The Last Line

Part Four

"Austria? You want me to go to Austria?" Penny stared at her editors from across the table.

"Only if you want to," Skylar said gently. "When Jenny reached out to me and said they were looking to promote this new group, you were the first person I thought of. I think your editorial voice would be the perfect match for a young, female-fronted band. But please don't feel pressured. I know it's a lot to ask. We can always have Chris–"

"No, I'll take it!" Penny shouted. "I mean, I'd love to work on this piece. It's a great opportunity," she added at a softer volume. She stole a glance at Darren, who sat silent next to Skylar looking only slightly put out.

"Wonderful." Skylar clapped her hands together. "I'll connect you with Brett via email this afternoon so that he can fill you in on the schedule and Kelsey will help you with travel arrangements and expenses." She smiled brightly and her hand over Penny's. "I can't wait to see what you come up with."

"I'll try to make you proud," Penny said, trying to hold back the emotions that were swirling around her. She was finally getting a chance, an opportunity to show everyone that she belonged here. "Thank you so much."

Skylar chuckled. "You don't need to keep thanking me, Penny. Just let me know if you have any questions or need help with anything."

Penny nodded and grabbed her laptop and phone from the table in front of her. She couldn't wait to tell Chloe about this. She caught her best friend's eye as she exited the conference room and mouthed "big news." Without prompting, Chloe grabbed their wallets and headed for the door.

Once the iced coffees had been secured, Penny filled Chloe in on everything that had happened behind the doors of the conference room, including her newly scheduled trip.

"You're going to Austria for a cover story!" Chloe cheered.

"It's not going to be the cover but it's one step closer," Penny said, swirling the liquid in the plastic cup. "I have no idea how it happened."

"Well, you've been paying your dues long enough. It's about damn time," Chloe said, chewing on her straw.

"It had to be Skylar's doing though. Darren looked pissed sitting in there."

"And that's different from how he usually looks?" Chloe asked, arching her brow.

"Point taken." Penny's phone vibrated next to her. She looked down at the text and clicked her phone off when she saw Harry's name on the notification.

"Trouble in paradise?"

"No," Penny said with a sigh.

"That didn't sound super convincing. Just be honest with me. Do I need to kick his ass? Yes or no?"

"No, no ass-kicking is needed. It's just been a little complicated lately."

In all honesty, Penny hadn't really spoken to Harry since she'd left his house that day almost two weeks ago. The next morning he'd sent her a text thanking her for the company and letting her know he'd be in New York City for work for a couple of weeks. She hadn't responded, trying to purge all thoughts of him from her brain. She'd been fairly successful but his new message had broken that peaceful bubble.

"Complicated how, Penny?"

"Just like I think I like him. Like more than a friend. And it's confusing because I was contemplating how to kill him and leave no trace a couple of months ago."

"No, really, you like Harry," Chloe deadpanned. "Shut up."

Penny rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the support."