Page 81 of The Wiener Across the Way

Security swiftly retrieved both Pooh and Penelope, bringing them over to us. Kelsey immediately enveloped Penelope and Pooh in a tight hug, relief and happiness squealing out in her voice. “Pen, I’ve been so worried about you.”

Penelope, looking equally relieved and a bit overwhelmed, hugged her back. “Kelsey, I saw your livestream, and I had to come in person. Skeeter, she… she fired me, told me it was what you wanted.”

Kelsey pulled back, shock written all over her face. “Fired you? But why? I never said anything like that. You’re my rock, my life’s blood. I’ve been lost without you.”

Penelope’s eyes were filled with a mixture of hurt and determination. “She took my phone, my tablet... everything. Said I was too close to you, that it was clouding my judgment, and I was probably the reason you’d worked yourself so hard that you almost died.”

I could see the pieces falling into place in Kelsey’s mind, the betrayal and manipulation becoming more apparent. She pulled Penelope in for another hug. “Never. That’s all a pack of lies.”

I looked around, not liking that there were so many eyes and ears on us, and I ushered the ladies toward the car. When we got inside with the doors closed, Kelsey whispered, a hint of anger lacing her voice, “What else has she done?”

I put my arm around Kelsey, feeling a protective rage boiling inside me against Skeeter. This was more than just a simple misunderstanding or mismanagement. It was sabotage.

Penelope looked down, then met Kelsey’s eyes. “I don’t know. But I’ve figured out she’s been making deals and promises on your behalf, things you’d never agree to.”

“We’re going to get to the bottom of this,” I assured them both, resolve hardening within me.

“But first, you’re coming to dinner with us, Pen.” Kelsey took both of Pen’s hands in hers. “You’re basically a part of my family, so it’s about time you actually met my parents.”

Penelope’s eyes misted over, and she gave a small, grateful nod. “What? Are you sure? Your mom won’t freak out?”

Kelsey shrugged and smiled, and I could see how much relief having Penelope back in her life was to her. “I’m just bringing home some friends for dinner. She’ll love you.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Kelsey. That means the world to me.” Pooh happily settled in Penelope’s lap. Clearly, she’d missed her too.

Dinner with Kelsey’s parents was going to be more than just a meet and greet now. It was going to be a gathering of allies.

Stepping into Kelsey’s parents’ home was like walking into a perpetual Christmas wonderland. The walls were decked with holly, twinkling lights adorned every surface, and a gentle chorus of carols played softly in the background. Marilyn, Kelsey’s mom, was the epitome of holiday cheer, and I swear she was a slightly younger version of Mrs. Claus, with blonde hair instead of white. But her eyes twinkled as brightly as the decorations surrounding us, and she even had rosy, red cheeks and smelled like hot chocolate and cookies.

“Welcome, welcome,” she greeted us, enveloping Kelsey in a warm embrace and giving Pooh a good scratch on the head. Then she turned to me with an outstretched hand. “You must be Declan. We’ve heard absolutely nothing about you, but my husband says you come from good people.”

I shook her hand, a little overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere and feeling like I’d just been transported to the North Pole. “It’s great to meet you, Mrs. Best.”

“Oh, please, call me Marilyn.” She beamed like she’d just won a lifetime supply of candy canes. “And this is the infamous Penelope. Come here, sweetheart.”

Pen’s eyes went wide as Mrs. Best enveloped her into a huge hug and gave her a little squeeze, rocking back and forth.

As if all of this was normal and every day, she led us into the dining room where a feast awaited us. The table was a vision of yuletide splendor, complete with a centerpiece of pinecones and red berries. In October.

I leaned over and whispered in Kelsey’s ear. “I think I see where you get your ability to put on a spectacular show.”

“You have no idea. My first performances were all Christmas carols.” She gave me a smile but made those big eyes like she knew how strange this all must be. “And now you know why my second album was a holiday one.”

It was adorable to me, and growing up like this must have absolutely given Kelsey her joyful outlook on life.

A tall man stood at the head of the table. He was built like a linebacker, and I saw where Kelsey got her height and her eyes. I put out my hand and shook his. “Mr. Best, nice to meet you.”

“Xavier, but you can call me Zav, Declan. Good game today.”

“You watched, sir?” Kelsey hadn’t mentioned her father was a fan. I’d have brought him a jersey or a hat or something.

“I’m a long time Thunder fan.” Uh-oh. “Played a little ball in college myself. I’d be mad at you if that hadn’t been one of the greatest interceptions I’ve ever seen.”

Yikes. “It was pretty fun to run that ball in. Sorry it lost you the game.”

“No you’re not.” He smiled at me and those eggshells I’d been prepared to walk on disappeared.

“No, sir, I’m not.”

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