Page 57 of Meet Me In Winterberry

“Yes, yes, Daddy can we, can we?” She bounces in her seat.

“Sure, that sounds fun. Maybe Grandma and Pop can come too.”

“And Aunt Sally and Uncle D?”

“Definitely,” Brent says as he ruffles Nora’s hair, to which he’s awarded an epic eye roll.

Though the food is delicious, I can barely taste it as I shovel it down. There's a lump in my throat and I’m trying to hold back tears, but I’m attempting to appear normal, so I keep talking to everyone at the table.

But I’m far from it, actually.

Could I stay here? No.

If I want to continue my successful career, then Ineedto get back to where the opportunities are, where I’m seen.

Here, I’m Penelope Smith. But that’s not who I really am. Is it? I’m not even sure anymore.

The past few days have gone by in a blur. Friday came much too quickly, and now I’m getting ready for the Christmas Log Parade followed by a night out at the bar.

With Brent.

A night out with Brent.

That is, if I can pick something to wear and get myself out of this room in time.

Sifting through my wardrobe, I settle on a pair of black jeans, an off-the-shoulder red Chanel sweater, leopard belt, and black boots. At the last second, I put on a lacy black bra and matching panties. Butterflies erupt in my stomach, threatening to burst out.

Whenever I wear a matching set, I always feel sexy, and I want to feel like that tonight.

Once I’m dressed, I head into the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. I put on a full face, complete with foundation, bronzer, a perfectly winged eyeliner, mascara, and red lips. I curl my hair in big, bouncy waves.

Finishing off the look, I throw on leopard earrings and my gold watch. I feel good, better than I’ve felt since getting stuck here in Winterberry. In fact, I think this is the first time I’ve done a full face of makeup since arriving.

Damn, it feels good to be in my armor.

I give myself a once-over in the mirror and like what I see. I’m bringing my A game tonight.

Satisfied with how I look, I grab my coat and head out the door.

Standing in the hallway, I fill my lungs and quiet my beating heart by resting my hand on my chest. Reminding myself that it’s just a night out with friends, I keep walking down the stairs, following the voices I hear into the kitchen.

As soon as I round the corner, I see Brent, Nora, Suzanne, and Tom standing around talking. I take a minute to appreciate the sight of Brent in his jeans and the long-sleeved thermal shirt his biceps threaten to break out of.

He must feel my attention on him because he turns in my direction before anyone else notices me.

The heat from his gaze is almost too much to bear. His eyes slowly roam my body, starting from the top of my head and moving all the way down to my feet, then back up, stopping at my chest before landing on my lips.

My cheeks heat under his stare. What is this man doing to me?

“Penelope!” Nora squeals when she spots me. She comes running across the room and right into my arms. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around her middle and take in her scent. She always smells like strawberries, and it’s a smell I’ve come to adore.

“Hey sweet girl, are you ready for the parade?” I say into her hair before setting her down and turning to face Brent.

His eyes are still on me, and if we weren’t in the kitchen of his parents’ house with his family in the same room, I would stride over and embrace him.

“SO ready! Let’s go, let’s go,” Nora says as she takes my hand and pulls me toward the door.

“I guess we’re going.” Suzanne laughs as we all follow Nora outside. “You look beautiful honey,” she whispers into my ear so no one else can hear.

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