Authentically izzy, p.9
Authentically, Izzy, page 9
He has kind eyes. You know what I mean? The sort that encourages you to keep talking because you actually believe he’s listening? There’s something very comforting about that.
I’ll tell you more when I see you at Larenzo’s.
Izzy
PS: Before you ask, Penelope, there was no hint of a wedding band on his finger.
PPS: Sweater-vests are very appealing on men. Why haven’t I noticed them before?
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 20
Subject: Re: Brodie
Are you serious? You send an email about a video chat with your Scandinavian-Celtic pen pal and tell us everything except what he looks like? What is wrong with you? Izzy, really, you should know me better by now. “Kind eyes” but no color? I just don’t understand you.
Penelope
PS: Was his accent divine? Did he call you something endearing like “poppet” or “rosebud” or “cabbage”?
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 20
Subject: Re: Brodie
If you can’t see me right now, I’m slowly shaking my head in resigned acceptance that Penelope is my sister.
Luke
PS: Did you share your experience on the runaway donkey? I could never decide who looked more afraid. You or the donkey.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March 20
Subject: Re: Brodie
I’m not sure how to describe him. He has one of those stares that disarms you, like you’re the only person in the world. He didn’t use it at first, though, shifting his attention from the screen, much like me, I think. But when he did finally focus on me, and with such blue eyes, I stumbled over more words than usual trying to remember what I was talking about. I can’t even imagine how distracting it might be in person. They’re a deep, dark blue.
His hair is light-to-medium brown and . . . well, a little unruly looking. Not in a bad way, just as if he didn’t care too much about taming it. Perhaps it can’t be tamed.
He fidgeted a little in the beginning and wore a rather severe sort of expression. Nervous, maybe? I think that’s where the “mastiff” joke must have come from because he has some pretty impressive wrinkles there. Hopefully he wasn’t disappointed. The conversation seemed to end well with a confirmation of another call.
Izzy
PS: His smile was his best feature in my opinion.
PPS: But his eyes were very nice, too, once I learned how to find my words and look at him at the same time.
PPPS: Luke, I’ll save the donkey story for our next awkward silence. It’s a showstopper.
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 20
Subject: Laughter is a doorway to romance
Izzy,
I dropped by your house midmorning to bring a newfound recipe I thought you could make for Easter dinner. I already have my meal choices planned, but this would be an excellent addition and . . . Eli would be more than welcome to join you.
Speaking of Eli . . . when I got to the door of your apartment I heard laughter! You, laughing. I can’t remember the last time I heard you laugh like that. Was it last year when you watched Bringing Up Baby for the first time? You and Penelope were in stitches.
Were you with Eli? Mother said you were meeting with him today. I think he’s a regular at Beans & Things (just a hint, in case you want to find your way in that direction more often).
A man you can laugh with is worth keeping.
Patrick is more of a dad joke sort of guy, but the way he waits for me to respond makes me laugh. His eyes light up at his own jokes. It’s really sweet.
I can’t wait to hear more.
Josephine
PS: Here is something you’d appreciate. It came inside my fortune cookie today and I think it’s incredibly appropriate for your little afternoon . . . date? “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” Can you believe Charles Dickens wrote that? I always thought of him as a dreary sort of fellow since he seemed to spend so much time thinking about ghosts and orphans and women who wear wedding gowns for much too long.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Josephine Martin
Date: March 20
Subject: Re: Laughter is a doorway to romance
Josephine,
I had a good time meeting Eli, and just so you know, before you talk to the owner of Pages, Eli and I are having dinner on Friday AND I already covered the cost of the leprechaun’s repairs.
The dessert recipe looks fabulous, as long as Steve isn’t coming to dinner, because this one has peanuts.
Izzy
PS: The movie was Some Like It Hot.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 21
Subject: Our call
Isabelle,
I can’t express to you what a delight it was to talk with you yesterday. All of the previous emails seemed to merge into a better understanding of who you are, though it took me a little while to remember that I already knew you, in part. After we ended our call I purchased the first two seasons of The Andy Griffith Show and plan to start them tonight. I’ve never heard such a charming accent.
I’d love to discuss some more about your suggestions for Sutherland’s online presence. We have a marketing director on the team, but she’s my cousin and hasn’t a great deal of experience, though she has an uncanny ability to inspire people into communicating. I feel certain she’d appreciate any feedback and suggestions you could offer. You fairly glowed with ideas as we spoke. I’m rather useless with things like marketing as I’m more of a financial fellow who continues father’s excellent bookish connections because Anders, my brother, has the tendency to offend everyone.
