Read Online One Penny: A Marked Heart Novel by M. Sembera, Margaret Civella - Free Book Online Page A

unknown to me, your grandmother feels you should attend."
    "Would you prefer that I not?"
    Turning away from the china cabinet, his father turned his back on him assuring, "I would have preferred that you had not turned out to be the disappointment that you are."
    As Seth's breathing picked up speed he stood, sharing, "I need to go."
    When there was no response from his father, Seth walked past him on his way out.
    No matter how many times Seth had heard the things his father said to him, nothing dulled the sting of knowing his father didn't care for him.
    ~
    There was just enough time for Penny to change out of her pajamas after Liv and Kieran left before Charlotte stormed into the apartment with Auggie right behind her. Wondering if there was something in the air lately, now, they were at it.
    "Stop following me," Charlotte griped at Auggie who appeared equally furious.
    Without closing the door behind himself, Auggie fussed, "Quit tryin' to run things."
    Charlotte appeared offended as she snapped, "It was just a suggestion."
    Scowling back at her he swore, "It was a stupid ass one."
    Penny rolled her eyes at them and walked towards the door.
    Peeking outside, to make sure none of her neighbors were interested in what was going on, this was the second disturbance at her apartment today and the last thing she wanted was for anyone to file a complaint. Just as she was about to close the door, she saw her favorite neighbor making his way up the stairs. Stepping out onto the balcony, Penny pulled her door closed. Not that it helped in any way. Neither Charlotte nor Auggie were quiet or subtle people and when they argued, they always tried to outdo each other.
    Wondering if Seth would invite her over again, Penny gave him a sweet smile when he reached the top of the stairs. She noticed him stop and stare at her for a moment before appearing to relax and then smiling back. Just as she was about to ask him how his day was going, the obviousness of how hers was, echoed from inside the apartment.
    Penny sighed and shook her head as Seth asked, "I thought they made up."
    "Apparently, it's Charlotte and Auggie's turn to argue."
    Nodding, Seth asked, "What level are we at?"
    "Everything with Auggie is a 5 or higher," Penny laughed just before the door flew open.
    Auggie stepped out onto the balcony instantly glaring at Seth.
    "You," he growled before questioning, "Should the woman get to make all the decisions."
    Penny chanted in her head, 'Don't answer. Please, don't answer' as Seth replied, "No. I thi..."
    Turning back to the apartment Auggie shouted, "Ha!" at Charlotte.
    Charlotte gave him a sarcastic smile saying, "Alright, forget about what I suggested." Auggie's expression started to soften until she narrowed her eyes saying, "It starts now," and slammed the door in his face.
    With a loud frustrated exhale, Auggie glanced at Seth saying, "Let's go," as he headed down the stairs.
    In shock, Penny stared at Seth while he looked back at her like he had no idea what to do.
    "You comin' or what?" Auggie shouted from the bottom of the stairs.
    To her surprise, Seth turned and followed her brother down the stairs, through the parking lot and into his truck.
    With a heavy sigh of her own, Penny walked into her apartment to see what was going on.
    The second Penny stepped in Charlotte griped, "That man is insane."
    She couldn't help but laugh as she questioned, "This something you just figured out?"
    Leaning her head back against the couch, Charlotte replied, "I wasn't even being serious."
    Penny sat down next to Charlotte asking, "So what happened?"
    "Okay, in one of the bridal magazines it said to build anticipation for the 'big night', couples should abstain from sex at least two weeks before the wedding."
    Instantly wishing she hadn't asked, Penny stated, "I'm uncomfortable with this conversation," as she started to get up.
    Catching her arm and pulling her back down, Charlotte stressed, "Too bad, you're my maid of honor and you have