Page 5 of One More Chapter

“Don’t tempt me,” I chuckle. “I’ll think about it.”

We finish watching the game mostly in silence, aside from the Sox announcers and the buzzing of my cell, a mixture of old and new friends alike. When I retire to bed, the unread textstell me two things—One: that I need to get out of my parents’ basement and get myself a life.

And secondly?

She still hasn’t reached out.

I mean, she blocked my number. I could have guessed that none of the messages were from her.

Why, then, am I still holding onto hope that she’s decided to give me some grace, accept my apology, and fill this aching hole in my heart that’s carved out in the shape of Penelope Barker?

after florida

5:22 PM

Penelope

I’m sorry. You did *what* for your senior prank?

Anthony

You said you wouldn’t judge!!!

And I *may* have tried to boost my principal’s car.

Penelope

Tried?????

Anthony

Succeeded**

Penelope

And he had his hunting bow in the backseat????

Anthony

I SWEAR I DIDN’T KNOW!!!

Until I got pulled over

And didn’t have a hunting license

Whoops?

Penelope

Wow. So you’re telling me I’ve been flirting with a real life criminal?

Anthony

Hope you like bad boys

three

penelope