Page 85 of Devoured

"Not at all." Really, she was. But I loved messing with her. The flush spread across her cheeks.

"What? Let me go change then. What should I be wearing?"

"That would kind of take away from the surprise." We drove in silence for a few minutes. Once we turned onto the highway, she finally broke the silence.

"Can I at least have a hint?"

I pressed my lips together, trying to think of a good one. "I'm hoping to change your mind about something."

"About what?"

"I already gave you your hint."

She smiled at me and turned to look out the window.

I did want to change her mind about New York. When I left the city, I swore I’d never go back. But I’d meant what I said to Matt on the phone. I wanted to go back to how things used to be. The four of us. My friends were in New York. I wanted to be able to go back to the city and feel like I could breathe. I glanced at Penny. If she was with me, I knew I’d be able to.

She snored lightly and I smiled.

I looked in my rearview mirror to see Ian’s car still a respectful two cars back. I pressed my foot down on the gas. Ian would like the challenge.

Penny didn’t like when I sped. But if she was sleeping…I could get to the city in record time and have fun while doing it. I pressed my foot down harder on the gas.

***

I pulled into an empty spot and cut the engine. Penny was still fast asleep, which gave me a few minutes to plan out the rest of our day. I shot off a few texts to Ian on things I needed him to arrange.

My phone was on silent, but I saw his response come through. “You’re lucky neither of us got a ticket.”

“I would have paid for your ticket,” I texted back. “Don’t pretend you weren’t happy to properly test out your new car.”

“I’m more excited for pizza.”

I frowned at the text. “You’re coming in? I just gave you a bunch of stuff to do.”

“I’ll blend in and handle everything while I’m eating. Speeding makes me hungry.”

I laughed and slid my phone back into my pocket. I knew he’d handle it. He always did.

I turned to Penny. She looked so peaceful while she was sleeping. I almost didn’t want to disturb her. But she’d asked for a fun day. And I knew exactly how to give that to her.

"Hey," I whispered. I placed my hand on her cheek.

Penny slowly opened her eyes. She stared at me for a moment and then looked out the window. "Where are we? Philly?"

I laughed. "No, not Philly."

"Are we in New York?"

"I don't think you've experienced it the same way that I have."

"Because I'm not rich?"

I shrugged. "I want to show you my New York."

She glanced at the clock on my dashboard. "You like speeding."

"I tend to do everything efficiently."

---