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“Of course.” I’m about to show him the perfect book when the phone vibrates in my pocket. I’m with Liam and almost ignore it, but then I remember I’m expecting a response from Andrew. Quickly, I grab my phone from my pocket and glimpse at the screen, my eyes widening when I see the text from Andrew.
Andrew: Meet me at the park at six.
My stomach clenches, and I feel like a bucket of cold water was emptied on my head.
“Penny?” Liam touches my arm. “Are you okay?”
I abruptly pull away from his touch and take several steps back.
“I’m fine.”
“What about the book?”
“You can find it on the last shelf down this aisle on the right.” With that, I turn away, ignoring the confusion in his eyes.
Chapter 24
Liam
My throat feels tight, and I’m having difficulty breathing. I struggle to read the titles of the books on the shelf. Before she hurried away from me, Penny said to check the last shelf down this aisle on the right. I’ve skimmed through the shelf more than three times, and I still can’t find the book.
Frustrated, I return to the counter. My heart aches as I notice Penny stiffening when she sees me. My mind races as I try to understand what’s causing her to act this way. Whatever that text said changed everything, my stomach rolls at the thought. I can’t help but wonder who it’s from and what they said.
“Is there a problem?” The other lady at the counter asks as I approach.
“Yes…” I smile at her, catching Penny from the corner of my eye. “I need a children’s book on animal identification. I already found this,” I explain, setting the plant book version on the counter. “I need something like this, but for animals.”
“Oh.” She flips through the book and nods. “I know what you’re looking for. Come with me.” She leads me back to the aisle and leads me to the book in seconds. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome.”
I check out the book, and Penny keeps herself busy while I pass. As I push the door to exit, I turn over my shoulder and put on a weak smile.
“See you later, Penny.”
“Bye, Liam.” She throws a wave over her shoulder. I watch her for a bit, but she doesn’t look in my direction. I step out of the library and let the door close behind me.
I walk back to the car, my chest tight. Is Penny seeing someone else? Even as that thought runs through my mind, it doesn’t feel right. Especially given her recent circumstances. My blood races through my veins, and my jaw clenches at the thought of her being with someone else. I exhale as I try to let that thought go.
None of it makes any sense. No, we haven't seen each other, but we’ve been talking here and there. There’s no way she met someone else. Not knowing who the text is from has my mind jumping all over the place.
I pull up in front of the house and park. My phone rings, and I see Sean’s name. I feel my chest loosen a bit at the welcome distraction.
“Sean.”
“Hello, brother.” Hearing Sean’s excited voice puts a smile on my face as I unlock my door and head in. “How are you?”
“I’m good; how are you?” Tex walks up to me, stretches, and then comes to lean across my legs for a full body rub, which I happily give him. I put my keys on the table and then head over to the couch.
“You know me.” I do know Sean, and it’s a rare case when he’s not in a good mood. His voice drops. “You’re not at work?”
“Not today.” I sit on the couch. Tex jumps up next to me and rests his head on my thigh. I lazily pet his head, grateful for the diversion. “I took the day off. I went to an extra group therapy session, and ran a few errands. How about you? How’s the film coming along? Almost done?”
“We’ll be wrapping up in the next few days,” he says. “I’m looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone. I am also looking forward to planning my wedding with my beautiful fiancé.”
I laugh as I picture Sean planning his wedding with Jessica. I am sure he’s going to drive her insane with all his romantic ideas. But I have no doubt that she will also love every minute of it. “How much of the wedding do you plan on planning? Is Jess okay with that?”
“She’s just as excited as I am.” I raise my eyebrows as he laughs. I find that a little hard to believe, but maybe I’m wrong; Sean definitely softens Jess up.
