Page 47 of Authentically, Izzy
PS: Somebody needs to have access to Brodie besides you. I can think of at least a dozen childhood stories you would never share with him. (And a few funny ones from adulthood too.)
Text from Izzy to Luke:I’m not sure I want to share your email with Brodie now.
Luke:You’ve already offered. I guess you’ll just have to trust me.
Izzy:I’m doomed.
Text from Eli to Izzy:Izzy, I’m sorry I’m running late for our date. I’m on deadline for the next book and the words are flowing so well. Could we just meet at the Earle and forgo the Parkway this time? I’ll make it up to you with ice cream after.
Izzy:Ice cream sounds good. See you at the Earle.
Eli:You’re the best. I look forward to bluegrass and great company.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March27
Subject: Eli and the theater
The jam session at the Earle tonight was extra special. Blue Ridge Strings debuted and, of course, dancing ensued. Jacob Carson, my favorite eight-year-old, gave me another lesson on squaredancing etiquette, so I feel as though I’m less likely to destroy all of Luke’s toes should he attempt to dance with me again.
Eli showed up about an hour late. The demands of the creative mind have no time expectation, I guess. He was in such good spirits and insisted on attempting to dance, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sudden spontaneity of his character. There must be some sort of euphoria that hits authors who reach a certain writing goal, because the man complimented me nearly every ten minutes and, likely from conversations with Josephine, asked me about my idea of owning a bookshop. His exuberance must have been contagious, because as he walked me to my car, he leaned over and kissed me... and I let him. Right in the middle of Main Street. Thankfully it was a relatively short kiss. Not quite the “kick your leg back” sort of kiss, but a nice, brief reintroduction to the world of real-life kissing. Having not been kissed for a few years, I have to admit appreciating the special attention. Needless to say, it was... sweet. He smelled like lemongrass and the sea. Eli is at that perfect tilt-your-head-back kissing height that I imagined as a teenager. (Sorry for the details, Luke. I’m sure you’re cringing right now.)
Anyway, we’ve made plans to take a drive on the Parkway Saturday morning and I have the Book Parade that afternoon. Both of you should stop by! The children have much better costumes for the parade than I do. In fact, Penelope, I have a perfect outfit your sister gave me that resembles one of the creatures from Dr.Seuss... a Drum-Tummied Snum, I think.
Luke, I’m attaching a copy of the business cards I designed for you. Once I have your approval, we can order them. Just let me know at church what you think! I will exchange my hard work for certain library books you have in your possession.
Izzy
PS: Luke would look fabulous dressed as a Drum-Tummied Snum. Maybethatshould be payment for the business cards.
PPS: Did you know thatditheanmeans “blossoms” in Scottish-Gaelic?
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March27
Subject: Re: Eli and the theater
Izzy,
There are moments when you do not have to copy me on emails.
Luke
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March27
Subject: Re: Eli and the theater
Izzy!! I know exactly what you mean about kissing height. I’ve only dated guys who were taller than me, at least by two inches. Wouldn’t it be horrible to never be able to wear heels because you’d dwarf your date?
