“Brooklyn knew you didn’t hate her.”
“Did she though?” A tear ran down Kennedy’s cheek. “Because I never got a chance to apologize.”
“She knew, Kennedy. She knew.”
Kennedy took a shaky breath.
“Is everything alright?” Penny asked.
Kennedy took a step away from me and wiped beneath her eyes. “Yes,” she said with a laugh. “Matt just made me laugh so hard I was literally crying.”
Penny smiled. She was patting Liam on the back and he made the most adorable little burping noise.
I would have said “aw” if I hadn’t just made fun of James for thinking it was cute.
“Excuse you, baby boy,” Penny said and kissed the top of his head. “I’m so sorry, I’m being rude. Can I get either of you something to drink or anything?”
“Your hands are full,” Kennedy said. “I should be offering you something to drink.”
Penny laughed. “Thank you, but I’m okay. I’m just going to go put this one down. But before I do…” she looked back and forth between us. “I have to ask. Please tell me you two are dating.”
I glanced at Kennedy, who looked down at the ground.
“We’re just friends,” I said. Every time I said it, it killed me a little more.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” Penny said. “I feel like I keep jumping to wild conclusions that are wrong.”
“It’s fine, Penny,” I said.
“So you’re not dating Kennedy,” Penny said. “Or anyone else?”
“Nope.”
“Definitely not me,” Kennedy said. “We’ve been friends for forever. It would just be…weird. Right?” she said and looked up at me.
I swallowed hard. “Right.”
“If you’ll excuse me.” Kennedy left Penny and me alone in the kitchen.
Penny sighed. “Being your matchmaker is hard work. Say goodnight, Liam.” She turned around so I could see Liam’s cute little face.
I booped him on the nose and he burped.
Awww.
“I’m exhausted so I’m going to call it an early night too. It was nice seeing Kennedy again. I’m sad that she’s not the one for you.”
I wanted to tell her that she was right. That Kennedy was the one for me. But I held my tongue. I felt guilty for hiding another secret from her. I was pretty sure Mason had already told Bee about Brooklyn by now. And Rob had probably told Daphne. I’d asked them to let me tell Penny though. And it didn’t seem like she knew yet. I was lucky that they hadn’t spilled it at girls’ night. I’d tell Penny soon. But not right here where our friends could probably overhear.
Before Penny left the kitchen, she turned around. “You know what? Let’s have dinner. You and me tomorrow night.”
Well that was easy. Tomorrow would be a perfect chance to tell her everything. “Sure. That sounds great.” I already felt a little relieved. Penny was right. Secrets sucked.
She gave me a weird grin. “Despite what James thinks, I’m pretty sure I have everything figured out.”
Wait, what?“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I know. It’s a surprise. Besides, I owe you an apology dinner after freaking out on you about Poppy. James told me you’re doing it for Scarlett. And you know we’re both so grateful. Really, I can’t thank you enough for putting yourself into this mess. Dinner is the least I can do. See you tomorrow night.”
