CHASE

My phone has been exceptionally quiet today, despite my hopes of hearing from Penny. I thought after leaving my note, I'd at least get a text, if not a call. And I know I'm being impatient, that I just need to wait until she's ready, but it feels like forever without any sort of answer.

I pull my phone out and see a message from Julia.

Julia: Hey Chase. Check your Spotify You're going to want to listen to this.

I can't believe she's talking about music right now, when she knows I'm on edge. What is she talking about though? It's not like I've got anything better to do right now, to fill the hours. Swiping my thumb across the screen, I open the Spotify app. There's a playlist sitting there, titled "For Chase". Is this some sort of game she's playing? I flick back to the text, and reply.

Me: What is this?

Another message pops up almost instantly, followed by two more messages.

Julia: Just trust me.

Julia: Play it while you have a shower and get dressed. And don't forget to shave. Can't have you looking like a yeti tonight.

Julia: P.S. Wear the outfit you wore the night you met Penny.

There she goes with the trusting again. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be trusting her about. But also, why's she asking me to wear that outfit? What's Julia up to? Is this something to do with Penny? On the off chance it is, I toss the phone aside and head for the closet. This can't merely be coincidence.

Flipping through the clothes that hang in my bedroom closet, I realise my style hasn't changed much over the past decade. Probably even longer than that if I'm being honest. Scanning one after the other, I find the shirt and then pants I wore that night. I pull out a jacket too. It's not the same one, but it's good enough for tonight.

In the bathroom, I set the phone on the counter, pressing play. Manscaping sucks. I much prefer my ruggedly handsome look, but my gut says Penny's involved somehow, and I want to make sure I put my best foot forward. Especially if she's still deciding between by perfectly manscaped brother and me.

Music plays in the background, but it's almost like déjà vu on repeat. Each song tugs at memories. Each one with Penny.

It has to be connected. Is this her way of reaching out to me?

Hope builds as I finish getting ready. I'm just crossing my fingers it's not false hope. Glancing in the mirror, my stomach knots like it knows something is about to happen. If there was a way to go wherever Penny is right now, and talk to her, I'd make a beeline for her. But Julia has planned something, and I'm keen to see how it pans out.

I grab my phone and message Julia again.

Me: Okay, I'm ready. Now what?

Julia: Come outside.

What? I glance out my window. Julia's car is parked in the driveway. She opens the car door, leans against the roof, and waves at me with a mischievous smile.

I shoot Julia a curious look as I slide into the passenger seat. "Okay, what's going on?

Julia grins, reversing onto the road. "You'll see. But first, you're going to need to stop asking questions and just go with it. Trust me, Chase, you'll thank me later."

There she goes again with the trusting. All I can do is laugh and shake my head. I know she won't spill the beans, so I might as well just go with it. "Is that so?"

Her smile widens. "Yup. And don't worry, we're not going far. Just enjoy the ride."

I keep stealing glances at her while driving, hoping for some sign of our destination. Julia stays tight-lipped, humming to the playlist on my phone.

Every song feels like it's leading up to something; reminders of Penny, and missed moments. The lyrics hit deep, as the playlist tells our story, and I'm dying to know what she's plotting.

Finally, Julia pulls into a parking lot. I recognise the place. It's the same bar where I met Penny all those years ago. And, where she met Kyle.

"Why are we here?" I ask.

She hands me a small envelope. "This is where you go it alone. Read the note."

I glance at the envelope, then back at her. "You're serious?"

"Very."

Flipping over the envelope, I remove the note. In delicate cursive handwriting, I read.

"Chase, déjà vu is an odd feeling, like going back in time. Please find your seat at the bar."

"Is this from Penny?" I ask Julia, holding up the note.

Her face lights up, grinning broadly. "Just follow the cues on the note and you'll find out soon enough."

I narrow my eyes, feigning ire, but she didn't deny Penny's involvement. It has to be from her. Who else would bother going to this effort?

I step out of the car, still holding the note and make my way to the door. Nervous energy drives me forward, pulse racing as I push it open. The heavy-set bouncer checks my ID, then ushers me in.

The music blasts from the oversized speakers, filling the room with its pulsating beats. As I scan the room, I notice people scattered throughout, sitting at tables, the bar, and moving on the dance floor, curling around each other in ways I didn't know were possible. It looks almost the same as back then.

Heading to the bar, I spot a vacant stool exactly where I sat a decade ago. When Penny and I were still strangers. Drawing closer, I notice something resting on the seat. Another envelope? My name is embroidered on the sleeve, and a line of sticky tape holds it in place. Okay, I'm definitely curious now, but I'm also getting excited.

Ripping it off the seat, I sit, and pull out another note.

"Chase, this is the place where everything began. And ended for us. But tonight, it's where everything changes. Order a drink."

