Page 43 of The Anaconda Downstairs

My heart rate kicked up a notch. This was good, right? This was what I wanted. Everett deserved someone great like Simone. So why did I feel so possessive of him right now?

“You know,” Odin was saying, oblivious to my inner turmoil, “I’ve been thinking about doing a series on body positivity. Maybe you could help me out? Give me some insights into what it’s like to be, you know, not conventionally attractive but still confident?”

I stared at him, momentarily shocked out of my Everett-induced haze. “Excuse me?”

Odin held up his hands. “I mean it as a compliment. You’re so brave, putting yourself out there like this.”

Any other time, I might have told Odin exactly where he could shove his bravery. Existing in a fat body wasn’t brave, it was my fucking life. A life I loved.

But right now, all I could think about was Everett’s words from earlier.I don’t want you going out with any of these fucking guys.

What had he meant by that? And why couldn’t I stop thinking about it?

I nodded absently, my attention caught by a change in Everett’s posture. He was leaning back now, his arms crossed. Did that mean he wasn’t interested in Simone? Or was he just listening intently?

“...so what do you say?”Odin was asking, his eyes eager. “Want to collab on my body positivity series? Maybe I could get you over to my place and we could swing my axe around.”

“I’ll have to check my schedule,” I said, not entirely sure what I was agreeing to.

And then I heard it. Simone’s voice, clear as day:

“...shoot my shot right here and now. It seems like the stars have aligned. Everett, I’d love if you would go to the Grampys with me. What do you say?”

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Everett at the awards show with Simone? That couldn’t happen. It shouldn’t happen. But why not? Wasn’t this exactly what I’d been working towards?

My hands were shaking. I reached for my glass of water, needing something to do, something to ground me.

“Whoa, careful,” Odin exclaimed, but it was too late.

The glass slipped from my trembling fingers, sending a cascade of ice-cold water directly into Odin’s lap.

“Oh no,” I said and even threw in a faux gasp, watching the water soak into Odin’s plaid shirt and designer jeans. In a deadpan voice, I added, “I’m so sorry. Why don’t you just take your shirt off, you know, for the likes.”

I wasn’t sorry. Not one bit. I should have tossed my drink on him after his first backhanded insult. And I definitely wasn’tpaying attention to his sputtering protests. My entire focus was on the conversation happening at the next table.

“The awards show?” Everett was saying, his voice carrying clearly in the sudden hush that had fallen over our corner of the room. “I, uh... actually, I was hoping to go to that.”

My heart leapt into my throat. Was he about to agree to go to the Grampys with Simone?

“Oh?” Simone’s voice was bright with interest. “That would be great.”

Everett nodded and looked over at me. “I was just thinking...”

But I didn’t wait to hear the rest. My mind raced ahead, filling in the blanks. Of course he was going to say yes to Simone. Why wouldn’t he? She was beautiful, confident, and clearly interested in him. Everything I wasn’t.

Something hot and angry unfurled in my chest. Without thinking, I reached out and grabbed Odin’s still-full fancy-ass glass of beer.

“Penelope, what are you—” Odin started, but I was already on my feet.

Two steps brought me to Everett’s table. He looked up, surprise written all over his stupid handsome face.

“Pen? What’s wrong?” He looked over at Odin and glared at him. “Are you giving me the signal?”

What’s wrong? Everything was wrong. This whole ridiculous situation was wrong.

“Congratulations,” I said, my voice shaking. “Looks like you found a date for the Grampys. I didn’t even know you wanted to go.”

And then, before he could respond, before I could think better of it, I upended the glass of beer over Everett’s head.

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