Chapter 01 -- Setting the Tone
Penny's game began at midnight, though I slept right through it. There was no phone call, no surprise visit, nothing. I had expected her to jump right, but all was quiet. Brooke and I decided that it was best if we did not sleep together that first night. I woke the next morning to find Brooke still sleeping and the time for my normal morning routine had arrived.
I plugged through the day, wondering when Penny's first move would be and what she would start with. The most torturous question was, however, how long would she wait to make the first move? My mind played hundreds of possible scenarios, none of which I felt confident enough to buy into. I was interested and curious to see what direction she was going to take the game. As my day at the office ended and I headed back to Brooke's, I hoped she would be home.
As I pulled into the driveway, the garage was closed, so I was unsure if Brooke's car was in there or not. I very much wanted it to be. As I entered the house, I heard the television on and there was Brooke, sitting on the couch, watching whatever was on in front of her. She again had on one of my t-shirts and a cute pair of pink stretch pants. When she saw she immediately got up and ran to me. She threw her arms around me and hugged me tightly, burying her face into my chest. Now this was the way to come home.
Once Brooke released me, I headed up stairs to change cloths, wanting to be more comfortable than my work attire; I threw on shorts and a t-shirt. When I returned Brooke was searching through the fridge for something to eat. As I was about to enter the kitchen, the door bell rang. Brooke looked at me, with surprise written on her face. I was not expecting anyone and judging by the look on her face, neither was she. Cautiously, I made my way to the front door to see who was there.
Much to my surprise when I opened the door, Penny stood before me. She passed by me quickly and into the house.
"To what do we owe this pleasure," I asked gleefully as I closed the door behind her.
"I have a few things that I would like to discuss with you and Brooke," she admitted.
I invited her to sit at the table in the small nook area near the front door, where Brooke and I ate most of our meals together. Penny and I both sat on the near side of the table with Penny sitting closer to the kitchen, while I was closer to the front door. Brooke joined us and sat on the other side of the table, directly opposite Penny. I wondered where this conversation was headed.
"I want to set the tone for my game," Penny began. "I want to be fair so that everyone enjoys themselves. I need your assistance with that. Both of you."
"Pen, I will do whatever you need me to," I volunteered.
"I know you will," she smiled at me. "That's why you are the best."
"If there is something I can do to help you, I would be happy to," Brooke added, though her voice was timid.
"I was hoping you would say that," Penny replied quickly. "First of all, I want you to know that what you said yesterday meant the world to me. I am not blind, I know there is something going on between you two that is much more than this game and I don't want to damage that, but I also want to be fair to everyone involved."
"Ok, that makes a lot of sense," Brooke admitted, now sounding more confident when she spoke. "What can I do?"
"I think the best thing for right now is for him to live with me," Penny revealed. "Please don't be insulted. I just think it would be best for the game. I also need balance so I have asked Vivian to move in with us as well, just so no one thinks I am taking advantage of my position as the leader of the game. With her feelings for him, she will be the first one to call me out if I am acting incorrectly or selfishly."
"If you think that's best," Brooke stammered, seeming very disappointed.
"I need your help with that," Penny continued.
Brooke's face perked up, she had a look of wonder regarding what was about to follow.
