by Hart, Cary
“How embarrassing.” I cover my face.
“So, do you want to hear the good news or not?” He pries my hands away.
“Yes,” I mumble.
“Well, they want to open earlier to cater to the business district. Give them a place to have small meetings. Offering up a limited menu of muffins, pastries, coffee and juice.”
“Are you saying what I think your saying?” I bounce from foot to foot. Clasping my hands together.
“They want you to make the breakfast items.”
“Oh my GOD! Yes! Yes! Yes!”
I begin to jump around mentally checking off what I could add to the menu. Maybe a daily special.
“Shapiro! This is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to do this!”
“Well, there are some rules.”
“I finally have a job. I’ll make my own money.” I turn to him eyes wide. “I’ll get to talk to people.”
“Penny …”
“I can’t wait to work in that amazing kitchen again.”
“Penny …”
I hear Shapiro, but I’m so excited I just have to get it all out. These are things a working woman needs to know.
“So, when do I start?”
“Well, they would like to taste a few more items to build their menu, but that means you can get a little more time in the kitchen.” He refills his coffee and grabs a muffin tearing off the top.
Giving him a once over he looks exhausted. I guess I never took into consideration how tired he must be. He works all night, helps me do chores during the day and last night stayed up to babysit me in the kitchen so I could avoid a nervous breakdown.
“So tonight?” I ask.
“If you aren’t too tired.” He smiles. Popping a piece of muffin in his mouth. “Mmm, best muffin I’ve ever had.”
I give him the side eye.
“Tired from what? Sleeping?”
“Sure.” His smile widens from ear to ear.
“Okay …” I ignore his statement unsure if he’s joking or insulting me. “So, when does this change take place?” I mess with my clothes. “What’s the uniform?”
“Penny, you won’t be baking during the day. That will still have to be done at night. You won’t be an actual Spotlight employee but contracted.”
“Well, that sucks.” I cross my arms and try not to pout, but this was going to be a step in the right direction
“Think of it like this.” Shapiro takes a step closer, lifting my chin. “You own your own business these are your recipes, your products.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Now you need to come up with a name.” He winks.
My eyes shoot up to his. “A name? I get to name my own company.” I start clapping and bounce up and down. “Thank you, Shapiro. Thank you!” I shout as I wrap my arms around his body. “Last night and now today … it’s so much more.”
“What if I told you that wasn’t the good news?”
I lean back, looking him in the eyes. “How could it not be?” I search his eyes for some kind clue.
“Well, I thought …”
“Let us in!” Someone shouts from the other side of the door. Pounding uncontrollable.
“Why don’t you get that?” Shapiro nudges me.
“Uh, okay?” I head over to the cameras.
“The door.”
“The cameras,” I shout back sarcastically.
“Just get the door, Penny.”
“Let us in.” More pounding.
“Is it?” I hurry and unarm the alarm and unlock all the doors.
“Penny!” Nina shouts diving in for a hug.
“Nina, I didn’t know you were back from vacation?”
I squeeze her back.
“We didn’t really tell anyone. Just kind of getting back into the groove of things.”
“Yeah. I didn’t find out till she came into Java Talk,” a voice says from behind Nina.
“Penny, this is Jen.” She waves her hand in between us. “Jen meet Penny.” I know her from the coffee shop, but never really talked to her.
“Nice to meet you.” Jen grabs my hand. “Now, from what I hear, you are in the need for a much-needed girls’ day.”
“Yeah. Let’s go,” Nina chimes in.
“Guys I can’t.” I free my hand and back away. “It’s nice you thought of me, but I have to stay here.”
Nina and Jen turn to look at Shapiro. There’s a silent exchange between the three of them and I’m the only one left in the dark.
“It’s the big guy’s idea,” Jen chimes in.
“Come again?” I look at each of them in shock.
“Yup! The three of us are going to Tip-Top-Tease to get all glammed up and maybe do a little shopping while there,” Nina announces.
“Jail break,” Nina whispers and we all laugh.
“I’m not even prepared. Can you give me fifteen minutes to get cleaned up?”
“Take your time, we are just going to make ourselves at home.” Nina pulls Jen in and locks the door. “Is that your muffins?”
“Take as many as you want,” Shapiro offers.
“I can’t believe you did this.” I run over giving him a quick hug.
He pulls me in tighter.
“I heard you yesterday.” He looks down at me, rubbing his hands along my back. “I just wish I would have listened sooner.”
“This means the world to me.” I reach up and give him a quick peck on the cheek. “Best day ever.”
Penny
Tilting my head to the sky, I breathe in the city air. Coffee, donuts and car fumes.
“Don’t you love this.” I spin around, breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the sun. “It’s amazing.”
“I don’t know. People seem preoccupied. On their phones. Ignoring life.” Nina glances around. “See, look at that lady. She’s on her phone while her daughter is tugging at her dress to show her something.” She shakes her head. “It’s just sad how preoccupied people are.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Jen chimes in.
“So where is this place?” I look up at the signs that line the awning.
“Four more down.” Jen squeals. “Aren’t you excited, Penny.”
“I am!” I holler as I lace my arms around each of theirs, interlocking them.
