The problem is that overthinking, planning, and studying are in my blood. I have the need to perfect everything I do. And whatever I’m doing with Penn is new territory for me. I’ve never dated someone without a commitment or just ‘gone with the flow’ before. I’m truly a one-man type of woman.
“Have any plans tonight?” she asks. “I thought we could watch a movie.”
“Actually, the band has a gig tonight and I was thinking about going.” I bat my eyes at her.
“Ah, I see, and were you going to go alone?”
I flash a dazzling smile, showing her my teeth.
“Ugh, fine,” she grumbles. “I’ll go, but I’m drinking. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
The small barin Barrington is packed tight. Penn left our names at the door, so we were able to skip the line and find a booth near the back. It doesn’t have the clearest view, but there was already a massive crowd of people squeezed near the stage when we arrived.
Ellie returns to the table and places a Jack and Coke down for each of us. “What time do they play?”
“Ten.” I check my phone.
“It’s packed.” She sips her drink, scanning the area.
I nod, glancing at the eager-looking people patiently waiting by the stage. Looks like a lot of females. I try not to let it bother me.
When the guys stroll out only minutes later, the crowd erupts into cheers. Penn slides to his corner, eyes floating around the filled room until they land on mine. Even from here, I see the wink he sends me, and my stomach erupts with fluttering butterflies, intensifying when he slides the gloves I made him from his pocket and slips them on. I bite my lip, in a weak attempt to keep my smile in check—he’s still watching me—but it’s useless. I’m beaming. A rush of warmth spreads over me, as if the sun has taken root in my chest, burning hot and bright.
Penn shoots me another wink before busying himself with his guitar.
“You’re drooling,” Ellie says.
I snap my mouth closed, sending her a playful glare before turning my attention back to the stage.
“No, really, babe. You’re glowing and it looks good on you.”
I give her a sheepish smile.
Their set lasts over an hour, but I could watch them play forever. When Ellie first blasted them through the apartment, I wasn’t sure it was my thing, but now I’m kind of obsessed—it’s not just because of Penn. They’re so talented. They’re fun, their energy is unmatched, and their lyrics are beautiful. I love them even more now that I know they’re written by Penn.
Ellie steps away to get another drink, and I continue to sip on the one in front of me.
When she comes back, she slides another to me.
My eyes bulge. “I’m still working on this one.” I lift the cup, showing her it’s half full.
“Hurry up. You’ve had that for like twenty minutes now.”
“If I drink that, you’ll be carrying me out of here.” I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a lightweight.
“Iwon’t be carrying you anywhere. Penn will gladly do it, I’m sure.”
Speaking of Penn, my phone lights up with a text.
Penn
Be out in a few.
I relay the message to Ellie, who continues drinking. “Remember freshman year when we used to make a wish on a shot?” she asks.
“I do.” I smile at the memory. Once Ellie and I started going out—which took a bit of persuading on her end, but eventually she wore me down—we’d start the night with a shot at our dorm. For her, it was a warm-up. For me, it was the courage I needed to go out in the first place. I would’ve been fine staying in every night, but Ellie wasn’t going to allow me to bury myself in books like I’d always done. She forced me to go out, and she slowly showed me there was more to life than studying and crocheting.
We’d hold our pink plastic shot glasses up and make a silent wish. Mine were always something silly like,don’t let me embarrass myself tonight,orI hope I ace my exam.This time, I knew what it was going to be the minute she mentioned it.I don’t want to leave this place or Penn.I add that latter part at the last second, knowing it’s kind of two wishes, but I make a deal with myself and the universe that I’ll drink another to compensate for it.
