Work Text:
Unknown: It was good to see you at Charlotte’s party last night.
Pen: Likewise.
Unknown: We should do it again sometime.
Pen: Maybe.
Unknown: Want to grab a drink tonight?
Pen: I have plans.
Unknown: Doing what?
Pen: Personal training session.
Unknown: Text if you change your mind. I’m working late.
Pen: Eloise is going out of town.
Unknown: For how long?
Pen: Overnight. Netflix and chill?
Unknown: Is that code for sex?
Pen: Is “Want to grab a drink tonight?”???
Unknown: Text me when she leaves.
Pen: She’s gone.
Unknown: I’ll be there in 30.
Pen: You forgot your tie.
Anthony: Keep it. I have plenty.
Pen: Will El recognize it?
Anthony: Hmm. Maybe. Perhaps you should give it back to me.
Pen: When and where?
Anthony: Plaza. 7:00.
Pen: See you then.
Pen: What were you doing at my apartment?
Anthony: Visiting my sister.
Pen: If you say so.
Anthony: I’m sorry I missed you.
Pen: I had my cooking class. Maybe some other time?
Anthony: When?
Pen: Tomorrow night?
Anthony: That works.
Pen: Sorry to rush out. I had a salon appointment this morning.
Anthony: No worries. Talk later.
Anthony: Drinks? Plaza. 7:00?
Pen: Can’t. Dinner meeting.
Anthony: After?
Pen: I’ll try.
Anthony: I’ll wait.
Anthony: I knew you couldn’t resist me.
Pen: You’re so full of yourself.
Anthony: And you like being full of me.
Pen: I do. I really, really, do.
Pen: El is working late for an event. Said she won’t be home until after midnight.
Anthony: Netflix and chill?
Pen: Absolutely.
Anthony: The usual?
Pen: Can’t. Girl’s night with El. Raincheck?
Anthony: Definitely.
Pen: Tonight?
Anthony: I wish. Client shmoozing. Sorry.
Pen: No worries. I’ll see if I can book a training session. Text if you get done at a decent hour.
Anthony: What about an indecent one?
Pen: Then you’re on your own, pal. El will know if I sneak out in the middle of the night and have questions.
Anthony: I love my sister, but right now, I don’t like her very much.
Anthony: Have to go out of town. Be back in two days.
Pen: Safe travels. See you when you get back.
Anthony: Count on it.
Anthony: Are you awake?
Pen: Yeah. Can’t sleep.
Anthony: Call me. I can help you with that.
Anthony: Jesus Christ, Pen. Are you trying to kill me?
Pen: Just thought I’d send you some visual motivation to help you get through the day.
Anthony: Mission accomplished.
Pen: What time are your meetings over?
Anthony: 6:00 Pacific
Pen: Call me at 8:00. Be naked.
Anthony: Only if you are, too.
Pen: Oh, I will be.
Pen: I can’t believe I did that on the phone.
Anthony: I can. You’re a wild woman.
Pen: When’s your flight?
Anthony: Couple of hours.
Pen: Let me know when you land.
Anthony: Will do.
Anthony: I’m back
Pen: How was your trip?
Anthony: Productive. Closed the deal.
Pen: Congrats
Anthony: Want to help me celebrate?
Pen: When and where?
Anthony: Usual
Pen: See you tonight.
Pen: Can’t make it. El just got home and wants to Netflix and chill. Sorry.
Anthony: Please tell me that doesn’t mean what I think it means…
Pen: Nope. Literal interpretation.
Anthony: Thank God.
Anthony: You should get your own place.
Pen: Would if I could, but money doesn’t grow on trees.
Anthony: I could help you out.
Pen: No. I’m fine. But thanks.
Anthony: Where are you?
Pen: Gym. Why?
Anthony: My meeting got canceled.
Pen: The meeting you’ve been prepping for the last two weeks? That meeting?
Anthony: Yes
Pen: And you’re not angry?
Anthony: Why would I be when I get to see you?
Pen: I have an appointment with my trainer in five minutes.
Anthony: Cancel it.
Pen: No.
Pen: What was that last night? You were acting like a twelve year old.
