Penelope Smith is a self conscious janitor and photography student when by chance, she meets Prince Nelson. They find an instant attraction. But can it withstand her career change, her insecurities and his fame?
We're about to go to a charity event. The main feature of it is an auction of sports memorabilia. There's going to be mostly important people in sports attending. Ever since we got our invitations, Prince has been trying to hide his boyish excitement about the whole thing. Sometimes he'll ask me if I know if this guy or that guy will be there. He doesn't even seem to care that Jasper is on the event's committee. It's fun to see him looking forward to tonight.
I on the other hand, am a nervous wreck. Prince zips my gown up for me. It's long, sparkly, navy blue with a low back and thin straps. The fit is slinky-but not skin tight. I went downtown and got my hair , nails and makeup done. Normally I do that stuff myself. It's not how I look that concerns me, it's what will happen at the event. Why did I agree to it?
"You look like a movie star." Prince tells me.
"Thank you. You're the sexiest leading man,."
"What are you worrying about? Tonight will be fun.You'll meet people and probably see some of your clients." Prince assures me. I guess it's obvious I'm worrying.
"I don't know. Maybe it's nerves." I say.
I hold his hand tightly as we enter the event.He points out retired basketball players to me. I admit to never having heard of them. I surprise him though when I recognizes one of the beautiful wives. "She came for a boudoir shoot recently" I inform him.
"I'm sure her husband was a happy man that day." Prince smiles.
"She was fun to work with. Let's go say hello" We have nice conversation with the basketball player and his wife.
A few bodybuilders come over. I introduces Prince to them. They are very respectful and he seems to like them more than he does Jasper. I start to relax a bit just like Prince thought I would once we got here.
Jasper brought Grace. He wants her to meet some "worthy" men. "Look Jasper," I say,"There's Krista! That fitness model you like so much!. Are going to go over and talk to her or just look at her like last time you two were in the same room?"
She's a tall, very pretty, muscular blonde woman.
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"Maybe later" says Jasper.
"Oh come on! Go over and talk to her. I've photographed her. She's really nice." I insist.
"Penelope, lay off. It's clear Jasper is too scared to talk to her" Prince says.
This irritates Jasper. "I am not! That's Krista! You don't just go up to and say 'Nice triceps' like she's just any chick!"
If that's his line, no wonder he's single. "Do you actually say that?" Prince asks shaking his head in disbelief
"I meet women in the gym, so yeah"
"I've never seen it work" says Grace.
"Jasper you can do this." I say
"No, Penelope, my arm is in a fucking cast because I broke it doing something that could have happened to an old man." Jasper sighs. "It's starting to get weaker than the other one."Does he want to arm wrestle this woman or get her number?
"Scared."Prince insists.
"Sir, it's just easier for YOU. You just have to look at a girl and you're getting laid." Jasper retorts.
"If he does that, I'll bust his pretty face up." says Grace.
"Grace, he has too much respect for me to do that ." I say.
"I'll show you all who's scared!" with that Jasper walks over to Krista.
They're chatting happily now. "That was nice of you to get him over there". I whisper to Prince.
"Think nothing of it." he says with this sly smile on his face. I think he's up to something.
Now that Jasper has found the female version of himself, Prince and I can spend the evening meeting athletes. What more could a man want? I'm getting a lot of attention for being here. It feels strange
We are seated at a table for dinner with Jasper and Grace. After the dinner is an auction of sports memorabilia. Right before it starts I get up "I have to go..." I say.
I go backstage The announcer says,"Ladies and gentleman, welcome to our auction. I want to present our dazzling auctioneer, Minnesota's Mistress of Muscle, Penelope Smith!" That's my cue. The audience applauds wildly. I did NOT tell Prince I was getting onstage tonight. Hell, I get shy when he has me dance onstage at Paisley Park parties. Prince looks so surprised.
Jasper had told me,"All you have to do is look pretty and read your note cards."
I start out nervous but start to speak confidently and clearly. The longer I'm up there the more comfortable I get. I even makes a couple jokes.Prince looks smug. I think he's pleased.
"Did I do well?" I ask when we're reunited.
"You were amazing! Is that that you were nervous about?" He asks before kissing my cheek.
"Yeah,I've been taking public speaking classes when I can, in case I have to speak to a reporter or something at the awards show. Jasper suggested I do the auction tonight to practice."
There's an afterparty. It's been a great evening. We met many of the athletes Prince wanted to. I know he's been having fun.
As we're dancing, there are a few (possibly drunk) athletes snickering at us. Prince stares into my eyes and whispers "Ignore them"
"That goofy musician is so out of place here" one athlete laughs., "Don't know why she brought him."
"Wonder who's makeup took longer?" Another athlete teases.
Prince scowls and leads me to the other side of the room. We chat with Grace and the sports promoter she met. Jasper and Krista are dancing. They make an insanely perfect couple, like if Barbie and Ken were bodybuilders.
We eventually leave. Despite the loudmouths, Prince is so enthusiastic about all the fun we had, my being "so sexy" onstage and the people we met that he is talking excitedly as we're standing outside the venue waiting for our limo.
"Hey, Baby! Why don't you get rid of the runt?" Someone calls out. It's one of the obnoxious athletes.
"Yeah, Honey! No need to bring a priss like that to an event like this!" Another yells. Loud, drunk laughter ensues.
"Wearing those heels to pretend you're taller, Little Man?"
That's it! I storm over to the athletes. I'm so mad! "THIS IS HOW YOU ACT AT A CHARITY EVENT? AN ATHLETE IS SUPPOSED TO BE SOMEONE TO BE ADMIRED! YOU ALL SUCK! I scream. I slap one across the face.
Was anyone expecting Penelope to confront the athletes? What do you think Prince is going to do?
