing and learning more about each other everyday. All I meant earlier was if we tried a kiss or two, I think you would be pleased with the results. In fact, I’m sure I’d have trouble getting you off me.” She cracked a smile and stopped looking so serious. My comedic timing was hit or miss with Penny. “For the record, I put my foot in my mouth around you because I’ve never been more nervous about fucking up something so important to me, that it jacks with my thought process. That shouldn’t piss you off, it should clue you in how much I actually care.” I leaned in. I couldn’t help but notice there was no stiffening from her, but I only kissed the tip of her nose. We stood there for a minute longer hugging because I was content to stay there indefinitely. When Penny stepped back, I offered her my arm like an escort. “Shall we?”
Penny looped her hand through the space and we glided the rest of the way back. I practically walked on air connected with her. Maggie’s wedding was only a few weeks away. Penny gave us a deadline and I knew that meant I would get that kiss soon because parting as only friends was never an option.
The Price of Penny Page 22