30. Real

REAL

PENELOPE

T he limo pulled up to the red carpet for the Grampys and twirls of pure excitement swirled in my stomach. A few months ago, I'd been freaking out about this moment, desperately seeking a date just so I wouldn't have to walk this carpet alone. Now, here I was, hand-in-hand with Everett, my fiancé. The thought made me giddy all over again.

"You ready, babe?" Everett asked, giving my hand a squeeze.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "More than ever."

The door opened, and a wall of sound hit us. Screaming fans, shouting photographers—the constant hum of excitement was electrifying, if a tiny wee bit intimidating. Kelsey and Declan stepped out first, a vision in complementary shades of deep blue. Kelsey's dress hugged her curves so perfectly, the fabric shimmering under the bright lights.

Then it was our turn. Everett got out first, then turned to offer me his hand. As I emerged from the limo, I heard the crowd's reaction, a mix of cheers and gasps. I let the happiness shimmer inside until I couldn't hide my smile. This exquisite rose-gold gown, with its intricate beadwork and flowing skirt, made me feel like a princess.

"Ms. Best, Ms. Quinn." a reporter called out. "Who are you wearing tonight?"

I turned, grateful for a familiar face. It was Tara from MuseNews, someone I'd worked with plenty of times before in my capacity as Kelsey's assistant.

"We're both wearing Rose Vond," Kelsey replied, gesturing between the two of us. "She's an incredible designer who exclusively creates plus-size fashion."

I added, "Rose really understands that beauty comes in all sizes. I love wearing her designs."

Tara nodded appreciatively. "You both look stunning. Now, we have to talk about your recent body positivity campaign. The response on social media has been overwhelming. How does it feel to see such a positive impact?"

I exchanged a glance with Kelsey before responding. "It's been incredible," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "We knew it was an important message, but the outpouring of love and support has been beyond our wildest dreams."

Kelsey added, "We've received thousands of messages from people saying they finally feel seen and represented. It's humbling and inspiring."

As we continued down the carpet, the next reporter in our line caught our attention. But this time, it wasn't just for an interview.

"Ladies," the woman said before she started the actual interview, her voice slightly shaky. "I just... I wanted to thank you personally. As a plus-size woman in media, I have definitely known the struggle. Your campaign... it's changing how a lot of women see ourselves."

Tears pricked my eyes as Kelsey reached out to clasp the woman's hand. "Oh, goodness, you're gonna make me happy cry," Kelsey said warmly.

"Could I... would it be okay if we took a selfie?" the reporter asked hesitantly.

"Of course." We all crowded in, grinning widely as she snapped the photo. Then we filmed her segment, answering similar questions about our clothes, Kelsey's nominations, and all the yada yada yada.

As we moved on, we posed for so many pictures and did a half dozen more mini interviews. Interestingly, the next reporter, who must be new on the entertainment circuit because I did not recognize him, caught our attention by addressing his shouts at Declan and Everett.

"Declan Kingman," the reporter started, "there have been some concerns about your campaign glorifying obesity. How do you respond to that?"

I tensed, but before I could step in, Declan spoke up, his voice low and intense.

"Let me be clear," he said, leaning slightly towards the microphone. "The phrase 'glorifying obesity' is nothing but a dog whistle for people who are fatphobic. We're not fooled by it, and neither should anyone else be."

He fixed the camera with a steely gaze, his voice dropping to a near-growl. "Our campaign is about love, acceptance, and health at every size. Anyone who has a problem with that might want to examine their own prejudices."

Everett grinned, fully enjoying his brother's meanest defensive lineman persona for this asshat. He nodded and added to the smackdown this guy deserved. "And while they're doing that, they can learn how to stay in their own lane."

The reporter seemed taken aback by Declan's intensity and Everett's blatant joy in it. I didn't hold back a snort-laugh. It wasn't often that Declan spoke to the press, but when he did, he made it count.

When we finally made it through the camera gauntlet of the red carpet and made our way into the venue, I let out a breath.

Everett pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my temple."You were amazing out there. Red carpets are intense, man."

"Just wait until the after parties." I smiled up at him, for the first time actually looking forward to those parties because he'd be by my side. Yeah, I was going to show off my hot fiancé and ring with a rock the size of the moon. But more than anything, it was going to be fun to share this insider bit of my world with him.

The Grampys theater was a sea of glitter and glamour, the air electric with anticipation. We found our seats, and I sat between Everett and Kelsey, my hand clasped tightly in Ev's as we waited for the ceremony to begin. There were a lot of people around us who were whispering and pointing at us. But not for one second did I worry they were making fun of me. It was so clear that they were star struck by getting to be near us. Of course they'd feel that way about Kelsey, but there were people taking notice of me too. So far, this was my favorite music awards show ever.