Anthony: He was touching you.
Pen: He has to touch me to train me, Anthony.
Anthony: He doesn’t have to enjoy it so much.
Pen: He wasn’t. He was just doing his job.
Anthony: No. He was doing mine. If he touches your ass like that again, he’s a dead man.
Pen: You’re going to blow our cover if you keep following me around town. And leave Charlie Hamilton alone. He’s nice.
Anthony: He wants to fuck you. Of course he’s nice.
Pen: Are you jealous? You sound jealous.
Anthony: No.
Pen: If you say so.
Anthony: Meet me at this address tomorrow night at 7:00. Don’t be late.
Pen: What if I have plans?
Anthony: Change them.
Pen: I’m meeting Charlie for a session at 6:30.
Anthony: No. You’re not. I’ll see you there.
Pen: What did you do?
Anthony: Made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’s opening his own gym. In Los Angeles.
Pen: I’m going to kill you.
Anthony: I’ve already died a thousand little deaths in your arms. What’s one more?
Pen: I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings last night.
Anthony: I hoped you’d like it more, but I get it. Sleek and modern isn’t your style.
Pen: Are you really okay with me making some changes?
Anthony: Yes. I want you to be comfortable there.
Pen: Thanks. That means a lot.
Pen: U up?
Anthony: For you, always.
Pen: Be there in twenty.
Anthony: I’ll be naked.
Anthony: Early meeting. Didn’t want to wake you. See you tonight?
Pen: Sure. Mind if I hang out here today?
Anthony: Not at all. Make yourself at home.
Pen: Where’s the disinfectant?
Anthony: No idea. Text the housekeeper. Number is on the fridge.
Pen: Nevermind. I found it
Anthony: Stay with me this weekend.
Pen: I can’t. El will be suspicious.
Anthony: I’ll take care of it.
Pen: How did you send her out of town?
Anthony: I play golf with her boss. Don’t bother to bring a bag. You won’t need clothes.
Pen: I have to wear something home.
Anthony: I’ve got you covered, baby.
Pen: I’m so sore.
Anthony: Good.
Pen: You’re such a guy.
Anthony: I am.
Pen: We need to cool things off. El is asking questions about why I’m gone all the time.
Anthony: So make up a fake boyfriend or something. Honestly, Pen, it’s not that hard.
Pen: Fine. But you owe me.
Anthony: And I’ll happily pay. You know I’m good for it.
Anthony: So who are you supposedly seeing?
Pen: A guy from the gym. Very cute. Italian.
Anthony: Not funny.
Pen: Really? I thought it was.
Pen: Tell me what you think. Be honest.
Anthony: I like it
Pen: Are you sure?
Anthony: Yeah. It draws the eye exactly like you said it would. I’m impressed.
Pen: El and I have a similar one in our kitchen.
Anthony: I know.
Pen: You do?
Anthony: I do pay attention, you know.
Pen: Since when?
Anthony: Since long before Colin’s wedding. I just didn’t realize it.
Pen: Really?
Anthony: Yes. Tell you all about my epiphany tonight?
Pen: I’d like that.
Pen: I never saw you as a brother either, you know that, right?
Anthony: Well, if you did, that would make what we’re doing pretty weird.
Anthony: But I’m glad you didn’t.
Pen: Me too.
Anthony: Why didn’t you think of me as a brother?
Pen: Aren’t you in a meeting?
Anthony: Simon’s leading. I’m bored. (If anyone asks, you’re Tokyo.)
Pen: Ah. Well, I guess it’s because you had DILF energy.
Anthony: What’s that?
Pen: Google it.
Anthony: …
Anthony: …
Anthony: So you thought of me as a dad?!?!
Pen: But a really hot one.
Anthony: Explain. Before I jump to conclusions.
Pen: You know what they say about men and babies? Well, the way you acted with Greg and Hy had the same effect as if you had a baby even though they weren’t your kids.
Anthony: So you’ve been lusting after me this whole time?
Pen: Yeah, I guess so.
Anthony: Interesting.
Anthony: Do I still have DILF energy?
Pen: Absolutely. Now get back to work.
Anthony: I don’t want to. Are you free?
