Penelope lifted her gaze, meeting Wayne’s.

Under the bright chandelier lights, Wayne’s familiar face wavered, drifting in and out of focus.

“You… love me?” Penelope whispered.

Wayne leaned forward. “Yes, I do. I love you a lot, Penelope.”

A sudden, loud laugh burst from Penelope.

She pulled her hand away from Wayne’s, then grabbed her half-filled champagne glass and gulped it down in one swift motion, the remaining liquid spilling past the corners of her mouth.

“That’s enough, Penelope,” Wayne said, reaching over to take the empty glass from her hand.

“No, it’s not enough, Wayne. I want more!” Penelope said, pulling the glass back to keep him from taking...