“Whatever they wrote about me, it isn’t true.”
“You weren’t important enough to make the cover this time.” He unfolded it, revealing a stunning photo of Penelope and Simon staring at each other on the dance floor.
The words “New York’s Newest Bachelor Dances the Night Away at Hayden Hunter’s Annual Gala” graced the top of the page.
“I spent a few minutes researching her date this morning, and he looks like he totally has his shit together.” He smiled. “This might be the first boyfriend of hers that I actually approve. Do you like him?”
“They broke up already.” I didn’t want to acknowledge Simon Gaines’ existence ever again. “That was nothing more than a cordial photo opp. She’s dating someone else now.”
“Okay then … Is the ‘someone else’ a better guy?”
“A much better guy.”
“Cool.” He shrugged. “You know, sometimes I feel a tad bit jealous that she tells you more about her personal life than me.”
“That’s because I’ve never threatened to murder any of her boyfriends.”
“I only did that one time.”
“You’ve done it six times.”
“Those don’t count if I never made it to prison.” He instantly confirmed how unhinged he was. “Thanks for still being there for her whenever I can’t be, though.”
“No problem.”
“I really mean that, man.” He looked genuine. “I owe you a huge one, and I’m still trying to figure out a way to pay you back someday. If you were the one who’d lost your parents and had a little sister—”
“I would’ve never left her anywhere near you.”
“Yeah, true.” He laughed. “What the hell was I thinking back then? Anyway—how about joining me at the strip club before you leave?”
“I literally just told you that I have plans, Travis.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure that Lawrence can wait a few hours.”
“My girlfriend can’t.”
“Your what?” He looked at me as if I was speaking a foreign language. “What did you say?”
“I said, my girlfriend can’t wait.”
“Is this some type of fake arrangement for your image or something?”
“No, it’s the real deal.” I held back a sigh, knowing that the time to discuss dating Penelope would be long after Vegas. “I’ll introduce her to you later.”
“But like … Given your track record with monogamy and shit, you probably won’t last that long with her anyway, so can we still go to the strip club together?”
“Goodbye, Travis.” I patted his shoulder before heading towards the door. “I’ll see you in Vegas.”
Thirty-One
Present Day
Penelope
It took me fifteen orgasms to realize that I needed to do some real work before I spent the rest of my life in bed with Hayden.
While he stepped into my shower, I slipped away to the ice rink and found an envelope from U.S. Figure Skating waiting on my desk.
I’d been staring at it for over an hour now, brewing fresh cups of coffee while wondering what was inside.
“Open it already,” Tatiana said. “I need to know if it’s my biggest fear come true.”
“Why would the figure skating association send me a letter about you?”
“I don’t know, but I sometimes have nightmares that they’re going to give you this grand award with a special, over the top ceremony for being the best skater in the sport.”
“Glad you can finally admit that I was the best.” I smiled. “Took you long enough.”
“I didn’t mean it.” She eyed the envelope. “Open it, will you?”
I picked up a pen and sliced the top, pulling out a bright blue sheet.
Dear Miss Carter,
* * *
As the most decorated female singles skater and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, we wanted to reach out to you about a rule change regarding the upcoming winter games in Beijing, China.
* * *
Per the International Olympic Committee, qualified coaches of individual athlete sports will now be eligible to receive medals.
* * *
Unfortunately, the coach for candidate Katie Folds is now banned from our organization, and we are hoping to replace him with someone who respects our sport at the highest level.
* * *
Per structural changes we’ve made (and the earlier date for the World Championships that began last year), the top choices will train at the Edwin Compound in Salt Lake City, Utah for four months before traveling to Beijing.
* * *
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact me at your earliest convenience to go over the updated rules and terms for our organization. (I’m sure you’ve kept up with them. This is a formality.)
* * *
The chase for 28 continues …
* * *
Deborah Walsh
* * *
I dropped the paper to the floor, and Tatiana quickly picked it up to read.
Her eyes widened with every word, and she let out a breath once she reached the end.
“Wow,” she said. “You’re totally doing this, right?”
“I need to think about it.”
“Why?” She crossed her arms. “This cements your legacy and gets you bragging rights forever, especially since Katie Folds will definitely get on that podium.”