Chapter 27
27
PENNY
“You’re doing really well, Penny.”
My face warms from the positive praise. I spare a glance at Collins. Why does he always look at me like he’s in need of some carbs?
Give the dude a snack.
“Thank you,” I say softly. I pull into the driveway. “Maybe I should have taken a detour and got you some takeout to eat.”
“Why?”
“You just look hungry.”
“I am. But for you.”
“I’m pretty sure having sex in my brother’s new house would be wrong. So please don’t flirt with me.”
Collins chuckles. “Fair enough.”
I cut the engine, hand over the keys, and wait like an obedient princess to be escorted out of my seat like I am part of a dynasty of incapable women.
“You know I can get my own door, right?”
“You know I don’t care to entertain your opinion about it at the moment, right?”
I stick my tongue out at him, mainly because I can and also because I’m safe here from any repercussions.
Collins gets out of the vehicle, walks over to my side, and helps me out like the dutiful bodyguard who has to protect me from accidentally breaking a nail or stubbing a toe.
“Good girl,” he says in a deep tone, sending shivers running up my spine. But it’s his smirk of satisfaction over my submission that makes me melt even more.
“Behave,” I warn.
“Or what?”
My eyes snap to his. He’s not usually this bold, which only adds to my fear that some unspoken danger is lurking, and he’s using every resource to keep me from noticing it. But I play along anyway. “I’ll just have to seduce you at my brother’s house.”
“I won’t complain.”
I shake my head at him and his game he seems to be playing and distract myself by soaking in the scenery.
Located on the river and just north of town, Nic and Claire purchased a piece of land that is perfect for them.
And the house that sits on it is stunning.
Breathtaking.
Seeing Nic exit his house and make his way toward us, I take off running.
“Easy, Penny,” he says with a laugh, catching me midair and spinning me around.
“This is so perfect. I love every detail.”
“You haven’t even seen inside it yet.”
“But I know it will be spectacular because Momma assisted in the execution of your and Claire’s ideas, and Dad helped with the architectural design.”
Setting me on my feet, Nic shakes hands with Collins who has caught up to us.
“We are very fortunate to have two parents who enjoy that type of detailed work, because it isn’t for me,” he explains with a laugh.
“It’s phenomenal. I just can’t get over how pretty it is!”
Nic beams with pride. “Thank you. My girl deserved a forever home to raise our babies in, and giving her this is really a gift for myself just to see her happiness.”
My heart feels like it is melting from the joy that my once-jaded brother has found his person.
“How is Claire?” Angie asks, joining us in the driveway.
I look behind him. “Yeah… Where is she?”
Nic shrugs, guiding me to the porch. “She seems to be doing well. I’m on the verge of bribing the doctor to order her to home confinement, just so she can slow down and take a rest.”
I let out a little laugh. “You and I both know that she will hate that, resent you for it, and?—”
“She won’t find out.”
“Ha,” Angie chokes out. “You can’t honestly believe that?”
Looking sheepish, Nic gives us a grin. “She’ll know I had something to do with it the moment the doctor tells her.”
I nod. “Exactly. Then you’ll have to deal with her wrath.” I fake shudder.
Angie giggles. “And there’s not enough armor in the world that can protect you in that battle.”
“This is true,” Nic grumbles. “She would schedule removal surgery for my balls. And I need them if I want more kids.”
I smirk. No one in the family ever thought Nic would find someone to put up with his overbearing ways. Yet Claire seems like she was created specifically for him.
Gah. I want to feel that way. Adored. Cherished. And then beastly ravished.
I yearn for that all-consuming and passionate love.
If it wasn’t for my brothers finding it with their women, then I would think that it doesn’t really exist. But I know it does. They are living proof.
Looking behind me, I see Collins and Graham chatting quietly.
And of course, the one man I’m truly connecting with is the one who I can’t have long-term.
Why is life so unfair?
Nic leans his weight against the pillar, just as the front door behind him opens and out pops Claire.
“Oh, good. You all arrived and just in time. I made cocktails!”
She is by far the best thing that has ever happened to my otherwise boring brother. No wonder he is always trying to make her happy. He’s afraid of her. I smile to myself at the irony of the controlling man being dished his own medicine. Serves him right.
“She’s been prepping this event all morning,” Nic explains with a forced smile.
“Oh, fun,” I say, clapping my hands together.
“Well, come on in,” Claire insists. “I’m going to use the bathroom and will join you ladies in the kitchen.”
Once she’s out of earshot, Nic leans into Angie and me. “I need a big favor.”
“What is it?” Angie asks.
“I need you to pretend you like the drink she’s planning on serving you.”
