28. Hey Besties

HEY BESTIES

PENELOPE

T he bar I'd rented out for the bowl win was alive with energy as we stepped through the doors, my hand intertwined with Everett's. The bar, usually a local hotspot, had been transformed into our own private victory haven. The neon signs and dark wood were now adorned with Mustangs banners and blue and orange balloons. A giant screen dominated one wall, replaying highlights from the game.

"Pen, this is incredible," Everett said, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. I smiled, happy with what I'd accomplished mostly in secret. Organizing this celebration had been exactly in my wheelhouse, and since this wasn't the first party I'd thrown for the Mustangs, Marie Manniway let me run with it. Besides, it made it easier to have Kelsey's security in place so she could have an enjoyable time too.

We made our way further into the bar, and we were engulfed by a sea of orange and blue. Players, coaches, and their families filled every corner, their laughter and excited chatter creating a symphony of victory. The clinking of glasses and the pop of champagne bottles punctuated the air.

"Penelope," a familiar voice called out. I turned to see Marie with Johnston in tow, making their way towards us. Her warm smile was infectious as she pulled me into a hug. "Darling, you've outdone yourself. This is fabulous."

"Thanks, Marie," I said, returning her embrace. "I'm just glad everyone's having a good time."

Marie linked her arm through mine and addressed Everett. "Young man, I'm stealing your lady for a few minutes. There are some people I need her to meet properly."

Everett nodded and he waved me off. Marie guided me towards a group of women, but I stole one backward glance at Ev for support. He was starting at my ass, so I gave it a little wiggle for him.

I recognized many of the faces in this group from game days and charity events. The Cowgirls and CowPals, the wives, girlfriends, partners, and lovers of the Mustangs players. They welcomed me with open arms and bright smiles.

"Ladies, I believe you all know Penelope," Marie said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "But tonight, we're officially inducting her into our little family."

A cheer went up from the group, and the best kind of happiness spread through me. These women and men, many of whom I'd admired from afar, were embracing me as one of their own. I looked around the circle, feeling a little surge of shyness. They all seemed very glamorous and put together. For the briefest of seconds I bet that none of them ever suffered from a lack of confidence.

Then I mentally gave myself a little smack. Of course they did. They were... people, humans, and just as susceptible to insecurities as the rest of us. While I could be mad at myself for that little slip, I understood better than any time in the rest of my life that thoughts like that were normal, would probably happen again, and that I was okay, despite it.

"We saw the commercial," said Fern, one of the girlfriends, her eyes shining. "It was absolutely amazing. You and Kelsey are going to change so many lives."

She wasn't the only one looking at me like I was some kind of superhero, and I had to press my lips together so I didn't smile so wide I let out all the butterflies they were letting loose in my heart. There was beautiful diversity in the body types in this group, but it definitely leaned more toward the curvier, thick girls. These were my people, and that actually surprised me a little.

"Thanks. It means a lot to hear that."

"She's being modest," Trixie appeared at my side and handed me a glass of bubbly. "The response has been insane. #LoveYourself is trending on all the socials right now."

A ripple of excitement went through the group.

"That's badass." Elisha, who was sitting across from me raised her glass. "You know, seeing you and Kelsey up there... it made me feel seen."

Several other women nodded their heads, and it wasn't only the bigger girls. A sweet looking, tall woman who I didn't know yet gave me a shy smile. "Yeah, like maybe I could be beautiful too."

I reached out and squeezed her hand. "You are beautiful. We all are. We just have to give ourselves enough grace to believe it. That's the whole point."

Marie raised her glass. "To changing the world, one commercial at a time."

As we clinked glasses, I caught sight of Everett across the room. He was with his brothers and some of the other players, recounting what looked like an exciting play. His eyes met mine, and he flashed that heart-melting smile. God, I loved that man.

As the night progressed, I felt like Everett and I were holding court. So many people stopped by to say something about the commercials to us. Including the Swoosh and KnightWear reps who were here and buying rounds for everyone, basking in the glow of their successful campaigns.

"Penelope, Kelsey, Everett, Declan." Mo, the KnightWear rep, joined us with a big smile on his face. "What're you drinking? It's on us tonight."

Isabel, the Swoosh rep, was right behind him and practically glowing.

I waved them to the seats next to us. "Mo, Isabel," I greeted them both. "Having fun?"

