Page 85 of The Anaconda Downstairs

As we pushed through the doors of the press room, the sounds of celebration hit us like a wave. The hallway was packed with family, friends, and team staff, all eager to continue the festivities.

Penelope was standing with Kelsey, Jules, and Trixie, her eyes lighting up as she spotted us. I made my way over, unable to keep the grin off my face.

“Hey, champ,” Penelope said, wrapping her arms around me. “Ready to really celebrate?”

Before I could answer, she was already pulling out her phone, her organizational mode in full swing. “Okay, I've got cars waiting outside to take us all to the venue for the celebration. I rented out the whole place for the team and families. The first round's on me, but don't go too crazy. We've got those morning show interviews tomorrow.”

I did not hold back my laugh. Of course Penelope had already planned everything down to the last detail. “Have I told you lately that you're amazing?” I said, pulling her in for a quick kiss.

She grinned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Hmm. Tell me again later when we're celebrating... in bed.”

“I'm more than happy to skip the partying and go straight to that portion of the celebrations.”

“Now come on,” she shook her head and pulled my hand to lead me down the hallway, “let's get this party started.”

As we made our way through the crowd towards the exit, I saw similar scenes playing out around us. Hayes was hand in hand with Willa, both of them grinning from ear to ear. Chris was already regaling a group with a play-by-play of the final touchdown. And there was Dad, looking prouder than I'd ever seen him.

The night was young, we were champions, and we had a bar full of people waiting to celebrate with us. Tonight was for reveling in our victory.

HEY BESTIES

PENELOPE

The bar I’d rented out for the bowl win was alive with energy as we stepped through the doors, my hand intertwined with Everett's. The bar, usually a local hotspot, had been transformed into our own private victory haven. The neon signs and dark wood were now adorned with Mustangs banners and blue and orange balloons. A giant screen dominated one wall, replaying highlights from the game.

“Pen, this is incredible,” Everett said, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. I smiled, happy with what I'd accomplished mostly in secret. Organizing this celebration had been exactly in my wheelhouse, and since this wasn't the first party I'd thrown for the Mustangs, Marie Manniway let me run with it. Besides, it made it easier to have Kelsey's security in place so she could have an enjoyable time too.

We made our way further into the bar, and we were engulfed by a sea of orange and blue. Players, coaches, and their families filled every corner, their laughter and excited chatter creating a symphony of victory. The clinking of glasses and the pop of champagne bottles punctuated the air.

“Penelope,” a familiar voice called out. I turned to see Marie with Johnston in tow, making their way towards us. Her warmsmile was infectious as she pulled me into a hug. “Darling, you've outdone yourself. This is fabulous.”

“Thanks, Marie,” I said, returning her embrace. “I'm just glad everyone's having a good time.”

Marie linked her arm through mine and addressed Everett. “Young man, I'm stealing your lady for a few minutes. There are some people I need her to meet properly.”

Everett nodded and he waved me off. Marie guided me towards a group of women, but I stole one backward glance at Ev for support. He was starting at my ass, so I gave it a little wiggle for him.

I recognized many of the faces in this group from game days and charity events. The Cowgirls and CowPals, the wives, girlfriends, partners, and lovers of the Mustangs players. They welcomed me with open arms and bright smiles.

“Ladies, I believe you all know Penelope,” Marie said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. “But tonight, we're officially inducting her into our little family.”

A cheer went up from the group, and the best kind of happiness spread through me. These women and men, many of whom I'd admired from afar, were embracing me as one of their own. I looked around the circle, feeling a little surge of shyness. They all seemed very glamorous and put together. For the briefest of seconds I bet that none of them ever suffered from a lack of confidence.

Then I mentally gave myself a little smack. Of course they did. They were... people, humans, and just as susceptible to insecurities as the rest of us. While I could be mad at myself for that little slip, I understood better than any time in the rest of my life that thoughts like that were normal, would probably happen again, and that I was okay, despite it.

“We saw the commercial,” said Fern, one of the girlfriends, her eyes shining. “It was absolutely amazing. You and Kelsey are going to change so many lives.”

She wasn't the only one looking at me like I was some kind of superhero, and I had to press my lips together so I didn’t smile so wide I let out all the butterflies they were letting loose in my heart. There was beautiful diversity in the body types in this group, but it definitely leaned more toward the curvier, thick girls. These were my people, and that actually surprised me a little.

“Thanks. It means a lot to hear that.”

“She's being modest,” Trixie appeared at my side and handed me a glass of bubbly. “The response has been insane. #LoveYourself is trending on all the socials right now.”

A ripple of excitement went through the group.

“That's badass.” Elisha, who was sitting across from me raised her glass. “You know, seeing you and Kelsey up there... it made me feel seen.”

Several other women nodded their heads, and it wasn't only the bigger girls. A sweet looking, tall woman who I didn't know yet gave me a shy smile. “Yeah, like maybe I could be beautiful too.”

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