Would you mind if I shared your email address with my cousin? Her name is Brynna Lund and she’s . . . What’s the word in English? Sprightly? She is a wonderfully generous person in every way, but especially with her words and affections. Conversations may feel like an onslaught, but in all honesty, you aren’t required to do much else except nod, smile, and answer her questions. (Anders says that she “forces” people into communicating due to her persistence, so I’ll let you come to your own conclusions about that. Anders’s opinions are habitually singular.)
I’m giving you fair warning regarding Brynna so you can refuse the request and I will understand. Some people can only be taken in gram sizes rather than litres. Which woman in Jane Austen’s Emma has the best heart but talks incessantly? I can’t remember, but think of her when you think of Brynna, only younger and with much brighter hair.
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I cannot help but think of this quote by Robert Frost: “Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.”
PPS: Brynna is not representative of that quote. But she does have a great deal to say.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: March 21
Subject: Re: Our call
Brodie,
I enjoyed our conversation too. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in my life. I would love to have met your uncle Sven! I thought sleeping inside of an animal to stay warm was only something that happened on Star Wars movies. I think Boy Scouts in Skymar are on a totally different level than the ones around here.
There’s a part of me that wishes I could be a fly on the wall as you watch those Andy Griffith shows for the first time. I’ve grown up with them and everyone I know has watched them over and over again, but to enjoy someone’s first discovery of this culture through those episodes? Well, the very idea makes me grin. I can’t wait until you hear how Andy tells the story of Romeo and Juliet!
I’m not a marketing expert, Brodie. My cousin Penelope is currently getting a degree in marketing so I’ve learned some things from her, but I’ve also taken a few classes, I follow some online bookshop groups, and I helped out when Josephine had a cosmetics and bridal-wear store (she’s been in the matchmaking business for a long time). I’m not sure I’m someone who could give real advice. I had to force (or sneak) my suggestions onto Josephine. Are you sure you want to trust my opinion? (Do you think Josephine and Brynna might be related on a verbal level?) Aunt Louisa allows me to do things for the library because her idea of using technology is to turn on the television with a remote.
Your accent sounds mostly Scottish to me, though I’m no expert on accents. There are some unique differences in it also. Is that the Scandinavian heritage coming out? I can’t believe the Scots influence remained that strong when Denmark ruled Skymar for so long afterward. Those Scots are hearty folk, aren’t they? We have lots of the Scots-Irish influence here in Appalachia.
You spoke English so well that it made me wonder . . . If English is only spoken by about 70 percent of the population of the islands, how did you learn it so well? Does your family speak it?
I’m looking forward to our next video chat tomorrow evening.
Izzy
PS: Generous-hearted and talkative is a much better combination than self-sighted and talkative. I’ll take a Brynna over Dolores Umbridge any day!
PPS: To quote Shakespeare: “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Babies
Izzy and Luke,
I don’t know why the babies kicked for you and not me. Even Luke felt them kick, but every time I’d try, they’d stop. I think they’re already playing favorites and they’re not even born yet.
Next time I’ll sing to them. That should do the trick.
Penelope
PS: Don’t forget to send that screenshot from the video call! You promised! I want to see what Brodie the Islander looks like! (And check his ring finger myself.)
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Re: Babies
Penelope,
Maybe you just have a wonderfully calming effect. You used to do that for the dog.
Izzy
PS: Photo attached. It’s not the best one because he came close to spitting out a sip of tea he’d just taken when I told him about decapitating the leprechaun. I’m still grinning over all the stories he told. It was like hanging out with you two, only with a little zing thrown in.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Re: Babies
Penelope,
Don’t feel too reassured over Izzy’s comment. That dog was fourteen years old. Everyone had a calming effect.
Luke
PS: Blighty had the whole set of Indiana Jones movies on his bookshelf. (I don’t count number four.)
PPS: Should I be offended that I have no zing?
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Re: Babies
Luke,
No one counts movie four.
Izzy
PS: Did you notice that the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings stood right beside them? Smart man.
PPS: You’ll zing for someone special someday. I know it.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Re: Babies
I loved that dog. He never minded a good snuggle.
