Page 45 of Forgettable in Every Way

“Yes, she does.” Simon dared Penelope to dispute him with his steely gaze.

Penelope folded her arms and threw him a scathing glance but didn’t contradict him. “What is this book, and who is this Daft Prince?”

Simon was grateful Jack hadn’t mentioned he was the prince. “We can’t tell you or it might curse you.” His grin bordered on a smirk. He wanted more than anything to be a good co-parent with Penelope, but sometimes it was difficult. Especially given that she never made Jack a priority, and their son was old enough to know.

Penelope curled her lips. “That’s what Jack said.”

“Well, he’s right.” Simon squeezed his son. “We’ll be off.” He turned to leave. They needed to get to the Carmichaels’ before Jules left.

“Are you dating Jules?” she asked point-blank. “I thought you couldn’t see her the other night. But I’ve been hearing things around town.”

Simon internally groaned. No doubt someone had noticed Jules and him at the golf course. He’d thought about how relieved Penelope had been when Simon had returned home downtrodden after talking to Calista that night at the hospital. Although he hadn’t told Penelope exactly why, she knew he hadn’t been able to see Jules that night.

Simon stopped midturn, knowing this wasn’t heading to a good place, but she was Jack’s mum and he had to be above board. “No ... not yet.” Maybe never, but he was keeping his hopes high.

“Yet?” she trilled.

Simon let out a long breath and turned back to face her. “Penelope, I like Jules. Very much. She’s great with Jack and we have a lot in common.”

“Like what?” she whined.

“Art, literature, music, food, movies, temperament.” He could go on, but judging by the sour look on Penelope’s face, he’d made his point.

“She doesn’t even live here. You can’t move Jack away from me.”

“I would never do such a thing.” His tone was terse. “Besides, you’re getting ahead of yourself. There is nothing serious going on between Jules and me. We really need to go.”

“Are you going to see Jules now?” she spat.

“As a matter of fact, we are.” He refused to lie.

Jack popped his head up. “We’re going to see the princess? Yay!”

Penelope clenched her fists, her eyes turning green with envy. “She’s not a princess.”

“Yes she is!” Jack yelled. “She’s the nicest princess ever.”

Penelope’s lower lip trembled before she quickly composed herself and stood tall. “Okay, Jack,” she agreed before shifting gears—manipulative gears. “Mommy wants to throw you a birthday party. Would you like that?”

Simon did his best to hide his wince and grimace. Penelope’s children’s parties were never kid friendly. It was always just an excuse for her to get together with her friends and drink wine. Which was fine, except it was always about her, and Jack got shuttled to the side.

“Actually, this year I was thinking about taking Jack to Disneyland for his birthday, since we’ve just moved here and all his mates are back in Berkshire,” Simon responded. He hoped Jules would come along since she lived near Anaheim. Simon thought it could be an adventure for all of them.

“Well, I have a lot of friends here and they have kids. It will be a good way for Jack to make new friends.” Penelope refused to back down.

Simon wasn’t going to argue with her, especially in front of Jack. “If that’s what you want to do. Let me know the details. I’ll plan my trip with Jack around it.”

“Fine,” she snipped.

“Goodbye.” Simon turned, feeling drained by his exchange with Penelope. She’d been exhausting him for years.

“Don’t talk bad about me,” she warned.

“I never do.” He paused. “I expect the same courtesy from you regarding me ... and Jules.” Simon knew if he dated Jules, he would throw her in the path of Penelope’s pettiness. The last thing he wanted was for Penelope to hurt Jules.

Penelope didn’t respond.

“This is not a request,” Simon added, a purposeful bite to his tone.

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