Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 15

Penelope

The morning started with a message from Colin, as usual. Even though he was on the other side of Europe, he always managed to make me smile first thing in the morning.

Good morning, gorgeous. I hope you slept well. If not, you can always take a nap under your desk at the office—no one will notice.

I laughed when I read it, imagining myself sleeping under the desk while Alfred, my editor, walked in and found me. I quickly replied.

Good morning, stage conqueror. I slept like a baby, but if I get fired for following your advice, can I stay in your dressing room?

Colin didn't take long to respond:

Only if you promise not to steal my T-shirts. You know they look better on you than on me.

I smiled at his response, but the sound of the clock reminded me that I needed to get ready for a day full of meetings. Most importantly, I had lunch planned with Eloise. She had been very busy with Phillip lately, and while I was happy for her, I knew we needed some girl time to catch up.

I put on a comfortable T-shirt and my favorite jeans before heading out to the park where I was meeting Eloise. The day was perfect, with soft sunlight and a light breeze. When I arrived, Eloise was already there, holding two coffees and a bag of croissants.

—Hey! —she said with her usual energy. —I brought provisions. I thought a bit of sugar would help get the conversation going.

I took the coffee and croissant, grateful.

—You're an angel! —I said, taking a bite of the croissant. —So, how's Phillip? You haven't told me much lately.

Eloise blushed a little, but her smile was wide and full of complicity.

—It's... going well. Really well, actually. We've been spending a lot more time together, and everything's great. But Colin doesn't know much about it yet, does he? —she asked, her tone mixing curiosity and nervousness.

I laughed, knowing she was worried about her brother's reaction.

—No, I haven't given him all the details yet. But I'm sure he'll go into overprotective mode when he finds out."

Eloise nodded, laughing. —But hey, Phillip isn't just any guy, right?

—No, he's not. And besides, Colin will have to accept it, whether he likes it or not. Phillip makes you happy, and that's what matters.

—Yes... although it still feels a bit weird, you know? Not in a bad way, but... like things suddenly changed, and I didn't realize it until now. I don't know, Pen, you understand, right?

I nodded, completely understanding what she meant.

—It's a big change, yes, but changes aren't always bad. Besides, you and Phillip have been friends forever.

Eloise gave me a grateful smile.

—You're right, as always. Thanks for understanding. And speaking of understanding, how's everything with Colin? I imagine the video calls must be... interesting.

—Oh, well... —I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. —Colin's been quite... creative in keeping things entertaining. You know how he is—he always knows what to say to make me laugh or... blush.

Eloise burst out laughing.

—That's so... Colin! —My phone vibrated; it was a message from Colin:

Everything okay over there? Give Eloise a hug from me. And remember, I'm better at kissing than spying.