Page 39 of Penny & Royce

“Well, where are you going?”

“Vegas.”

Once again, Penny wished it wasn’t so hard to lie to her brother. She scrunched her nose and squeezed her eyes shut. “Apparently, she’s never been.”

“Vegas?” The disbelief in his voice made her feel ten times worse and pushed her into a state of frustration.

“Yes, Jason, Vegas. Something wrong with that?”

“But you never go on trips.”

She sighed. “I take trips.” There was an edge of defensiveness in her tone. “When I’m invited,” she amended. “What’s with the third degree?”

“Yeah, okay, you’re right. It just seemed weird. Came out of nowhere.” A pause. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Jason,” she snapped, then winced at herself. “I’m fine. I’m taking a trip, and heaven knows I could use a break. I’ll be back in a few days, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

More lies.

They sat heavy on her chest, but Jason would stop her if he knew what was really taking place. Or he’d try to. And maybe he would have a good point.

That was the part she didn’t want to examine too closely.

Royce was right about one thing. Penny lived her life following rules that didn’t always exist. She’d gotten comfortable in the rut she’d put herself in, and he was offering her a way to step out of it.

That didn’t mean this was sensible.

But for once, she was tired of being the sensible one.

Softening her voice, she said, “I promise, Jason. I think I need this more than I realized. After Dad died…” She sighed. “Well, you know how it’s been. I think it would be good for me to take a breath. To do something that’s just for me.”

“You’re right. I get it. I just…” Jason sighed. “Have you talked to Mathew yet?”

“I was going to call him next.”

“Maybe don’t do that. I’ll let him know if he asks about you. But if it’s only for a few days, then go and have fun. Don’t worry about us. Dad’s passing affected him more than it affected you, and I don’t think it would be good to bring it up. Not yet anyway.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” she murmured. “Thanks, Jason.”

“Of course, sis. You’re going to be back in time for the wedding, right?”

She scoffed. “I said it’s only for a few days. Of course I’ll be back for the wedding.”

Amusement returned to her voice, and she could hear the same from Jason.

“Bring me back a souvenir?”

“Always.” She laughed.

After she hung up, she gathered everything else she needed and headed out to Royce’s waiting truck.

“You keep staringat me like that, and I might have to pull this truck over and kiss you until we both can’t think clearly.”

“That’s not exactly the threat you think it is,” Penny retorted with a laugh.

Royce grinned, and it was dazzling. Penny blamed her lack of good cognitive choices on the way his smile affected her. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was exactly, but Royce had the ability to make her reservations go scattering.

Being with him made her feel so… good.