"Are you kidding? This is incredible. The response to both campaigns has been off the charts. Did you know that our site crashed after the spot aired because we were getting so many orders the servers couldn't handle it?" Isabel said.

"Really?" I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice. "That's amazing."

Mo nodded enthusiastically. "It's like you and Kelsey opened the floodgates. People are ready for this message. They're hungry for it."

As we chatted, a sense of accomplishment skittered though me. This wasn't just about winning a game or making a successful ad. We were starting a movement.

The night continued in a blur of laughter, dancing, and celebration. At one point, I found myself in the middle of the dance floor with Kelsey, Jules, and Trixie, all of us singing along to the music at the top of our lungs.

As the song ended, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist. I leaned back into Everett's chest, tilting my head up to look at him.

"Having fun?" he asked, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I nodded, a wide smile on my face. "So much."

The party was in full swing, laughter and music filling the bar, when a commotion at the entrance caught my attention. I turned to see a familiar, unwelcome face arguing with the security guards.

Odin. Looking a little worse for the wear, and all on his own. When was this guy going to quit?

His voice carried over the music, sharp and bitter. "Hey, look at the chubby chasers and their chubby ball bunnies."

Everett tensed beside me, his jaw clenching. But before he could move, I placed a hand on his arm. "Let's not give him the attention he wants."

I surprised myself with the steadiness in my own voice. "I arranged for extra security tonight. Let them handle it."

As if on cue, Kelsey's security team moved in, surrounding Odin. But he wasn't done yet. As they began to escort him away, he shouted, "This isn't over. I'm dropping a new video tonight that'll show everyone what frauds you are."

Kelsey pulled out her phone, her fingers flying over the screen.

"He's live streaming right now," she said, her voice tight.

We huddled around her phone, and Odin's face filled the small screen. "...they're selling you a lie, and they've got a big brand behind them helping them do it. But being fat isn't healthy, and?—"

Before he could continue, I reached out and grabbed Kelsey's phone. Without hesitation, I dropped it to the floor and brought my heel down hard, shattering the screen.

A collective gasp went up from our group. Kelsey's eyes were wide with shock. "Pen, what the?—"

"We don't need to let that kind of negativity into our lives," I said firmly. "Not tonight. Not ever."

There was a moment of stunned silence, then Everett burst out laughing. "That's my girl," he said, pulling me into a hug.

I glanced down at the shattered phone and gave it one more kick for good measure. "I'll get you a new phone in the morning. Sorry, but also, not sorry."

Kelsey shook her head, a slow smile spreading across her face. "You know what? You're absolutely right. And I needed an upgrade anyway."

An idea struck me. "Hey, let's make our own video. Show everyone how we're really celebrating tonight."

Kelsey's eyes lit up. "I'm down to clown."

I pulled out my phone and gathered everyone around. With a deep breath, I channeled all the confidence I'd gained over the past months.

"Hey, Besties." I chirped, grinning at the camera. "It's Mz. Besties' Bestie, Penelope Quinn here, coming at you live from the most super after the bowl party where we're celebrating not one, but two massive victories tonight."

Kelsey jumped in, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "That's right. Not only did our amazing Mustangs just win the Bowl, but our body positivity commercials are taking the world by storm."

Of course because Kels was actually joining in, the chat exploded. Her fans were plenty used to me showing them shots of her rehearsing or at a concert, but she rarely actually got on camera to address them herself. But tonight meant something really important and her fans understood this kind of message better than any other ones in the entire world.

"So here's to victories on and off the field," I said, raising my glass to the camera. "And remember, Besties. The only opinion about your body that matters is your own. Keep loving yourselves."

I panned the camera around, showing the joyous faces of our friends and family. "This is what real celebration looks like, Besties. It's about love, acceptance, and being surrounded by people who lift you up."

Everett appeared behind us, wrapping his arms around me and snagging the phone out of my hand. "And it's about knowing that you're perfect just the way you are."

He pressed a kiss to my cheek and handed the phone to Kelsey, indicating she should flip the camera to the one on the back to point at us.

"Hey, Besties. Kelsey here," she said into the camera, "I think Everett Kingman has something he wants to say."

She pointed the phone at us, and I got a tingling feeling that started in my scalp and worked its way all the way down my arms and legs, giving me goosebumps. So much of my life was on video, online, but this felt as if it was something that actually should be recorded for posterity, and I didn't even know what was happening.

