Baby Blue

Now or Never

Now or Never - Halsey

The pair continued to shop for the upcoming holiday, Eloise practically dragged Penelope into the nearest Lingerie shop.

"Now Phillip is coming I want to get something special you know?" Eloise was so excited, there was no way Penelope could be the tiniest bit mad about being put into this situation. Penelope would also be lying if she said she wasn't a tiny bit excited at the prospect of sharing with Colin, if nothing else they always had the best time together. The shop assistant, Genevieve, was helping Eloise find some bits while Penelope just sat in the corner on her phone waiting for her friend. She was looking through the racks with Eloise when she pointed at Penelope.

"Is this your friend?" She asked Eloise.

"Yes, best friend" Eloise proudly explained.

"Are you looking for anything?" Genevieve quizzed.

"Oh no I am not dating anyone I have no need for this kind of stuff." Penelope blurted out, embarrassed at the thought.

"Please you think this is for only a man to enjoy. Women wear Lingerie to feel powerful, sexy. There is no need for there to be a person in your life to enjoy any of this, plus I have a piece that I think would go great with your hair. Would you try it on maybe?" Genevieve pleaded. They could see her hesitancy.

"Go on Pen, she's right. Why shouldn't you?" Eloise agreed.

"Okay, fine" Penelope agreed, albite very sceptical.

When Penelope got into the dressing room, she was met with one of the most beautiful pieces she'd ever seen. It was a deep emerald green two-piece with lace detailing. It did leave little to the imagination. However, she reluctantly tried it on. She was shocked at what she saw in the mirror. Dare she say it, she felt sexy. If she were to pick something out for himself, she would have probably picked out a bodysuit that covered her stomach, however she looked good. Something she never thought she would say. Although she knew it was stupid, a small part of her thought of Colin. She knew she was being silly, but she couldn't help but imagine his face when she walked into their room wearing the set. They were going to be sharing a room for two weeks, she knew deep down that if she were to ever go there with Colin, it was now or never. Maybe a little bit of a flirt wouldn't hurt she thought. She could never outright tell him about her feelings for him though, the fear of rejection was far too great.

"Pen, how does it look, do you like it" Eloise asked.

"Actually, it's beautiful. You're right I will buy it, how much is it?" Penelope asked.

"It's on the house, I love to help people find their own beauty" Genevieve proclaimed.

"Are you sure, that's so generous?" Penelope asked, she felt unworthy of such a gift.

"I promise, now Miss Bridgerton are we ready to checkout?" Genevieve asked Eloise.

"Yes, I'll meet you out the front Pen" Eloise shouted.

"Okay, be right there" Penelope confirmed. It was now or never for Penelope, she just had to get the courage to do so.

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After they checked out they went into a nearby store to look at some bikinis and dresses. Over the past few years, Penelope had finally learned how to style herself the way she wanted. She wasn't ashamed of her size, she had long stopped trying to hide her figure in baggy jumpers and sweatpants. She had actually become quite passionate about her fashion. She knew what to wear to make her look good, which was exactly what she needed to get the confidence to go through with this holiday.

Penelope was hunting through the racks when she finally found her size in this lovely bikini. It was a navy blue set that tied up at the back, a style she usually avoided due to the size of her chest, however this one had great support, therefore she wanted to take the risk, hopefully avoiding flashing the entire family. Her size was on the top shelf, meaning she had no chance in reaching it. She was about to go and find a member of staff to fetch it for her when she heard a familiar voice.

"Need a hand Pen" Colin expressed from behind. As she turned around she was met by Colin and Benedict.

"Well hello boys, what are you doing here?" Penelope quizzed, trying to hide her blush that Colin had caused.

"Colin needed some new clothes for the holiday, and he is apparently unable to do anything without some assistance" Benedict complained.

"Hey, I like the company, okay" Colin laughed. "Would you be needing my assistance in reaching that fine looking bikini from the top shelf Pen" Colin smirked. Eloise had made her way over by this point.

"Yes, if you could" Pen mumbled. He reached it so effortlessly, she was so envious, barely reaching over 5 foot herself, the 6 foot man was a ridiculous amount taller than her.

"A nice choice if I do say so myself, I think green is more your colour though" Colin stated as he handed the piece over.

"Well, now you mention it" Eloise began to laugh as Penelope nudged her. As if she about to tell her brothers the colour lingerie Penelope had just bought.

"Anyway El, I need to head home in a bit, if you're ready can we check out?" Penelope asked, hoping to get out of this conversation quickly.

"See you losers on Sunday" Eloise waved the boys off.

Penelope knew this was going to be a long two weeks, just a simple conversation with Colin was enough to make her red all day, she was going to be in his company constantly she needed to get herself together.