The Price of Penny

by T. C. Rybicki

  “Sorry, we can’t help it.” Maybe Chet and I were a little too gooey lately but I couldn’t stop myself either. My six-month-ago self would thoroughly make fun of who I’d become, but I hardly cared.

  I got the vibe from Chet that he was ready to leave. We were making Wayne sick with our affectionate ways and Chet would rather be alone. He was right, the reality that we were about to embark on a long-distance relationship weighed heavily on both of us. I relished every moment I had with him lately.

  Chet was making up our exit excuse when Wayne had one more favor we weren’t expecting. “You’ve come a long way Penny. Remember the baby step conversation we had a while back?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, if you guys aren’t too busy the rest of the day, would you mind helping me with one of my biggest fears?”

  We finally made it out of the car. Wayne walked aimlessly through the rows, but it was progress. I held tight to Chet’s hand. This whole journey had taken so much out of all of us. Grant it, we took almost four hours to get to this point. We drove in circles, stopped, Chet and I got out, then back in when Wayne wouldn’t open his door. Chet suggested milkshakes, then after the twenty-fifth time down the road, Wayne decided he needed a taco. He promised then he would actually go onto the cemetery grounds.

  I refused to eat tacos after a hearty lunch and half a milkshake. Chet and Wayne didn’t have a problem eating two a piece. I knew Chet was training more and more lately. He cheated on his diet on the weekends, but honestly, he never changed no matter what I saw him eat. He looked great and I was jealous that men had all the luck regarding metabolism.

  I whispered to Chet. I wondered if he had any clue what Wayne was doing. The longer we were at the cemetery, the faster Wayne’s steps became. Chet shook his head. We only tried to keep up. Eventually, Wayne made his last turn, he paused before walking up to a grave marker. It was so surreal in those few moments. Wayne fell to his knees and openly wept. We finally realized where we were when we could read the surname Watson on the granite stone. If Chet hadn’t held onto me, my legs would’ve given out. Wayne was terrified of this place, but he took his baby steps and finally made it. He visited his father’s grave. I was filled with a rush of my own sad memories and emotions. I toured cemeteries with Dad for therapy, but Wayne avoided them to protect himself. All the years of pent-up emotions flooded out of him.

  Chet asked if I was okay. I nodded. He stepped away from me so he could kneel down with his best friend. Chet put his arm around Wayne. I backed away a little to give them some privacy. I wasn’t sure what Chet said to him, but he was amazing. They teased and taunted each other most of the time, but these men were like brothers. I’m glad they had such a bond. I was privileged to know them both.

  Wayne hugged me before climbing into the car. He admitted he wouldn’t even attend the graveside service when his father passed, so I was correct in thinking he’d never stepped foot in front of his father’s grave. The reality of finally mustering up the courage to be here was monumental to him. I started to climb in the passenger seat when Chet stopped me.

  He mouthed thank you, but I hadn’t done anything. This day was all a reflection of Wayne’s bravery and determination. I was a mere witness to it all.

  “You had a hand in it and you know it. What you said to him before must have started the wheels turning. He knew your struggles and now he sees how open and in love we are. I’m pretty sure you motivated him more than you realize and I love you more everyday.”

  I gave him a gentle kiss. I felt the same way about him. I kept falling more in love with Chet. I thought I knew all the answers for my life before I walked out to find an annoying superstar staring at me in the bridal shop. I went through so many ups and downs these past few months, but also came full circle. I’d experienced feelings and love I didn’t know I was capable of after losing Jordan. I swore off this type of thing, but I was up to my eyeballs in love with Chet. I told him in the beginning I doubted anyone actually wanted to spend time with him. Now I was counting the minutes we weren’t spending time together. I wanted to be with him all my waking and non-awake hours. It was nuts. There were no doubts now, I was certain of my answer if he asked the question that I was told was on his mind according to Heather. Last night, I wasn’t completely sure how I’d react, but today, I knew. I was going to marry this man and when I did, it would be forever.