But the night was far from over. The lights dimmed and the host took the stage. "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the sixty-seventh annual Grandfather of Music Awards."

Kelsey was up for several Grampy awards tonight, and I had a feeling this was going to be a night to remember. She wasusually the picture of calm confidence, but she was fidgeting with her water glass. Declan took her hand and gave her knuckles a kiss.

"You okay?" I whispered.

She flashed me a quick smile. "Just excited. And maybe a little nervous."

I squeezed her arm reassuringly. "You've got this."

The host, a popular late-night comedian, took the stage. After a monologue that had the audience in stitches, the awards began in earnest.It didn't take long for Kelsey's name to be called. "And the Grampy for Best Pop Vocal Performance goes to... Kelsey Best."

The theater erupted in applause as Kelsey made her way to the stage, her blue gown shimmering under the spotlights. Her acceptance speech was brief but heartfelt, thanking her team, her fans, and, of course, Declan.

As she returned to her seat, flushed with victory, I gave her a strong hug. I was so damn proud of her, and this was only the beginning.

Over the next hour, Kelsey's name was called twice more—for Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Each time, she accepted with grace and humility, her joy infectious. But we all knew the big one was yet to come. Album of the Year.

As the nominees were announced, I found myself holding my breath. Beside me, Everett's hand tightened around mine. Kelsey sat perfectly still, her eyes fixed on the stage.

"And the Grampy for Album of the Year goes to..."

The pause seemed to stretch for an eternity.

"Kelsey Best for Strength ."

The roar of the crowd was deafening. Declan swept Kelsey into a kiss before she could even stand. She made her way to the stage, and I was going to have to touch up my makeup because these tears of joy couldn't be held back. This was the culmination of so much hard work, so many late nights and early mornings, so much pure growth from the inside out.

Kelsey took the award, her hands shaking slightly as she approached the microphone. For a moment, she just stood there, taking it all in. Then she spoke, her voice clear and strong.

"Wow. Just... wow." She laughed, and the audience laughed with her. "This album was a journey of self-discovery for me. It was about learning to find the strength in myself, but since the release, I've also learned to find strength in the people around me. Declan, I love you, and you've helped me learn how to love myself so much more."

She paused, taking a deep breath. "And that journey isn't over. Which is why I'm thrilled to announce that my new album, Real , will drop next month."

The crowd erupted again, and I saw several people reaching for their phones, no doubt spreading the news on social media.

" Real is a celebration of authenticity, of being true to yourself no matter what the world tells you. And to bring that celebration to you, my amazing fans, we'll be embarking on a full-on stadium tour this summer."

The cheers were almost overwhelming now. Kelsey beamed, holding her award high. "Thank you all so much. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy, and you are enough. Just as you are."

As Kelsey made her way back to her seat, I quickly pulled out my phone. Social media was exploding.

"Ev, look at this," I whispered, showing him the screen. I'd set up for the team to drop the album cover for Real on all of her socials when she made the announcement. And it was even more stunning than I could say. Kelsey, radiant in a simple white dress, in front of a white background, was holding Lady Bananaconda Hisstledown, and they were both looking right into the camera. The contrast was striking, beautiful, and so very daring.

The comments were flooding in:

"OMG. Kelsey with that snake? I'm both terrified and obsessed."

"This album cover is EVERYTHING."

"Snakes freak me out, but for Kelsey? I'm here for it."

"Queen Kelsey breaking boundaries again. Can't wait for the new album."

Everett chuckled, shaking his head in amazement. "Why does it have to be snakes?"

"It's all part of my master plan to make snakes your new favorite animal." I grinned.

"That is never going to happen."

"You haven't seen what I have in store for you next."

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur. As soon as it ended, Kelsey was whisked backstage for photos and interviews. She was radiant, her arms full of awards, answering questions with her trademark wit and charm.

In a quiet moment between interviews, she pulled me into a tight hug. "I couldn't have done this without you, Pen," she whispered.

I hugged her back, feeling a lump in my throat. "Are you kidding? You're Kelsey Best. You can do anything."

She laughed, pulling back to look at me. "Maybe. But not without my best Bestie by my side."

We posed for another round of photos, Kelsey with her awards, me and Everett flanking her, Declan standing proud and tall beside her.

And then we partied like... well, rock stars until the wee hours of the morning.