Everett waved to the DJ, and the music faded. A hush fell over the crowd. Kelsey kept the phone trained on us, broadcasting every moment to who knows how many viewers.

"Pen," Everett began, his voice soft but clear. "Can I tell everyone how we first got together?"

"Uh..." I dropped my voice hoping the entire internet and all the people in the bar couldn't hear me. "You mean in your brother's basement?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, I mean the thing you asked me to help you with."

Oh. A couple of months ago, I was ashamed as all get out that I had to ask someone to help me learn how to find a date. Now I didn't see that as something embarrassing.

I smiled and looked around, then right at the camera. "Oh, ha-ha, that. Yeah. I asked Everett 'Love Guru' Kingman for dating lessons."

A titter went through the crowd, but I didn't feel like I was being laughed at. They were all just enjoying the beginning of this story. It was a doozy.

Good thing Kelsey was circling us with the phone, capturing every angle of this moment like she was a freaking professional camerawoman.

Everett smiled, his eyes never leaving mine. "I was so conflicted. Here was this amazing woman asking for my help, and all I could think was how much I wanted to be the one you were learning to date."

A collective "aww" went up from the crowd. I could imagine the flood of heart emojis on the live stream.

"But you were off-limits," Everett continued. "You were my brother's fiancée's assistant, someone he felt protective of. And I... I was scared. Scared of my feelings, scared of messing up our friendship."

"I didn't know you were scared." I looked around the crowd again. "Of anything but snakes."

He shook his head and shivered. "I will get you for that later."

"Can't wait."

He cleared his throat and continued. "I always thought falling in love would be like lightning striking—one big, unmistakable moment. That's how it always seemed to happen to the men in my family. But with you, Pen, it was different. It was a thousand little lightning strikes, each one illuminating another reason to love you."

He was being so incredibly sweet, and I didn't even know why, but tears welled up in my eyes hearing him tell me all this.

"Every lesson, every conversation, every shared laugh—they were all strikes of lightning. And before I knew it, my universe was lit up by you. You taught me that love isn't always a sudden crash of thunder. Sometimes it's a slow-building storm that leaves you soaked to the bone before you even realize it's raining."

And then, to my utter shock, Everett dropped to one knee. A collective gasp went up from the crowd.

"Penelope Quinn," Everett said, pulling a small box from his pocket. "You came to me for dating lessons, but you ended up teaching me the most important lesson of all—how to truly love. Will you marry me?"

For a moment, I couldn't breathe. I stared at Everett, at the ring glinting in the box, at the faces of our friends and family surrounding us, and at Kelsey's phone, broadcasting this moment to the world.

And the voices in my head didn't try to tell me this wasn't real, that it was a joke or dream. This was the most genuine moment I'd ever experienced, and I was embracing it with everything I had in me.

"Yes," I managed, my voice choked with emotion. "Yes, yes, yes. I'll marry you and love you and all the things I never thought would ever happen to me."

The room erupted in cheers as Everett slipped the ring onto my finger. He stood, pulling me into a kiss that conveyed every ounce of love we felt for each other.

When we finally broke apart, I became aware of the cacophony of congratulations surrounding us. Kelsey was right there, her face split in a huge grin as she kept filming.

"You heard it here first, Besties." she exclaimed. "The ship has officially sailed. Penett is engaged."

I laughed, burying my face in Everett's chest for a moment before turning back to the camera. "I can't believe this is happening," I said, my voice still shaky.

"Believe it, babe," Everett said, his arm tight around my waist. "Looks like those dating lessons paid off after all."

"Best teacher ever," I replied, beaming up at him.

As our friends and family swarmed around us, offering hugs and congratulations, I caught snippets of the live stream comments on Kelsey's phone.

"OMG. This is better than any rom-com."

"From dating lessons to 'I do'? I'm sobbing."

"Body positivity AND a fairytale romance? Dreams do come true."

Amidst the chaos, Everett leaned down to whisper in my ear. "I love you, Pen. Thank you for teaching me what love really is."

As we shared another kiss, the cheers of our loved ones mixed with the virtual excitement of thousands of viewers around the world.

I whispered another promise to him. "Next I'll teach you how to get over your fear of snakes."