Page 12 of Once Upon A Second Chance

Penny

The morning sun slants through my bedroom window, painting stripes of gold across the pile of discarded clothes on the floor. I stand in front of the full length mirror, holding up two different outfits like they hold the meaning of life.

"Okay," Lena says from where she's sprawled across my bed, crunching loudly on a handful of pretzels.

"The shorts say, 'I'm fun and approachable.' The dress says, 'I definitely didn't spend thirty minutes picking this out because a certain locum doctor might see me today.'"

I glare at her reflection. "I'm just trying not to melt at the festival. It's ninety degrees out there."

"Mhmm." She rolls onto her stomach, propping her chin in her hands. "And the fact that Richard Hogan is working the first aid tent has nothing to do with it?"

My face goes hot. "No. It does not."

"Liar."

I throw the dress at her head. She catches it with a grin.

The truth is, I've known about Richard volunteering at the festival since yesterday, when Mrs. Delaney "happened to mention it" no less than three times while bringing over zucchini bread. Like I needed the reminder that he's out there being all heroic and handsome while I'm—

"Earth to Penny." Lena snaps her fingers. "You're doing the thing again."

"What thing?"

"The 'staring into space while thinking about Dr. Tall-Dark-and-Moody' thing."

I flip her off and turn back to the mirror, holding the denim shorts against my waist. They're my favorite pair, the ones that make my legs look miles long. Not that I care.

"Shorts it is," I mutter, reaching for my favorite crop top.

Lenawhoops. "Knew it."

"It's practical!"

"Sure, Jan."

I ignore her tongue-in-cheek reference to the old The Brady Bunch sitcom, and focus on applying mascara with steady hands. Not that I'm putting in extra effort. Just... basic hygiene. Normal grooming. Absolutelynotbecause Richard used to say he loved my eyelashes—

A knock at the front door interrupts my thoughts.

"Expecting someone?" Lena waggles her eyebrows.

"Shut up." I pad barefoot down the hall, Bijou skittering ahead of me with excited yips.

Mrs. Delaney stands on my porch, holding a basket of muffins and wearing a smile that's far too innocent.

"Morning, sugar! Brought you some blueberry muffins for the festival."

Bijou immediately plants her tiny paws on Mrs. Delaney's shin, tail wagging furiously.

Traitor.

"That's so sweet, thank you." I take the basket, the scent of warm blueberries making my stomach growl.

"Oh my, aren't you looking pretty today!" Mrs. Delaney's eyes sweep over my outfit. "Those shorts are just darling."

I resist the urge to cover my legs. "Thanks. Just threw something on."

"Mm…hmm." Her eyes twinkle. "You know, I saw Dr. Hogan setting up the first aid tent earlier. Such a nice young man. So... helpful."