Penelope paused outside the door to Neon Dreams and turned to Nolan. “Maybe we shouldn’t tell everyone we’re living together right away. We don’t want them, you know, getting the wrong idea.”

“What kind of idea?” Nolan said, rolling his eyes. “That we’re roommates? How scandalous!”

He opened the door without waiting for Penelope and went inside. Penelope knew how people liked to talk at a bar—and even invent stories to keep themselves entertained. The last thing she wanted was to be the source of gossip when she was trying to have a fresh start. Once, she had told her friend Dahlia she was feeling bloated, and by the end of the night, everyone was congratulating her on her pregnancy.

Penelope had barely opened the door herself when she heard a high-pitched screech reverberate through the air.

“Penelope?!” a female voice shrieked. Penelope turned and saw Dahlia, the twenty-something, petite server, running over to her. She wrapped Penelope in a huge bear hug, despite her 5’2” frame.

“Dahlia! It’s so good to see you!!”

She released Penelope and gave her the biggest smile. “This girl right here,” Dahlia said, pointing at Penelope and talking to no one in particular. “Legend!”

Penelope laughed. “I missed you.”

“Missed you too, P. Who’s that guy?” Dahlia asked, pointing at Nolan, who was already chatting up the bartender.

“The talent,” Penelope said, with the smallest eye roll. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.

Dahlia was looking at Penelope with a smirk.

“What?” Penelope asked. Dahlia looked at Nolan, then back at Penelope.

“It’s not like that. He’s my...roommate,” Penelope said, already breaking her own rule. So much for secrecy I guess.

“How does your boyfriend feel about that?” Dahlia asked.

“Oh, Jake and me, we broke up,” Penelope said quietly.

“I’m sorry,” Dahlia said. “But honestly, for the best. The guy was always a jerk. You know he never tipped—not even you.”

“Yeah. I guess you could say there were a lot of red flags,” Penelope said, shaking her head. “Like making me leave this place.”

“Wait, what? Why?” Dahlia asked, cocking her head to the side.

“I don’t know. He didn’t like the attention I got,” Penelope continued. “And I loved him so much I just wanted to make him happy.”

“Didn’t you guys meet here?” Dahlia asked, skeptical. “What a hypocrite.”

“Yeah, I know. I never should have let him dictate my life. But time for a reset. Speaking of…” Penelope looked over at the bar, ready to change the subject—and meet the new bartender. She was already interested in the sculpted biceps moving liquor bottles around.

The two women walked to the bar. Before Penelope could say anything, Nolan turned to them and smiled at Dahlia.

“Hey,” said Nolan, laying on the charm thick. “I’m Nolan. And you are?”

“Not interested,” said Dahlia, smiling.

“Ok, then,” Nolan said, turning his attention back to the mysterious bartender.

“You must be new?” Penelope asked. “I’m Penelope.”

Penelope noticed he had warm chocolate eyes and a soft smile. He opened his mouth to speak, and Penelope found herself staring at his full lips.

Dahlia cut him off. “This is Marcus. Your replacement,” she said, gesturing towards him. “Not that you could ever be replaced. I have to finish lighting candles. You two get to know each other.” She smiled as she walked just out of earshot.

“Oh this is Penelope?” Marcus said, looking at Penelope. “Your reputation is a lot to live up to around here.”

“So I’ve heard,” she said, shooting Dahlia a glare. “How’s it been working here so far?” Penelope leaned towards him, ever so slightly.

“Not bad, if I do say so myself.” Marcus said, smiling.

“Marcus and I were just talking about music,” Nolan said, cutting into their conversation.

“Oh yeah?” Penelope said, looking back at Marcus. “Let me guess, you have a baby grand stashed behind the bar.”

“Not exactly,” said Marcus, smiling, and turned back to Nolan.

“So any tips?” Nolan asked, looking nervous. “I haven’t really done a lot of solo work.”

“Listen, man,” Marcus said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Nerves are normal. But this is a super chill crowd. Just listen to the vibe. They’re going to love you, I’m sure of it. And after, we’ll do a shot—on the house.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that,” said Nolan, holding out his hand for a half shake, half high five. Nolan slid off the barstool and started to head to the stage.

“Hey, Nolan?” Penelope said, reaching into her purse.

“You want to wish me luck, Penny?” Nolan said with a wink.

Penelope snorted. “No, something better than luck,” she said and held up his green notebook. “You forgot this.”

“Oh man, you’re a lifesaver!” said Nolan, looking genuinely relieved.

She started to hand it to him, and then withdrew it quickly. “You owe me one.”

“For sure,” he said, holding out his hand for the book. And then he added, “I really do mean it. Thanks for looking out for me.”

“Whatever, have a good show,” Penelope said, turning back to the bar.

Nolan raised a fist in the air and pumped it a few times in response.

“You always saving your boyfriend’s ass?” came Marcus’ voice over her shoulder.

Penelope, confused, looked at Marcus. “Who?”

“Isn’t that—I saw you guys basically come in together,” Marcus said, gesturing towards Nolan, now stretching on stage while doing a vocal warmup that sounded like a series of bird calls?

“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend. We barely know each other,” Penelope said, looking away. “It’s...a long story.”

“Well I’d love to hear it sometime,” Marcus said. “I’ll be here all night.”Marcus held Penelope’s gaze for a moment before breaking it. “I’m going to prep some fruit. Can’t wait to see a legend in action tonight.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Penelope said, feeling herself blush.

“Take the compliment,” said Dahlia, popping back by Penelope’s side while blowing out a match. Dahlia gave Penelope another quick hug and whispered in her ear. “He’s single, FYI.”

Penelope looked at Dahlia quizzically, while Dahlia nodded towards Marcus, who was already busy cutting limes.

Penelope, watching him, felt the thrill of possibility for the first time in months.