The Price of Penny

by T. C. Rybicki

  I took tiny bites and slow sips. Food was not my friend, but my empty stomach burned and I’d already popped a few pain relievers. I needed something in there. “How would you feel about driving us back? I really don’t feel up to it.”

  Penny stopped chewing her strawberry. I’d been thoroughly enjoying watch her eat a couple of those. “I’ve never driven your car.”

  “I’m well aware of that, but you do drive. I’ve seen your license. Remember, the awkward DMV photo?”

  She shrugged. “I guess so, but do you trust me?” I assured her I’d never let any woman watch me hurl. We had the sort of bond that implied deep trust.

  We saw her parents off first and then I loaded the bags in my car. Penny checked and rechecked every gauge and damn button in my car twice. I had no idea why she thought it was so different from any other vehicle. “Babe, come on, the engine’s on. Put it in gear and let’s go.” She backed up slower than a 90-year-old grandmother. I told her enough with the checking of mirrors. The place was cleaned out. It was a Monday morning. “Coast is clear.”

  Judging how slow she moved through the parking lot, we might make it back to LA in three hours even though it was roughly an hour and half drive. Being in a moving vehicle was already fucking with my miserable head. I reclined the seat and closed my eyes. She seemed to push the gas a little more deliberately as we headed down the long drive of the resort. I forgot to remind her about the speed bump. She hit it soundly and the car made this loud scrape that grated on my last nerve like fingernails to a chalkboard.

  “Damn. Easy babe, this isn’t the Ford. Think lower.”

  That was the wrong thing to say. Penny was used to me saying shit without thinking. She jerked the wheel to the side and stopped us. “Oh no, do you think I broke something?”

  “Um, no, not hardly. The car is not that fragile. It’s fine.”

  She refused to keep driving. It took five more minutes of convincing we were safe with her as the driver and that she hadn’t ruined my car with one tiny speed bump. Penny finally chilled out and drove normally. I was happy to keep my eyes closed, but I kept talking to her the whole time so she wouldn’t be nervous.

  “What exactly happened between you and my father or can you even remember?”

  I opened one eye, “That is top secret for me to know and you to find out, eventually.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? Just tell me?”

  “Can’t.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  “Both. No more talking. I need rest.”

  I was surprised that Penny wanted to go home with me the following weekend. I also couldn’t believe that we took the damn dog. Apparently, Mom told her to bring Pepper. She missed having a dog around. Of course, that meant we were in Penny’s ride, not mine. I promised her I was going to shop for a second car. Penny gave me a weird look each time I mentioned car shopping. She wanted to know what was up with me. Nothing really unless planning for our future was a big deal. I kept things like that under wraps. Frank flat out asked before I had too much to drink if I planned on marrying his daughter. No one had ever been so direct with me. It was kinda crazy to ask me after only four months of dating. I could have said something like we were enjoying each other’s company and taking our time to get to know each other. That’s what Penny would have expected me to say, but instead I said, “Yes, I’ll probably ask before next summer. Can you handle another wedding that soon?”

  He nodded his head unconvincing, so I assured him ours wouldn’t be such a production. He said he liked me and then he told me how special Penny was. I already knew that. I remember the smile on Frank’s face. He truly looked pleased. “Well, alright then. I know where you stand. How about another drink?”

  It was the first one I should’ve declined but it sure as hell wasn’t the last time I said, “sure,” instead.

  I thought maybe things were better at home and this would be a relaxing weekend, but Heather texted right before we made it that she’d just split. Mom was pissed at Dad riding Teddy’s ass. She wanted him to back off since Teddy said he was quitting football. Damn, he’d barely gotten started. He’d only gone to one assessment day if I’d been paying attention and heard Dad right. Heather asked to talk to Penny, they were planning a girls’ weekend soon when Maggie made it back. She was supposed to be back late Saturday. I could tell Penny really missed her. She had an adjustment period ahead of her without Maggie being so available.

