“Not happening, but when things are more settled, perhaps we can give you a promotion.”
“Wow, I’ve never had nepotism work in my favor before.”
“It’s not nepotism, Penny. You’re amazing at what you do, and we should have realized that sooner.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
Our conversation flows freely, never feeling awkward, bringing me real hope for our future together.
She groans when she’s done, blotting her mouth as she pushes her plate away. “That was delicious.”
“What are we doing for dessert?” I ask. “I know you like chocolate, but would you rather go with cake or brownie, or parfait?”
Penny leans back in her chair and cups her belly on each side. “I can’t.”
“But you must.”
“Seriously, Grey—I’m about to explode.”
“There’s no rush.”
She licks her lips. “If any of them could tempt me, it would be the brownie.” She gets up from her seat. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe my bladder is being assaulted.”
I smile as I watch Penny make her way to the bathroom. There’s a slight waddle to her gait that most wouldn’t notice, and I only do because I’ve been watching her for years.
“Would you like me to clear this?” the waitress asks, gesturing to the empty plates.
“Yes, and could you bring out every dessert you have with chocolate in it?”
She smiles. “Certainly.”
After she steps away, I reach into my coat pocket to remind myself what this is all about. I know better than to pull out the ring at this restaurant, but having it with me gives me the courage to go forward and win Penny over the way that I need to. Knowing it could take years to prove myself has me frustrated, but this isn’t a race.
“Greyson Prosper!” an enthusiastic voice calls. “Fancy seeing you here!”
I turn to see Eddy Rae, an actress I took on a few dates five years ago, micro-stepping over in dangerously high heels.
People turn to look at her as she walks toward me, her blonde hair teasing her shoulders playfully with each ridiculous step.
Dammit.
Having grown up a few towns over from Perish Prosper, she comes down a few times a year and always makes a trip out to the ranch, hoping for another date. She’s taken every opportunity to insinuate to the media that we are together, which was a total lie, but I tolerated it on account that I didn’t want to buy into the drama.
To avoid her antics, I act busy when she’s around. But that won’t work anymore. Not with Penny in the picture.
I decide against standing, not wanting to encourage any form of interaction with the starlet. Not that I think she’ll get the hint.
“Gosh, it’s been nearly a year since we’ve seen each other,” she chirps when she reaches me. She’s wearing a red dress that dips low at the neckline, revealing a newly enhanced chest that’s sure to get her a lot of attention.
“Hello, Eddy,” I deadpan.
An uneasy look washes over her face when she realizes how unhappy I am to see her, but her smile returns, along with a waggle of her brow.
“You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about you lately.”
“Of course you have.”
“And I was hoping you’d think about accompanying me to an award show next month.”