My lips twitch into a smile. I know for certain this is Penny's doing now. She's really pulling out all the stops. The bartender eyes me curiously, as I glance up at him, ready to order.

"What can I get you tonight?" he asks, throwing a cloth over one shoulder.

"Whiskey, neat, please."

He pours the drink, sliding it across the bar. Sipping, I wonder what Penny's end goal might be here, tonight. My mind races, piecing together the clues, but I know there's more to come. This is Penny-she won't make it easy.

Downing the last of my drink, the bartender hands me another envelope. Eager to see her, I tear it open, pulling out the note.

"Chase, I hope your memory serves you well. Listen closely for it, and you'll know what comes next."

Scanning the room, confusion rises until the music changes. Then a song I haven't heard in years plays. The memory flashes, picturing what I will never forget. It's the song Penny swayed her hips to that night. The one that had me mesmerised as she walked across the room to the bar - to me.

Déjà vu - she'd mentioned it in the first note. And now here it is.

And then I see her. Penny stands across the room at the same table where she sat that night, with Julia. Only it's just Penny there now. She's wearing the same slinky black dress that hugs her curves in all the right ways, accentuated by matching stilettos. Her hair flows in long waves down her back. It's almost the exact image from a decade ago, only she's grown more beautiful with each year that's passed. Maybe it's her confidence that's grown, enticing me. But then again, maybe it's the fact that she's not just a stranger like back then. She's special, and an integral part of my life now. Or maybe, it's the way I love her that makes her beauty so overwhelming to me.

Holding her gaze, she curls those gorgeous lips into a mischievous smile. I'm transfixed on her, as I continue taking all of her in.

Penny takes one slow step towards me, never taking her eyes off of me. Then another. Her hips sway to the beat as she glides along the floor, just like she did all those years ago.

But this time there's no confusion, no second guessing. This time, I know exactly what this is.

It's her grand gesture.

Like something from one of those romcoms she watches, or romance novels. It's cliché but that doesn't worry me in the slightest. It's heartfelt, and it's Penny all over.

The closer she gets, the faster my heart races. Standing, she comes closer, and everything around us seems to fade into a blur. It's just Penny and I now. In this moment.

"You figured it out, huh?" she teases.

"I did. But you didn't make it easy."

She grins, stepping even closer until she's right in front of me. She places her hand on my chest, and I'm almost certain my heart will burst out of it at any given moment. "Where's the fun in that?"

"I can't believe you did all this," I say brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

"I had to show you," she says, then pauses for a second before continuing. "To turn back time so I could make the right decision this time. I couldn't just say I love you."

My chest tightens. She loves me. She - loves - me. Not Kyle, not some other undeserving prick. Me. It's like I've just won the lottery - only this is so much better. Everything I've wanted to say, everything I've been holding back, suddenly seems so simple now.

"You love me?" I ask, grinning from ear to ear.

Penny nods, and her cheeks flush a rosy pink colour, but she doesn't look away. "Maybe," she says in a cheeky tone.

"Well, in that case, I 'maybe' love you too, Penny."

"Fine," she blurts, rolling her eyes playfully. "I love you. Happy?"

"Very."

I can't take my eyes off of her. She's standing close, and my pulse rises. This is it. The moment I've been waiting for, hoping for.

I can't rush this, and there's no need to. The magnetic pull between us is inevitable, and I lift my hand, tucking a stand of hair behind her ear. My fingers graze her velvety soft skin, thumb lingering, tracing her cheek.

She leans in, so close that I can smell the vanilla scent in her hair. Tilting her head, she looks up at me, eyes locking as if she's waiting for me to make the next move. I'm ready.

Closing what little space remains between us, I brush my lips against hers. Tentative at first, just a whisper of a kiss. Testing the waters. Offering her a chance to flee if this isn't what she wants. But she doesn't flee. Penny responds, pressing her lips firmly against mine. Cupping her cheek, instinctively pull her closer, deepening the kiss, slow and deliberate.

I've kissed a lot of women over the years, I won't deny it. But I've never been kissed like this. Her lips are soft, warm, and inviting. The way she moves against me. She wants this as much as I do. Heat rushes through my body at the realisation.

I grip her waist tighter, pulling her against me. Only the thin sliver of that dress and my shirts fabric, separating our bodies from each other. Penny sighs, relenting into me. My hand weaves through her waves, tangling my fingers, daring to pull her closer. It's all can do to without losing all control.

Savouring every second, I don't want to rush this. I want this memory to be burned into my brain forever.

When we finally pull apart, foreheads resting against each other, both straining to catch our breath. Her cheeks are a deeper shade of red than before, lips swollen, and lipstick smeared, but it doesn't detract from her beauty as she smiles up at me. It's the same mischievous smile I remember.

"So, what now?" she whispers playfully.

I brush my thumb across her cheek. "Now? Now we have our second chance. To start over again. Together."

She grins, and eyes light up, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Together."