  Mom made it seem like nothing was out of the ordinary when we arrived. She had an early dinner prepared. Penny introduced Pepper to the big backyard while I put our stuff away. I looked at Heather’s old door for less than three seconds. I had been at Penny’s a couple of times this week. We were completely at ease with what was going on at the moment. Each time we pushed a little further with the physicality of our relationship, but I’d swore not to push for sex until she gave me the green light. I knew we could sleep in the same bed without it being a problem. In fact, that’s what I preferred. I opted to take all of our things to my old room.

  Penny walked in behind me. She said Mom was getting to know Pepper and setting up her food and drink in the laundry room. She looked at her small overnight bag on my bed. I winked at her. Penny looked around the room. “So that’s how it’s going to be, huh?”

  “Yep.”

  “Your parents won’t think I’m a hussy?”

  “Hardly. If we ever broke up at this point,” I crossed my fingers in front of her face so she knew I wasn’t trying to jinx us, “they’d probably keep you instead of me.”

  She did that sweet giggle that made me want to kiss her, so I did.

  “So, not to be a huge downer, but everything is tense out there. I think you should talk to your parents in private. Maybe I’ll find something to do.”

  I wondered what something she meant. “No way, you don’t have to go anywhere. I plan on ignoring them. You and I can go for a swim.” I wiggled my eyebrows. Thoughts about her wet in that sexy bikini and much more willing to make out with me made me immediately forget my family trouble.

  Then Penny reminded me again. “No, I’m serious. Talk to your parents. I’ll get Teddy out of here too. He seems far too uptight than any kid should be.”

  I didn’t understand how she could be serious. Teddy had never even made eye contact with her and she’d been over at least four times. She told me to trust her. Ugh, with the trust again. One of us was always playing the trust card.

  Penny went back to the living room. I followed her and Mom stopped talking. I knew she wanted Dad to leave Teddy alone and stop pressuring him about sports and his diet. I tended to side with Dad for a change. It wasn’t wise to go up against Mom either, but I thought my little brother needed to lay off the junk food and get more exercise.

  My girl didn’t miss a beat. “Hey Teddy. How do you feel about fro yo?”

  “Um, what?”

  “Frozen yogurt. I swear I’ve got the strongest craving for some right now.” She winked at me. Mom looked alarmed. I would have to explain that craving comment later. Leave it to a mother to jump to the most extreme conclusion. It was a joke. “Wanna head out with me and show me the best place around here?”

  My family was completely caught off guard. We all looked dumbstruck.

  Again, Teddy mumbled, “Umm . . .”

  Dad voiced his opinion for once, “Well, Ted’s trying to cut back on the sweets for athletics.”

  “I told you, I quit Dad.”

  “Now, hold on. I told you we were meeting with Coach next week.”

  “I can’t do football this year, I just can’t. I wish you’d all get off my back.”

  I thought I was helping by butting in. “You love football and you’re damn good. That’s a load of horseshit. Can’t, my ass.”

  “Man, shut up. You don’t know. You don’t live here. You’re barely ever around.”

  “Teddy, your brother has a demanding career.”

  Teddy rolled his eyes. That sort of
attitude was brand new to me. I’d never experienced this type of hostility from my little brother.

  Penny didn’t back down. Obviously, she’d thought this through. “Seriously, Teddy. Moderation is the key and we can get low-fat with fruit, maybe a bit of dark chocolate. We’ll get our fix, Chet can be the center of the universe like he loves and then tomorrow, you can join me on a run. It’s a win-win for us. Fro yo then training. What do you say?”

  Teddy finally said more than three stutters to Penny. “You really run?”

  “Yep, sure do. I’m not so fast, but I’ve got decent endurance. I prefer company too. It makes the time pass a whole lot quicker.” Mom went along with what Penny tried to accomplish. She told him to go on ahead because Penny didn’t know her way around Palmdale.

  Dad didn’t dare utter another word. He smiled. Penny held up her hand, “You have my keys, buddy?”

