It didn't take much to talk Parker out of going to the gala, and even though the boys had insisted they'd only come to say hello to Sherbet Penelope convinced them to stay for a little while. After all Scott had nearly been vaporised (again), they deserved a chance to relax.
Penelope leant back into the sofa, Sherbet in her lap, and finally let herself breathe. It had been a long day.
"Are you ever incredibly grateful that your public image isn't your life?"
"Billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. I could live with it."
Virgil shrugged. "I'm glad, but it wouldn't kill me."
Penelope sighed. "I guess you two don't have to pretend you're a completely different person. And you're not really in the news much anyway."
Scott groaned and slumped further down. "Don't mention the press."
"I'm bored of being a vapid socialite."
"Environmental activist, business woman, and ex-model." Virgil said.
"Hush. You know how it is, Scott. You go out there and pretend you're someone that isn't really you and it's exhausting. I just want to be me."
"You can always be you with us." Virgil said gently, setting his lemonade aside.
"You'll always be the little girl who pushed me into the hedge so she could win the Maze Race."
"I did no such thing Scott Tracy. You tripped."
Scott sat up straight, an I-have-a-stupid-idea glint in his eyes. "You know what would make you feel better?"
Penelope pouted and rolled her eyes. "A giant Black Forest gateau and a large margarita?"
"The Maze Race."
"But, it's dark."
"We have torches."
"We might get called out." Virgil said. It made Scott hesitate but he didn't relent.
"It'll be fun. Or are you too scared, my lady?"
That was all the encouragement she needed, she never could back down from a challenge especially if Scott was the one challenging.
"You are going down, Tracy."
"Virgil?"
"Sure. I'm going to be there to watch you lose again."
The night echoed with shouts of laughter as they ran blindly between the hedges. It was like they were kids again; just Scott, Penelope, and Virgil with no pretence. Just an all-out war for honour and glory.