Pen: Now?
Anthony: Yeah? Something came up “in Tokyo” that I need to handle urgently.
Pen: I’m home. El’s at work.
Anthony: Be there as soon as I can.
Pen: I’ll be waiting.
Pen: I’m sorry. She wasn’t supposed to come home until later.
Anthony: It’s fine. It’s not my first rodeo.
Pen: What do you mean?
Anthony: I became an expert at quick getaways a long time ago. Fire escapes are my friend.
Pen: Do I even want to know?
Anthony: No. You don’t. The past is the past. Let’s stay focused on the present, okay?
Pen: Yeah, okay.
Anthony: Are you coming to the cocktail party tomorrow night?
Pen: Do you want me to?
Anthony: Of course. I only stayed sane during negotiations because of you.
Pen: Because of my sparkling personality?
Anthony: That too.
Pen: You’re such a pig.
Anthony: Oink, oink, baby.
Pen: Who was that woman you were talking to?
Anthony: Kathani Sharma. She’s the CEO of Sharma Industries. In town to close on the deal. Why?
Pen: She’s very pretty.
Anthony: She is.
Pen: She likes you. You should ask her out.
Anthony: She hates me.
Pen: She hates you the way Hyacinth used to hate Gareth.
Anthony: What?
Pen: It amazes me how you can be so smart and so stupid at the same time. Go ask her out. I have to head home with El anyway. I have an appointment in the morning.
Anthony: You disappeared last night before I could make my way back over to you. What was that nonsense about asking Kate Sharma out?
Anthony: Pen? What’s going on? Why aren’t you taking my calls? Are you avoiding me?!
Pen: I’m not. I’m busy. Deadline fast approaching. Need to focus on work.
Anthony: Are you sure that’s all it is?
Pen: What else would it be?
Anthony: I don’t know. You tell me.
Pen: It’s just work. Promise.
Anthony: Okay.
Anthony: Come over tonight.
Pen: Can’t. Busy.
Anthony: With what?
Pen: Book club.
Anthony: What book club?
Pen: Have to run. Talk later.
Anthony: I’m sending a car for you at 1:00. We need to talk. If your lunch runs long, the driver will wait.
Pen: How do you know about my lunch meeting?
Anthony: I own your publisher. Remember?
Pen: I have errands afterward.
Anthony: You can do them later.
Pen: I really can’t.
Anthony: Yes you can. You owe me an explanation and I’m getting it today.
Pen: …
Anthony: If you don’t come, then expect to see me at your place tonight.
Pen: You wouldn’t.
Anthony: Wouldn’t I?
Anthony: Now, was that so hard?
Pen: No. I’m sorry again. For everything.
Anthony: You should be. I have no interest in Kathani Sharma.
Pen: You made that crystal clear earlier.
Anthony: Good. Because that was my intent. Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again, Penelope.
Pen: I won’t. I promise.
Pen: Can I make you dinner tonight?
Anthony: As long as you stay for breakfast.
Pen: Done.
Pen: Are you sure about this?
Anthony: Yes. The only person I want in my bed is you.
Pen: Me, too.
Anthony: You remember the cover story you’re telling El?
Pen: How could I forget? You wrote it down.
Anthony: Car will pick you up at 8:00. I’ll meet you at the airport.
Anthony: Where are you? I woke up and you were gone.
Pen: On the beach. Reading.
Anthony: Get your ass back here.
Pen: It’s beautiful. You should join me. You need some sunshine.
Anthony: I just need you.
Pen: I’m wearing the bikini you bought me.
Anthony: I’ll be there in twenty.
Pen: Make it ten and I’ll let you wash the sand out of my crevices later.
Anthony: See you in five.
Anthony: Simon has a question about a deal we’re working on. Meet you at the bar in ten?
Pen: You’re on vacation. Can’t someone else handle it?
Anthony: It will just take a sec. Less if you stop texting me and let me talk to him.
Pen: Fine. Come find me when you’re done.
Anthony: I’m here. Where are you?
Pen: At the bar near the tiki statue.
Anthony: It’s a tiki bar, Pen. Be more specific. I don’t see you.