  I poured a cup of mid-morning coffee about the second Penny opened the door like she owned the place. She owned me, so same difference. “Hey, baby. I didn’t know you were stopping by.”

  “I’ve been calling. Let me guess, you stayed up playing music and just woke up?”

  “Bingo. You think you know me.”

  “I know I do.”

  “Enough chit chat. Come here.” I pulled her close so I could kiss those sweet lips that loved to sass me. Penny smelled divine as usual. She tasted even better and when I finally let her go, I noticed she looked equally amazing. I wasn’t sure what she’d been doing because she didn’t normally primp so much just to come hang out. “Where have you been?”

  “Out and about.”

  “I figured, but what do I owe this pleasant surprise visit to?”

  She had this wicked grin but said matter-of-fact, “It’s time we do something in your bedroom that’s long overdue.”

  She didn’t have to tell me twice. I hoisted up, flipped her over my shoulder and ran like the caveman I was currently acting like. I couldn’t help but hunch over because of the instant boner she gave me.

  Penny squealed and pounded my back the entire way down the hall. I tossed her on the bed. I was two seconds behind her because I paused long enough to wonder if I should undress or if I was jumping the gun. She rolled to her left to miss being pinned down, so I soon figured out she hadn’t meant what I hoped she meant.

  “You’re a maniac.”

  “You said ‘bedroom’ and ‘long overdue.’ What was I supposed to think you meant?”

  “Your bed, Chet.”

  Again, she ignited hope. I hooked my leg over both of hers. This time I got her still so I could give her another kiss. It was way hotter than what we started in the kitchen. Now we were getting somewhere. She didn’t roll or push me away. Penny was into it until she wasn’t.

  “Stop, we have work to do.”

  “I prefer to call it pleasure instead of work.”

  She sat up and told me I was impossible. “The men will be here in about ten minutes.”

  “Men?” Instant deflation occurred at the mention of men stopping by.

  “Yes, with your new mattress. Now move your arse and help me strip this bed down.”

  “I’d rather strip you.”

  “Maybe later, but I’m about to be your new best friend.” I wouldn’t forget her ‘later’ comment. Also, she clearly was the best thing I had going in my life. “I bought you the most comfortable mattress on the market, chiropractor and orthopedic doctor approved. Well, technically, you bought it but it’s the thought that counts.”

  I couldn’t believe it when she told me the whole story. At first, I thought she swiped my credit card, but Gage took her shopping. That fucking traitor. He worked for me and I didn’t have a clue about any of this.

  An hour later, I was spread eagle on a sheet of plastic and it already felt like heaven. Penny didn’t let me stay long. She wanted to make the bed proper.

  “Are those sheets clean or dirty? Never mind, you tossed them on the floor so I guess they’re dirty.”

  “Um, no idea. I don’t remember the last time Lupe washed them. She had a family emergency and didn’t come last week.”

  “Are you honestly saying you don’t do your own laundry?”

  “Nope, I’m not saying that.”

  “So, you do your own laundry?”

  “No, I never do. I don’t know even know how to work that damn thing. It has more buttons than a jet.”

  “I want to choke you right now.”

  “Oh, baby. I nev
er thought you were into such things, but I’m willing to experiment if you are.”

  “Chet, be serious. I have a hard time believing Sheila didn’t teach you to do laundry.”

  I told her after attempting it once and ruining several so-called expensive items, Mom put me on kitchen duty and gave Heather the laundry chore. She admitted I washed a dish like a pro and she’d never seen a man with such a carefully mapped out plan to load the dishwasher. Penny wanted to know where I kept the extra sheets. I told her, but then complained that the ones I needed to wash were the only ones I actually liked. She dragged me to my laundry room, blabbing about how I had more money than God, but didn’t own more than one usable set of sheets.

  She was determined to force me to learn how to work the washer and dryer. Sheet shopping was added to her to-do list. She had a running list of things I was missing according to her comfort level.

