One Penny: A Marked Heart Novel (5 page)

Eight

Standing in front of Penny's door, Seth stared at it for a good ten minutes before knocking. Having his father call and basically order him to attend Sunday brunch at his parent's house had him on edge. He was sure there was an ulterior motive behind it. It had been years since Seth was invited to anything family related, including Christmas.

Focusing on the moment as he waited for Penny to answer the door, he tried to put everything other than tonight out of his mind. He'd decided in the shower that he could stay calm enough not to embarrass himself on the way to the bar. Then after a beer or two he would be relaxed enough to have a nice time with her.

Thinking maybe she hadn't heard him knock the first time, he decided to knock harder. The door quickly swung open and instead of knocking Seth ended up hitting Penny in the shoulder.

"Ow!"

It was pure logic that kept Seth from retreating back to his apartment. If he ran back to his apartment at this point, he'd be the guy that waits for a girl to open the door, and then frogs her in the shoulder and runs away.

"I am so sorry..."

Rubbing her shoulder Penny laughed, "I guess you're ready then?"

Seth quietly nodded.

Penny closed her apartment door and locked it before looking up at him saying, "You can ride with me."

Still in shock at what happened, Seth placed his hand on her shoulder asking, "Are you sure you're okay?"

With a nod, she replied, "I grew up with four brothers. I'm a lot tougher than I look."

Seth allowed his hand to linger on her bare shoulder for a moment before he felt her shiver slightly.

"Sorry..."

Penny slipped on a sweater she was holding before laughing, "It's okay. Just next time let me know we're gonna play punchies."

Well, this was a great way to start the night.

Once they were in the car and heading to The Dog House, Penny broke the awkward silence that had built between them.

"I'm glad you wanted to go with me. I haven't been in a few weeks."

Trying to get semi-comfortable in the passenger seat of Penny's tiny car, Seth replied, "Sure. Hey, is there any way to move the seat back more?"

Penny glanced over and snickered, saying, "You look uncomfortable."

Seth leaned the seat back a bit further, giving himself some relief as he said, "My knees are practically in my chest."

Laughing at him Penny offered, "Next time we can take your car," before asking, "You don't get out much do you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it seems like all you do is go to work."

Feeling put on the spot, he replied, "It's not like there's a whole lot to do here."

"So, no girlfriend then?"

Seth thought for a minute on how to answer that.

He hadn't had a girlfriend since right after he graduated from high school. He'd gone out with a few girls since then, mostly dates arranged by his mother. At first he was too busy between night classes and work then it was just work. He volunteered to stay late, come in early and even weekends when needed. When he had free time, he went for a run and that was pretty much the extent of his physical activity and social life.

Since he had already been labeled a lurker then earned it by peeping on her and seeing as fifteen minutes ago he practically punched her, he didn't want to add 'weird celibate guy next door' to his ever growing list of shame.

"No, nothing steady."

Shrugging a shoulder at him, she said, "Yea, me neither."

"That's hard to believe," he swore, truly baffled that she was still single.

"It's not like I don't try... It's just that no one ever seems to stick you know."

Seth nodded at her wondering what kind of people she had been with. Who wouldn't want to be with her?

~

Penny couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Seth face when they arrived at The Dog House and he was able to get out of her car. He was still stretching his arms and shaking his legs as if they had gone on a ten-hour road trip as she made her way around the car to his side.

As soon as he noticed her standing there, Seth appeared disappointed saying, "I was going to open the door for you."

"Not necessary," she assured heading towards the doors.

Seth skipped ahead of her and quickly pulled open one of the doors.

"After you."

Shaking her head with a laugh, Penny walked into The Dog House.

The bar wasn't too crowded since it was the first night of the county fair, which meant it was free to get in, and most people were there. That is where her brother Braden was supposed to be too. Frowning the second she saw him on stage, singing in the most agonizingly monotone voice she'd ever heard, she caught sight of Brooks playing drums behind him.

Turning back to Seth, she said, "We can get our drinks at the bar and then find a table."

Nodding at her, he replied, "Okay," as they made their way up to the bar.

