Page 34 of Regrets

She stands tall, looking me in the eyes. “Don’t do it, Linc.”

My entire life, my family has watched me carefully, fearful of what I might do to bring them down, to tarnish their carefully constructed illusion.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I turn away from her and start up the stairs, wanting to say so many things, but maybe I’m just as fake as Penelope.

My revenge is always quiet, causing chaos when they don’t see it coming.

18

PENELOPE

Linc is looking at me with loathing as we sit at the dining room table with his mom and sister.

Nora looks as beautiful as ever, but it’s obvious the last year has taken a toll on her although she’s still wearing that contagious smile.

I look at her left ring finger as she pushes the pasta we ordered in around on her plate. There’s a tan line where a grand diamond ring once sat.

I know the divorce had to be hard on her. Of course, I’m sure it stings even more that her husband is now shacked-up with his twenty-six-year-old mistress—oh, I’m sorry, she’s now been upgraded to girlfriend—in the city.

I try to ignore Linc’s glare from across the table and hate that he wasn’t lying about his father’s indiscretions. I wanted them to be a happy couple.

“So, Linc said you’re doing great in school.” Nora is beaming as she looks at me. “Not that I’m surprised.”

I take a small bite of pasta and look over at Linc. “He said that, huh?”

“Yes. He did.” Nora is smiling so brightly, and I know she’s here to check on me.

Linc’s eyes darken as they hold me riveted, threatening me.

“Well, it’s a great school. How could I not do well?”

“That’s so great, Penelope. Have you thought about a major?”

“Not yet.” It hasn’t even crossed my mind, and all the freshmen classes I’m currently in are introduction courses.

“Well, that’s perfectly fine. You have plenty of time.”

“Thank you, Nora.” I don’t want to disappoint or hurt her. That’s the last thing in the world I want to do.

I have no idea why Linc is so pissed-off. I did exactly what he told me to do. When he left me alone in the shower thinking about Colt and what we did the other night in the living room and then in my bed, I got out and got ready.

I took time and dried my hair and then curled it and put in a nice clip. I took a lot of time on my makeup. I found a cardigan Nora gave me for Christmas to cover up and not show too much skin and matched it with black pants.

I’m trying here.

“Yeah, P. I know how much you love school, but eventually, you’re going to have to leave.”

I glare at him. He loves to fuck with me. “That will definitely be hard to do.”

“Aw, you’ll be great at whatever you decide to do, Penelope.” Nora has always been so supportive and kind to me. It makes me feel ill, knowing the truth.

She never saw the real me and always gave me the benefit of the doubt, always told me I could do anything in this world. She put so much effort into me, taking me shopping and educating me over the years, trying to better me.

“Thank you, Nora.”For everything.

Linc’s eyes haven’t left me, and I struggle not to kick him under the table.

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