Page 19 of If Our Hearts Collide

No one wants to see Penny fail and go back to Seattle.

Growing up with my grandparents raising me, I never had the luxury of an intact family unit. I was the only child. When my grandparents passed away when I was still very young, I had no one to take up that role.

So I entered into the broken foster care system.

And that is where I really grew up—and fast.

I got really used to temporary.

In a way, I’m very much a recluse to this day. However, it is moments like these, where I am surrounded by the outpouring of love, that I wonder what life would have been like if I had the comforts of a forever family.

After years of speech, I’ve managed to outgrow my stuttering problem that shadowed me throughout grade school. Kids can be cruel, but I learned early on that no one bullies the kid in class that can beat the shit out of everyone else. I was smart, methodical. I knew how to defend myself without getting caught or in trouble. Plus, no one would have suspected the quiet kid to pommel anyone. It just took sticking up for myself physically one time in the cafeteria before word got out that no one should mess with me.

After that day, no one did. I carried that reputation until the day I graduated from high school. And even decades later, I still think about those fuckers who did me wrong. They were the driving force pushing me into service for this country. It was my attention to detail and my quick thinking skills that moved me up in rank.

I don’t have a temper by any means. I pride myself on being disciplined enough to know when to strike versus when to keep my cool. Not every battle needs to be fought with force, and none need to involve any type of emotions.

Emotions can get you killed.

I scan the patio area and make my way over to the serving table. Everything looks amazing, and the smell of real food makes my mouth water. I grab a plate and scoop out some pulled pork from the tray, dressing it with a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. Grilled pineapple on skewers catch my attention, and I add one to my plate.

“Come join us, Collins,” Angie says, motioning for me to come over to the furniture area.

“You too, Penny,” Claire calls over.

I find a free spot on a two-seat couch, making sure there is ample room for Penny, as she takes her place beside me.

My legs alone make her look even more petite—delicate. She is a graceful butterfly who just needs her wings to heal.

“How does it feel to be another year older?” Graham asks his sister.

“It makes me a bit anxious, actually.” She fixes a piece of hair behind her ear, and I realize it is her tell. Anytime she is stressed, she curls her toes or touches her hair. “I feel like I lost an entire year of my life, so this next one has to count.”

Graham gives Penny a look of concern. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself.”

She shrugs. “I made a list of a bunch of things I want to accomplish.”

This catches my attention.

“Oh yeah?” Angie asks. “That sounds fun.”

“What are some of your goals?” Graham asks, attempting to sound casual, but I know he is simply asking to seek out information and save himself a step of asking me to retrieve all of it for him.

I’m thankful he asked. This list definitely has me curious and a bit impatient. Her answers will help me to understand the scope of my duties, because right now, I’m not sure just how much my services are really needed.

Penny shifts in her seat. “Well, for starters, I want to learn how to drive.”

“Now that seems fun!” Angie says with a giggle. I think she hears her husband growl beside her—or maybe I’m just imagining his reaction because it mirrors my own.

“Maybe I can sign Claire up with you for classes?” Nic volunteers softly.

“Hey!” She smacks him on the arm, almost making his beer spill. “I may only have a half working brain right now, but my ears aren’t affected. Plus, I have my license, you loon.”

“A refresher course would never hurt,” he counters.

Angie can’t contain her laughter, earning a glare from her best friend. I’ve witnessed Claire’s driving, and it is scary. I don’t blame Nic in the slightest for outlawing her from going behind the wheel—especially now that she is carrying their child.

Nic sighs. “Then settle for a self-driving car.”

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