Falling for my boyfriend's Navy brother novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Penny

The school parking lot is already buzzing by the time we pull in. I step out of the cat, book bag slung over une shoulder, Tyler falling in step bende always. His finger brush mine and then link them gently.

We talked last night.

Really talked

He apologized again–this time slower, more aware. He promised he’d be better. Less partying Less slipping away when I needed him close. He said he’d try to be kinder, more thoughtful. He looked me in the eye when he said it, which made me want to believe him.

And I think I do. Or at least, I want to

Still… when I went to sleep, Asher wasn’t back. And this moming, his bed was already made and cold by the time I sted. Out on a m. Again, Like he needed to be array from us. Or maybe just from me.

That thought shouldn’t make my chest ache, but it does anyway.

As soon as we open the door to the school, my stomach drops.

A giant pink banner stretches across the entrance hall. Bold, glittery letters spell out CONGRATS PENELOPE! and on the corners, there are hand–drawn ballet slippers. Someone even added little sparkles to the laces.

My feet stop moving.

Tyler bumps into me, then looks up. “Whoa.”

Then–chemm

Applause. Actual applause. From classmates. From students I don’t even know the names of

My face Bushes crimson

The principal–Mr. Calder–steps into the hallway like he’s been waiting. “Mix Vale!” he says grandly, wrapping me in a hug I was not prepared for “Congratulations. You’ve made the school proud. The lead in Swan Lake? That’s no small feat”

“1–uh–thank you,” I stammer. “I didn’t… I didn’t know anyone

“Word trach fast; he says with a wink..

be are swarming now. Congratulating me. · Pinting my arm. Smiling wide. People I’ve maybe spoken to pwise in my entire life.

More people are

A few girls only recognize from across the cafeteria stop to give me actual hups. It’s overwhelming Beautiful Weird. Slightly terrifying.

I smile. I thank everyone. I try not to cry or faint or vanish into the wall.

Tyler squeezes my hand and laughs “Look at you, Superstar.”

1 finally make it to class, still dazed. As I slip into my seat, I pull out my phone and scroll to the Hayes group chat–the one we male weeks ago when thin

all started

Me: lepot in tell you guys, got the lead role! starting today |

Then I pull up the quick photo I mapped of the hallway banner earlier and send that tho,

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes respond tardy.

Mr. H: PENELOPE LLLLL WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!!

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Chapter 88: Penny

Mr. If: That’s our girl!!! »¦ Sa pind of you, sweetheartiti

I smile. I didn’t realize how much their support would mean.

After class, I find Tyler waiting by my Incker,

“So,” he says, leaning against the wall, “what’s the plan for the rest of your glamomus day?

1 tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “Eve got my first rehearsal this afternoon. Until six”

He nods. “Right, big day. You nervous?”

“A little.”

“You’ll kill it.

I glance down, shifting the strap on my bag. “And after that… Asher invited me to dinner. To meet his friend. Rooster.”

Tyler brow lifts. “Oh?

“yeah, I mean, I remembered you had practice until eight, so I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“No, no. That’s true. I just…” He gives a crooked smile. “Didn’t know you two were hanging out like that.”

“We’re not.” I pause. “He just thought I’d like his friends. And I didn’t want to say no.”

Tyler studies me for a beat, then nods slowly, “Well, I’m glad you’re getting along with him.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

He leans in and kisses me–soft, lär be’s bring careful. “Good luck today.”

“Thanks,” I say again, and watch him walk off down the hall.

The bus ride feels longer than usual.

Not because it actually is, but because every second stretches under the weight of what’s waiting for me at the end lead in Swan Lake.

-my first official rehearsal as the

Even now, those words feel surreal.

I press my forehead gently to the window watching the streets pass. The rhythms of the bus is oddly soothing, a contrast to the nerves dancing in my chest like rogue ballerinas off–beat.

I check the time again

I’m early.

Not by much, but early enough to get there, breathe, stretch, and maybe try not to vomit

The studio’s in the nicer part of town, tucked in between a boutique flower shop and some overpriced cafe that sells Like croissants and regret. The sun glints off the windows, casting so patterns of light across the sidewalk as I clinh the steps. When I push open the il

rosin and sweat wraps around me like a well–woon sweater

Madame is already the

Of course she b.

Standing tall and rigid like she’s the commander of an invisible army. Her fun–lined coat is draped over a chair, and her hair in sicked into its usual izan

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Chapter 88: Penny

bun. She turns as soon as the

“Penelope,” she says, nodding “Good. You’re eat. Like a lead should be ”

Me nevester, but I manage a small smile. “Good aftemen, Madame”

She gestures toward the center of the mom where to dancers stand wanting. “Let me introduce your counterparts.”

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