Epilogue
Matt
“One thing about Matt Barbera? He always keeps his promises.” Eugene claps a hand on my back. “Case in point. That is truly the ugliest sweater I’ve ever seen.”
It’s New Year’s Eve, and while his wedding plans were a bust, my buddy’s Ugly Christmas Sweater New Year's Eve Party dreams have officially come true.
“I thank you, friend. That means a lot to me.” I spin so he can get a better look at my Pennywise the Clown sweater. “When I found this bad boy at Mother of Junk, I knew it was kismet. It’s an ugly sweater for sure, but it is worn in honor of the most beautiful woman.”
I spot that woman across the lounge.
My Penny.
My heart flutters in my chest like it always does when I lay eyes on her.
She and a few of our gym members stand with their noses pressed to the windows overlooking Times Square. She’s practically bouncing with excitement. The ball is going to drop in just a few minutes, and the energy in the room is palpable.
“Have I thanked you enough for getting us the best possible location to ring in the new year?” I ask. “This is really amazing.”
“Thank my failed engagement, sir.” Gene lifts his beer to mine.
“To your failed engagement!”
We clink, and we drink.
Gene scans the room for what has to be the third time tonight, and I wonder who he’s looking for. I’m about to ask him when the countdown clock hits sixty seconds. Partygoers blow their horns and spin their metallic noisemakers.
“I need to get over to Penny!” I say to Gene over the happy chaos.
“Of course! Go!”
“What do you think, buddy?” I shout as I start making my way across the room. “Is there a New Year’s kiss in store for you tonight?”
“Ha!” Gene shouts back. “I wouldn’t count on it! Enjoy your time with Penny, man. I’m really happy for you two!”
I wink at him, then weave through the crowd toward my girl.
When I reach Penny, I wrap my arms around her from behind and rumble into her ear, “I thought I couldn’t love you more. Then I saw you in that sweater. Knitted abs? What a world we live in.”
She turns in my arms to face me. “You get it, right?” She taps the white pompom on her red hat, then runs her fingernails down the bumpy knit on the front of her sweater. “I’m Santa with a six-pack!”
“Now, where would you come up with a silly idea like that?” I laugh.
“Some hot guy at the gym inspired me.” She drapes her arms lightly around my neck.
“Oh, did he?”
“Mm-hmm. We’re dating now.”
“Really?” I tease.
She tips her chin up to whisper in my ear, “If you’re lucky, I’ll introduce you to him sometime.”
“Well, he sounds like a very lucky guy,” I whisper back.
The room erupts in whoops and hollers. It’s just ten seconds until the new year, and everyone is counting down at the top of their lungs.
We join the crowd and shout, “Three… two… one!”
Then I kiss my dream girl.
“Happy New Year, Barbera.” She smiles up at me.
I rub my thumb on her rosy cheek. “Happy New Year, Pennywise. Something tells me this is going to be the best year yet.”
Then, just before I lean in for another kiss, something catches my attention out of the corner of my eye.
“What the—”
“Is that Eugene?” Penny squints across the room.
“It sure is,” I say, completely dumbfounded.
Looks like my buddy Eugene is getting his New Year's kiss after all, because he’s currently lip-locked with Keira Klaus.
The End
Thank you for reading Matt & Penny’s story!