Mel

“For however long it lasts, I’m a little braver, and he’s my new hero.”
― Penelope Douglas, Birthday Girl

“Nothing. You’re just…” He looks away as if searching for words. “You’re just kind of, like, interesting or…something?” He shakes his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I mean.” And then he blurts out, “Cute,” as if just remembering. “You’re cute, I mean.” My stomach flips, and heat warms my cheeks like I’m in fifth grade again when it was such a compliment for a guy you like to tell you you’re cute. I know he means my personality and not how I look, but I kind of like it.”
― Penelope Douglas, Birthday Girl

“Leaning over the table, I close my eyes, take in a breath, and make my usual wish Let tomorrow be better than today.”
― Penelope Douglas, Birthday Girl

“Because even if she stayed and she rode you to kingdom-come all night long,” I tell him, “you’ll still wake up thinking about me before you even remember she’s in bed next to you.”
― Penelope Douglas, Birthday Girl