The Price of Penny Read online

  The Price of Penny by TC Rybicki

  Copyright © TC Rybicki

  Cover Design © Artwork by Samantha Jane

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Editing services—Michelle Bowman and Mary Ann Clarkson from WLK Media

  www.wlkmedia.com/

  Formatting- Tami Norman from Integrity Formatting

  www.integrityformatting.wixsite.com/integrity-formatting

  Dedication

  Prologue: A Star is Born

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Epilogue: Worth It

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  For Eloise

  who taught me that vulnerable can still be strong,

  being a lady doesn’t mean you can’t have fun,

  and sometimes the bad things in life happen for a good reason.

  Still going MaMa. Miss you.

  “Man, this freaking sucks!”

  Mom tried to sugarcoat the news. She saw the bright side, I’d be free to take on new projects, expand my horizons. Starring in a teen sitcom had a time limit, but we’d ignored that reality until now.

  My series got the ax. We never expected a cancellation since our ratings were up from last season. No one actually discussed the business side with me. I showed up and acted my part. I admit, I’d become complacent, the job ceased to challenge me after the second season. I felt safe there, but I’d set higher goals for myself in the beginning. Truth was, the unknown and facing unemployment after three straight years of a steady job scared me.

  “I looked forward to playing a few of my own songs next season. Ross assured me I could finally showcase my talents. He probably only promised because he knew the truth.”

  “You love your music. Why don’t you take a break from acting and explore other avenues in the industry? A change of pace might help with your perspective.”

  I didn’t have that sort of confidence in my music just yet. I still thought it was a hobby. I could play and my voice was decent, but if I went for it, I wanted to be taken seriously. I wasn’t sure at this point that I could expect more than the typical teenage girl following. The perks of the business had sent girls my way already, but I wanted a little more than a bunch of groupies. One of my critical reviews last season called my acting mediocre, but said his teenage daughter hardly cared. I had never forgotten those few words from a shitty gossip blog. They pissed me off.

  Mom got the hint when I stopped answering her questions that I wanted to be alone. I laid there and stared at my ceiling hoping that I wasn’t an 18-year-old washout. If someone gave me another chance, I would prove myself and erase the negativity that sometimes revolved around child actors.

  Mom burst through the door two hours later. She always said privacy would exist when I paid for my own place. I put that step on hold until I secured another role.

  “Chet, Gage called. He wants to tell us something important. Your father is speaking to him. Get up, he wants to be on speaker so we all hear the news at once.”

  Mom made Teddy and Heather join us at the bar. Teddy, my kid brother, would only come if he carried an entire Lego ship with him. Heather was smacking gum, complaining about the summons. Her friends were waiting on her and this announcement wasn’t her concern.

  Dad hit the button. “Okay, Parker family, you ready for this?”

  “Yes, Gage. What is it?”

  He reminded me of reading for an undisclosed role during a secret audition a few weeks prior. Gage specifically told me not to think much about the audition other than it was a long shot and he only encouraged me to try for the experience.

  “The Voyagers movies are happening.” Turning those comics into movies had been a circulating rumor for over five years. No one actually believed it would happen at this point. “You’re it, kid. They cast you as Paradox. Your entire life is about to change.”

  Gage’s announcement rendered us speechless. Paradox was the main character of the entire series. Even Heather admitted I was kinda cool for the first time. She wanted to tell her friends all about it. Gage quickly shot that possibility down. The planning stages required strict secrecy. Dad picked up Teddy and spun him around. “What do you think of that, buddy? Your brother is a superhero.”

  “Time-warp traveler,” I corrected. A few seconds passed as I considered how to express my gratitude. Gage came through for me in the biggest way. I wouldn’t have known about the audition without him. I picked up the phone and stepped away from my family’s celebration, “Thanks, man. I owe you.”

  “You’re welcome, but this is your win, not mine. I’m proud of you, kid. I hope you realize this is a role of a lifetime. Can you say, ‘girls, girls, girls?’ Wait, you recently bragged that you’re a man now; make that women, all types, more than you can handle.” He laughed. Gage was crazy. The magnitude of this announcement consumed my entire focus at the moment. I could imagine the women later. I was a healthy 18-year-old male, the ladies’ attention sweetened the deal as usual. “You listening?”

  “Yeah, I’m listening.”

  “You did it! Chet Parker has arrived and the entire world is about to know your name.”

  “Chet!”

  “It’s Chet Parker!”

  “Oh my God! Chet, will you marry me?”

  “Can it, bitch! He’s my future husband.”