Not wanting to leave Seth at the bar by himself, she texted Charlotte to let her know she was there.

As they got closer, she noticed Liv sitting at the bar. Penny's brother Auggie was on the opposite side filling drink orders. When she didn't see any signs of Kieran, Penny figured whatever went down between them when Liv left the bridal shop, didn't end well. Liv rarely went out without her husband and if she did, it was with Penny or Charlotte. Stepping next to Liv, Penny nudged her.

Glancing up at Penny and Seth, she said, "Hey," before looking back down into her drink.

Seth tapped Penny on the shoulder before leaning to her ear asking, "Is she okay?"

Turning to him she whispered back, "You know how sometimes people get loud and obnoxious when they have too much to drink?" Seth nodded as she shared, "Liv's the opposite of that."

Continuing to nod, he said, "Scary."

"Yep," she agreed before leaning forward and shouting, "Can we get some service down here bartender?"

Making his way over, Auggie glanced at Seth before greeting, "Hey, Henny Penny."

"Ugh, I hate when you call me that."

"Who's this guy?"

Before Penny could introduce him, Seth stuck his hand across the bar saying, "Seth."

Auggie glared at him for a second before wiping his hand on the towel over his shoulder, and shaking his hand. Penny smiled, thinking 'wow that's a first'.

"Seth... You look familiar," Auggie swore as he continued to stare at him.

"He works for Jackson at JPT."

She could tell Seth was getting nervous by the tone of his voice as he replied, "Yea, I've a... I've talked to you on the phone before."

Auggie placed his hand over his mouth and scowled before running it down the front of his beard saying, "Nah, that's not it."

"Okay well, in the meantime can we get our drinks?" Penny blurted hoping to get away from the bar before Auggie figured it out.

Unfortunately, when Seth reached in his back pocket to pull out his wallet, Auggie slammed his hands down on the bar and shouted, "I got it!"

"Uh..." was the only sound Seth made as Auggie's voice boomed across the bar.

"I got it! You're Boyfriend Graveyard!"

Penny placed her hand across her forehead and shook her head.

While Auggie appeared proud of himself, Seth looked mortified. Almost everyone in the bar had taken notice of Auggie's outburst and were staring directly at Seth standing there with his wallet in his now shaky hand.

"Ah, hell," Auggie laughed, shaking his head before saying, "Put your money away. It's on the house, man."

About that time, Charlotte walked behind the bar. Penny thought maybe things would get better but no, they only got worse.

Giving Penny an excited smile Charlotte greeted Seth saying, "Hey there neighbor."

Auggie's amusement faded into a confused expression as he glanced at Penny, then Seth, then back to Charlotte.

Pointing his thumb towards Penny and Seth, he questioned, "Boyfriend Graveyard is the guy Penny's been muffin stalkin'?"

Penny's eyes grew wide as she watched Charlotte smack her brother in the shoulder.

Completely embarrassed, Penny fussed, "Oh for the love of God! Can we please just get our drinks."

Shaking his head with a laugh, even though Charlotte was glaring at him like she could kill him, Auggie asked, "What can I get ya?"

Seth gave a nod replying, "Guinness."

Auggie quickly said, "Good man," before handing Seth a pint and asking, "Pen, ginger ale?"

Penny noticed Charlotte mouth 'I am so sorry' at her before she took her ginger ale from her brother and gave him a dirty look.

After finding an empty table to sit at Penny quickly slid into a chair before Seth could pull it out for her. She watched him as he stopped next to her, sighed and then took the seat across from her. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his politeness, she just didn't want to give him the wrong impression. She wasn't looking for anything other than friendship.

Sipping her ginger ale, she noticed Seth take two large gulps from his beer.

Clearing his throat, Seth offered, "I don't have to finish my beer if you want to drink."

"Oh, I don't drink."

Appearing perplexed Seth started to question, "Then why..." when Books interrupt him as he walked up and said, "Hey Penny."

Glancing at Seth first, she looked up at Brooks and replied, "Hey."

Running his fingers through his shaggy blonde hair, Brooks said, "Haven't seen you," pausing to look at Seth before continuing, "lately."

