Penny looked at her dad as he handed her the coffee, a dash of cream already added. His tight nod showed he’d heard the news as well. “You know she can stay as long as she wants,” he said with a concerned frown.
She knew that look as the one he wore whenever he was worried about a student. For the first time, she noticed how deep the creases around his eyes and mouth were becoming.
“Thanks.” It was easy to relax into the affection they had for her friend.
Drifting into the living room, Penelope seated herself next to her mom on the couch. Martha had her phone out and was playing her daily game of Wordle. Penny rested her head on her mom’s shoulder where she could see better. She knew she wasn’t allowed to help unless asked, though.
Her entertainment didn’t last long. Martha got the word on her next guess and promptly put her phone down—she was never one to spend too much time on it.
“What do we know?” Martha asked.
Penny shrugged, feeling again the ball of grief in her stomach. “Not much. Sounds like he just got a case of cold feet. But it’s been a couple of days. And well… you know what Bonnie’s been through. She’s tough, but this kind of thing… I don’t know… I just can’t believe he would really break up with her. They love each other so much.”
Her mom leaned her head against Penny’s, and for a moment, they both took comfort in each other’s presence.
“We’ll find out more today. The main thing is we’re here for her. Whatever she needs, we’re here for her.”
Hearing her mom’s soothing tone eased her worry. Her parents, while creative and fun, were also practical and reliable. Living in the unpredictable world of childhood education, they’d learned to remain calm. It took a lot to ruffle them.
“Anything exciting happen at your party?” Penny asked, ready for a subject change.
“No. I wouldn’t say exciting,” Teddy answered, sticking his head out from the kitchen. “I did find out Keith, the music teacher, is leaving. So begins the yearly summer search for replacements.”
“Yeah. I think we’ll have a few of those, too. I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Penny said with complete confidence in him.
Teddy nodded distractedly. “Music’s always that little bit harder,” he mumbled, shuffling back into the kitchen.
“Anyway,” Penny took a sip of her coffee before hauling herself up from the couch. “I’m going to head into school and get some work done before Bonnie gets here.”
“Need help?” her mom asked.
“Thanks, but not yet. I need to figure out what even needs to be done. Becca makes it look so easy. But all my energy was invested in the kids the last couple weeks. I didn’t start on anything.”
“And that’s good too.” Martha winked at her, showering her in a warm smile.
Chapter 2
Penelope rushed in the front door, hoping to change out of her now sweaty T-shirt before Bonnie arrived. She’d just made it to her bedroom when she heard a very distinct laugh coming from the backyard. Without giving it a second thought, she dove back down the stairs, racing through the house to head outside.
There she found Bonnie and her mom lounging by the pool, the remains of yesterday’s appetizers neatly arranged next to them, and a glass of what might or might not be water as well.
“Bon!” she greeted, throwing her arms wide.
“Pen.” Bonnie hopped up, taking a half-step forward before stopping abruptly and stepping back. “God, I love you, Penny, but you smell.”
“Uh, mean,” Penny said, pulling her in for a hug anyway. “I just got back from school. I thought I’d be back in time,” she motioned to the chairs and food, “but I guess I got caught up in things.”
“Nothing new there,” Bonnie said with an indulgent smile.
Penny took a minute to scan her friend. She was wearing a green bikini with a matching sarong that accentuated her slender yet curvaceous figure. Her nails were painted a fiery red that almost matched her hair, and a smile was plastered on her face. For the briefest moment, Penny felt a stab of jealousy as she took in the perfection that was Bonnie. Then she noticed the giant sunglasses hiding her eyes and the slightest wobble in her friend’s chin.
“How are you?” Penny asked tentatively.
“Right now… okay,” Bonnie answered softly as her smile slipped.
Penny nodded awkwardly, unsure how to proceed.
“This is what I need. To be here with you.” At that, she reached behind her, lifting her drink to take a large swallow.
