Chapter 44
Rachel
Rachel had been on edge all morning, ever since Penelope had woken up and felt…
off. It had thrown her whole day off kilter, and she’d been grateful for this new addiction to professional wrestling that Penny had to answer for.
The drama and the high stakes had kept her occupied whilst Penelope had spoken to her friends.
“This week has been everything,” said Penny. “I’ve lived out fantasies I’d only ever dreamed of, and I’ve gotten to know you better. We’ve deepened our connection and I couldn’t be prouder to call you my girlfriend.”
Rachel pressed her lips to Penelope’s forehead and nodded at her to continue.
“But I’ve been thinking more and more about the fact that we’re about to go back home, back to our ordinary lives. Honestly, I don’t know how this fits into all of that.”
Rachel’s mouth was suddenly dry, her heartrate rocketing, and all she could do was fight not to cry as she said, “I see.”
“Oh, Rachel, no, you don’t see at all. I want to find out how we fit as a couple back into our lives in London.
I want to go on dates, and scene at the club, and then do depraved things at home together.
Not moving in together—” she added hurriedly.
“I’m definitely not ready to take that step yet, and I might not be for a while, but I want us to start to build a life as a couple. If you’d be up for that.”
And then those tears that had threatened to fall in grief, instead fell in happiness. “Yes,” said Rachel hoarsely. “Yes, of course I’d be up for that. Gods, Penny, don’t fucking scare me like that!”
“What?” Penelope looked confused, and then thought back on what she’d said and the confusion lifted.
“ Ohhhh . Shit, Rachel, I’m sorry. I’m not breaking up with you, you twit.
I’m saying that I want this. That I want us.
That”—and here she hesitated a bit—“that I’m falling in love with you, and I don’t want that to stop. I don’t ever want that to stop.”
“I suppose I love you too,” said Rachel, faking nonchalance that neither of them believed. “Come here you.”
They kissed like that, curled up on the bed where they’d experienced so many firsts together.
“This will always be a special place,” said Penelope. “Always hold a place in our hearts.”
“Of course,” said Rachel.