An Exchange

Chapter Fifty-Two - Choir Comp

Chapter Fifty-Two

 

Penny

We were dressed and doing our make-up when Maria's phone rang. It was twenty minutes before the show was to start, and she answered it with a smile, then handed it to me. "It's for you."

I took it, confused. "Hello?"

"Penny, it's me Ryan."

"Ryan?" I grinned excitedly.

"Yeah, I wanted to wish you good luck tonight, and let you know that I'm sorry I missed you last night, and that I didn't get to see you today."

I leaped to my feet and rushed to the door. "You're here? You made it?"

"Yeah, we're waiting at our door to go in to our seats right now. I'm with all the parents…"

I knew where that was. I turned to signal to Maria that I would be back. As he talked to me, I rushed through the building until I saw the group all standing together waiting. He stood a few feet away, leaning against the wall with his back to me. I pushed through the choirs and people waiting to go inside, straight to him. When I reached him, I yanked the phone out of his hand and he spun around. Before he had a moment to react I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.

He pulled back and smiled down at me, touching my face. "It's good to see you."

"I'm so glad you're here." I softly rubbed the lipstick off his bottom lip.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything, especially after you made me stand half naked for all those women at that car wash."

I giggled before kissing him quickly again. "Well, I had to make sure you were motivated to get down here."

He bent over and gave me a long kiss. "I didn't need any help with that."

I smiled at him and began rubbing at his lip to get the lipstick off again. He kissed my fingers. Then the doors opened for them to go through.

"I better get back," I said, stepping away from him, but he caught my wrist and pulled me back.

He ran his fingers through my hair and kissed my forehead. "Good luck, Penny. You will be the highlight of the entire show."

He let go and I rushed back toward the choir.

As I pushed through the crowd, I passed Giles. I stopped and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Giles! I'm so excited!"

He laughed. "I can tell."

"Wish me luck?" I said, letting him go.

"Not that you'll need it, but break a leg."

I gave him a quick peck on the cheek and darted away through the crowd.

*

Giles

I stared after Penny as she darted away. That kiss on the cheek made my head spin. She confused me. Only a few moment before she and Ryan had been practically making out. So gross, but so… frustrating. Not looking didn't help at all.

I needed to focus. I was in best friend status, which was great considering my mission call would come in any day. Best friend. After my mission, I could turn that into something more… hopefully. If Ryan didn't already…

I shook my head.

Jonas nudged me. "Stop thinking about it."

"About what?"