  We decided to finish the Marco Polo series while we waited. When we got hungry, Penny was happy to see I had grocery shopped. We got all the items out we liked for fully loaded omelets. I made her have a seat at the bar while I finished up the eggs. She did the veggie chopping.

  “What’s this?”

  Penny had a paper in her hands I forgot to hide. “Your birthday present. Way to spoil the big surprise.”

  She was confused so I told her all about our trip to San Diego. I wanted to take her on a more elaborate vacation, but time was getting away from us and I was scheduled to leave for Argentina soon. I knew she didn’t want to miss any more work this summer, but this would be a quick four days and she only had to take one vacation day.

  “Say something.”

  “I have to work.”

  “No you don’t. You think you’re the only one that can hijack a life? I already called. What’s that chatty woman that answers the phone at the clinic?”

  “Lori?”

  “Yeah, Lori rescheduled all your appointments to the following week, so you’re good.”

  “I feel like a loser. I barely did anything for your birthday last month.”

  We had a quiet evening in and a homemade cake. She was swamped with the wedding plans at the time and I hardly cared. As far as I was concerned, the trip was as much my present as it was hers. Penny had no other arguments. She agreed we were due for a weekend that was solely ours.

  We ate our omelets. I played some songs I’d been working on. Penny was my muse since I wrote several new songs for the first time since I got swept away with this franchise madness. Teenage angst no longer fit my mood, and I searched to find a new niche. It would be a long time before I debuted my music to anyone other than her. We watched a little more TV. Of course, she crashed and I wanted to take the opportunity to sneak away and get some things done around the condo. However, she looked pretty damn comfy so I snuggled in behind her in our regular spot. I only intended to rest my eyes about fifteen minutes.

  A couple of hours later, Penny realized where she was and that neither of us had moved. “Oh crap, it’s dark out. Why’d you let me sleep so long?”

  “You looked too sexy and peaceful. I didn’t dream of waking you. Plus, I fell asleep too if you didn’t notice.”

  “Wow, we napped hard.”

  “Yep, so hard, babe.” She was right. It was one of those occasions when I wasn’t sure if it was still today or tomorrow already.

  “So, are your sheets dry? I can help you make the bed. Wouldn’t want you to have to wait until Lupe arrives Monday morning.”

  “Ha ha, you’re so funny. I can make the bed even if I couldn’t run the washing machine until today, but . . .”

  “But?”

  “I fell asleep and I forgot to put them in the dryer.” I headed toward the laundry room. Penny followed, no doubt planning to test my knowledge of the dryer like she had with the washing machine. I suggested what we could do with our time while we waited. I was hungry again. I basically told her we could go out or order in. It was up to her. Penny had no place to be. She was shocked she had a babysitter for the entire weekend. Maggie ended up missing Pepper and had picked her up that night, so the dog could get used to the new place.

  It took me a minute to catch on I was the only one talking. Penny had plenty to say when I learned to load the washing machine. There were so many rules about balance, water temperature and cycles. I guess the dryer was a lot more cut and dry so she let me handle it all on my own.

  Sometimes, guys like me were as clueless as they came. I finally realized Penny was staring at me while I was caught up in wet, fragrant linens and dryer sheets. As soon as I pressed the start button, her hand reached out to grip my forearm.

  The energy between us hummed louder than the appliance in the background. I had less than a second to think before she jumped into my arms.

  Penny’s mouth was hungrier than my stomach ever hinted at being. Dinner was officially postponed. I wrapped my arms around her and pressed her into the wall. Sure, the entire time since I made the reservations, I thought about creating the most romantic possible first time for us. Instead, we were starting up in the laundry room. I had zero prep that this would happen. This was about as un-fucking romantic of a spot as possible, but it felt completely perfect. It was so us.

  I pulled back a little so I could make sure she meant what I think she meant. “Are you sure?”

  Penny held her bottom lip in between her teeth and politely nodded her head up and down. “If a lady uses your money to buy the perfect mattress, that means she wants to reap the benefits with you there. And I do mean all of them.”