  I volunteered for a quick stop off at Mom’s favorite bakery. She hosted book club this month, and I planned on a weekend at home with my family since I’d been away filming for months. Mrs. Monroe, the owner took good care of me. Her staff catered to an elite clientele and normally, no one made a big deal when I visited. This time, a newbie manned the register. She asked for a picture. I had no idea she would immediately tweet out the proof she’d just met me. I paid for the cakes, told everyone thanks and have a nice weekend. It was closing time. The moment became a crisis since the new girl had a ride waiting on her, more like a carload of girlfriends ready to pick her up. Of course, all these hyper types followed each other on social media. The news about meeting Chet Parker spread through retweets with the location tagged. The friends hopped out of their vehicle screaming out various insane comments. I’d heard similar chants plenty of occasions, but the excitement caused the word on the street to spread like wildfire.

  A small mob confronted me three steps out the bakery door. Certain instances in my life, I planned ahead and had a security presence, but stopping off on an errand
for Mom wasn’t one of those times. I had the added hindrance that my arms were weighted down with cupcakes. I couldn’t sacrifice my mom’s desserts, so I had to act without hesitation. These psychos would molest me and eat my Oreo balls without hesitation. I knew crazy and I saw insanity in the eyes of every damn woman yelling my name. I happened to catch sight of a sophisticated blonde lady in my peripheral vision. She stopped pulling down the shade over her door to have a peek at the commotion. Her hand hovered over the lock. Retreating back to the bakery ceased to be an option as the masses closed in.

  I made my best pleading face and yelled out. “Help.”

  The shop owner reconsidered locking up because she paused. She gaped at the commotion just outside her shop. Who knew? Maybe she recognized me as well. Whatever it was, she granted me an act of mercy. She allowed me refuge and locked the door as soon as I ran inside. The anguished screams and banging rattled her door and windows within seconds.

  “Chet, Chet, Chet . . .” continued from outside.

  “Please let us in!”

  “One picture, please!”

  “Will you sign my body?” That was a modest request because I was accustomed to hearing “sign my tits.”

  I turned around to see what I was up against inside. It couldn’t be worse than the crowd waiting for me on the sidewalk.

  The shop owner or employee that allowed me inside stood silent as I surveyed the entire room. A small group of women of various ages sat around with their mouths hanging open. It was a bridal dress shop, obviously. Mom had pointed it out the last time we visited the bakery together. She thought it made good sense to open the boutique next to an established bakery. They’d probably increase each other’s business.

  I apologized right off the bat. “So sorry. They were all about to go crazy. If I could just slip out your back door, I’d be extremely grateful.”

  The lady in charge appeared to be mid-sixties. Now that I studied her more carefully, she had to be the owner. She had a confident, polished look to her. Her age didn’t keep her from being down with pop culture, she knew me. “You’re Chet Parker.”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I’m really sorry to interrupt. Like I said, can I head out your back exit?”

  “Sorry, but the back lot is being repaved. There’s nothing but a construction crew and hot asphalt out there. They told me no one is allowed to step foot on the surface for twenty-four hours.” The front door rattled again and more shouting echoed all around us. These chicks weren’t giving up so quick. I hoped her lock would hold.

  I did another quick glance around the room. No one acted crazy inside the fancy dress shop which calmed me down some. One attractive girl giggled and whispered to an older lady with a strong resemblance. Mother and daughter, I presumed.

  I stood in the middle of the room weighted down with my arms full of cake related items and all eyes were glued on my next move. The shop owner came over. “Here, Mr. Parker, you can sit those boxes right here.” She pointed me to a table in the center of a circle of soft blue, high-back chairs.

  “You can call me, Chet.”

  “Oh, okay, well, I’m Judy. This is my store.”

  “It’s very nice and again, you saved my a . . . I mean you really helped me out. My mom would be upset if I lost her cupcakes to a bunch of rabid fans.”

  “Awe, that’s so sweet. You bought cupcakes for your mother.” One of the younger women stated. She was batting her lashes at me a million miles an hour. I probably should offer some autographs or pictures since I interrupted whatever was going on.

  Judy asked them if they minded me hiding out a little bit longer while they finished up and then she’d call security. “We have a group that monitors this building. They might already be on the issue as we speak.”

  I told her that sounded great and the women all agreed they didn’t mind me hanging around.

  “We can’t allow Chet to get mauled out there. We couldn’t live with ourselves if something happened to his pretty face.”

  “Or body. Don’t forget that, all of him is important as far as I’m concerned.” The three younger women burst into laughter.

  Judy walked across the room where I assumed the dressing rooms were. “Lisa, do you have her ready yet?”

  “Yeah, everyone get ready. We’re coming out.”

  They finally stopped staring at me and turned toward the hidden hallway. I assumed someone was trying on something. A young lady with a measuring tape hanging around her neck appeared first, followed closely by a woman in white. A collective sigh echoed throughout the room. I covered my mouth to make sure I wasn’t in on that chick response, but I stood there mesmerized. She was an exquisite beauty. The woman in white wasn’t very tall, but I thought her petite frame made her even cuter. I found myself wondering does this man, whoever he is, know how lucky he is? I hadn’t taken my eyes off her once since she brightened up the entire room with her entrance.