Penelope
PS: Luke, the zing is like the Christmas magic chime from Hallmark movies. It only pertains to romance.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 22
Subject: Re: Babies
Maybe I don’t want the zing after all.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Josephine Martin
Date: March 23
Subject: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness
Josephine,
Thank you for setting up a meeting with Mr. Fisher next week. You really didn’t have to. The poor man is still trying to sort out his exit plan for a business he’s owned for thirty years. Are you sure he’s ready to talk about leasing the building this soon? And I’m not even sure I’m ready to take the plunge of opening my own bookshop. I love the concept of decorating that place and bringing people in to show them the joys of stories, but the actual business of it? That’s a little terrifying. I’m still trying to garner the courage to open a spreadsheet.
I’m coming to clean your house Saturday. No arguments. Patrick is on my side in this. The doctors said to start taking it easy and you need to listen to them. I’d hate to find my way down to Dr. Turner’s office and inform him of the way you’re ignoring his specific orders. (I tutored Chuck Turner’s daughter in reading so he’ll pretty much do whatever I ask . . . so you’d better be a good patient.) No one would enjoy you being on bedrest. Least of all, you.
Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well instead of cooking the entire supper last night? Just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you have to!
Izzy
PS: Please stop texting me Clark Gable pictures!
Chapter 8
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood
Date: March 23
Subject: One more time?
Luke,
Do you think it’s weird to enjoy the company of someone I’ve never met in person more than about 90 percent of the people I know in person? Brodie and I talked via video chat for two hours tonight. He’s so kind and funny. Sometimes, with his humor, he reminds me of you. Sarcastic and subtle, only he’s a bit gentler. He’s a big fan of P. G. Wodehouse. Have you read him before? We only have three of his books in the library and they were checked out, so I’ll have to wait until they’re returned to find out for myself. I refuse to e-read them if I can hold them in print form, you know?
Brodie’s favorite Indiana Jones movie is number three, like you.
I’ve been thinking of you since you and I talked at Josephine’s. I’m glad you broke up with Clare, but I know it hurts still. Two years is a long time to be with someone. But you’d stopped doing many of the things you loved most because she demanded all of your time. If someone loves you, she should encourage you to become the best “you” you can be and share in your dreams instead of rearranging them to her own designs. I never realized how much I need that in someone until HWLMATA nearly stripped me of dreaming altogether.
Clare never liked the idea of you quitting accounting to go back into construction, but I can’t imagine you doing anything else. You love it so much and it shows. Always has. And though the idea of stonemasonry makes my shoulders hurt, it’s a lucrative skill, especially for someone who likes it as much as you.
You know I understand how it feels to look back on a relationship and see all the broken parts . . . and wonder why you allowed yourself to keep living in it. But loneliness can be a scary place until we stop being afraid to be alone with ourselves. I didn’t know that about myself, but I’m learning it.
It may sound weird, but now I know that love looks a whole lot like hours of comfortable silence on the couch together, or snort-laughing over inside jokes, or gentle words and tender compliments that warm the heart more than speed up the pulse (though those are nice too). I think if love is anything like what we’ve come to believe in our faith, we are left better and more secure than we were before. That’s what I’m looking for. And you know, I don’t think I would have appreciated it or even recognized it before now.
Maya Angelou said, “Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.”
That’s what I keep trying to believe, Luke. After everything. One more time.
You have one of the biggest hearts and most generous natures of anyone I know, even though you try to hide it. Someday you’ll be someone’s zing.
I’m really glad to hear you’re moving back to Mt. Airy. I think we should pick up on our drive-in movie routine.
Izzy
PS: What is it that William Blake says? “Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell’s despair.” In other words, “Love seeks not its own.”
PPS: The boards on the back porch may not have been the reason I tripped, but I’m glad they’re fixed now, nonetheless.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March 23
Subject: Re: One more time?
Instead of creating all the postscripts, why not just put the information into the body of the message? I’m still trying to understand if there’s any rhyme or reason to postscripts at this point.
You’re right about Clare. I just wish I’d seen it before I spent so much of my life with her.
I’m glad to come back home too. Already have three jobs lined up. One is building a rock fireplace for Grace Mitchell up in Ransom, which means a free meal every night.
I think you and Brodie have met through less conventional means, but the same truths still apply: two people building a relationship and trying to figure out if they are better together than apart. Despite all your teasing and self-deprecation, you have an immensely generous heart. It’s why you truly believe in that “one more time” quote.
Someday a man will see behind your veil of introversion and catch a glimpse. Then he’ll stop at nothing to show you how he sees you—and you won’t be able to go back to anything less. You’re worth that, Izzy.