  She got my one track mind pointed in the right direction. I lifted her into my arms and ran. I tossed Penny for the second time today. She squealed about the duvet or something to cover the bare mattress with. I quickly tossed an assortment of blankets and pillows in her wake.

  Very few times in my life had time ever moved so quickly that I wanted to hit pause. I normally enjoyed the fast pace of movies and LA, but if I could put my finger on a button to put this moment in slow-mo, I would have. I had a skewed version of what sex and intimacy was for the most part. Previously, I’d been selfish if I was truly honest, but this time I was solely concerned for her. Penny was special, what I had with her would be different. It already was.

  We had built up a certain comfort with each other, but there was always an explicit rule the clothes stayed on even though I cheated a few times with her top. Now we were high on our knees slowly taking every strip of fabric between us off. She tugged my cotton tee over my head. Penny’s hands had been on my bare skin before but never this way. I pulled her closer, one hand on her waist, one on her cheek. She closed her eyes and rubbed her face against my palm. It was her turn to be topless. She had one of those killer bras on again. I loved looking at her wearing it, but couldn’t wait to get rid of it.

  We’d been building ever since that first kiss the night of the wedding. No amount of kissing and heavy duty making out prepared me for this moment. My heart pounded so hard, I felt dizzy.

  Once she was fully exposed to my eyes, I reached out to drag greedy fingertips all the way around her breasts. I made sure to trace ever swell and contour of her upper body. I was more than greedy. I was like a junkie having been deprived far too long. I needed a Penny fix and I needed it now. There was a sudden primal need deep within me to shove her to the bed and take her immediately. I’d never felt anything like it. However, I had become proficient with my self-control. I would be patient . . . anything for her. Penny deserved to be worshiped and revered. She’d been through so much.

  I wanted to take away her pain that first night she told me everything, but she wasn’t ready to release it fully. Tonight, she was. I could only take credit for a tiny part of casting away her fears, burying all those hang-ups and misgivings. She overcame most of it on her own. I drew from her strength. All I’d done was love her. That was inevitable since the first time I saw her in that white dress. There was no logical reason for me to be upset a stranger was marrying an invisible m
an. Us getting together was completely irrational from both our perspectives. Irrational, unlikely, improbable had all turned into inevitable and ideal.

  The way she threw her head back, combined with the noises she blended with my name, pulled me away from my thoughts. I leaned all the way in to kiss her neck. For a minute, I paused to establish if this moment was real or one of my many wet dreams about her. The doubt quickly passed because Penny proved the experience was very real.

  Penny’s skin was covered in that sweet lavender scent. She’d been trying to kill me from the start with the way she smelled.

  “You’re so beautiful.”

  My lips journeyed down her slender neck. I kissed and lingered in the exact spot I imagined her heart beating wildly. My head turned just slightly so I could press my ear against her chest.

  “You sure you’re okay? Seems a bit elevated.”

  “Yes, someone once told me there’s a difference between anxiety and arousal and I’m not the least bit anxious.”

  “So, you’re admitting that I turn you on?”

  “Maybe. What about you? Do I turn you on?”

  “Baby, I think that’s obvious.”

  I took her hand and brought it to my heart so she could tell I was just as jacked up as she was. We both had copious amounts of adrenaline and hormones rushing through our veins. Although, I was sure I had way more. We moved our hands slowly down my chest and stomach until she hooked her fingers in the front of my jeans. Penny didn’t stop there, she unfastened them in seconds. I had never been more excited about a woman touching my pants, about to touch what was in my pants.

  “See, told you,” I looked down, “so obvious.” I looked back up to gauge her reaction. My lips hinted a bit of cockiness when I smirked. “Not too shabby, am I?”

  She only hesitated a few seconds before touching me in a way that was a mix of uncertainty and skill. She always had the perfect one liners. I hissed my approval about what she did to me. Penny was a little minx and full of mischief when she snickered, “You’ll do.”