Chapter 7
Through a narrow slit in the blinds, I watch Penny head across the gravel driveway and disappear through the side door of her house. I meant what I said when I told her she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, whether she believes it or not. Every time I look at her, my cock seems to take on a life of its own. Working beside her for two weeks will be absolute torture. I’ll probably be taking a lot of cold showers.
Once she’s inside, I walk around, taking in my new digs. She made it sound barebones, but it’s actually pretty nice. It’s a studio with a small kitchen, living area, bathroom, and in one corner is a king-size bed that looks ridiculously comfortable. When I get to it, I flop down, stretching out in the middle, and good lord! Either I slept worse last night than I thought, or she went above and beyond on this bed. The rest of the furniture is probably thrifted, but this mattress is something else.
This day has completely turned around my expectations for this trip. It’s already been the attitude adjustment I need, and that feisty redhead next door might have something to do with it. In the world I’ve existed in, it’s all about who knows who—the greater the net worth, the better. Something tells me she couldn’t care less how famous I am. No, it takes a lot to impress that woman. Plus, I’ve enjoyed my time around her so far, and she saved my back from the hell I was willing to put it through. I might have told Ty that I was calling this whole thing off, but the minute I looked up and saw Penny standing at the studio, I knew I’d sleep in my van as long as necessary for the chance to spend more time with her.
Realizing I haven’t updated Ty yet, I grab my phone and hit his contact, putting him on speaker while I start unpacking my bags.
When he answers, I hear that familiar note of concern in his voice, and guilt pricks at me for all I’ve put him through.
"Just letting ya know, you’re welcome to say ‘I told you so.’” He was right to postpone the tour and send me here. Even after a day, I know this is the right call.
“Nah, I won’t rub it in. But I have bad news. I haven’t had any luck finding lodging. But based on what you just said, I’m not sure if I need to book a flight back to Texas or not. I was thinking you could take your breather there.”
“Actually, I’ve got it figured out. Turns out the studio has an apartment they rent out. I’m unpacking right now. It’s perfect.”
“What’s the studio like? I saw pictures on their website. Is it everything I imagine?” he asks.
“Man, it’s everything and more. Penny and I cut demos today for the studio band. She’ll let me know when they’ll be ready to start recording. I’m assuming it’ll be Monday when things really get going.”
“Penny? I thought the studio owner’s name is Charlie. That’s what the website says.”
I tell him all about meeting Penny at the bar and arriving this morning to find her standing there.
“She owns the whole damn place, Ty. And she’s the sound tech.” I’m unable to tamp down the note of admiration in my voice. “The apartment is over her garage.”
“And the plot thickens,” Ty hums through a low laugh.
I chuckle at his words. "Why don’t you come for a visit while I’m here? You told me you’ve been here before, but it’s been years."
He hesitates. I figure it’s because he’s enjoying his time without me in Texas. God knows he needs this break. "We’ll see."
I’ve finished unpacking, so I sit on the couch, propping my feet up on the coffee table. Ty and I talk a while longer about Kate’s media statement and how people have reacted to it. According to him, the reaction has been about what I expected, from well wishes to trolls. I’ve avoided social media like the plague since the night my tour was cut short.
I glance down at my phone to a text notification.
Penny
I’m assuming you’re gonna need groceries. If you want, we can run and grab some things. Seeing how you’re planning on cooking for me and all.
“Hey, man, Penny’s texting. I’m gonna let you go and see what she’s saying.”
“Wow. It’s like that, huh?” he says, laughing.
“Shut up. I’ll talk to you later. Go have some fun or something while I’m gone. Go get laid! You probably need it.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
Once the call ends, I pull up my text thread with Penny.
You just can’t get enough of me, can ya?
Penny
Groceries sound great. I need things to keep up here, anyway. Got any stores that won't be super crowded? My publicist put out a statement, but I still wanna lie low for a bit longer. I know you said I’m safe, but I can’t ever be too careful.
Penny
Yep! There's a market not too far from here. It’s a few streets over. They’ll have anything the big stores have.
Thanks, darlin’.
Penny
Nope! Do not winky face at me! Business, remember?
mmhmm
After a quick shower, I change into a clean t-shirt, Levi’s, and boots, and head downstairs to Penny’s. Her house seems to suit what little I know of her. It’s an old two-story craftsman bungalow that’s been painted a no-nonsense white at some point.
Along the side of her house, rows of sunflowers reach toward the sky, reminding me of that ink I spotted on her back at the bar. When I step onto her porch, I see it's dotted with potted plants and bright colored flowers.