Pen: See the bartender with big tits?
Anthony: Yeah
Pen: I’m by her.
Anthony: gotcha
Anthony: Every morning, I wake up and you’re gone. Where are you?!?!?!
Pen: Spa
Anthony: Are you naked?
Pen: Maybe
Anthony: You can be naked here.
Pen: I’ll see you in an hour. Juan is here for my massage.
Anthony: Juan who?
Pen: …
Pen: Anthony, it’s our last day here. Tell Simon to fuck off.
Anthony: I can’t. He knows.
Pen: Knows what? About us?!
Anthony: Yes. He’s been covering for me. The least I can do is take his calls.
Pen: HOW LONG?
Anthony: Since the beginning.
Pen: And you didn’t think to tell me?
Anthony: …
Pen: Hang up and get over here. Now. You have some explaining to do.
Anthony: I miss you.
Pen: I’ve been gone for five minutes.
Anthony: ….
Anthony: Colin is getting home tomorrow.
Pen: I know. He texted me. Said your mom is having a dinner party for them.
Anthony: You’re coming right?
Pen: I don’t know. Am I?
Anthony: Absolutely.
Pen: Sustainable investing? Seriously?
Anthony: It was the best I could come up with in the moment to disappear with you and not have my family try to tag along.
Pen: Please don’t make me write that book for you.
Anthony: I dunno. Could be the perfect excuse to get you alone whenever I want.
Pen: Hmm. You might be right.
Anthony: I so often am.
Pen: Do you mind if I work at your place again today?
Anthony: No. Me casa,Su casa.
Pen: Thanks.
Anthony: Anytime.
Pen: I can’t get any work done. My mind keeps drifting to the shower this morning. I close my eyes and all I see is you, wet and naked, pinning me against the tile and pounding into me so hard that I shatter into a million pieces. I think I can still feel you.
Anthony: I’m coming home.
Anthony: What brand of tampons do you use again? I can’t remember.
Pen: Why?
Anthony: I’m adding them to my grocery order so you have some on hand next week.
Pen: I can bring my own tampons. You don’t have to buy them for me.
Anthony: Just text me a picture of the box.
Pen: Fine. Here you go.
Pen: What do you want for dinner?
Anthony: We can decide when I get home. I won’t be late.
Pen: Take your time. I’m writing.
Pen: Sorry I ripped your tie last night.
Anthony: I’m not. And Pen?
Pen: Yeah?
Anthony: I love your new glasses.
Pen: Oh. Thanks.
Anthony: That movie wasn’t half bad.
Pen: You only watched five minutes of it.
Anthony: They were a good five minutes.
Pen: Sorry that I couldn’t do more.
Anthony: Wouldn’t
Pen: What?
Anthony: We can do more whenever you’re ready.
Pen: I’ve just never done that before.
Anthony: One day, baby, your hormones will overtake your modesty and I’ll be there to reap the benefits.
Pen: I doubt it.
Anthony: I’m a patient man. I can wait.
Anthony: John’s cousin is coming to Thanksgiving.
Pen: I know. Frannie gave me a head’s up.
Anthony: Why?
Pen: She asked if I would mind sitting by him.
Anthony: Why would she do that?
Pen: I don’t know. Ask your sister.
Pen: You sure you’re okay?
Anthony: Fine
Pen: Okay. Just checking.
Pen: Night
Anthony: Goodnight, Pen
Anthony: Have you had dessert?
Pen: No. What did you have in mind?
Anthony: Eclairs. Want some?
Pen: …
Pen: …
Pen: Sure. I’ll be there in five.
Pen: Code red. Why aren’t you answering your phone?!?!
Pen: I broke up with Charlie. He didn’t take it well.
Anthony: Very funny.
Pen: You coming over tonight?
Anthony: I’m always up to Netflix and chill.
Pen: Your sister will be there.
Anthony: So?
Pen: El says you have to stop walking around half-naked.
Anthony: So, naked it is then.
Pen: Anthony…
Anthony: My eyes are still burning.
Pen: You brought this on yourself.
Anthony: Fine. I’ll stop if she does.
Pen: That’s a very mature solution.
