Atlas said, “I believe that the conversation the Littles overheard was us discussing that the next time we saw Penny, we had to tell her everything.”
Everest added, “That’s why we didn’t finish prepping the unicorns. We realized we’d screwed up, Sir, and were getting cleaned up so we could catch her after her class.”
Master Derek turned to the counselor. “Samuel, I want you to have Catherine on standby if an intervention is needed as this is an unusual family matter.”
My heart started beating again. When had it stopped? Was it possible to survive this?
Master Derek turned to us. “You saw the error of your ways, so I’m going to give you a chance to make this right. Do not pressure her or make her feel guilty in any way.”
“Sir, the first thing out of our mouths will be apologies.” How to word it was a bigger dilemma.
“That’s a good starting point.” Master Derek asked us what else we planned, and we explained our commitment to allowing Penny complete freedom of choice, and that we would respect it whether she wanted none of us, one, or all.
“Her class is about to end, so I’ll let you go, but we’ll stay in touch. Aside from talking to Penny, for now your activities will be limited to party prep and your rooms.”
Samuel waved a finger. “May I make a request?”
“Absolutely.”
“It’s late in the day and Penny will need dinner soon, then she needs quiet evenings to wind down. Also Cat’s in an appointment for the next couple of hours, so she won’t be able to counsel Penny should that be required. What if these three finish party preparations, then meet with Catherine and me, and we save the reveal to Penny for the morning when there’s a free block of time?”
“It’s not ideal, but it makes the most sense,” Master Derek noted.
We all voiced agreement and he dismissed us.
As we exited, he said, “By the way, I was informed that the horses, er… um, unicorns, look beautiful.”
Chapter Fifteen
Atlas
Catherine brought Penny into Samuel’s office, the designated meeting point. Our stepsister’s eyes lit up when she saw us, but her expression quickly shifted to concern.
She stopped short of the circle of chairs we were sitting in, including one empty chair.
The three of us looked like shit—that was for sure. None of us had slept. Aside from stress over how this could play out, we’d also worked on a plan that followed our hearts. Time would tell if we got to use it.
Catherine clarified to Penny, “The three of these men haven’t been completely honest with you and are here to come clean. I can assure you that you’re not in any danger, but Samuel and I are happy to stay if you would like. If you’d prefer privacy with them, he and I will be in my office.”
Penny stared at the floor. “I would like to be alone with them.”
Catherine showed Penny the button on the landline that would ring her office if needed.
“Thank you.” Penny cautiously settled into the chair.
The counselors left, and after an awkward silence, I proceeded as we’d agreed. “I apologize for lying to you, first by omission, and then by my own words, a complete lie. But the one thing that’s been true are my feelings for you.”
Everest added, “I apologize for the omission and for not correcting a lie that I heard Atlas tell. And I also have genuine feelings for you.”
Phoenix said, “I’m completely ashamed of my role in this, and offer my sincerest apology. I never intended to lie to someone I care so deeply for. We will accept any decision you make once you’ve heard the truth.”
Penny took a moment to look at each of us as we spoke, but mostly stared at her hands clasped in her lap.
I continued with my turn. “We didn’t tell you who we were, and when you asked how we found out about this job, I lied to you and said a friend told us. The truth is that your mother told us.”
A few seconds passed as Penny absorbed the truth. Her mouth opened as if to say something and closed again. Her head hung. It killed me to see her hurting.
“Babygirl, I mean Penny, I?—”