  I tossed her the keys, she effortlessly caught them with one hand. God, I loved her.

  She raised her other hand, “Money?”

  Fuck. That was hot. She asked for money in front of my family completely uninhibited. I had no idea why it had such an effect on me, but her comfort with our relationship meant everything. She now walked with her head held high in public, often smiling and waving at paps. She was welcoming and gracious to the fans and her critics were dwindling.

  I pulled out my wallet and walked her to the side door that led to the garage. I put two twenties in her hand and closed her fingers around it. “You think I’m going to eat my weight in yogurt?”

  “No, but I want you to bring me back a large, half white chocolate, half cheesecake with lots of berries.”

  “Which kind?”

  “All of them.” I kissed her soundly and made a promise to myself that no matter what I went through with my parents this evening, Penny and I were going to have some real fun when the rest of the household went to sleep. “You’re really okay with that broody teenage boy?”

  “Yep, I’m a trained professional. I’ve got this. You sort out your issues with your parents and don’t worry about me and Teddy, we’re going to be excellent friends from this day forward.”

  “Hey, beautiful. I was beginning to think you weren’t brave enough to join me.” She took her time coming to bed. I think Mom cornered her to talk. They came in chatting like old friends. I sat down with my yogurt when the whole family decided to watch a movie. Mom and Dad even sat next to each other. For the first time since the big hospital fight, I felt a whole lot better about their situation. We had a nice long talk about things and it wasn’t as dire as I’d made it in my mind.

  Penny slid in between my sheets next to me. “Sorry, Sheila was curious. Oh, nice bed. It’s comfy.”

  “Yep, the best or should I say even better now that you’re here. My seventeen-year-old self would jump for joy about this predicament.”

  “Are you attempting to convince me you’ve never had a girl in this room?”

  “I haven’t. I swear. Mom was insane. She heard everything, knew the difference between certain people’s walks- especially mine, Heather’s and our friends.’ I wouldn’t dare take that risk.”

  Penny wrapped her hands around my neck. “I think I like being your first in unexpected ways.”

  “You’re my first in all the ways that matter most.”

  I slowly walked two fingers up her spine. I took my time counting each vertebrae, tracing all the divots and bumps. She feigned sleep because I could tell I’d woken her up a few minutes ago. I saw her twitch from my tiny tickles. Penny wanted up at 7:30, but I woke her a little early. I swear I barely slept. My body wouldn’t stop vibrating with energy. Ever since the wedding, we’d spent tons of time together. Most of our time in private was practicing all the things we missed out on the four months Penny needed to get her nerve up. She caught on quickly.

  Of course, Penny established a few rules from the get-go. I was respectful of her wishes no matter how difficult it was to behave when I clearly wanted her so much. Rule number one was no one got undressed, but this morning staring at her bare back made me happy we were both a couple of rule breakers.

  She rolled, but grabbed the sheet so she stayed covered up. “Hand me my shirt.” I tried to tug the sheet, but she had a death-grip on it. “Shirt.”

  “Why so shy? I already saw.” I squeezed my eyes tightly shut. “Yep, I remember, perfectly, if I’m being completely honest.”

  Her face heated up. I was hot some place else.

  “Please, Chet. That was in the dark and in the moment. I really need my shirt.”

  “Why? Let’s stay in bed a little longer.”

  “I can’t. I’m running with Teddy in ten minutes.”

  I chuckled at her naivety. “Babe, you don’t really expect him up at 7:30 Saturday morning in the middle of summer?”

  “Yes, he and I made plans.”

  I fell back and tugged her on top of me. She wasn’t easing up on the sheet. It was still wrapped around her, keeping me separated from her soft skin. I was determined to make her forget those plans with my little brother.

  Penny returned my kisses but not nearly as long as I wanted. She pushed me away. “Stop. I’m serious. I’m going for a run.”

  The playful mood changed abruptly. I couldn’t stop staring at her, “You’re so beautiful. That was the best night of my life.”

