CHAPTER 6: Yin and Yang

The cab ride home was a blur of neon lights and second thoughts. Penelope leaned her head against the cool glass of the window, replaying the interview like a film she couldn't switch off.

Should she really be doing this? Couldn't she just forget about the job and have nothing to do with that man?

Whether she liked it or not, her life was already tangled with Calvin’s. The history was there, a heavy, invisible weight between them. Was it actually possible to work for him and keep things professional? Could she walk into his world every day and emerge unscathed?

She let out a long, slow breath, her blue eyes tracking the rain-streaked streets of Birmingham. It’s not forever, anyway, she told herself. It was a means to an end. Once she had the money and the references, she’d resign and finally pursue her dream of becoming a Designer.

A small, determined smile touched her lips. Yeah, that was the plan.

By the time the cab pulled up to her apartment, the anxiety had shifted into a mild excitement. She couldn't wait to tell Demetria. She actually had a job!

Her fingers gripped the doorknob just as a notification pinged on her phone. Distracted, she pushed the door open, her eyes still glued to the screen—

“Ahh, Jack!”

Penelope froze. Her head snapped up, and her jaw dropped at the sight greeting her in the living room.

Demetria was on the couch. There was a man with her. And they were fucking!

“J…Jack, please, yes!” Demetria cried out, her back arched against the cushions while the man, Jack, was buried between her thighs.

Penny’s nose scrunched in immediate, visceral disgust. “What the actual fuck, Demi?!”

Demetria’s eyes flew open, meeting Penny’s horrified gaze. She scrambled upward, breaking contact with the gruff-looking man. Jack didn't look embarrassed; a sliver of pure annoyance crossed his face as he sat back, as if Penny were the one being rude.

Penny didn't care. Who had sex on a communal couch when they had a roommate?

“Penny!” Demetria stood up, laughing breathlessly and swaying on her feet. She was stark naked and seemingly oblivious to it as she walked toward the door.

Penny took a sharp step back, the cloying scent of alcohol hitting her like a wall. “You’re drunk! And what the hell? Put on some clothes!”

“Why?” Demetria stifled a giggle, leaning precariously against the wall.

Penny gave her a flat, incredulous look. “You know what? Do whatever. I’ll be in my room.”

“Make sure you lock the door!” Demetria called out with a lazy wave. “We don't want to disturb you!”

Penny didn’t answer; she practically sprinted to her room and slammed the door.

Could she be any less organized? she wondered, leaning against the wood. It wasn't long before the rhythmic smacking sounds and muffled moans started up again.

Mortified, Penny squeezed her eyes shut and fumbled for her earphones, cranking up her music until the world outside her door drowned out.

When Penelope finally woke up, the room was draped in evening shadows. She yawned, her body feeling heavy from the unexpected nap. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she headed downstairs.

The apartment was quieter now. In the kitchen, she found Demetria—thankfully dressed in shorts and a t-shirt—tossing a salad.

“Hey,” Penny said, her voice raspy from sleep.

Demetria turned, her face lighting up instantly. “Hey, Penny! Did you rest well? You missed lunch entirely.”

Penny nodded, a sharp pang of hunger hitting her stomach. “Yeah... I was just drained.”

“So,” Demetria stepped closer, wagging her eyebrows expectantly. “How did it go?”

Penny blinked, the reality of the morning rushing back. “I got the job.”

“Yayyy! Oh my God, Penny, that’s a miracle!” Demetria pulled her into a quick side-hug.

Penny smiled, but it was faint, her mind already drifting back to the complications. Demetria pulled away, noticing the hesitation. “Hey, why the long face? This calls for a celebration!” She turned toward the fridge, grabbing a bottle of wine.

“I’m happy, really,” Penny said, shrugging slightly. “It’s just... you know.”

Demetria sighed, giving her a knowing look as she struggled with the corkscrew. “Look, don't let him get to you. It’s a big company. You’ll probably rarely even see him. It’s not like you’re going to be very close to him.”

Penny nodded slowly, trying to convince herself. “I guess so.”

“Have you told Mommy yet?”

Penny watched the wine bottle, her throat tightening. She shook her head. “Not yet. I was going to call her tonight after she gets home from the restaurant.”

“She’s going to be so happy—Oh!” The cork popped with a satisfying thwack, and Demetria giggled. “Time to celebrate!”

Penny finally laughed, the tension breaking. “You’re more excited than I am. Anyone would think you were the one who got hired.” She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear as Demetria poured the wine.

“Well, what can I say? You’re the yin to my yang, Penny.”

Penny’s smile widened. “Yeah. Besties forever.”

And Demetria grinned, clapping her hands in glee.

At midnight, long after Demetria had passed out, Penelope sat huddled on her bed with her phone pressed to her ear.

“...Honestly, Mommy, I’m just glad something finally worked out. And the pay is decent. I’ll finally be able to afford the things Shirley needs for school,” she whispered, deliberately omitting the fact that her new boss was the man in Shirley’s DNA.

“We thank God, Penelope,” her mother’s voice was warm, a much-needed anchor. “So, when do you start?”

Penny looked down at her arm, blowing away a stray thread from her sleeve. “Monday. I can’t believe it’s actually happening.”

“I told you it would work out, didn’t I? Just be diligent and punctual. Who knows? You might be employee of the year.”

“Oh, please,” Penny smiled. “How is baby? Is she asleep?”

She heard her mother sigh on the other end. “She’s fine, she’s in bed. But you know how she is, always crying about missing you. She can’t wait to see you again.”

A sharp, familiar ache tugged at Penny’s heart. Her voice softened. “I know. No child should be away from their mother.” She took a shaky breath. “Tell her not to worry, okay? I miss her every second. Once I’ve settled into this job and gotten on my feet, I’m bringing her here.”

“That would be wonderful, dear. But don’t overexert yourself, alright?”

“I won’t, Mommy. I should probably get some sleep now.”

“Alright. Rest well and eat properly. Goodnight, Penelope.”

“Goodnight, Mommy.”

When the call ended, Penny stared at the dark screen, her thoughts spiraling. If her mother ever found out the truth; about how she got the money for the medical bills, or the man she was now working for, would she be disappointed?

She wondered if her mother would see the resemblance if she ever laid eyes on Calvin. Shirley had all his features.

“No,” Penny thought, her jaw tightening. It was better this way. Shirley couldn't come here. She would work, save, and then leave Alabama altogether. She just had to lie low, stay professional, and plan her exit before things got out of hand.

She wouldn't want a scandal blowing up around her and Calvin and she wouldn't want anything that would harm her daughter.