Penelope had a great time with Debling, they talked about several things about art, literature, some of the companies he owned and charities he hosts. What his Jockey life was like, he too travel but not as much as Colin, he preferred to closer trips in the UK or different parts of Europe.
She noticed he was quite attentive to her, he wanted to know about the type of books she wrote, what her favorite reads were, how was it like to stay in the Americas for year.
He laughed when she said something funny, he asked more questions but not too overbearing. She thought of him as a good friend.
She was home by 6pm and was ready to lounge after walking around the museum most of the morning and strolling in the Victoria Park with Debling after they ate.
Once Penlope placed her bag on the table stand she reached for her phone.
3 Missed Calls from Eloise
1 Missed Call from Mama
2 text messages from Colin
4 text messages from Eloise
1 Missed Call from Theo
Penelope hadn't realized her phone was on silent all day today, especially the list of notifications. She had a bad habit of it but due to quiet zones like the library or where she worked she had to have it that way.
She called Theo her editor first. He only called when there was bad news about something:
"This is Theo," he said clearly not in the mood to talk about work.
"Penelope, you called?" She waited for him to answer.
"Featherington! It's all over the blog, you must have seen it already? I guess this is a new publicity stunt for your books," his attitude quickly went from annoyed to excitement.
"What is this about?"
"You haven't seen the tabloids? You're all over it. Your mum also called, she's expecting you to reach her back," Theo shocked.
After a few other discussions about work and Theo not telling her a thing about said tabloids she move on to the next task.
She first looked at Colin's text:
Eloise knows about us.
2:13 PM
Nevermind.
2:48 PM
Then confused she looked at Eloise' text:
Are you in a secret relationship with Colin?
1:18 PM
Where are you?
1:30 PM
You were with Debling today? How did it go?
3:32 PM
You need to call me!
5:09 PM
Finally Theo's email came in; it was a blog about her and Debling:
London's Best-Selling Novelist Penelope Featherington and Jockey Champion Debling spotted in Scully St. James Restaurant!!!
Who knew handsome Debling to be a romantic to take a beautiful lady out to fine dining?
Some say they were spotted later strolling together in the infamous Victoria Park.
How long have these two been keeping the secret ? Could an engagement be in the works?
News indeed!
Penelope was never a fan of these things, they had a tendency of being too nosy in the wealthy people of London's lifestyle. If this was out everywhere, meaning her mother had to say something about it. She could wait until the morning to be scorned.
Penelope then sends out a texts to Colin; but what could she say? Maybe she should call him. Now that she thinks about it, he too must have seen the blog.
With courage she called him:
"Hello?" She got nervous after hearing his voice for the first time in awhile. "Colin, hi."
"Pen? Hey. I'm at the stables, can I call you back in a minute, I'm feeding Athena."
"Of course," she smiled after they hanged up. She decided to get comfortable after a long pleasant day and wait patiently.
Colin can be at the stables all day especially with the first mock race coming up at the Debling Charity Event next weekend.
He calls back while she got changed into different clothes that were much more comfortable, Pen stops and picks up immediately,"Hello?"
"Hey Pen, how've you been?"
"I'm well, and you?" She tried not to sound out of breath from running from the closet to her phone on her bed.
"Eloise came to the stables today, said a friend of hers Philip, gave her the impression we were together. However, she saw the blog and thought otherwise," he sounded a little jealous but Penelope could not pick it out in his voice.
"Goodness, I just happened to be at the museum and Debling was there for a meeting, he saw me and we went out for a bite. It wasn't a date," she explained hoping he would understand.
He sounded relieved when saying,"I want to see you, can I- come over?" He hesitated unsure if she would say yes.
She smiled, "Sure. I'll text you the address."
YOU ARE READING
5 Missed Calls
Fiksi PenggemarColin Bridgerton is back from a 6 month expedition for his derby tour; having to visit Eygpt, India, and even China to compete internationally. He is now back just in time for his eldest brother's wedding. While away his ex-best friend also returne...
