Page 79 of The Anaconda Downstairs

THE REAL REVENGE IS TO LOVE YOURSELF

PENELOPE

Igrabbed a drink and looked around the VIP suite, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. The energy in the room was electric, a buzz of anticipation that hummed in the air. The Bowl. I still couldn't believe we were here.

Well, I could. The Mustangs had absolutely killed it in the final playoff game, and they were favored to win over the New England Presidents. Helped a lot that Hayes was back on the field and the Kingman brothers were together again.

Even though I'd only ever watched the Bowl for the commercials in the past, I was actually excited for the game part today too. But whoo-boy, the debut of the KnightWear and Swoosh commercials had me feeling all tingly from my head to my toes too.

“Pen, don't be stingy with those nachos. Bring them over here.” Kelsey waved from across the room, her megawatt smile impossible to miss. She'd been extra bubbly and bouncy this week but wouldn't tell me why. She was probably just as excited about being at our first bowl game and seeing the body positive commercials too.

But I had a feeling it was more.

Although, she did often get like this right before we announced a new album too. She loved keeping secrets and laying out clues. Since the Grampys were just another week away, and she'd be announcing her new album there, her energy was through the roof.

I made my way over, weaving through the crowd of familiar faces. The entire Kingman clan was here. Zaddy Kingman, was deep in conversation with Maguire Jerry and Johnston Manniway, as was his usual pregame routine. The twins, Flynn and Gryff, were loading up on snacks, while Isak was glued to the window overlooking the field. These suites had windows that slid open, and we were only a few feet above the fans seated in front of us. It was pretty cool, and plenty were already trying to get selfies with Kelsey in the background.

“I may have been to three other bowl games like this, but I never get tired of it.” Jules sidled up next to me, linking her arm through mine. “I freaking love seeing the boys play at the top of their games.”

I grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. “It's surreal,” I admitted. “I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.”

“Oh, trust me, it's real,” Trixie chimed in, joining our little huddle. “And I cannot wait to see these commercials.”

Right. The commercials. My stomach did a little flip at the thought. Everett's KnightWear ad, the one he'd been so vulnerable in, was set to air today. We'd gotten to see a preview of part of it, just the section that Everett was in. He was incredible and it definitely made me cry.

And then there was the mysterious Swoosh ad that Declan and Kelsey had been so tight-lipped about.

“Speaking of,” Sara Jayne Jerry piped up, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Kelsey, any hints about that NDA-worthy Swoosh commercial?”

Alexa, Declan's agent, wagged her finger. “Nice try, SJ. You'll just have to wait and see like everyone else.”

“Ugh, you're no fun,” Marie Manniway groaned, but she was smiling.

The vibe was so incredible here and I just wished the boys could feel it too. I drifted towards the windows, wanting to see Everett and mentally telepath him all this positivity. Down on the field, I could just make out his jersey as he stood on the sidelines with the team.

For the first time ever, I was wearing a matching jersey with his name and number on it. He'd gone a little bit feral this morning when he'd seen me in it for the first time. That's when I learned that it was just as fun getting bent over hotel couches as it was at home.

“He's going to do great,” a deep voice said beside me. I turned to find Mr. Kingman standing right next to me.

“I know he will,” I replied, smiling up at him.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he returned the smile. “And not just on the field. That commercial of his... well, let's just say I'm proud of him for reasons that have nothing to do with football today.”

“Me too,” I managed to say around the lump in my throat.

Mr. Kingman moved away to talk to Kelsey, Willa, and Trixie too. None of us were even actually family... yet, and he absolutely treated us like we were. He was the best father figure, and it almost made me want to call my own dad and try to have a better relationship with him. Maybe after the bowl and the Grampys, I'd try.

I took a deep breath, letting the magnitude of the moment wash over me. Today wasn't just about a game or some commercials. This was about changing perceptions, about showing the world that every body was beautiful and worthy of love and respect.

“Alright, everyone.” Kelsey called out, raising a glass. “To our boys on the field, to loving ourselves, and to changing the world one ad at a time.”

A cheer went up around the room, and as I joined in, hope mixed with relief swarmed all the dark places I’d been hiding from in my mind. Whatever happened today, we were in this together. And that felt like a victory already.

The first quarter of the game flew by in a blur of excitement and nail-biting plays. And holy cow were there some great commercials. That one for the car company had us all laughing out loud, and the beer people were freaking geniuses, matched only by the nacho chip people.

But in the very first commercial break of the second quarter, a hush fell over our suite. We all knew what was coming.

“Here we go,” Kelsey murmured, squeezing my hand.

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