Chapter 8

(Memories)

As I stepped into my unlocked dorm room, my exhausted eyes fell upon Penelope, who was completely engrossed in her artwork

"I thought you were taking a break from painting," I asked, taken aback by her seriousness. She was usually the life of the party, so seeing her so focused was a bit strange

"I was, but Tate called. She said she had an opening for my art and mentioned that new investors were in town" Penelope explained, briefly glancing at me. "What happened? You look awful."

"I had a terrible day" I sighed, dropping down onto my bed. I checked my phone and realized it was already 11:30 pm. Exhaustion washed over me, reminding me of the long day I had ahead of tomorrow

"I might need to borrow you for the whole day tomorrow" Penelope announced, her voice carrying a sense of urgency

"The whole day" I asked. Both curious and hesitant.

"Yeah" she responded , continuing to paint as she spoke. "I need to check out the art gallery venue. I want to find a perfect spot".

"Why don't you just ask Tate" I suggested, but Penelope merely shrugged, an uncomfortable smile playing on her lips. "What aren't you telling me, pen?"

She let out a sigh, finally giving in. "Okay, I never received the invitation from Tate to auction my work at her gallery. Frost invited me instead".

"Frost?" I sat up, finding it too hard to believe her. I vividly remember how she came home that night, claiming Frost had tried to assault her. That incident caused her to abandon painting for a while

"I know what you are thinking, but he showed me his VIP list, it was packed with art moguls," Penelope insisted, sitting down on my bed. She grabbed my hands, her eyes pleading for understanding.

"So where do I come in?" I asked, wanting to understand my role in all of this.

"I need you to be my bodyguard. I know what you did the last time he tried to touch me, and Tate told me all about it", she said, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. I hugged her tightly, her vanilla perfume enveloping me

" I have a busy schedule tomorrow, but I'll make time for you," I assured her, smiling as she beamed back at me before retreating to her side of the room.

Finally, I could rest. I lay down on my bed, yawning widely as my eyes began to flutter shut. Tomorrow was going to be a long and challenging day, but I would do whatever it took to protect Penelope from Frost's sinister intention.

***********

The morning sunlight flowed into the room through the window, casting a warm glow that illuminated every corner. I groaned and turned, feeling completely unprepared for the day ahead. Over the phone, I could hear Penelope's voice arguing with someone on the other end.

"For Christ's sake, Penelope" I grumbled, my face filled with irritation as I faced her.

"Sorry, she whispered, her voice barely audible as she continued her heated conversation.

I sat up in bed, grabbed my phone, and stared at the screen. No missed calls or messages. That was unusual. A strange mixture of relief and disappointment washed over me.

This was a new day, with a clear objective in mind. With determination, I swung my legs out of bed and stood up.

"Hey, we are leaving at 10 am," Penelope whispered again as she headed towards the door, unlocking and stepping out.

As I tried to organize my schedule, I realized I had no choice but to cancel my morning classes. Penelope was definitely going to owe me big time for this. With just one final task left on my to do list. I focused on it intently. The name Simon was printed in capital letters, urging me to come up with a solid plan to meet this unreachable and intriguing figure everyone seemed so desperate to meet.

I couldn't deny that Simon Sinclair had captured my curiosity as well. Who was he? The name Sinclair sounded vaguely familiar, but I pushed that thought aside.

Who exactly was Simon Sinclair? The question burned in my mind as I began to rewrite the scene of the day that lay ahead.

*********

I couldn't tear my eyes away from my phone, desperately searching for any information I could find on Simon, my informant who was also my best friend. Benson, my trusted companion, was assisting me in the research. Deep down, I prayed that he would find something useful.

"Hey Gemini", Penelope called out, her frustration evident on her face. Clearly, today was not going well for her.

I reached out and held her hand, trying to offer some comfort. "Calm down. You looked so stressed. What's going on?"

