Page 20 of The Anaconda Downstairs

I didn’t like that. I wanted the sweet and outgoing Pen who knew how to conquer the world. I’d fucked that up by pushing her out of her comfort zone too fast. We’d take it slower this time and I’d make sure she didn’t fail like that again.

“Hey, Pen. It’s Everett.” As if she didn’t know. Smooth, Kingman. Real smooth. “Are you free and up for a little impromptu lesson?”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I worried I’d cut into her workday. She and Kelsey were always go, go, go, and I didn’t even really know what they were doing. Besides changing the world one song and one social media post at a time. But then she laughed, a sound that sent warmth spreading through my chest and other areas down below.

“I’ve got some time. What did you have in mind?”

I pulled into the parking lot of Cool Beans, our neighborhood coffee shop. “How about some casual flirting practice? No bars this time. Nothing too intense. Just... you know, everyday interactions. The kind of thing you might do if you saw someone who piqued your interest at say... a coffee shop.”

“Oh.” Was that disappointment in her voice? No, I was definitely imagining things. “Yeah, that sounds good. Where were you thinking?”

“Cool Beans?” I suggested, trying to keep my voice casual. “It’s a good, low-pressure environment, but since Willa’s taken over and cooked up all her marketing ideas, there’s a steady stream of customers, but it’s not overly crowded.”

“Okay, sure. When?” She sounded a little distracted, and I wondered if maybe Kelsey was nearby and could hear Pen’s side of the call. I should have thought of that.

I glanced at my watch. “Can you get away now? I’m actually already here.” I winced, realizing how eager that made me sound. “I mean, I was on my way home from the gym, so...”

Penelope laughed again, and I found myself smiling in response. “Alright, give me fifteen minutes.”

I hung up and leaned back in my seat, taking a deep breath. This was fine. This was normal. Just two friends, hanging out, one teaching the other how to flirt. Totally normal.

I got out of the car and headed into Cool Beans. The familiar scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries hit me as soon as I walked through the door. Willa was behind the counter, and she grinned when she saw me.

“Everett, what brings you here in the middle of the day? Shouldn’t you be at practice or something? Not that I’m complaining. Especially if you happen to post on your socials that you’re here. Your adoring fans definitely need some coffee or tea this afternoon.”

I shrugged, approaching the counter. “Day off. Thought I’d grab a coffee. How’s it going? Hayes treating you right?”

Willa rolled her eyes, but her smile widened. “Your brother is beyond a perfect gentleman. Most of the time. Now, what can I get you?”

She blushed a little talking about Hayes, and I loved that for the two of them.

“Just a black coffee for now,” I said. “I’m actually meeting someone in a few minutes.”

Willa’s eyebrows shot up. “First of all, no. You’ll get a fancy concoction of mine and like it, and... anyone I know?”

I hesitated. Willa did know Penelope. They might even be friends. I needed to play this cool, so Willa didn’t suspect anything. Hopefully she’d be too busy serving customers when Pen got here. Maybe I’d just send a little text to Hayes to get him over here to distract her. “Just Penelope,” I said finally. “We’re, uh, working on a project.”

“Uh-huh,” Willa said, her tone skeptical. She turned to make my coffee or tea or whatever it was, and I could practically feel her curiosity radiating off her in waves.

I sent that text to Hayes.

I took my drink, which smelled like Christmas, and settled into a corner table, one with an unobstructed view of both the door and the counter but that was far enough away that Willa wouldn’t overhear everything we were saying. As I waited for Penelope, I found myself getting increasingly nervous. What was wrong with me? This was easy peasy stuff, not rocket science. She’d pick it up in no time.

But maybe I didn’t want her to. And as much as I tried to deny it, I knew that my feelings for Penelope were becoming more complicated by the day. Which was why I needed to make her a dating expert immediately if not sooner.

The bell above the door chimed, and Penelope walked in. She was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans, her hair loose around her shoulders, and for a moment, I forgot she wasn’t mine. She spotted me and smiled, giving a little wave as she made her way to the counter.

I watched as she ordered, chatting easily with Willa and Javier, the other barista. This was good, I told myself. She wasn’t awkward with Javi. I could remind her of that when she got nervous later.

She slid into the seat across from me, looked around like she was a cold-war spy making sure no one was watching, and lowered her voice. “So, teach, what’s the lesson plan for today?”

Cute as fuck.

“Well,” I said, setting my cup down, “I thought we could start with something simple. Flirting in everyday situations. The kind of thing you might do if you were interested in, say, the cute barista who makes your coffee every morning.”

Penelope’s eyes widened slightly, and for a second, I thought I saw a flash of something—disappointment? frustration? —cross her face. But then she smiled, and it was gone.

“Okay,” she said, leaning forward slightly. “So, if I were interested in the cute barista at a coffee shop, what would you suggest I do?”

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