premiering next week.”
“I’d heard that.” She nodded, pulling her arms tighter around her.
“You should come.”
Now that was just asking for a world of heartache.
“None of it would have happened without you. It wouldn’t be right without you there.”
“I don’t know, Tommy…” She bit her lip.
“It’s okay, Pen. Just think about it, okay?”
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” Tommy nodded his head, though she could tell by his eyes he was disappointed. “Get some sleep, Tommy. You look like you could use it.”
“I will.” He told her. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
“I guess so,” she told him, fighting the urge to hug him. He looked so broken—so sad. She held her breath until he turned around, disappearing through the door.
“Was that Thomson Davis who just left?” Amy approached her best friend a moment later. She had taken to calling him Thomson again after having declared him a jerk unworthy of Penny’s love, though deep down, she knew Amy was only trying to comfort her friend.
“His dad died.”
“Oh no,” Amy’s expression grew soft. “That’s a shame.”
“It really is.” Penny turned around to finish clearing the table.
“Did I hear him say something about a movie premiere?”
“Fate is premiering.”
“And you’re going, right?” Penny turned around, surprised that Amy would even ask such a question. “This is the movie you played a role in, is it not?”
“Yes, but—”
“But nothing. Why didn’t you mention this sooner?” Amy took the tub full of dishes from Penny. “You’re going.”
“It’s just a silly movie, Amy. I really don’t think it’s necessary for me to go.”
“You’re going, Penelope Davidson, if it means I have to drag you there myself.”
“He’s going to be there, you know.”
“Good, give him a taste of what he’s missing.”
“I can’t, Amy. I just can’t do it.”
She couldn’t risk the pain again.
Unfortunately for Penny, though, Amy had a way of making her do things she didn’t want to do. She found herself on a flight to L.A. the night before the movie was set to premiere without even the slightest clue of what she was supposed to do.
A taxi dropped her off at the hotel she had made reservations at. After checking in and dropping her small bag off at her room, she decided to walk around a bit and take in some of the scenery without a train of photographers behind her. As she passed a restaurant, she heard someone call her name—and she was surprised to find it was Graham.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” he asked her. She noticed right away that he wasn’t wearing his usual attire, but instead a pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt.
“I’m here for the premiere,” she told him, her guard rising. “Tommy didn’t tell you because he doesn’t know I’m here.”
“Tommy didn’t tell me because he fired me about a month ago.”
“He did what?” Penny questioned, surprised. Tommy hadn’t mentioned anything about firing Graham when he’d visited her a week ago.
“There were a number of things he and I didn’t see eye to eye on, as I’m sure you’re aware of.” Penny only nodded. “I was just making things worse for him.”
“He really fired you?” Graham nodded.
“We decided we shouldn’t mix business with friendship.”
“I think that’s a good policy to live by.” Penny agreed.
“So you’re going to the premiere, then?” Graham ran his eyes over her. “Do you have anything to wear?”
“No, I was thinking about maybe doing a little bit of shopping…” It was hopeless, of course. She knew that.
“You won’t have much luck—not tonight, anyway.” Penny sighed. “Why don’t I call for a car tomorrow morning? It’ll be slim pickings, but maybe—”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I want to. Despite what you may think, I actually do care about Tom, Penny. And I think it would make him incredibly happy if you were there tomorrow night.”
She sighed, contemplating her options for a moment.
Finally, she nodded.
She didn’t really have much choice otherwise.
The following morning, Penny woke to a very impatient sounding knock on her door.
A knock she found oddly familiar.
She pulled herself out of bed and opened the door. “Good morning, sunshine!” Diego cried excitedly and Penny squealed, throwing her arms around him. “Graham told me to send his apologies. He said to make sure you look absolutely ravishing, and make sure I put it all on his tab.”
“He said that?”
“Oh, he did. So I hope you’re ready for another long day, sweetheart, because we have a lot of work to do.”
And, while Penny was groaning, she couldn’t help getting