“I guess I have a lot of thinking to do.”
There’s literally nothing I can do now. It’s all up to her. Releasing control isn’t something that comes easily. Football is a competitive sport; it’s in my nature to do whatever it takes to win. But this isn’t a game. It’s something much more.
Swallowing hard, I will myself to look relaxed and nonthreatening.
“I’ll leave you to it, then.”
Nine
August
I’ll think about it.
Pen’s subdued response to my plan runs through my head as I drive home. I messed up, fumbled the ball, what have you. I felt it with every word I’d uttered since blurting out that marriage proposal. I’m lucky she didn’t punch me in the nose.
My mouth twitches despite my worry. There were moments Pen definitely looked like she wanted to give me a good slap.
Turning onto Laurel Canyon, it hits me that I don’t like driving away. I haven’t seen Penelope in years, and already I’m missing her voice, her eyes, the way she suddenly felt comfortable enough to tease me. My hands twitch with the urge to turn the wheel and go right back to her.
“Great,” I mutter, and increase the volume on the radio. Unfortunately, the next song cues up to the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.”
Ordinarily, I love the classics, especially the Stones, but having Mick Jagger sneer about not getting any satisfaction isn’t helping my mood. Stabbing the forward button gives me a slight bit of satisfaction, thank you very much, Mick.
Until the radio blasts out the horrifying harmonizing of “Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA.
“What the fuck?” Now, I know that’s not on my playlist.And I know exactly who could figure out my password to add it. “That little shit.”
I hit the hands-free call button on my phone. March answers on the third ring. Since I haven’t turned down the radio, he hears the music immediately and laughs.
“Excellent,” he says.
“Fucker.” I’m trying hard not to laugh.
“Please tell me Pen is in the car with you.”
Scowling, I turn the volume down. “Why would Pen be in the car with me?”
I can almost hear him shrug. “You had the same flight out. Logic dictates that you’d offer her a ride home.”
“How the hell did you know we had the same flight— You know what? Never mind. I don’t know why I even ask.”
“You choose futility. I know everything.”
“Sure you do.” I make a right onto my street. “Just remember payback is a bitch.”
“Bro, you are on a different coast from me for months. I feel pretty safe.”
“Famous last words, squirt.”
He snorts. “I’m bigger than you.”
“Only in height.”
“And muscle.”
“Please. I can toss you like a bag of cookies.”
Outrage colors his laugh. “Like hell.”
