AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her mouth pops open, then shuts, and when she eventually responds, she turns toward the tinted window. “I just think you need to relax. Try living a little.”
We sit in silence for the last leg of the ride, passing curious gazes back and forth that neither of us can hide.
“I assumed you sold it.” Accusation is heavy in my tone when I spot her absentmindedly rubbing the pad of her thumb across her right ring finger.
She guiltily clamps her hand between her knees, and I school my expression as if giving her my grandmother’s ring all those years ago was no big deal.
But it was… It really fucking was.
“I’m not surprised you think so little of me, given how easy it was to throw me away.” She has no idea how wrong she is, but she charges on, letting anger fuel her. “It’s okay to admit that I was just another fling for you. That my virginity was just another notch on your bedpost.”
I match her disdain with vibrating intensity. “If you honestly think that’s what I wanted from you, then you’re not as smart as you look.”
There’s no sense in denying that I wanted Penelope’s body back then, because I did. Hell, I still fucking do. I was out of my mind crazy for her, craving whatever affection she would give me—and it may not have been much, but I gave her everything I had in return.
Including that ring.
“When did you become such a jerk?”
That one question slips past my barriers, finding its mark.
Instead of arguing with her, I steal myself and relax my head back against the seat. Because she’s right, I am being a jerk, but twelve years of unrelenting grief has made this soft heart bitter.
Javier guides us through the gated entrance of the park before parking in front of a set of enormous wooden doors. They’re tall enough that the trees behind them barely reach the top. Arching above the enclosure, in bold red neon, is a sign that reads, Adventure Park.
“Oh, hell no. I’ve seen this movie, and I’m not about to be eaten by a dinosaur,” Pen mutters so close to the window that the tip of her nose touches the glass.
Mist ominously pours over the enclosure as I step out of the SUV.
I help Penelope out next, making sure she’s steady on the dirt and gravel drive. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
When the gates part, a man in cargo shorts, a matching khaki top, and boots steps out of a cloud of smoke with a broad smile and extended arms.
“Mr. Anderson. I’ve heard so much about you from your father. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” His British accent makes Pen smile instantly, and the grin he awards her is far more chipper than the one he gave me. “And who is your guest?”
“George, this is Miss—”
“Wimbledon,” she blurts, cutting me off. “I’m the assistant.”
I blink at her, confused. I’ll be getting to the bottom of that later.
“Ah, well, you know what they say… Behind every great man is an even greater assistant.” He winks at me before reaching for her hand, and I grit my teeth. “George Parsons, at your service.”
She purses her lips thoughtfully. “You wouldn’t have any relation to Meredith Parsons, would you? Sweet little lady with curly pink hair?”
“Why, yes, that’s my mum. How did you…?”
“Luna Hibiscus, her signature flower.” Penelope touches the flower patch adhered to the collar of his shirt. “She gave me one just like this for helping her with her garden last summer.”
“That was you?” he asks, astonished. “Well done. I’ve heard they can be quite a pain to grow.”
Unsurprising, the man is charmed by her, and I wish I could say I hadn’t purposefully planned it this way, but Pen has a natural way of connecting with people that I’ve always envied.
Today, I wanted to put her strengths to the test, and for my sake, I hope that decision pays off.
George is busy blinking stars out of his eyes when I nod toward the front office. “Shall we?”
I casually nudge Penelope away from his lingering gaze.