Penny didn’t actually tell me to come to her house, but we also didn’t agree on how we’d meet up to get groceries. Settling onto her swing, I pull out my phone, shooting a quick text letting her know I’m out here.
While waiting for her response, I stretch out both arms and tilt my head back, noticing the ceiling of her porch is painted sky blue, and in one corner there’s a sunshine painted with a smiley face, like maybe a child drew it.
My phone buzzes and I glance down to see a text from her.
Penny
Let yourself in. I’m freshening up and then I’ll be ready. The front door’s unlocked.
I stand and wiggle the knob. Sure enough, it’s unlocked. Small-town life, huh? Growing up in Warbler, Texas, I kind of remember what that was like. It’s a rural area, and it felt small, like everyone knew each other and their business, including my sordid story.
Aunt Ashley and Uncle Brad did all they could to give Tyler, Cassie, and me the best life possible, including a safe house with good neighbors.
I’m instantly wrapped in warmth when I step inside. Splashes of colorful art decorate the walls, and houseplants fill every available window. Her floors are worn wood that’s probably original to the house and there’s a staircase leading to the second floor directly in front of me. To my left, I spot an upright piano in what must be the formal dining room. Hmm…I wonder if she plays or if it’s just for looks.
Making my way into her living room, my eyes are drawn to the bookshelves surrounding a brick fireplace. The shelves are full of books arranged in a rainbow pattern. Her couch is covered in throw pillows, and draped over the arm of the sofa is the fluffiest orange and white cat I've ever seen. I approach with tentative steps in case the cat is skittish. But it looks up at me with a curious little face, its eyes wide and unbothered.
“You’re a good buddy, aren’t you? You want a little head scratch?” The cat eyes me curiously while I baby-talk. Growing up, my aunt always had a couple of outdoor cats and something about them reminded me to be gentle in life. I’m afraid that somewhere along the way, some of that gentleness slipped through my fingers and got lost.
When I take a seat on the worn leather couch, it stretches with a big yawn before hopping onto my lap, settling in for those head scratches I mentioned.
I’m still baby-talking when I hear an amused chuckle. Penny’s standing in the doorway, watching me tell her cat what a good girl she is. I guess it’s a girl? Based on the pink collar I assume it is.
“What’s its name?” I ask as she moves into the room. The big fluff ball hops down from my lap and scampers over to her, looking for a second helping of love. She leans down and scoops the cat into her arms, a loud purr starting immediately.
“ Her name’s Honey. She was a stray when I found her. My grandfather was a beekeeper, and one day he left a jar open on his back porch. When he came back out, this tiny kitten was dipping its paw in the jar. She made such a mess, and the honey took forever to get out of her fur. You ever tried bathing a cat?” Penny chuckles to herself, and I shake my head at the thought.
She takes a seat on the other side of the couch, and I notice she’s changed into a different Dolly shirt from the one she was wearing earlier. I nod my head to it. “I take it you like Dolly Parton?”
“Who doesn’t?”
“Touché.”
“She’s an absolute genius. She was surrounded by all these men who only saw big boobs and bigger hair. Meanwhile, she wrote two of the greatest songs in history over the same weekend.”
“Actually, I didn’t know that. What a treasure,” I respond.
“A national treasure,” she corrects, grinning over at me. “Wanna know a secret?”
“Oh, I absolutely wanna know a secret.” I lean toward her conspiratorially. “Are you an heir to her fortune or something?”
She laughs, waving me off. “Don’t I wish. No, back in high school, my best friend Josie and I got grounded for staying out past curfew. We were so mad that we wrote a letter to Dolly asking her to adopt us.”
This pulls a laugh from me. “Did you hear back from her?”
“Nah. It would have been fun to hear from her, though, wouldn’t it?”
I smile and nod in agreement, letting Honey’s loud purring fill the silence.
“Should we make a menu before we go?” she asks. “I’m a planner. I like knowing what to expect. But there’s a slight hitch in your plan.” She cringes. “I’m the pickiest eater you’ll ever meet. I have the palate of a five-year-old. Can you work with that in your culinary expertise?” Her tone is teasing, and she’s obviously expecting me to renege on my offer to cook for her.
“I’ll have you know, my aunt Ashley’s who taught me to cook. Nobody cooks like her. I learned from the best,” I say smugly, knowing I’ve one-upped her again in this “just business” deal she thinks we’ve made.
“You’re not what I expected, Austin James. You’re full of surprises. As Walt Whitman said, you contain multitudes.”
“Nah, I like to think of myself like Shrek. I’ve got layers like an onion,” I reply.
