“Fuck, my feet hurt.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
Even from a few steps away, I could tell they were red, swollen, and bruised.
“No, they’re disgusting. Believe me, you don’t want to touch them.” She finished pulling on her shoes and stood up as if she were perfectly fine.
What I would come to learn about Penny was that even when she was clearly in pain or self-conscious about her body, it never showed. She moved with ease around the room, which must’ve come from years of performing onstage. She carried herself with grace and confidence. I wanted her to be healthy, to love her beautiful body, to take care of herself—even though we were still practically strangers. It was the first time I ever wanted something for someone else in a purely unselfish way.
I’d never wanted to be this guy before, fawning over a girl like a puppy. That wasn’t me. Sure, I’d professed my love to a couple of girls, but I knew it wasn’t real. In my ideal world, I was going to graduate, travel around the world, and have a girlfriend in every country. But Penny was flipping a switch inside me. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing anything without her, her fucked-up feet, and her sopping wet hair. I felt born anew, baptized by her beauty.
“Gavin?”
Bathed in her voice.
“Gavin?”
Aching for her.
“Gavin? Where are you?”
“Uhhh, right here.”
“What’s going on?” She walked toward me. Before I knew what I was doing, I reached for her hips, pulling her closer to me. I had a strong urge to kiss her belly. “Isn’t it clear what’s happening, Penny? I’m really into you. If you let me, I’d jump right into bed with you and forget this whole friendship thing.”
She pushed my forehead back. “C’mon. Stop.”
“I can’t help it. I have to tell you the truth.”
She laughed but continued to push me away.
“Just let me kiss you,” I said. “Let me kiss your belly?”
“No, weirdo.”
I stood and braced her neck softly. “Let me kiss your mouth?” She didn’t move. I bent and touched my lips to hers. She was still. I pulled away. “Kiss me back, jerk.”
“No. We’re going to be friends. We agreed.”
“Wearefriends. Let’s just be the kind that kiss each other,” I said in all seriousness.
Something changed. She seemed sad all of the sudden. I ran my thumb over her cheek.Who is this complicated girl?
“We should get to the party.”
I nodded. The mood had shifted.
As we were walking toward the front door, her mother and sister walked in. Penny didn’t miss a beat. “Mom, this is my friend Gavin from school. He’s driving me to Ling’s apartment since I had a beer after dance class today. Gavin, this is my mom, Anne, and my sister, Kiki.”
“Hello, Gavin,” Anne said, reaching out to shake my hand. “Nice to meet you.” She pointed to my arm. “Those are some interesting markings you have there.”
Kiki chimed in. “Mom, those are tattoos. I think they’re kinda cool.”
An inscrutable look spread across Anne’s face. “Interesting...”
“We don’t want to be late to Ling’s,” Penny said, tugging me toward the door. “Gotta get going.”
Anne looked uncomfortable. “Penny, can I have a word with you in the kitchen first?”