My face scrunches up with confusion. I look to Angie and then to Nic. “Why would we not like it?”
Angie taps her foot, looking to be deep in thought. “Oh no… Not one of those healthy things she tries to endure.”
“Ew,” I agree. “Do we have to consume it?”
I turn back and see my oldest brother laughing.
“Keep it up,” Angie threatens, “and I’ll tell Claire to pour you some of her mystery juice. You’ve never had to endure any of her health fads like I had to during our college days. This will be a surprise for your taste buds for sure.”
Graham holds his hands up in defense, but he can’t wipe the silly smirk off his damn face.
“When Claire gets overwhelmed,” Nic explains, “she goes full throttle on the nutrition stuff. And now that she can’t consume the actual beverages herself, she is really playing up your part in her happiness.”
I exhale loudly. “Ugh.” No one wants to make that woman sad, so we are stuck with this one task. Surely, I can consume whatever she gives to me without christening her new kitchen with my vomit.
Surely.
“She says the concoction is a miracle cure for wrinkles, if that makes any difference in your mood…”
“Nic, I’m twenty-two. If I have wrinkles now, then there’s no cure for the inevitable.”
“Okay, fine, Penny. But when she cries, this is on you.”
I smack his arm. “Wow. Way to guilt me, Punk.”
“Yeah, really,” Angie grumbles. “This drink just better not have carrots in it. I will boycott anything Claire makes with carrots.”
I can’t stop giggling. “That’s where you draw the line?”
“Yup.”
I remember Angie sharing the Carrot Diet story with us, and just thinking about it makes me shudder for real.
No, thank you.
When I walk through the front door, I am immediately overcome with awe.
The two-story entryway has a huge, modern chandelier hanging from the ceiling, polished wooden floors, and a grand staircase that looks like it belongs to a queen. Of course, if Nic had his way, Claire wouldn’t be using it for the next few months.
“What do you think?” Claire says, joining us.
“It’s exquisite,” Angie says with wonder.
I nod. “It’s truly magical. And just think, every holiday, you can decorate this entryway and make it your own.”
Tears fill her eyes, and I can’t help but join her in the emotion. “I’ve always wanted a forever home, and my Nic has given it to me.”
I lean into my brother and wrap my arm around his waist. “You are a good man, Nic.” My eyes meet his. “Are you crying?”
He sniffles. “No.”
“Yes, you are.”
“It’s the onions Claire is chopping up in the kitchen,” he defends.
“Onions?” Angie says in disgust. “Oh, please no. Bring back the carrots.”
Claire waves her fingers at us, her eyes squinted. “No spying on my surprise.”
Angie sighs. “Fine.”
“Let me show you all around.”
And she does. Room by room, she guides us through, telling us what she plans in terms of decorating.
“And this room can be yours when you visit, Penny,” Nic announces.
I look around the space. “I love it.”
“You did well, bro,” Graham says, patting Nic on the back.
“Yes, well done,” Collins agrees.
It is easy to be genuinely happy for Claire and Nic. They are so giving to everyone else that I’m proud of them for following a dream of owning their own home.
“Okay,” she says robustly. “It’s cocktail time, bitches!”
Nic moves to his girl to plant a full kiss on her lips. “I’ll be in my office with Graham and Collins if any of you need us.”
Claire pouts, putting her hands on her hips. “Don’t you want to try my special mixed drinks?”
I bite my bottom lip, as Nic fakes his disappointment. Oh, he’s good.
“Maybe later. I have some business to take care of and some emails to answer.”
Claire tosses her head back and cackles. “He is a horrible liar, am I right? No need to answer. I’m always right.”
We all laugh. Well, everyone but Nic.
“I am standing right here, Claire.”
She ignores him. “Anyhoo, let me run ahead and do one last thing to prep. You ladies just wait for the grand reveal.”
“No running, Claire,” he scolds, watching her skip down the hall.
Angie and I look at each other, and there’s apprehension written all over her face.
“This is going to be bad, isn’t it?” I ask her.
She’s had way more experience with Claire’s “bright” ideas than I have, yet something tells me neither of us could have prepared for what we will soon be experiencing.
“Ready!”
Angie and I both give each other solidarity pats on the backs and walk with trepidation to the screeching noise.
Claire meets us halfway and drapes her arms around our backs, guiding us into her massive kitchen. “Are you ready for your destiny?”
We all laugh. Well, until we see the containers of supplements resting on the countertop.
Oh, please no.
My posture straightens as I silently read the labels. I hate the taste of cough syrup, so I’m not sure I can actually consume anything that she will be offering.
“I need you both to do a taste test on my concoctions.”
