Page 39 of Authentically, Izzy
Date: March20
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: March20
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 watchedBringing Up Babyfor 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 foryour 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: March20
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
