Laughing under my breath, I send Penn a text to let him know I made it. He’s at rehearsal, but it’s less than two hours before I get to see him again, and I’m jittery.
The last two months have been crazy, to say the least. After Penn left, I did what I promised him I’d do. I started my business.
I finished my blanket and started another, then another. I spent every waking moment searching patterns and making new things. It helped that I had nothing else to do, and it kept my mind off how bad my body ached from missing Penn.
Ellie was there every step. She helped me set up an Instagram account and build a website. Her marketing degree has been a lifesaver. Without it, I’m sure no one would’ve ever seen any of my creations, let alone buy them. My website has been up and running for a little over six weeks now, and I’ve had a successful influx of orders.
Knotted has sold over 250 items since its launch. My hands are tired but happy. I’ve been able to keep up with my bills on that income alone, which is great because I never heard back from any of the places I sent my résumé to.
It’s been liberating to finally be able to support myself without my parents. I hadn’t even realized how dependent I was on them. I still have a way to go, but I’m proud of myself and more than that, I’m happy. So damn happy.
When I ditched them at graduation, they were furious, but after two weeks of ignoring their calls, they realized I meant what I said. My dad told me he was proud of me for wanting to forge my own path. He offered me remote admin work through the club so I could still access my trust fund, which was nice,but I declined. I didn’t want to have a crutch to fall back on. I needed to see this through myself. He was understanding and maybe even proud. He said that when I was ready to take my business to the next level, we could discuss a loan for my boutique. That’s in the future. I’m still getting my bearings running an online business. Every day, I feel like I learn something new, and I don’t want to get in over my head.
After my shower, I braid my hair and throw on ripped jean shorts and a Loose Threads T-shirt. I don’t think I’ve slept in my clothes once since he’s been gone. I’ve worn Penn’s shirts so much that they smell like me now, which is disappointing.
When there’s a knock at the door, I squeal. I don’t bother checking the peephole, I fling it open, throw myself into his arms, and wrap my limbs around him. His strong arms catch me easily.
“Hi, Barbie.” He chuckles against my neck.
I never knew I could miss someone so much. It’s like a chunk of me has been cut from my body, leaving a void I’ve been unable to fill. I squeeze him, trying to melt into him as tears spill from my eyes, hitting his skin.
His hands come up to cup my face. “Don’t cry, baby.”
“I’m sorry,” I mumble, trying to laugh it off. “I just missed you.”
“I missed you so fucking much.”
He flicks his tongue against my cheeks, licking my tears away, and walks me into the house, kicking the door closed behind us.
“Oh God! Get a room already!” Ellie teases.
“I plan on it,” he says, letting me drop to my feet, but he doesn’t let go. He laces his fingers through mine, and I lead him to the couch. He sits down and pulls me onto his lap.
“Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving.” His eyes gleam as they rake across my body,his hand on my thigh tightening, and I know he’s not talking about food.
Ellie isn’t oblivious either. “Okay, you know what? I’ll be in my room with my noise-canceling headphones, waiting for the food I ordered.”
“No! You don’t have to do that.” I promised her she wouldn’t be a third wheel on this trip, especially since I have no idea where she and Travis stand. Anytime I bring it up, she says they’re friends now, withoutthe benefits.
“It’s okay. I know how much you two missed each other. Honestly, it’s sickening but sweet.” She heads down the hall.
When she’s gone, I turn and face Penn. “Hi.”
He kisses me. “Hi.”
“How was rehearsal?”
“Fine,” he says shortly, tugging me down and kissing me again.
I put my hands on his chest and push away, laughing. “Ellie will be back to get her food any minute.”
“So?” He blinks at me.
“So, I don’t want to make it any more awkward for her. Plus, I want to hear everything about the venue and the show tomorrow.”
“I’ve already told you.” He pouts.