Pen: Want to stay with us this weekend? It’s Christmas in the City.
Anthony: What’s that?
Pen: Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and the show at Radio City Music Hall. Shopping, hot cocoa, and general warm-fuzzies.
Anthony: Is El gonna be there?
Pen: Yeah.
Anthony: Doesn’t Colin usually do this with you?
Pen: When he’s around.
Anthony: You want me there?
Pen: Yes
Anthony: Then I’m yours.
Pen: How’s your secret girlfriend?
Anthony: I don’t know. You tell me.
Pen: Your sisters love her throw pillows and tasteful cozy touches.
Anthony: My siblings need to mind their own business. Colin had better stay out of our room.
Pen: Our room, huh?
Anthony: Yeah. You have a problem with that?
Pen: Absolutely not, darling.
Anthony: He’s gonna keep quiet.
Pen: Oh, thank God.
Anthony: You okay?
Pen: Just peachy.
Anthony: I love your peaches. And your cream.
Anthony: I’m going to murder my brother. He’s keeping us apart on purpose.
Pen: It’s just a few more days. Then we can make up for lost time. You’ll be fine.
Anthony: Do you think El will cover for us?
Pen: What’s it worth to you?
Pen: You gave her your car?!
Anthony: I’ll buy another one. I need one with a bigger backseat anyway.
Pen: You have gone completely mad.
Anthony: Mad about you. Meet me in the stables in ten.
Pen: No. Absolutely not. It’s cold.
Anthony: I’ll keep you warm.
Pen: There’s straw in my hair. I can’t get it out.
Anthony: Want some help?
Pen: Not from you.
Anthony: Baby, don't be like that. I’m sorry.
Pen: …
Anthony: Ben says we need to be more circumspect.
Pen: Ben can go fuck himself. Hayloft. Midnight.
Anthony: Yes, ma’am.
Anthony: Colin wants to go to lunch.
Pen: Ok. Have fun.
Anthony: No. With me, you, and El.
Pen: Oh. Alright. Give me fifteen minutes.
Anthony: I love you.
Pen: I love you, too.
Anthony: You look hot in my shirt.
Pen: I should wear your clothes more often.
Anthony: You should never wear clothes again.
Anthony: Go pack your stuff. You’re moving into my room tonight.
Pen: You can talk to me in person, you know. I’m right across the room.
Anthony: Sorry. Habit.
Pen: Your family is going to be insufferable, aren’t they?
Anthony: Yes.
Pen: By the way, Simon said you owe him big time. Whatever that means.
Anthony: Fuck. Ok. Thanks.
Pen: What does he mean?
Anthony: You don’t want to know.
Anthony: Merry Christmas, baby. You’re right next to me, but I had to text you anyway. I love you.
Anthony: What is taking so long?
Pen: Sorry. I was saying goodbye.
Anthony: Get a move on.
Pen: Why? It’s not like we have anywhere to be.
Anthony: That’s entirely the point. I have six more days off and I plan to make the most of them alone with you.
Pen: Where are you? I woke up and you were gone.
Anthony: Downstairs in the gym. Be back shortly. One more set.
Pen: I’m still naked.
Anthony: On my way.
Pen: Your ass looks amazing in that tux.
Anthony: My ass looks better out of it.
Pen: Want to skip out early?
Anthony: Works for me. I’d rather ring in the New Year in your arms than with these blowhards anyway.
Pen: Have to use the restroom before we go. Meet me in the lobby.
Pen: This is your fault.
Anthony: I know. And I’m okay with that.
Pen: We were banned, Anthony. Banned.
Anthony: Worth it. I got to fuck you in a public restroom and get out of events I hate going to anyway. Win-win in my book.
Pen: What if it gets out on social media?
Anthony: That’s what I pay my PR team for. Don’t worry about it.
Pen: Don’t worry about it? Who are you? Where is the real Anthony Bridgerton?!?!?!
Anthony: This is the real Anthony Bridgerton. Nice to meet you, Penny. I’m Tony.
Pen: Tony is a goof.
Anthony: He is. But you love him anyway.
Pen: Yeah. I do.
