Timothy pov

I walk her to her car. We stand there for a moment, neither of us quite ready to leave.

"Thank you for tonight," I say. "For giving me a chance."

"Don't thank me yet," Penelope says. "I'm still deciding if you're worth it."

"I'll keep trying to prove I am," I promise.

She drives away and I watch until her tail lights disappear. Then I get in my own car, feeling lighter than I have in days. Over the next few weeks, we fall into a pattern. Dinner dates every few days. Long phone ...