Page 42 of Someone You Deserve

I nod, popping the top on my beer and taking a sip. “Yeah. Thanks for letting me leave. I needed to demolish some shit.”

Willow squints at me. “What happened Friday night?”

Dallas turns Willow in his arms so they’re both facing me now. “Penn was on the verge of a meltdown at the restaurant. I had to let him go early before he punched Dick Cockwell in the face.”

Willow’s eyes go wide. “The guy Astrid is going on a date with?” She practically shoves Dallas off her as she stands and steps closer to me. “What happened?”

“Jesus, do you tell her everything?” I ask my brother.

“He didn’t have to. Astrid did,” Willow answers for him.

I drop my eyes to hers. “She told you about her date?”

“I went over to her house Friday night to hang out, and yeah…she told me.” And then it dawns on her. “Oh my god! You’re jealous, huh?”

I close my eyes and huff out a breath. “Jesus, I’m not jealous.”

“Yes, you are,” Dallas says matter-of-factly.

Willow practically vibrates with excitement. “Oh my god. Does this mean you’re finally going to do something about your feelings for her?”

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I mutter, “Nothing is a secret in this family, I swear.”

Willow shoves my shoulder. “It’s not a secret when everyone can see it, Penn. Like I told you at her going away party, I get why you don’t cross that line. But if she goes out with Richard, you’re going to kick yourself for letting her slip away.”

“That’s what I told him,” Dallas interjects.

“I know, all right? I fucking know.” I drain half of my beer before continuing. “Look, I’m going to talk to her, okay? I’ve made the fucking decision and I’m tired of us tiptoeing around each other, but I can’t just ambush her. I need to do this right.”

Willow folds in her lips to hide her smile and bounces on her feet. “Oh my god! I’m so fuckingexcited!”

Dallas laughs at her. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Goose. He has to actually go through with it.”

“You think I won’t?”

Dallas shrugs. “I think you overthink shit too much.”

“Well, what if I told you that I’m quitting the restaurant and the hardware store?”

Both of their eyes snap to mine. “What?” Dallas asks. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, I am. Not yet, but soon. I was going to wait to tell you, but since you’re being a dick, now seemed like a good time.” I flip him the bird.

Dallas furrows his brow. “Why are you quitting?”

I take a deep breath and finally utter the words out loud. “I’m starting my own business.”

Willow’s eyes bug out. “Penn! That’s amazing! Do you need an investor?” She grabs my bicep with both of her hands.

Chuckling, I say, “Not right now, but I appreciate the offer, Willow. Especially since you have no idea what I’m doing yet.”

“Doesn’t matter. I would invest in you in a heartbeat. I know how hardworking you are, and I know you won’t fail.”

I pull her in for a hug, wishing I had the same confidence in myself that she does. “That means a lot. Thanks.” It’s crazy to me that I’ve only known this woman for a few months, but she already feels like my sister-in-law, like a part of our family that was missing. And the fact that she believes in me without question boosts my confidence that I’m making the right decision.

“So what are you going to do?” Dallas asks.

“I’m going to buy houses and turn them into rentals for tourists and maybe residents of the town. I want to offer more lodging for people visiting mostly. The Cove Inn can only accommodate somany people, you know? I’ll still do contract work on the side. I’m just ready to be my own boss.”

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