Anthony: Will you be home soon?
Pen: Yeah. I think so. It’s really up to your sisters.
Anthony: And you had to have a girls’ night out tonight of all nights?
Pen: Hy needed some cheering up. Gareth is being a dick.
Anthony: What did he do?
Pen: Not telling. Girl code.
Anthony: I’ll kill him.
Pen: No you won’t.
Pen: Pen sais u r hung s’ tht tru
Anthony: Who is this?
Pen: R u big ger thn si
Anthony: Daphne? Where’s Pen?
Pen: shee hd 2 p
Anthony: Put the phone down and drink some water.
Anthony: And, yes.
Pen: eeewewwwwww
Anthony: Well, you asked.
Pen: u ly
Anthony: Nope. Now go home and sleep it off, sis.
Pen: I’m so sorry about that. My phone fell out of my pocket and Daph picked it up.
Anthony: No problem.
Pen: Are you really bigger than Simon?
Anthony: Yes
Pen: How do you know?
Anthony: How do you think?
Pen: REALLY?!?!?!
Anthony: Really. Now get your ass back here.
Pen: I’ll be home as soon as I can. Making sure Daph gets home okay.
Anthony: Thank you.
Pen: You’re welcome.
Anthony: Meetings all day. Don’t wait up for me tonight.
Pen: Why do you do this to me?
Anthony: Do what?
Pen: Distract me from my work.
Anthony: I’m not even there.
Pen: Your scent is. I’m gonna have to go home. to write. Come over after work?
Anthony: I’ll be there.
Pen: You’ll never guess who I just ran into while I was getting coffee on my way to my place.
Anthony: Do I want to know?
Pen: Charlie’s home visiting family. He says hello.
Anthony: I hate that guy.
Pen: I know. See you later.
Anthony: When did that happen?
Pen: They became official last week.
Anthony: Good for El. I want her to be happy.
Pen: Me, too. Guess I’ll be at your place for the foreseeable future. Is that okay?
Anthony: More than.
Pen: Your mother wants to take me to brunch.
Anthony: Have fun.
Pen: Just her and me. Why?
Anthony: She just wants to get to know you better. Don’t freak out about it.
Pen: Too late.
Anthony: How’d it go?
Pen: Better than I expected.
Anthony: I told you that you had nothing to worry about.
Pen: Did you know your dad was an animal in the sack? Apparently, you take after him.
Anthony: …
Pen: Anthony. Are you ok? Text me back. I didn’t mean to break you. I’m sorry.
Pen: Anthony?
Anthony: This is Simon. He’ll be fine. He just needs a minute.
Pen: Thanks, Simon. Tell Daph I said hi.
Anthony: Will do.
Anthony: Why did you do that to me?
Pen: I’m sorry, sweetie. I thought you’d find it funny.
Anthony: Would you enjoy picturing your parents in bed in the positions we use?
Pen: My parents pretty much hated each other. That would be kind of funny, actually.
Anthony: I’m really glad you exist, baby.
Pen: I am, too.
Pen: Don’t be late, okay?
Anthony: I’ll try to cut out early. Why?
Pen: Making dinner. Your favorite.
Anthony: Nothing tastes as good as you.
Pen: Get your mind out of the gutter.
Anthony: Never.
Anthony: I can’t concentrate today. All I can think about is you. Your scent, your taste, the way you scream my name when you peak. I want to cancel all of my meetings and come home to you and your glorious breasts.
Pen: You’re the boss, Anthony.
Anthony: Oh, right.
Pen: See you soon.
Anthony: …
Anthony: I got your email. I can’t believe you wrote the book.
Pen: I’d hate to make a liar out of you.
Anthony: I love you, baby.
Pen: I know. Thank me properly tonight.
Anthony: I sent Simon your book. He wants you to ghostwrite one for him, too. You up for it?
Pen: Sure. I’m between deadlines. What’s it about?
Anthony: No clue. I stopped listening after he asked if you’d write it.
Pen: You’re a terrible friend.
Anthony: So is he most days.
Pen: You love him and you know it.
Anthony: Except when he’s off fucking my sister.
Pen: You need to let that go. It’s not good for your heart.