"That son of a b****", she raved, her anger palpable

"Please tell me it's not Frost," I pleaded although I already knew the answer. I just needed to be convinced

"He canceled on me," Penelope confined, her voice shaky with suppressed tears. She looked stunning in her white polo shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers, giving her a model-like appearance. " he said he gave my space to someone else. I knew that Bastard was up to something the moment he approached me with this deal"

"He canceled on you? who does that?" Anger bubbled up inside of me. Maybe I had been too lenient with him the last time, or maybe he was doing this as an act of revenge.

"What am I gonna do now, G" Penelope asked , pacing around the lobby. Her red bounced with each step.

I knew I had to do something. This art exhibition meant so much to Penelope. I reached into my bag, pulled out my phone, and dialed the only number that came to mind - my grandmother's

"Hello, Granny" I greeted her, a warm smile spreading across my lips

"Sorry, do I know you?" her voice sounded upset. It has been a long time since I last visited after my 18th birthday. I just stopped coming because she reminded me too much of mama

"Come on, granny. It's your favorite granddaughter. I miss you too" I tried to cheer her up, my hand slipping into the pocket of my jeans as I paced the lobby.

"I'm certain if I had a granddaughter, I wouldn't have to wait for her to call or visit" she replied, her words filled with loneliness. With the maids and staff around, I knew she was still lonely .

"You know, Grandma, everything reminds me of her. It was hard for me too. I was trying. You of all people should know that."

My mom had grown up in that house and some of her things were still lying around. Being in that house triggered a lot of memories and emotions and I wasn't ready to dive into that.

"You know, I miss her too," Grandma's voice was warm this time. "And I also miss my beautiful Granddaughter"

"Miss you too grams," I added. "Grandma, I called because I needed a favor from you," I hesitated as I made each request, feeling too shy.

"I knew it. I knew you wanted something", her voice was lively now. "Now, what can I help you with? You know I can never say no to you"

It was true, I was her soft spot. "Grams, I need a space at your Art gallery. A friend of mine just got played by her Art curator. Her piece was supposed to be showcased tonight. Pretty please, help me out." I begged

My grandma was a lover of art, just like Mama. I supposed I was the odd one out. She owned three art galleries- one in Paris, New York, and Japan. Her galleries had hosted many renowned artists, making her the top dog in the art world at 60.

"That will be tough, I heard all the spaces are fully booked. Let me call Tracy to find out" she said

"Please, Grams. You will be a lifesaver" I added, cheering her on as she ended the call.

With that out of the way, I felt assured, knowing that Grams would eventually get back to Me. I turned, staring at Penelope who sat quietly her expression darkened.

"Hey Pen, are you ok, how about we go get something to eat first, then talk later" I tried to sound optimistic

"Am going to kill him" her voice filled with rage

"No, you are not, he is not worth it, how about we don't waste our time on that and go get something to eat first" I grab hold of her hand, pulling her up from where she sat down to her feet.

As my phone chimed, my heart fluttered with anticipation. I snatched it up swiftly, desperately hoping for the news I longed for. With excitement, I scanned through each content and a radiant smile brightened my face.

“Pen, why don't you go ahead without me?” I hurriedly suggested, hastily fixing my appearance and outfit.

“What about lunch together?” she exclaimed, disappointment clouding her features.

I waved the phone in front of her face. “This is absolutely important. How about you go without me, I promise to inform you about the gallery” I interjected

“Wait, what?” her eyes widen in surprised

“Yes, we are still organizing it tonight. I will make sure of that,” I confirmed.

“And, you didn't mention it earlier? I have so much to prepare! I need a new dress, check my art at the storehouse…there's so much to do and you are just telling me now?” her voice resonated with excitement and a hint of frustration.

“Well, it seems like we are both caught up in a whirlwind then,” I observed glancing at my phone, I contemplated my next move. “ I’m sure Benson bad Avina are available. They could lend a hand”

“Why are you in a hurry” she asked her hands folded in protest as she stared at me”

“Off to redeem Myself”

I beamed her a smile, and with that, I swiftly jumped into my car and sped off, eager to bring my plans to fruition.