“Claire…” Angie says hesitantly, probably feeling the stirring of panic that I’m starting to feel.
“Yes?”
“You said cocktails…”
“Umm, well, that was a euphemism to lure you inside my home. I need you to do this—for science.”
I laugh over her ability to make any situation fun. “So, what are you serving up?” I ask, looking at all of the little glasses lined up behind number tags, labeled one through six.
“There’s a lot.” Angie says what I’m thinking.
A whole hell of a lot…
Claire grabs the big pitcher of a brownish liquid. “Oh, just some special tea. I’m experimenting with the recipe.”
And we’re the guinea pigs. Yay, us.
I nudge Angie. She isn’t saying anything. “Are you in shock?” I whisper.
“What’s that?” Claire jumps in.
“Oh, nothing,” I cover. “I was just saying that I love tea. But what makes it special?”
Claire reaches behind her and grabs a pink and white canister that has a cow printed on the front. “Collagen,” she answers enthusiastically.
I can’t contain my hesitation. “Umm…”
“It’s found in your connective tissues under your skin. All natural.” She takes a capful and adds it to the first glass, along with some of the tea from the pitcher.
I stare at the cloudy mixture. “What’s the point of this again?”
“To collect our life insurance money,” Angie finally chimes in, making me almost laugh, which then makes Claire glare at us.
“To keep your youth intact,” she snaps. She stirs the cocktail, creating a murky tornado within the glass. “Once I’m no longer pregnant, I’ll be back on this regimen. It will do wonders for your body.”
“And you promise it won’t taste bad?” I pry.
She grabs the canister, rotating it until she can find the section on the label she seems to want. “See?” She taps the side. “Package says odorless and tasteless.”
“Yum.”
“Just try it,” she coos, smiling so excitedly that I don’t think I can resist. No wonder she has my brother wrapped around her finger. He probably can never say no to her. I know I’m afraid to disappoint her.
Claire hands Angie and me our individual portions.
I slowly bring the glass up to my lips, peering inside at the cloudy contents swirling about. Shit. This looks fifty percent congealed and one hundred percent nasty. I close my eyes, tipping back the chilled mixture. The bitterness of the tea hits my taste buds first, followed by the texture of gelatinized slime slipping past. My eyes pop open in shock, as I feel my stomach lurch. Did I just eat a mussel? Or a slug?
I just ate a slug .
I’m so grossed out that I quickly put the glass back down onto the counter and close my eyes again.
“I can’t believe we survived this,” Angie says, her voice barely a whisper.
“Good, huh? Everyone swears by it.” Claire pats me on my back.
I’m going to throw up. I can just feel it. “Hmm,” I hum, trying so hard not to yack all over the kitchen.
“It’s going to make your already amazing skin look kissed by a baby angel.”
What does that even mean? I think I just consumed chalk-flavored Jell-O.
“How about we take our baby angel skin to a real girls’ night out?” Angie asks. “I feel like we are wasting our youth away.”
Claire pops out her hip, placing her hand on it for emphasis. “Wow.”
Angie looks at her with confusion. “What?”
“I’m not used to you being the one with the good ideas.”
I laugh so hard some of my stomach acid rises in my throat. I look around for something to drown out the bitter taste and only see more collagen shots all over the countertop.
Ugh. I need an escape plan.
“I have yet to experience a night out with you ladies,” I say, trying to distract myself from the burning in my throat.
“Well, you are in luck, Penny,” Claire says, practically hopping on her feet. “I made you a survival kit for this momentous occasion.”
I watch as she steps up on her tiptoes to pull down a bin in her cupboard labeled “How To Survive Girls’ Night.”
“So the goal is to live to tell about it the next day?” I ask, just looking for clarification.
Angie laughs. “I may need that kit too since I’ll be drinking for all of your personalities,” Angie says, earning herself a friendly slap on the arm from Claire.
“Angry Claire likes tequila. Sad Claire likes vodka. And Bitchy Claire loves Prosecco.”
Taking the lid off the box, I explore the contents. Bottled water, headache medicine, Band-Aids, mini purse with cash, ear plugs, mints, and a granola bar take up the majority of the space inside. Holding up the pair of high heels, I dangle them from my fingers. “Why these?”
“For catching a ride home at the end of the night. It makes the process so much faster if you have those on.”
“Yeah, but we have one major problem with all of this,” Angie chimes in.
“What?” Claire asks.
“You know those men having a mysterious meeting in Nic’s office? Well, they will never allow any of us to take a random ride home with anyone but one of them.”
“That’s for sure,” I confirm. “I’ll be surprised if they even allow us to go out.”
“Oh, they better,” Claire says. “We just need to convince them that it was their idea.”