Page 35 of Just Business

It’s clear to me that when Penny does something, she gives it everything she’s got—there’s nothing halfway with her. I know that if we could find our way from whatever we’re doing to something more she’d give me every bit of herself. But could I give her all of myself in return?

“You’re beautiful, Penny.” My unfiltered words tumble out, cutting through the silence.

From her profile, I see that she’s smiling, but she doesn’t turn to face me. “You can’t say things like that.”

Penny’s hand goes to her mouth and she chews on her nails, a habit she seems to do almost constantly. Reaching over, I ease her hand back to her lap. “Penny.” My voice is low, and she looks over at me, her gaze meeting mine. I’m surprised by the uncertainty there. “You are objectively beautiful. Nobody on earth would say otherwise. But you’re not only beautiful on the outside. Your heart is just as stunning, if not more. Everyone around here sees it. I see it."

The moment stretches out between us and it feels like an eternity passes, but it’s probably no more than ten seconds.

A million emotions flicker across her face, until suddenly, her expression transforms. Her eyes sparkle and her lips curve into a grin. Before my brain can catch up with the sudden shift, I hear the challenge.

“Last one to the playground buys snow cones.” Penny jumps up, charging full speed toward the swings off to our left, her laughter trailing behind her like music.

Even though she gets a head start, my legs are longer and I catch up to her in a matter of seconds. She’s slowed to catch her breath, and I scoop her up, tossing her over my shoulder fireman style. She lets out a surprised shriek and I take off toward the playground.

When we reach it, I lie her down on the slide and lean over, caging her in between my arms.

“You, my dear, are remarkably slow. Like a cute little sloth.”

A laugh wheezes out of her that I’d love to capture with my mouth. But instead I move to take a seat on the swing closest to where she’s lying.

“When this studio time ends, I’d like to take you on a real date.” Penny sucks in a breath at my admission, but I go on like I didn’t hear her. “I’m aware that’s breaking all these rules you’ve created for yourself, but I really enjoy your company. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you enjoy mine, too.”

Wordlessly, she stands and walks over, sinking onto the swing beside me and pushes herself back and forth with her feet. We sway like that, the cars on the bridge above our heads the only thing we hear.

“Double or nothing, whoever can jump the furthest wins.” She breaks the silence, pumping her legs as she swings higher.

“A date?” I ask, trying to match her pumps.

“Yep.”

All it takes is that one word, and I’m pumping my legs like it’s my job. I swing higher and higher; meanwhile, she’s swinging half my height. I’m so focused on going as high as possible that I almost miss her countdown.

“Five, four, three, two, one.” I leap like I’m seven and not thirty-four, my body hitting the ground with a hard thud that I know I’ll feel tomorrow. Meanwhile, Penny lands like a cat, several feet beyond where I’ve landed. I’m still lying there groaning when she comes to stand looking down at me.

“I still want that date,” I say, clutching my side. “Just sayin’.”

She laughs, and I grab her hand, pulling her on top of me and she rolls onto the grass beside me.

We’re lying there looking up at the evening sky, when she turns, propping up on one elbow.

“Next week is the River Fest downtown. Come with me.”

I look over at her, unable to mask the smile that’s stretched across my face.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She’s quiet for a beat, her eyes on mine, a tiny smile tugging at her lips.

“Come home and watch some TV with me.”

“Austin, baby! Grab your sister and get to your room.” There’s panic in Mom’s voice, but it’s like I can’t get to her, like I’m moving under water. I’m running into every room of the house looking for her, but she's not there.

“Mama!” I yell, but there’s no response. A loud crash sounds like someone has thrown glass onto the floor, but I’m disoriented. I can't figure out which direction the sound came from. Something tugs on my shirt sleeve and I look down to see my baby sister looking up at me. Fat tears are running down her face and I know I have to choose her. I grab her little hand and take off toward my bedroom, slamming the door behind us.

“Cassie, I need you to be a big girl for me, okay? Can you do that? I need you to take this and get in the closet.” I hand her my baseball bat, and give her a small push toward my closet. Her muffled cries ring in my ears as I push my dresser in front of my door.

“Austin, wake up. You’re having a nightmare.” The words are distant as someone shakes me, but I can’t seem to claw my way to the surface. The shaking gets harder and I gradually come to. Penny and I must have fallen asleep on her couch, because she’s now leaning over me bringing me back to consciousness, her brows pinched in concern.

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