Ignoring the fact that it seemed like he was trying to bring up the day he broke up with her, Penny asked, "So why aren't y'all playing at the fair?"

Without answering her, he questioned, "You didn't think I'd be here?"

The situation started to grow awkward as Penny answered, "Umm, I wasn't really thinking about you."

Brooks eyed Seth again before asking, "Can we talk for a minute."

Penny hesitated before replying, "This isn't a good time."

Suddenly Seth stood up and shared, "I'm going to go."

"No wait," she urged but he was already heading towards the door.

Sliding into the seat Seth had sat in, Brooks raised an eyebrow at Penny and smiled. Penny shook her head at Brooks before hopping up and heading after Seth.

Right outside the bar doors, Penny looked around and saw Seth walking down the street.

"Wait!" she hollered at him causing him to stop.

Seth turned in her direction but stayed where he was at.

"Why are you leaving?"

He just stood there shaking his head at her.

Frustrated, she said, "Well, come on I'll drive you back."

"No thanks, I'll walk."

"But it's like ten miles..."

Shrugging a shoulder at her Seth turned away walking down the street.

Confused as to what his deal was, Penny started to head in the direction of her car to follow him when a familiar and unwelcome brunette walked past her and into the bar. Penny glanced down the street at Seth then back at The Dog House. With a heavy sigh, Penny headed back into the bar. She'd have to wait until later to see what Seth's problem was because right now, her brother Braden was the priority.

Nine

Continuing to shake his head at himself as he walked down the street, Seth couldn't believe he could be that stupid. She had to have brought him out to The Dog House to make whoever that guy was jealous. Why else ask him to a bar if she didn't drink?

The whole thing had been ridiculous to begin with. That must have been her plan all along. No one's that nice unless they want something from you. He should have trusted his instincts and stayed away from her. Liv was right. Penny was nothing but trouble.

~

The second Penny entered the bar, she scanned the main area looking for Braden's ex Lily. When she finally caught sight of her, she was shocked to see her standing in front of Brooks. Marching forward, she wanted her out before her brother even knew she was there.

The closer she got to them the more Penny felt like Lily wasn't there to see her brother. With a once over the bar again, she figured Braden was in the back since Brooks had come off the stage.

"You are not welcome here," Penny assured as she stepped next to them.

Brooks appeared regretful as he started, "Penny, I a..." before Lily spoke up.

"Relax Penny, your brother's moved on."

"That's good because you've been moving on since y'all started dating," Penny snapped at her before saying, "That still doesn't explain why you're here. You know you're not welcome in my family's bar."

Wrapping her arm around Brooks' waist, Lily, shared, "I'm not here to see your family."

"I don't care why you're here. Get out." Penny growled before shaking her head and giving Brooks a disappointed expression.

Pulling away from Lily, Brooks said, "Penny, let me explain."

"How could you do this to Braden?"

Brooks' expression was full of remorse as he replied, "She came over one day looking for Braden. I didn't mean for anything to happen."

Lily had a smug look on her face as she informed, "For the record, I told him he could have kept seeing you."

Penny started to feel nauseous as she questioned, "You were sleeping with her while you were with me?"

"Only a few times, but it felt wrong that's why I ended it with you," he swore.

Overwhelmed Penny felt like she was going to be sick.

As she turned to get away from them, she stopped when she ran into someone. Looking up, Penny saw the hurt and betrayal in Braden's eyes as he stared at his best friend and the former love of his life before he wrapped an arm around her.

Braden quietly asked, "You okay, Pen?"

Nodding, she was furious and disgusted but more concerned about him.

Keeping his arm around Penny as if he was trying to protect her, Braden shouted, "Both of you get out!"

Lily looked like she was going to say something then quickly changed her expression as Liv stepped next to her and the entire bar heard Auggie's voice demand, "Everybody out! Bar's closed!"

Penny watched as Charlotte stood by the entrance waiting as groaning customers trickled out of The Dog House.

When all that was left was Penny, Braden, Auggie, Lily, Brooks and Liv inside, Charlotte closed the doors and locked them.

