Meet me in the Cute

Chapter Six <3

Penny spent hours perfecting her hair, outfit, and makeup on the day of Halloween.

"You look great." Adam reassured her for the millionth time.

Penny had a million nervous habits, but she couldn't bite her lip, or nails, or fidget with her hair or do anything without messing up all her efforts.

"I...I want today to go well." Penny wheezed.

"I know you do. And it will." He reassured her, taking a hold of her hand and giving it a small squeeze. "Come on, I'll get you a drink."

He tugged on her hand gently leading her towards the kitchen. There weren't many people here, and most of the people who were had gathered themselves around the table tennis table Adam had set up in his and his flatmates living room.

So Penny didn't have to worry about eyes being on her as she had her minor melt down next to the kitchen sink, whilst Adam added an ungodly amount of vodka into a cup of sprite.

"Thanks." Penny took the cup when Adam held it out to her.

"Liam's a chill guy. You shouldn't worry so much."

"I'm going to ask him on a date tonight." Penny said weakly. "And if he says no I'm going to start getting over...this."

Adam blinked in surprise, but then his features broke out into a soft smile. "I think there's a good chance he'll say yes."

"Ugh. No. I can't think about that yet." Penny mumbled into the cup. Right now she just wanted to prepare herself for rejection.

She just had to find a way of not being such a wreck while she worked up the nerve to it.

Her phone buzzed loudly.

"Oh gods I think that's him."

She wasn't ready yet.

"So have a look." Adam said with one raised eyebrow.

"I don't think I can."

There was either too much alcohol in her system or not nearly enough. She just wanted to throw up.

Was it meant to feel like this?

Adam sighed, and took Penny's phone glancing at the screen. "He says him and Mia are outside."

"Oh fuck. He's early."

"He's not."

"It feels too soon."

"Penny."

"Yeah?"

"Go let them in."

"Can't you?"

"No. Come on. You got this."

"Ugh fine." Penny put down her drink and took her phone off of Adam. "I've got this." She mumbled mostly to herself, taking in a couple of deep breaths.

"You've got this." Adam echoed lifting his hand to give her shoulder a brief squeeze. He gave her a reassuring smile.

It helped. A little.

Putting on her bravest face she went downstairs to let in the guests she'd invited, and almost lost all her breath at the sight of him.

He was dressed up in an all black suit and shades. Suits should be illegal. They did bad things for Penny's heart.

"Men in black?" Penny asked unable to make her voice much louder than a whisper.

Cute Coffee Shop Guy gave her a bright smile, and Penny had to avert her eyes before her heart did something stupid like explode.