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If I win Penny’s heart, the outcome is not so good for her being with someone like me.
And the selfish side of me still wants to win.
* * *
Penny popsa piece of chicken in my mouth. We have spoken about the house and how much she loved creating something she believes is better for the environment. We laughed like teenagers in love with the sound of the ocean, creating a carefree environment.
“Why don’t you have your own business?” I pop a piece of chicken in her mouth. We’re feeding each other like lovesick teenagers. A voice of the old me questions my behavior in public. This new man has no fucks to give. The only thing I crave is being with her.
She wipes her mouth with a napkin. “I don’t have the money.”
“I could help. Set you up and be a silent partner.”
She shakes her head. “You have to stop trying to save me. If it’s meant to be, I’ll find my way.”
“I’m not trying to save you. I know a good business proposition when I see it.”
“Perhaps you could recommend me to your friends.” She shrugs. “Start from there.”
“If there was an office in your home…” I tilt my head at her, “… it would be a start.”
She gives me a side-eye. “I can’t take that condo.”
“Too late. It’s in your name. It’s a perfectly good residence sitting empty. Or you could move in with me.”
“Franklin… don’t say things you’ll regret.”
“I’m not.” Premature, maybe, but why fight fate when I know she is the one I want to lie with at night?
She throws her napkin onto the plate. “What’s wrong with where I live?”
“Everything.” My face tightens. “Do I need to remind you of the other night when I exposed myself to strangers?” She covers her mouth with her hand. “I’m not okay with it.”
“All right, all right. Maybe I’ll take another look.”
“Today?”
“Yes, today.” She bats her lashes. “I’m a good girl.”
A groan comes from my throat. “Careful, Penny, or I’ll slide you onto my lap.”
* * *
After we eat,I convince Penny to drive with me. I have forgotten how liberating it is to leave the pressures of work behind and focus on the road.
The freedom.
She is playing her Spotify list through the speakers, and with every song, I feel like I’m learning a little more about her. The lyrics. The acoustic sound. Heartfelt words telling a story with only us listening. Our story evolving around us. Time feels limitless. Being with her is more liberating than I’d anticipated.
Hiring Royce gave me extra time to work in the car without having to focus on the hectic traffic. Cell calls, emails, and appointments all could continue from the back seat.
After thirty minutes with Penny, I’ve realized I need to drive more.
Instead of traveling north, we head south along the Pacific Coast Highway. “Could you please find somewhere where we can get a coffee?”
She reaches for her cell. “I’ll find a great place with good reviews. How soon do you want one?”
“We have all afternoon. You choose.”
