Penelope looks up from her sketchbook.
I say, “I’m going to return this today.”
She doesn’t blink. “Today?”
I nod, looking at her for some confidence. “Today.”
Mila stirs at the other end of the couch, lifts her head, her eye makeup is wrecked, and she squints. “You’re what?”
“Returning the hoodie.”
“Now?”
“In a little. I want to shower first.”
She sits up fully and pushes her hair out of her face. She looks at Penelope. Penelope looks back. I watch the look pass between them.
“Melly. I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I’m just going to hand it to him and leave. I’m not going there to have a conversation. I just can’t keep this knowing it’s probably his only one.”
“But you don’t even know if it’s only one.”
I shrug. “I’m doing the right thing.” I look at Penelope. “Right? Returning something that isn’t mine, and something I no longer need.”
She looks down at it and says, “I’m just trying to look out for you.”
“I know.”
“Remember when he used to call you a stalker?”
I freeze. “I know.”
She sighs, looking up at me. “This is happening all over again.”
I shake my head. “I hope not. We’re not kids anymore.”
Penelope interjects, “Wait, you knew him since you were kids?”
I nod. “Yeah. Me, Mila, and Blue all went to the same middle school.”
Penelope sits back in her armchair. Her pencil stops moving. “Like — sixth grade kids?”
“Sixth grade kids.”
She looks at me for a second longer than she usually does. “Wow.”
I nod. “Yeah.”
She doesn’t say anything else right away. She just watches me.
Mila rolls her eyes, “And she’s been obsessed with him ever since.”
I swat at her legs. “That’s supposed to be a secret!”
“Pen isn’t going to tell anyone!” Mila shouts, defending herself.
Penelope grins. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”
