Penny's POV
When I wake up the next morning, the first thing I feel is restlessness. Like the whole house is holding its breath.
I walk downstairs to find Mom distracting herself with laundry and coffee, Jess walks in with her messy bun, grumbling about tea like she hasn't been spoiled with New York coffee shops. Nick lay down across the couch with his phone, pretending not to notice the way Mom keeps glancing at the clock.
And me? I just pace around, which is ridiculous because it makes me look like Dad when he's in some kind of mood, and I hate when I inherit that habit.
My phone buzzes with a text from Andrew: My place later. Bring the whole crew.
I can almost hear his voice through the words. I smile at my phone, then switch it off.
***
Late afternoon, the sun is just starting to set, casting warm light through our front windows, when a sharp knock comes at the door.
