Page 89 of Penelope in Retrograde

“Done.” I slide onto the back of his bike, cradling the helmet in my lap. “What’s your last wish?”

“That you’ll be my date to the company New Year’s Eve party.” He smiles.

“Real or fake?”

“Real.”

“I’m in.”

“Good. Then I can give you this.” He reaches into his pocket. It’s a necklace with a rainbow moonstone pendant. “I noticed you weren’t wearing your old one anymore.” My hand instinctively reaches for my neck. “The lady at the shop I got it from says it’s supposed to symbolize new beginnings.”

A wave of emotion I can only describe as utter contentment washes over me like a cool ocean breeze. He motions for me to move my hair out of the way, then drapes the delicate pendant around my neck and takes a step back to admire it.

“What do you think?”

“Beautiful.” He lifts my chin and kisses me. “The necklace is nice too.”

“Where are you taking me?” I pull my helmet on.

“Wherever you want to go.”

“Home,” I say.

For the first time in forever, I want to go home.