“Or a parfait! Everybody likes a parfait!” she quips back, catching my reference. Our eyes meet, and we both burst into laughter. It’s such a foreign feeling, laughing like this, that I shake my head, looking at her.
Penny scoots closer, opening up the notes app on her phone, and we start working on the list. I already have a few ideas for meals that will prove that I do, in fact, know my way around a kitchen.
* * *
Penny pushes the cart and I walk alongside her, our hands brushing every so often. Each time it happens, a jolt of electricity shoots through me like I’ve touched a live wire. There’s no way she doesn’t feel it. In fact, I’m certain she does by the way her breath hitches.
We gather what we need, talking effortlessly the whole time. She tells me a bit about growing up in Singing River. It was just her and her dad after her mom passed away when she was twelve. She doesn’t offer any details about her mom’s death, and I don’t ask. She also mentions that her dad passed away a few years ago, and that’s when she stepped in to take over the studio.
Her tone makes it clear she’s oversimplifying her story, but I don’t push her. That’s fine by me. We all have stories we keep locked away. I know that as well as anyone.
“Do you have any other family?” I ask, and quickly realize the question might be a bit too personal despite everything we’ve shared today.
But she just hums, tilting her head side to side. “Not really family by blood, no. I have my friends and the band. My aunt lives in Georgia, but we aren’t close. She and Dad never got along. My nana passed away from Covid, and Pops followed not long after. Everyone says he died of a broken heart.”
Well, damn. That really puts things in perspective. Life might have started off rough for me, but I have my aunt, uncle, Ty, and Cassie. I wouldn’t say I have my mom, and I sure as hell don’t have my dad’s sorry ass. Despite him, though, I never felt like I didn’t have a family; it just felt like I didn’t deserve them sometimes, thanks to the cruel words my dad ingrained in me.
A look must have crossed my face because she quickly adds, “It’s fine. I’m fine.” A beat passes. “What about you?”
I tell her a bit about my aunt and uncle, but like her, I also keep plenty of details to myself. I hate that look of pity people get when they hear about my whole shitty childhood.
We talk about Tyler and how he practically built his life around me. He’s been by my side every step of the way, even getting a degree in music management so that we could work together. My dream became his, and when my head is clear enough to think rationally, I remind myself of all the sacrifices he’s made. Guilt gnaws a hole in my stomach every time I think about how much he’s given up for my career.
She doesn’t need to know about my parents, but there is another topic currently on my mind that I’m comfortable bringing up.
“I have a younger sister—Cassie. She lives in Dallas with her asshat boyfriend. She’s a therapist there. I probably need to talk to her soon, clear the air a bit, ya know?”
She’s quiet for a beat like she’s choosing her words carefully. “You only have to tell me what you want to, if anything, but why do you need to clear the air?” she asks gently.
“Let’s just say, I’m her big brother. When my life started spiraling, she tried talking to me about it. Nobody knows me like her and I felt like she was trying to therapize me. I was in a bad headspace, and I lashed out. Some pretty awful things were said and I know I hurt her. We haven’t talked since.”
We’re in the cereal aisle and I clock that Penny tosses the store brand of cereal into the cart. In fact, everything she’s picked out has been store brand.
“How long’s it been since y’all talked?” she asks, steering the cart into the next aisle.
Taking a moment, I think back to when we last spoke, trying to recall exactly how long it’s been. “Hmm, it was Christmas. Seven months, I guess. I’m sure she’s angry and hurt, and I’m stubborn and ashamed. So yeah, not a good mix.” My response barely hides the pain in my words. Pain and regret.
“You think you’ll reach out to her soon? She’s probably pretty worried. If you were my brother, I know I’d want to know you were all right.” Penny reaches over, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. It pulls at something inside me, a comfort I didn’t even know I needed.
Letting out a long breath, I say, “Yeah, tomorrow I’ll take a couple of hours and get in touch with everyone. Ty’s filled them in on what’s going on, but they deserve a call from me. They deserve a lot more than that, if I’m being honest.”
There’s more courage in my voice than I actually feel. The thought of having all these hard conversations weighs heavy on my chest, but it’s something I know I need to do.
She nods, her eyes filled with understanding, and we continue shopping in comfortable silence for a moment, grabbing the last few things on our list.
“Have you ever had candy salad?” she asks, shifting the topic.
I raise an eyebrow at her, amused. “That's an oxymoron, Penny.”
Penny chuckles, shaking her head. “It’s basically a bunch of candy thrown into a bowl. Gummy candy, hard candy, but all fruity flavors. No chocolate allowed.”
