Page 123 of Loved

Chapter 31

Sunday

I thought I’d be tired as we pulled up in front of the jewelers, but I was full of energy. Nervous energy. But still.

The ring was even better with the diamond I’d picked out. I closed the box and thanked the owner for the quick turnaround.

I’d gotten everything ready. I’d gone over my proposal a hundred times. And a few times out loud to Rob and Ian. They both seemed to approve.

But yeah. I was really fucking nervous.

I was used to getting what I wanted. But this decision was entirely in Penny’s hands. A simple yes or no was going to change my life forever. And I just really hoped it was a yes.

“Seriously, do I look like a Bob to you?” Rob asked as we stepped onto the elevator.

“He’s just bad with names,” I said.I think.We’d already been over this during the car ride home.

“I get if he messes up football players names,” Rob said. “Especially since everyone on the Eagles is so forgettable. But he’d literally just learned my name. I think he was fucking with me.”

“Ian and Eli aren’t even close,” Ian said.

“But at least Eli is a cool name. I mean…Bob? Bob?!”

I laughed.

“It’s not funny. Do I look like I’m 70 years old with a beer belly?”

“I mean…you might look like that one day,” I said.

“Never. I do too many sit-ups for that crap. Penny’s father just hates me. I don’t know what to do about this. Do I send him a fruit basket or something as a peace offering?”

“I don’t think he hates you. He’s just bad at names.”

The elevator doors dinged.

“See you in a bit,” Ian said. “Good luck with the proposal.”

“Thanks, man.” I stepped off the elevator and Rob followed me.

“Later, Bob,” Ian added before the doors slid closed.

“Bob.” Rob looked truly exasperated. “Bob!”

“Stop it, you’re going to wake Penny.” I gestured to where she was asleep on the couch. She must have fallen asleep waiting for me to come home. I smiled. There was something really nice about someone trying to wait up all night for me to come home. Growing up, no one had ever cared where I was. It made me feel…loved.

Rob shook his head. “I don’t know how she’s going to feel about her dad hating me,” he whispered. “She might say no to your proposal now.”

How was that even going to come up? “He doesn’t hate you. But let’s put a pin in it for later, okay?”

He sighed. “Fine. I’m doing the fruit basket thing though. I’ll have Ellen arrange it.” He grabbed my shoulders and leaned in a little too close for my liking. “Game face,” he said. “Go get down on one knee and fuck our girl.”

“My girl.”

“Whatever. I’m taking a play from Mr. Taylor’s playbook. Apparently you can say whatever you want now with zero consequences.”

“Right.”

He slapped both sides of my face. “I can’t wait to hear all about it.” He slapped my face again and yawned. “I need some sleep. I usually only pull all-nighters during threesomes. Two women are a lot to handle.” He yawned again. “Sucks that you’ll never get to do that again.”

---