Page 88 of The Wiener Across the Way

Holding each other like this, the challenges ahead seemed less daunting. We had each other, and that was all that mattered. Our careers might take us to different corners of the country, but our hearts were tethered in a bond that wouldn’t be broken by distance or time.

My life had changed so much since meeting her. I wasn’t just a football player anymore, I was part of something bigger. A partnership built on mutual respect and love. The realization filled me with a sense of purpose and excitement for what lay ahead.

This was just the beginning for both of us, a new chapter where we could not only pursue our dreams but also support each other in ways we never thought possible. I would always be there for Kelsey, supporting her, cheering for her, and loving her. She was my partner, my confidante, my love. And together, we were unstoppable.

That gave me an idea for a song. I wondered if she’d teach me how to play the guitar.

BESTIES FACESPACE GROUP

[Pic of Penelope Quinn, Wiener the Pooh, and Kelsey Best]

Hey Besties,

Exciting things are happening in Bestlandia!

And I am here to be your insider for all things Kelsey Best in her new upcoming era. The era of girl power.

You know I’ve been here reporting from behind the scenes with all kinds of videos, lives, photos, and deets for you on our very favorite and talented pop star.

But today I’m here to make a few announcements. Lots of exciting things are coming your way, and you’re going to be the first to know.

First, I’ve been your anonymous friend, Mz. Besties’ Bestie, for a long time, but today, I’d like to let you get to know the real me.

Hi, my name is Penelope Quinn, and it’s been my privilege to work as Kelsey’s personal assistant for the past four years. Yep, that’s how I had so much insider knowledge. I have literally been in the Best camp, doing everything from walking the preciousWiener the Pooh to helping set up Kelsey’s brand new record label, Simply The Best.

You read that right. Kelsey is launching her own record label! More deets to come about all of that.

We all know the debacle that’s come out on social media, news media, and you know, court reports, about what went down with Big Marine, and she who shall never be named.

(P.S. Should you ever notice a screen name of Incognito Mosquito hanging around Bestlandia, be sure to swat it.)

But what’s come out of all that drama are some really exciting things. Stay tuned right here in Besties Bestie FaceSpace group, because in the coming days, Kelsey herself is going to go live to answer your questions and make some ah-mazing announcement regarding rescheduled tour dates. Can you say stadiums?

Commence the squealing!

(and please be kind, the pic is a selfie #nofilter #allbodiesarebeautiful #therealme)

XO

Your BFF,

Penelope

EPILOGUE: KING OF MY HEART

KELSEY

In the midst of my makeup tour, bigger and better in stadiums across the country, the energy and excitement of performing for my fans filled me with an indescribable joy. Even with as much fun as I was having, amidst the cheers and the adrenaline, on this particular night, a great big part of me yearned for Declan, who was on the opposite coast for a game and a subsequent photoshoot.

This was the first concert since the tour began that he had to miss. We attended each other’s events whenever possible, our schedules often intertwining like a well-orchestrated dance. But this leg of the tour had us separated for longer than usual, and I couldn’t help but miss him terribly.

I was sitting in my hotel room post-concert, staring at the city lights outside my window, knowing I really needed to get to sleep. But I had so much on my mind. My new album, releasing in just a few months under my label, was already a massive success with three number one singles. And the songs resonatedwith fans in ways I never imagined. I was finally making music that was entirely me, unfiltered and bold.

New song ideas were everywhere now, like someone—someone named Declan—had found the tap to my dried up creativity well and turned it back on.

I picked up my phone to work on a few lyrics but ended up scrolling through the photos from our last weekend together. A smile spread across my face as I recalled the laughter, the shared looks, and the quiet moments that had become our haven. Our love had grown stronger with each passing day, each challenge faced together.

But my scrolling was interrupted with a call from the one and only person I wanted to talk to, even though it was well past midnight and I had a show tomorrow.

---