Auggie stood at Braden's side saying, "You are one sorry ass bitch." Brooks looked over at Lily before Auggie clarified, "Don't look at her. I'm talkin' to you."

Trying to defend himself, Brooks said, "I didn't mean to..." before Auggie got in his face questioning, "Didn't mean to what? Cheat on my sister?"

Brooks backed up until he was all the way against the wall, holding up his hands pleading, "Penny, tell him you're not mad."

Liv spouted, "You gotta be kidding me."

"This doesn't have anything to do with you Liv," Lily snapped at her before Liv assured, "You're wrong about that."

Charlotte chimed in, "If you don't kick his ass, I will."

Auggie grabbed Brooks by the front of his shirt and pushed him up the wall saying, "Your call Pen."

Penny looked around then said, "Just let him go, being with Lily's going to be punishment enough."

Disappointed in Penny's answer, Auggie asked, "Braden?"

"Braden, man, we go way back. We're like family."

Looking at Brooks, Braden replied, "Yea, I thought so too."

Lily stepped closer saying, "It's not his fault. I had to do something drastic. I'm all alone. I just want you."

Penny looked at Lily like she was crazy as she yelled, "What kind of sick thrill do you get from messing with my family?"

Patting Penny on the shoulder, Braden stepped right in front of Lily and said, "Get the hell out."

"You don't mean that," she urged looking up at him with a soft smile.

Braden looked her in the eye and swore, "Lily, I don't love you anymore."

Lily gave him an evil look before making a sound like she was offended as she walked to the doors and let herself out.

All eyes fell on Auggie, who still had Brooks up against the wall.

"I hope you're happy with her," Braden said as he turned and made his way back to the stage area.

Auggie slowly let go of Brooks and followed Braden as Penny said, "Let him go."

Brooks stood there for a moment like he had something to say, but shook his head at himself instead and walked out of the bar.

"You okay beautiful?" Liv asked giving Penny a sympathetic look.

Penny nodded then quickly spun around when she heard a crashing sound. She may have been okay but her brother clearly wasn't.

Rushing over with Charlotte and Liv to the stage all they could do was watch as Braden smashed his guitar into Brooks drum kit over and over until there was nothing left of either except for broken pieces scattered across the stage.

Sitting down on the edge of the stage, Braden looked at everyone before saying, "I'm done."

All of the sudden Liv seemed angry as she snapped, "Because of her?"

"It's just not in me anymore," he replied.

Penny looked at them thinking it was strange how Braden and Liv always seemed to know what the other was thinking, before everyone else caught on.

"Wait? You're not going to play anymore?" Charlotte questioned.

Auggie appeared frustrated as he griped, "This is damn ridiculous."

Her heart went out to her brother seeing the defeat in his eyes. After all the years of being hurt and broken over the girl he loved that never loved him back, Lily had finally taken everything from him. And what was worse was that, his best friend had been a part of it, leaving him with nothing.

As Penny made her way closer wanting to comfort him, she stopped when Liv started shouting.

"How are you going to let her take that away from you?"

Everyone was a bit shocked that Liv was having such an outraged reaction. Plus the amount she had to drink before Lily walked into the bar was starting to really show as she stumbled a little as she spoke.

"Gah, you're such a..."

Hopping down from the stage Braden fussed back at her, "What are you gonna say? That I'm a punk, Liv?"

Liv gave him a sarcastic laugh as she informed, "Nope, but it starts with a p."

Penny had to throw her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing.

Then Kieran's voice came from behind them griping, "That's enough Liv."

Liv almost fell as she spun around and glared at her husband.

"It's time to go home."

"Afraid not," Liv replied.

Penny watched the expression on her cousin's face carefully as he seemed sorry but then realized everyone was watching and stood up tall demanding, "Now."

Liv appeared genuinely hurt as she patted his chest saying, "You don't get to tell me what to do."

"Liv," Kieran blurted in a strong tone, as she shook her head and staggered towards the doors.

Penny scowled at her cousin, disappointed in him as she said, "I'll take her home with me," and followed Liv out of the bar.