Honestly, the thought of it makes my teeth ache.
“It’s my favorite guilty pleasure. We should make some. Candy salad can turn even the worst day around.” She grins up at me, full of so much confidence for a grown woman calling candy a salad.
To the candy aisle we go, grabbing all the fruity sweets we can find. Nerds, Twizzlers, Swedish Fish—you name it, it goes in our cart.
We roll to the checkout, and as we’re unloading the cart I spot the magazine rack. There, for the whole town to see, is that same damn gossip magazine I saw the other day. It’s like I can’t escape it. Penny sees me eyeing them, and before I know what’s happening she’s gathered every last one of them into her arms and tossed them onto the conveyor belt. I look at her with a quizzical expression, but she simply shrugs, continuing to unload groceries.
When the total pops up on the screen, I whip out my credit card and tap it before she even has time to fish hers from her purse.
“Austin! I’m supposed to pay. That's what board means in room and board. "
“You took too long to find your card. No big deal. I wanted to pay,” I say, not looking up from where I’m loading the bags into the cart. No way in hell was I letting her pay.
As we pass a large trash can in the parking lot, Penny reaches into the cart and grabs all three bags of magazines and tosses them into the trash, wiping her hands. She doesn’t look at me, and I don’t acknowledge it, but I have to swallow down the lump that's forming in my throat.
Once we’re back at the house, we unload the groceries, and I go in behind her to help put them away. It’s oddly domestic, like we’ve done it a million times, considering we only met last night. I’ll have to put a pin in that thought to examine later.
When she tries to stifle a huge yawn, I figure I better get on back to my new room over the garage. I’m pretty beat, too. Today feels like we’ve crammed two days in one.
“Imma head back up there,” I hitch a thumb toward the apartment while gently scratching behind Honey’s ears. “All right if we get a late start tomorrow in the studio? I think I’ll make those calls to my family in the morning.”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about that. Since we’re using my studio band, we can’t do much till Monday. I’ve heard from them and they can all start then. I’ve sent the demos to them, and they’ll be available the entire two weeks.”
I’m disappointed that we won’t be recording together tomorrow, but I agree because she’s right. It doesn’t make sense to work on my music without the band.
Right as I’m heading to the door, a book on her kitchen table catches my eye. “Whatcha reading? It looks like those kids' books my aunt reads.” The cover is colorful with cartoon people on it.
She lets out a small snort as she laughs, quickly smacking her hand over her mouth. “I can’t believe I snorted,” she says through her fingers. Embarrassment tinges her ivory neck pink, but she’s still laughing.
A grin spreads across my lips. “You’re adorable.”
Walking over to her book, I pick it up, flipping through the pages. “But what’s funny about the book?”
“Austin,” she starts, trying to snatch the book from my hand, but I hold it higher where she can’t reach, “That’s not a kid’s book. It’s a romance, with—you know—spicy scenes. They put cartoons on the cover so we can read them in public and nobody will know what’s inside.”
My eyes widen at the page that I’ve flipped to. “Spicy scenes, you say?” I scan a few paragraphs and my mouth parts. I toss the book back on her table while mentally picturing my aunt’s bookcases full of similar cartoon-covered books.
Penny bites her lip, trying to hold back a laugh at my reaction.
“Well, alrighty then. Imma head out now.” My cheeks are flaming at the thought of my aunt reading whatever is written inside those books.
Right before I reach her back door, I spin around, and our eyes catch. Hers are a golden brown, a perfect match to my favorite whiskey, and I suck in a breath.
“Today’s been good for me. I want you to know that.”
“It’s been good for me, too,” A small smile spreads across those full lips of hers. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” She steps closer and sticks her hand out for me to shake.
This stubborn woman. Business, my ass. Instead of shaking her hand, I bring it to my lips and brush a light kiss across her knuckles.
“Oh, the pleasure’s been all mine, darlin’.” With one last wink because I just can't help myself, I turn and head toward the garage. Right before I reach the stairs, I steal a quick glance back. She’s standing right where I left her, looking down at her hand wearing a dazed expression.
Once I shower and brush my teeth, I climb into the bed-shaped cloud. Finally, I pull out the day’s events to examine them more closely. Penny and I talked all day and had a great time together, and I felt a bit like my old self for the first time in a long time. Absentmindedly, I rub circles on my chest because something I can’t quite name is growing right beneath my ribcage.
I’m not sure I could have predicted any of this if I’d tried. This is not what I expected. But so far, nothing has been in this little Alabama town.
Then, an even bigger realization hits me: not once today did I crave a drink. Not a single time.