Just as the sun was coming up over horizon, the hotel room door clicked shut behind us, and I let out a long, contented sigh. Everett's arms wrapped around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.

"What a night," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.

I leaned back into him, savoring the moment. "Almost as fun as winning the championship?"

Everett chuckled, the sound vibrating through me. "Almost. Kelsey's sweep, the album announcement, and you..." He turned me in his arms, his eyes roaming over me appreciatively. "You, looking like a goddess in this dress. I mean, I liked the one you wore to the ceremony, and that first one you put on for the parties was pretty, but this one, babe, this one was fucking sexy as hell."

Rose Vond had outdone herself dressing Kelsey and I for the awards and the after parties. I'd never changed my clothes so many times in one night. Especially when I hadn't spilled something on myself.

Everett would forever have the power to make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. "You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Kingman," I teased, running my hands over the black silk t-shirt with a picture of a snake on it that he was wearing. Also courtesy of Rose.

He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a soft kiss. "I love you, Penelope."

"I love you too," I replied, my heart swelling with emotion. He tugged me toward the big, plush hotel bed, and I let him. But before he pulled me down, I gave him a little shove so he landed on the mattress and I took a step away.

I had some mischievous plans in mind.

His eyes went all dark and sparkly and he grabbed me around the waist, pulling me back to him. "Penelope Quinn, what are you up to?"

"Close your eyes," I instructed, stepping out of his embrace.

He smiled and did as I instructed, and I sure hoped this was going to turn him on and not send him running.

I slipped out of my dress and grabbed an accessory out of my suitcase that I'd been waiting to use. I swore it was for his own good. And if I was lucky, it would be particularly good for us both.

"Okay, you can look."

Everett's eyes fluttered open, then widened comically as he took in the sight before him. There I stood, full Monty naked, holding a large, vaguely realistic snake stuffed animal. Its fabric scales gleamed in the soft hotel room light, its googly eyes staring blankly at Everett, its length wrapped around my body, hiding the best bits from his view.

For a moment, he just stared, mouth agape. Then he burst out laughing, the sound rich and full. "Oh my god, Pen," he managed between chuckles. "If this is your way of helping me get over my fear of snakes before Bananaconda moves in next week, it's working."

I grinned, draping the stuffed snake around my shoulders. "Already? Too bad, I guess I'll just have to put my snake away."

Everett's laughter subsided into a warm smile. "Oh no... I'm, umm, very afraid. Please help me cure my fears."

"We can't let you be afraid any longer," I said with a wink. I reached for my phone, queuing up some sexy times music. As the first sultry notes filled the room, I began to move, swaying my hips in an exaggerated dance.

Everett's eyebrows shot up, a mix of amusement and arousal crossing his face as I shimmied towards him, the stuffed snake bobbing ridiculously with each movement.

"Is this... are you doing a snake dance?" he asked, his voice caught between a laugh and a groan.

I nodded, trying to keep a straight face as I undulated, letting the snake's head bop against Everett's chest. "I'm charming you, obviously. Is it working?"

He reached out, pulling me close, stuffed snake and all. "You had me charmed a long time ago.

I let the snake drop to the floor, wrapping my arms around his neck instead. "Looks like my evil plan worked. I've cured your fear of snakes."

Everett laughed and pulled me onto his lap and kissed me, teasing me with little nibbles across my jaw, down my neck, and drawing my nipples between his teeth one at a time.

I rocked against him, needing so much more. "Mmm. Why, Mr. Kingman, is that an anaconda in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?"

"Why don't you take them off and find out, my sweet Penny?"

I didn't even get a chance to, because Everett rolled me onto the bed and stripped his own clothes off faster than I could say snake charmer.

Everett made love to me, and I loved him right back. I may have thought in the past that a guy like him would never love a woman like me, would never even look twice at a me. That was only because the woman I was before I met him was... well, I wanted to say that I was really fucking dumb. But that wasn't fair.

I wasn't dumb, and neither were the rest of the women in the world who hadn't yet found a man like Everett to love them. I'd admit that I had been scared, and I'd been wrong, and I'd had some work I needed to do on myself before I was ready to accept love.

That wasn't dumb. That was life. That was being human.

As we lay tangled in the sheets, Everett's steady, satisfied breathing beside me, a flutter shimmered through my belly. I was overwhelmed with a sense of pure, unadulterated happiness and joy.

In that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that this—Everett's love, my love for him, and most importantly, my love for myself—was the greatest, most beautiful part of life, and I'd spend the rest of it with this man. The one who my most authentic love would belong to. Forever.