~

Every few minutes Seth would check out his peephole to see if Penny was back. At first he was planning to apologize, his long walk home had given him some perspective and he thought he might have overreacted. Then, the longer time went on, the more he became certain his initial observation of the situation at the bar was the correct one. He intended to confront her and make sure she kept her distance from this point on.

After hours of waiting, he saw Penny making her way up the stairs. Swinging his door open, Seth stepped out onto the balcony just in time to see Penny sliding her key into her apartment door.

"I guess you had a good talk?" he questioned in a sarcastic tone.

Penny unlocked her door and opened it without stepping inside as she replied, "Yea, it was great."

"Ha! You did ask me out to make your boyfriend jealous," he blurted proud he had gotten it right.

Coldly turning back to the stairs she rolled her eyes saying, "He's not my boyfriend."

"Sorry it didn't work out the way you'd hoped," he snarked at her.

Penny started to step down the stairs then swiftly turned to him griping, "What is your problem?"

"I am not the one in the wrong here. I don't have a problem except that you were being dishonest with me."

"How's that?"

Seth glared at her. If she wanted him to spell it out for her, that was just fine by him.

"You were just making nice with me so you could use me to get what you really wanted."

Giving him an angry look, she shared, "Okay, here's the honest truth. I was dating the guy from the bar before you moved in next door. It ended the same as all the others. I'm a lot of fun to be around but they're not looking for anything serious. So, when you moved in I thought I would try something different."

"I was a guinea pig for your experiment then?"

Penny's eyes were wide as she shook her head saying, "Wow, you are really self-centered."

"I am not."

"Yea you are. You know, I made an effort to be friends with you. It wasn't easy."

"Oh like things are really that hard for you little miss always happy sunshine."

Stepping closer to him, Penny took a short breath before informing, "Your right. When my dad died suddenly of a heart attack after I graduated, that was a cake walk. And it isn't hard at all to have to hide where I go every day because my mom will never approve of anything I do. It was easy to watch my brother slowly slip away before I lost him last year. Tonight was especially easy seeing one of my other brothers give up on everything because he's let the same girl manipulate him since he was sixteen. Not to mention right now Liv is passed out drunk in my car and I don't know how I'm going to get her inside, but that should be easy too right? And you know what, although it would have been nice to have a friend at the bar with me tonight, I don't need one. Because everything is so effortless for me."

Seth just stared at her feeling like the scum of the earth.

There was nothing he could say to make up for how he had acted. Not just tonight either. It suddenly occurred to him that even he had made her life harder than necessary by being exactly what she said he was. Self-centered.

It wouldn't make up for the all the things he'd done wrong, but Seth decided he could do something right to show her that he could be a good friend to her.

"Wait right there," he said before hurrying down the stairs.

Spotting Penny's car in the parking lot, he walked over and opened the passenger door. Catching Liv before she rolled out onto the pavement, he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder.

Seth carried Liv over his shoulder through the parking lot, up the stairs and to Penny's apartment door.

"Where do you want her?" he asked, as she gave him a confused yet grateful expression.

Pushing the door open farther for him, she said, "The couch is fine."

Walking into her apartment, he slid Liv off of his shoulder and onto the couch before making his way back onto the balcony where Penny was still standing.

Looking down at her, Seth asked, "Can we start over?"

Penny pursed her lips up into a smile as she nodded at him.

Taking a deep breath, Seth held his hand out to Penny.

"Hi, I'm Seth. I am a self-centered jerk with anxiety issues that make me act like an ass when I get around pretty redheads."

Penny looked off to the side smiling wider before she took his hand saying, "I'm Penny. I have a crazy dysfunctional family filled with an insane amount of relatives. And I've been known to stalk handsome neighbors with baked goods."

As they shook hands, Seth questioned, "Friends?"

Penny gave a little laugh as she confirmed, "Friends."

Letting go of her hand, Seth smiled as Penny stepped into her apartment and closed the door. Sliding his fingers across his palm, he liked the way her hand felt in his. As he stepped into his own apartment, Seth felt good about starting over with her. The only problem now was, he didn't want to be just friends.