Anthony: Are you saying I’m old?
Pen: *I* said no such thing.
Anthony: Still think I’m old after last night?!
Pen: Yes. But you’re spry for your age. I bet you’d be even spryer if you let Charlie train you online.
Anthony: No.
Pen: I have to go out of town next week. Thurs-Sat. Charlotte wants to meet with me in LA. Something about my Wallflower series.
Anthony: Next week? We had dinner plans on Friday for Valentine’s Day.
Pen: Sorry, hon. Duty calls. It sounds important.
Anthony: Mind if I tag along?
Pen: You’ll be bored. I’ll be in meetings the whole time. Plus, your schedule is packed next week.
Anthony: I know.
Pen: I’ll make it up to you when I get home.
Anthony: Fine.
Pen: Are you pouting?
Anthony: Maybe.
Pen: You’re so cute.
Pen: Did the three of you really have to beat Phil up like that?
Anthony: We were boxing. It was an accident.
Pen: Riiiiggghhhhtt. And I’m Santa Clause.
Anthony: Will you be sliding down my chimney tonight?
Pen: Cheeseball.
Anthony: I’m serious though. I’ve missed you this week.
Pen: Take it up with Mother Nature, not me.
Anthony: Naw. I’ll work on you.
Pen: You’re welcome to try, but I’m not budging.
Anthony: What was that about not budging?
Pen: I should have done that years ago.
Anthony: I’m glad you didn’t. I liked being your first.
Pen: I wish I could be your first for something.
Anthony: You are, baby. No matter what we do, it’s like the first time because I’m doing it with you.
Pen: Now I’m crying.
Anthony: Do you want me to come home and wipe your tears away?
Pen: Yes
Anthony: Move in with me.
Pen: What?
Anthony: I miss you.
Pen: El needed me last night.
Anthony: I know. But I still missed you. I don’t want to sleep without you beside me ever again.
Pen: You’re literally leaving town right now for business where you will be staying overnight - away from me - as you ask me this,
Anthony: You know what I mean. I love you, Pen. Please say yes.
Pen: Yes
Pen: Hurry home. I miss you.
Anthony: I’ll be home by dawn.
Pen: I’ll be waiting.
Anthony: You can welcome me home like that anytime you want.
Pen: Noted. Have a good day at work.
Anthony: Have a good day packing your stuff. Movers will be there first thing tomorrow.
Pen: I’m here. Where are you?
Anthony: Stuck at work.
Pen: Take your time. I’ll see you when you get home.
Anthony: I like the sound of that. I’ll try to be quick.
Pen: …
Anthony: Nevermind. Pretend I didn’t say that.
Pen: Too late now, speedy.
Pen: Or should I call you Minute Man?
Anthony: Not if you know what’s good for you.
Anthony: Colin’s buying a house in Miami.
Pen: He told me.
Anthony: How do you feel about that?
Pen: I’m fine.
Anthony: Really?
Pen: Yes.
Anthony: Are you sure?
Pen: Yes
Anthony: Because it’s okay if it bothers you.
Pen: It doesn’t. I promise. On your father’s grave.
Anthony: You really do love me, don’t you?
Pen: Duh
Pen: We need milk.
Pen: Grab dinner on the way home. Chinese.
Pen: Call your mother. It’s about Frannie’s wedding.
Anthony: If I must.
Pen: You must.
Anthony: She was supposed to be the easy sister.
Pen: Oh, she totally is. But she’s still a bride.
Anthony: Don’t remind me.
Pen: My mother and sisters want to meet you.
Anthony: They know me. Why go through the torture?
Pen: That’s exactly what I said.
Anthony: I love you.
Anthony: I forgot my wallet.
Pen: I’m already on my way. Ten min.
Anthony: Thank you.
Pen: I can never show my face at your office again.
Pen: I’m so embarrassed.
Anthony: I’m not.
Pen: Did you see the news?
Anthony: About Siena?
Pen: Yeah. U okay?
Anthony: Fine. I’m happy for her.
Pen: Are you sure?
Anthony: It’s fine.
Pen: It doesn’t bother you at all?
Anthony: No.
