Page 17 of Just Business

“Nah, I won’t rub it in. But I have bad news. I haven’t had any luck finding lodging. But based on what you just said, I’m not sure if I need to book a flight back to Texas or not. I was thinking you could take your breather there.”

“Actually, I’ve got it figured out. Turns out the studio has an apartment they rent out. I’m unpacking right now. It’s perfect.”

“What’s the studio like? I saw pictures on their website. Is it everything I imagine?” he asks.

“Man, it’s everything and more. Penny and I cut demos today for the studio band. She’ll let me know when they’ll be ready to start recording. I’m assuming it’ll be Monday when things really get going.”

“Penny? I thought the studio owner’s name is Charlie. That’s what the website says.”

I tell him all about meeting Penny at the bar and arriving this morning to find her standing there.

“She owns the whole damn place, Ty. And she’s the sound tech.” I’m unable to tamp down the note of admiration in my voice. “The apartment is over her garage.”

“And the plot thickens,” Ty hums through a low laugh.

I chuckle at his words. "Why don’t you come for a visit while I’m here? You told me you’ve been here before, but it’s been years."

He hesitates. I figure it’s because he’s enjoying his time without me in Texas. God knows he needs this break. "We’ll see."

I’ve finished unpacking, so I sit on the couch, propping my feet up on the coffee table. Ty and I talk a while longer about Kate’s media statement and how people have reacted to it. According to him, the reaction has been about what I expected, from well wishes to trolls. I’ve avoided social media like the plague since the night my tour was cut short.

I glance down at my phone to a text notification.

Penny

I’m assuming you’re gonna need groceries. If you want, we can run and grab some things. Seeing how you’re planning on cooking for me and all.

“Hey, man, Penny’s texting. I’m gonna let you go and see what she’s saying.”

“Wow. It’s like that, huh?” he says, laughing.

“Shut up. I’ll talk to you later. Go have some fun or something while I’m gone. Go get laid! You probably need it.”

“I’m hanging up now.”

Once the call ends, I pull up my text thread with Penny.

You just can’t get enough of me, can ya?

Penny

Groceries sound great. I need things to keep up here, anyway. Got any stores that won't be super crowded? My publicist put out a statement, but I still wanna lie low for a bit longer. I know you said I’m safe, but I can’t ever be too careful.

Penny

Yep! There's a market not too far from here. It’s a few streets over. They’ll have anything the big stores have.

Thanks, darlin’.

Penny

Nope! Do not winky face at me! Business, remember?

mmhmm

After a quick shower, I change into a clean t-shirt, Levi’s, and boots, and head downstairs to Penny’s. Her house seems to suit what little I know of her. It’s an old two-story craftsman bungalow that’s been painted a no-nonsense white at some point.

Along the side of her house, rows of sunflowers reach toward the sky, reminding me of that ink I spotted on her back at the bar. When I step onto her porch, I see it's dotted with potted plants and bright colored flowers.

---