  She pinched me close to the waist of my boxers. “But . . .”

  I put my finger over her lips. “No, I don’t lie, especially to you. I mean it.”

  “We didn’t. I mean.”

  “Yeah, I was there, I know what we did and didn’t do, but I won’t take back what I said. You’re it for me. I love you so much.”

  Penny stopped trying to leave the bed. She let go of the linens and grabbed hold of me like I was her lifeline. I decided a long time ago, she was mine. Sure, I wasn’t a virgin and she still was, but the night was still my best. I hadn’t exaggerated. I had never cared so much about the person with me and it made all the difference in the world.

  There was a moment of hesitation once during the heat of the moment I thought she wanted more, but I’m the one that held back. My old bedroom door didn’t even have a lock. My family was feet away. I wanted to give her something a little more memorable and special. Teddy knocking on my door and spoiling everything reminded me we had very little privacy here.

  Penny yelled that she was getting ready and would be right out. I shook my head and called her a liar. She lost some of her inhibitions because she jumped up and dug for her clothes. The sheet stayed on the bed and she used one arm to cover her chest while her hand tossed clothes out of her bag. This was a great show and I couldn’t stop laughing. As soon as she slipped on her running shoes, she was about to bolt.

  I jumped up to block her, “Nuh uh, not so fast. I need a goodbye kiss.” Teddy was immediately at the top of my shit list when he knocked again, only this time it was way louder. I swung open the door fast. I tried to look as menacing as possible standing there in only my underwear. “Do you remember what I used to do to you for being annoying?”

  He tried to act like a badass, no doubt for Penny’s benefit. “Yeah, but too bad I can’t fit in the cabinet anymore. I grew up. Almost as tall as you it seems.” He did this whole air measurement thing in between us. He was way off when it came to his height.

  “Bye, Chet.” She looped her arm with my kid brother’s to pull him away. Teddy looked over his shoulder to give me one last fuck off smirks.

  I didn’t care what time of the morning it was when I yelled back. “Keep it up and we’ll see just how flexible you are when I fold you into that kitchen cabinet again.” He flipped me off, little shit. “Mom said you were an accident. She only wanted two kids!”

  Dad stepped out of their room about that time dressed for his weekend golf game. “Your mother thought she might sleep in. What’s all the banging and yelling about?”

  “Teddy’s being an ass.”

  “Sure, it’s Ted
dy and not you?”

  He asked if I wanted to tag along for golf. I had nothing better to do, so I told him I’d be right out. What the hell did Penny and Teddy even talk about when they were alone? They probably had nothing in common. He was fifteen, awkward and girl crazy. She had opened herself up to a huge crush from him and yet I couldn’t stop smiling. Isn’t it great?

  Penny and Mom were out back admiring the flower beds and watching Pepper run in circles when Dad and I got home. I approached. I gave Penny a squeeze and kiss on the cheek. I was curious how that run went.

  Mom couldn’t wait to tell me that Penny convinced Teddy to stay in football.

  “Not exactly. I just got him to open up and tell me about his likes and what he really wants to do. You know, it isn’t easy being young and under all that scrutiny because his brother is so famous. He catches a lot of crap at school and never knows who his true friends are.”

  “Get out.” Mom and Penny both gave me looks of disbelief. “Wait. Are you serious? He does?”

  “Yes, did you think he was a normal 15-year-old?”

  “Well, yeah, I guess I always did. Teddy’s laid back, never seemed worried about it too much.”

  “He is for the most part. All he wants is to do well in sports, have some loyal friends, maybe catch the eye of a pretty girl, but he’s in your shadow, Chet. That part, he doesn’t want even though he’s also really proud of you.”

  “Penny’s right. I’ve been telling Don this for years and he always dismisses me. ‘Ted doesn’t care about things like that.’ I’m pretty certain, that’s how he got injured, pushing himself too much, trying to be noticed for his own talents. He’s been depressed since the injury and I’m excited to see a shift in his mood.”