“Yellow brick road time?” Nina asks
“Yellow brick road time,” I agree.
And together we skip down the rest of the sidewalk to Tip-Top-Tease where Jen breaks away first to make sure she gets to claim her favorite stylist, Dante.
Pushing our way through the doors a bright haired girl comes bouncing toward us. “You must be the other two.” She points to Jen with clippers in her hand. “Welcome. Are you prepared to get teased?” She gives us an over exaggerated wink.
“Of course.” Nina hands her a credit card. “I’ve got this.”
“Nina! I didn’t even think.”
“Calm down. Shapiro is treating today. It’s his way of saying sorry.”
“I hate that he has to spend all his money on me. I’ve been more trouble than what I’m worth.”
Reaching over, she places her hand over mine. “You are worth it. Every Penny.” Her eyes go wide. “Did you get that. You’re worth every Penny, Penny.”
“Only you, Nina. Only you.”
“What are you guys waiting for? Your thrones await.” Jen waves her hands around like she’s Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune.
“Come on! Let’s get you teased.” Nina gives me a little nudge.
After picking out polish and grabbing a drink, we walk over to our stations to settle in.
“You must be Penny, our guest of honor”?” A petite ginger sits down in front of me, examining the colors I picked out.
“I guess I am.”
“Well, I’m Christy, your stylist for the day.” She leans in to whisper as she’s taking off my flip-flops. “I can’t wait for you to see what I have picked out. This color will look fabulous with them.”
She winks as she puts my feet into the jets of warm soapy water.
“Oh my!”
“If you think this is amazing, just wait.” She pulls a foot out and begins clipping, filing, scraping … it’s everything.
I’m not sure why I have never indulged before, but now that I have, I need this in my life.
“I told you.” Jen peeks over to see what Christy is doing. “Magic hands, right?”
“Totally magic,” I agree.
“Best thing ever,” Nina mumbles as she turns on the seat massager. “Penny, try this out.”
“Here, let me help you.” Christy comes around and hands me the remote. Explaining the directions. “The up arrow, increases. The down slows it down. I suggest going easy and work your way up to see what you like.”
“Thanks.”
She powers it on. “Ohhhh,” I moan.
“Remind me to thank Shapiro. I may be too relaxed to remember.” I turn my head to the side. “This is beyond anything I have ever experienced.”
Nina waggles her eyebrows.
“Not like that!” I gasp.
“I didn’t say a word.” Her smile relaxes. “That was all you.”
I would like to give him more, but how much, and if I did would he want it?
“Stop doing that.” Nina reaches over to pinch my arm. “You’re worrying for no reason.”
“I can’t help it. I have all these feelings going on.”
“Feelings suck.” Jen leans forward to give her two cents and then goes back to chitchatting with Dante.
“Listen, Penny.” Nina reaches for my hand and gives it a tiny squeeze. “I’ve been where you are. It’s okay to feel something.”
“Is it? Because I’m not sure.” I tug my hand free, folding them in my lap. “I was with Tyler for five years. I only left because you helped me and even then, I went back. It’s only been weeks since …”
Nina and I look at each other knowing there are prying ears around us. As nice as the employees of Tip-Top-Tease are, I still don’t want them knowing my business.
“I’ll be right back with the wax.” Christy gives Nina’s technician a look and they head to the back.
“You stayed because you thought you could save him, and he stayed because you were his habit. I get it. I’ve been there.” Nina looks down rolling her thumbs together.
I know this isn’t easy for her. What she endured was so much more.
“Sometimes it’s easier to stay than it is to leave.” She turns in her seat to look at me. “What you are doing now is brave. You’re a fighter.”
“I don’t feel that way sometimes,” I confess.
“I know. It will come. Trust me.”
We both sit there. Looking at each other. We both have been to hell and back and managed to survive. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I am a fighter. Being locked up day after day isn’t being a coward. It’s believing that I can do this.
“Hey …” She reaches over and slaps my hand. “As far as Shapiro goes, he cares about you.”
“Mama Ang gave us this bond.”
She was our saving grace. No one knew her like he did and the time that I shared with her was just as special.
“It’s more than that. Look around.” We both scan the room. She continues, “He is trying to help you, see.”
“See what?”
I want to know the answer. I really do, but if I allow myself to know, will I be disappointed?
“That it’s okay to be okay,” Nina says confidently. “That man adores you. You can see it in the way he protects you.”
“I guess.”
Last night, the contract with Spotlight and now this … It’s starting to happen. I’m getting my life back.
“You don’t see it because you don’t want to. What you’re doing, isn’t wrong, and it isn’t too soon. Everyone’s wounds are different, Penny. We heal at different speeds. I should know.”
She’s right. I shouldn’t live my life based on the standards of others. This is my time. My life to live. I just need to make sure I embrace it.
“Girl, you have pulled off every outfit I have picked out for you,” Christy says as she turns me around to look in the mirror.
“Wow. I’ve put on a little weight.”
I’m not complaining. I was always considered underweight. Tyler wanted me a certain size and I watched my diet. Even when I was pregnant I made sure to eat extra healthy. Not so much for me, but for the baby.