  The cute blonde, the first one who whispered about me, was overjoyed. She was at the edge of seat, clapping her hands together. One would have thought she was getting married, not her sister. I guessed the sister part because it was obvious. The clapping girl was pretty, but the vision in white was extraordinary. Her essence couldn’t be created by makeup or wardrobe. She would be a knockout completely natural, totally stripped down. Whoa, where did that come from? I shouldn’t be imagining this engaged-to-be-married woman in the morning light in nothing but the sheets . . . my sheets, but that’s exactly what I did. No matter if it was appropriate or not, I envisioned it easily.

  “Oh Mummy, that’s the one. Isn’t it?”

  “I believe so, dear.”

  The beautiful bride turned around slowly to showcase the back view. I greatly appreciated her back also, but instantly felt more trepidation. She’s as taken as they get, I really should stop staring. It wasn’t cool at all, but her guy wasn’t here. The women appeared preoccupied talking about the dress, so I didn’t feel too guilty.

  “What do you think, Poppy?”

  “I think it’s a very lovely dress.”

  I smiled listening to her voice which was also cute. They were British, I thought I noticed that earlier, but I’d heard much heavier accents when I visited London. I wondered where they were from and if they lived in the states currently. Poppy. Like the flower or those really good muffins. Was it her real name or a nickname?

  Judy came up and guided her to the group of mirrors against the wall. She motioned for the sister to follow. “Of course, everyone looks a little different in each dress but you and your sister have very similar builds. Is this the style you desired?”

  I continued to pay way more attention than a guy like me should, but my curiosity prevailed.

  “She’s right, Maggie. It’s your call, but I like it better than any of the others.”

  “You’re so gorgeous.” Agreed. Poppy was smoking hot.

  “Well, this is about you being gorgeous, not me. I only played along with your absurd superstition of not trying on the dresses yourself. Do you want the dress or not?”

  Like an idiot, I interrupted a moment I had no right to be involved in. “Are you saying, you’re not the bride?” I pointed directly at Maggie forgetting all my manners and upbringing, “She is?”

  Poppy’s head snapped to attention and she turned toward the only male voice in the room. It was the first time she noticed me. I started to put my best hello there, sweetheart smile on. Her eyes locked with mine. My lip was curled up on one side, but she freaking shot daggers with her ice-blue eyes. Fucking chilled me to the bone.

  “What the hell is going on? Why is he here?” If he could ever be a curse word, then I was pretty positive, Poppy just made it one. I’ll be damned. I saw recognition in her eyes, so I didn’t doubt she knew of me like everyone else in the room, but she was most definitely not a fan. Jeez, what did I ever do to her?

  “Poppy, don’t be rude. There was an emergency and this young man had to come inside for safety reasons. Now, I agree with M
argaret. I love this dress.” She told Judy to put the dress on order.

  I decided to give them their private family moment, so I made my way back over to the door. Surprisingly, the scene outside looked worse, not better and I heard sirens. The girl with the tape, Lisa if I remembered correctly walked over. “Did someone call the cops?”

  “No, Grammy was calling security but I don’t think she did yet. No idea what’s up out there.”

  Lisa held her hand out and vigorously shook mine as she introduced herself. “I can’t believe Chet Parker’s in our shop for a fitting.” She laughed at how funny that sounded. I did the same with a bit of nervousness. Why in the hell was I nervous all of a sudden? “My friends are going to be so jealous. Would you mind taking a picture?”

  “Sure, that would be fine, but could you hold off telling anyone until I get outta here because that’s why I’m in this mess. The new girl next door blabbed to all her friends and it escalated quickly.”

  “Ugh, I bet it was Siena. She’s so immature. Was it her?”

  “Um, actually, her name escapes me; I wasn’t really paying attention.”

  “Oh.” I saw Lisa’s face fall slightly. Of course, once I said it, I realized it made me sound a little dickish. My fans were the reason I achieved success at a young age, doubted anyone would like to hear they were so insignificant, that I didn’t listen to them. I should be more tactful.

  I quickly saved face. “Yeah, not everyone I meet makes an impression, but you seem really nice, Lisa. Have you worked here long?”

  She quickly recovered from her disappointment and I was back in her good graces. “Yes, I’ve been with Grammy since I was old enough to read the numbers on the tape. This is a new location, but the shop has been in business a long time.”

  “Oh, nice, so you’re Judy’s granddaughter?”

  Judy joined us at the door, “Yep, and the best employee I’ve ever had. Let me get those security guys and try to figure out what’s going on out there.”

  I took another opportunity to see what Poppy was up to. I hadn’t had a chance to celebrate that she wasn’t getting married. Her sister, Maggie was the bride-to-be. Not sure why that made me excited because it didn’t mean Poppy was single by any means. I wasn’t even looking to get involved with anyone and there was the little tidbit that she acted as if she hated my guts. For no damn reason, I might add and it was making me a little crazy.