Pen: Not even a little.
Anthony: I’m good.
Pen: I’m sorry she wouldn’t make the same sacrifice for you.
Anthony: I’m not.
Anthony: I hope she’s happy with him and the twins away from the spotlight. She deserves to be the woman I fell for all those years ago rather than the puppet they turned her into.
Pen: You’re a good man, Anthony. I love you.
Anthony: I love you more.
Anthony: Can you pick up some dessert while you’re out? Something sweet.
Pen: I know just the thing. See you in a bit.
Anthony: I made dinner.
Pen: I thought I was your dinner
Anthony: A man can’t live on your nectar alone, sad as that may be.
Pen: That was some send off. I should leave town more often.
Anthony: No, you shouldn’t. Call me when you land.
Pen: I will. Love you.
Pen: They want to turn my book into a movie!
Anthony: That’s fantastic, baby. Call me when you’re done and tell me everything.
Pen: U up?
Anthony: For what?
Pen: Don’t be a smartass.
Anthony: If I’m a piece of ass, then let me be a smart one. Give me five min. Finishing up an email.
Pen: I can’t wait to come home. I’m not cut out for all this schmoozing.
Anthony: We’ll be together again soon. Just get through the day, okay?
Anthony: Here’s some visual motivation.
Pen: Not helpful. Now I really want to bail.
Anthony: Now you know how I felt.
Pen: So, what? This is payback?
Anthony: You bet. Have a good day, baby. ;)
Anthony: When are your meetings over?
Pen: Around 5:00.
Anthony: Ok. Talk later? Good luck today.
Pen: Definitely. And thanks.
Pen: Finally done meetings for the day. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart. I miss you.
Anthony: …
Anthony: …
When fifteen minutes passed without a response from Anthony, Pen put her phone on the charger. Having to be away from her boyfriend on her first Valentine’s Day with one really sucked, but, she supposed, it was what it was. It’s not like she could have declined Charlotte’s invitation. She was her publisher and had gone to a lot of trouble to arrange meetings with Netflix to have her books adapted into a series. She’d been in meetings with her agent, Queen Press, the Netflix team, and a few other brands all day. And now, when she would have been going out to dinner with Anthony, she was in her hotel room with room service on order and plans to spend the night alone instead.
Pen had just kicked off her heels and removed her cardigan from her knee-length, spaghetti-strap black dress when she heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?” she asked.
Upon hearing “Room service,” Pen padded over to the door and looked out the peephole and saw a tray on a cart with a waiter in a hotel uniform behind it. She opened the door to let him in and was shocked to see way more food than she ordered. Pen looked at his nametag and said, “Eli, I’m sorry, but I think you have the wrong room. I didn’t order all of this.”
The young man looked confused and picked up the ticket from the tray. “Yes, you did, ma’am. See…”
Pen took the ticket he was holding out to her and examined it. The order appeared correct based on the printout, but was clearly not what she’d ordered. Pen frowned and handed it back. “I don’t understand…” she said, trailing off, confused.
“What’s not to understand, baby?” she heard from the doorway in a voice she knew intimately. “We’re having our dinner.”
Pen startled and glanced up, shocked to see Anthony standing in it, looking like a treat and a half. He was dressed casually (for him) in black loafers, black trousers, and a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the top two buttons open. Though his face was cast in shadow thanks to the lights in the hallway behind him, Penelope could see the wide smile gracing his newly-bearded face. Anthony held out his hands and said, “Surprise!” before walking into the room, side-stepping the cart, and stopping by Eli. He gave the young man a tip, which must have been generous judging by the smile on the waiter’s face, and ushered him out the door, closing it softly behind him.
Pen stood frozen to her spot as Anthony turned to face her. “Are you hungry?” he asked in a low, gravelly voice that sent chills down her spine and made her shiver with desire.
“Starving,” she replied breathily, wasting no time rushing toward him and leaping into his arms. Pen barely had a chance to wrap her arms around his neck and lock her ankles around his waist before he whispered, “Good. Me too,” and captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
THE END
(of this installment, not the series)
Pen’s Photo To Anthony
Anthony’s Photo to Pen