Eyes are bright, the dark circles gone, cheeks full. My breasts finally fill my bra and my shorts don’t gap at the waist. I look good, happy.
“A little in all the right places,” Christy agrees, standing behind me. A quick tug of the straps has the summer dress fitting perfectly. “There, now they are all tucked in.”
“This is just … wow!” I begin to twirl.
“Look at you.” Nina walks in.
“Glowing.” Jen follows.
“I love it.” I begin to worry my bottom lip. “I just don’t know which one to choose.”
“You don’t have to.” The bright hair girl comes strolling in with bags in her hands. “He bought them all.”
“He what?” I spin around mouth agape.
“I have all the outfits you tried on, plus the one you wore here.” She sets the bags down by Nina. “Looks like you are wearing this home.” She nods toward my dress.
“I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. You deserve this.” Nina comes over to stand by me.
Turning to look in the mirror with Nina behind me, she pulls up my hair. “This is who you are, Penny Reed. Embrace it.”
She’s right. I don’t have to live in the shadow I once was. This is my new beginning and it’s time to find out who I’m meant to become.
Penny
“I hate that it’s over.” I pout to the girls as we stand at the crosswalk, waiting for the light to change. Spotlight just a few feet ahead.
Finally, I was able to get out and explore. I know I should be thankful. I am, but I can’t help but look around and imagine what it would be like to walk to the farmers market to grab fresh ingredients for my recipes or head to Tip-Top-Tease for a polish change or get one of those relaxing pedicures.
“Me too,” Jen whines. “Since this girl started school and got engaged, I barely see her.”
“I know. I’m sorry, guys. I promise I’ll do better,” Nina says as she punches the pedestrian button again.
“This has to be the longest light change ever.” Jen looks around. “I don’t see the cops. Let’s just go for it.” She tempts us.
“There’s always someone watching.” I scan the area. “Plus, I’m about to be locked back up. Let me enjoy my yard time,” I tease.
“Girl, if I was stuck in your camp, I wouldn’t complain.” Jen pokes me in the side. “That man defines S-E-X.”
“Jen!” I can’t help but blush. “He’s nothing to complain about, but …”
“There are no buts about it. You know what to do.” She winks.
Looking away, I hide the crimson that crept up on face.
“Let’s go. We have the walking guy,” Jenn hollers as she pulls Nina behind her.
Grabbing my bags, I follow, making sure the street is clear before I cross.
Right—clear.
Left—him.
“Come on, Penny. This isn’t the time to play Frogger. Your timer is running out,” I hear Jen shouting at me, but I’m frozen.
He’s here.
Standing on the other side of the street waiting to cross is a man who looks just like Tyler. Maybe it’s not him. This man is dressed in jeans and a baseball shirt and Tyler hated baseball. Maybe I’m losing it.
“No more ER visits.” Nina grabs my arm and jerks me to attention and we begin to run.
“I thought I saw …” I try to catch my breath from sprinting across the street.
“Who?” Nina asks concerned. “Tyler?”
“Yeah.” I look back and search the crowd walking across the st
reet. “I thought he was over there.” I shield my eyes pointing in the direction where I saw him standing.
“We should tell Shapiro,” Jen says walking up.
“I think it was just my mind playing tricks on me.” I take one more look.
He’s gone.
There is no way he would be strolling the streets. That’s too leisurely for him.
Following Nina and Jen, we walk through the entrance of Spotlight, past the bar to the back where the only entrance to the top floor is.
“Hey!” A waitress comes up to me. “Aren’t you staying upstairs with Shapiro?” she questions and I’m not sure how to answer.
Stop being paranoid. The meeting—muffins.
“Yeah. I’m Penny. I’m the one who …”
“Here, I have this for you.” She hands me a piece of paper.
Flipping it open, I see it’s a warning.
TELL YOUR BOYFRIEND I’M WATCHING YOU!
Tyler!
He knows where I am. Did he follow me? Was he watching me? If he was trying to hurt me, he could have. He would have. He. Was. Right. There.
“Penny? Earth to Penny.” Nina waves her hand in front of my face.
“I’m sorry. I just …” I don’t want to lie, but I don’t want to worry her either.
“Jen has an emergency work situation. The barista that was supposed to work this afternoon didn’t show up.”
“Okay.” I look beyond Nina and see Jen on her phone.
“Let’s get you upstairs,” Nina suggests.
“I think I can manage to walk up a few flights of stairs.” I turn Nina around and give her a little push. “Now go! People need their coffee.”
“It’s true, Nina,” Jen agrees. “It saves lives. So many lives.”
“Guys, thank you so much for today.” I reach over and quickly give each one of them a hug.
“Thank your man for me.” Jen winks.
“I’ll talk to you later.” Nina gives me a quick squeeze before they both head out.
After they’re out of sight. I race up the stairs to tell Shapiro about my day and show him the note from Tyler, but the closer I get, the doubt kicks in.
Today was about getting my life back. I got a taste of what it feels like to be in control, to be free and this little thin piece of paper jeopardizes it all. I can’t live like that again. I was slowly losing who I was.
