Out of Bounds [h.s. au]

Chapter 19

Despite the events of the previous night, I actually got a full night's sleep and felt well rested the next morning. I got up, showered, dressed, ate breakfast and made another run to the store before I ever heard James emerge from his room. He obviously had a hell of a hangover, which served him right.

I continued to pack for the rest of the morning and managed to avoid James. Other than a couple of trips to the bathroom and one to the kitchen, he stayed locked in his office. By one o'clock I had pretty much packed everything in my room except for a few items I used daily and about a week's worth of clothing. I decided to take a lunch break and went into the kitchen to make a sandwich. I took it back to my room and sat on the bed with my laptop. I began to search for jobs, knowing I'd have to get one as soon as possible. My resume was still up to date since the last job I'd had was a temp position at a bank the year before.

As I scrolled through the various job postings, I heard my phone vibrate on the nightstand. I picked it up expecting it to be Harry, or perhaps Justine. I was surprised to see Penny's name displayed. We'd exchanged numbers at the party so she could text me the picture she'd taken of Harry and Joey, but other than that, I'd never gotten a call from her.

"Tisa?" she sounded when I answered.

"Yes?"

"Hey, baby doll, it's Penny."

I smiled at her friendly greeting. "Hi, Penny! How are you?"

"I'm great!" she exclaimed, pausing only to take a quick breath. "Listen, I've been talking to Zack and Harry. They told me about your situation. I hope you don't mind."

I grimaced, but I knew Penny was kind and had good intentions. "It's okay."

"Oh, baby doll, I'm so sorry. I know this must be rough."

"I'll make it," I swallowed.

"I know you will, because you're strong. Plus you have a wonderful guy who loves you."

I smiled again, thinking of Harry. "I love him too," I muttered.

"Of course you do," said Penny. "Now, the reason I called. I want to help you."

"Help me?"

"Yes," she replied. "I want you to come stay with me."

"Oh, Penny, I can't —"

"Yes, you can," she interrupted. "I know we only just met, but I'm your friend. And friends help each other. So I want you to come stay with me for as long as you need."

I exhaled slowly. "Penny..."

"My place isn't much," she continued. "It's only a one bedroom, teeny tiny apartment. But my couch folds out and you're welcome to sleep on it."

"Penny, I don't know what to say," I cried.

"Well, frankly, it doesn't matter what you say," she said matter of factly. "Because you're doing it. I'm not taking no for an answer."

I let out a strained chuckle. "Okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome, my friend."

***

Sometime in the late afternoon, James must have eventually snuck out. I'd gone to the kitchen to return my plate and noticed his office door open, the light off. Curious, I opened the door to the garage and confirmed his car was gone.

Harry called me before he left for work, excited and relieved that I would be moving in with Penny. I told him she was a sweet girl to do that for me.