Page 79 of Authentically, Izzy
You’ve made some excellent changes to the website. Isabelle mentioned exchanging an email with you last night for some additions. Father had a keen vision and plan for Sutherland’s all those years ago, but I don’t think he planned for the changing landscape of the Internet, as it has shaken book sales and even reading. We are behind the times, but I don’t believe we are too late to bring Sutherland’s back to its former success.
Isabelle and I have discussed the business a little, but I imagine we’ll have more opportunities to brainstorm. She seems to enjoy the stimulation of creativity. Her eyes fairly shine from reined-in enthusiasm. So far the only time she’s been overtly emotional is when we’ve talked of books or... when I stumbled along the sidewalk and fell to my knees, at which time she ran to my side, wrapped her arm through mine, pulled me into the ice cream shop nearby, and wouldn’t allow me to leave until she’d made certain I was fine. Her determination rivals Mum’s. Imagine that!
Brynna, I came to visit Isabelle solely for the purpose of knowing her better. I have no ulterior motives and am a bit surprised that you would turn your mind in the direction of the stipend. Yes, the financial ramifications of bringing her to Skymar would bea boon to Sutherland’s and help hasten Fiona’s surgery (which is certainly something we all desire), but Isabelle is not (and has never been) a pawn in the story. I would protect her heart as voraciously as I would any of my family, which includes all matters related to the stipend. In all reality, if our relationship should turn in a “forever” direction, I have as much chance of moving to North Carolina as she to Skymar. So put the stipend from your mind altogether. This is a matter of hearts, not funds.
On a different note, would you mind going by to check on Mother and Fiona on your way to the Skern shop? Anders is traveling and I’d feel better knowing you’d checked in.
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: Now I’m curious, what do my clothes say about me? I’ve never heard them talk.
From: Brodie Sutherland
To: Ellen Sutherland
Date: May4
Subject: Star Wars Day
Mother, an additional note to share with Fiona:
I’ve been reminded by three people today (complete with lightsabers) that today isStar WarsDay. Luke even cooked breakfast in a cloak with a saber attached to his hip. Isabelle showed up with Princess Leia buns for her hairstyle, her saber (and an extra one for me) waiting in the front seat of her car. Evidently it’s a very important celebration at the library andI’m to attend the Force Party this afternoon. The creativity is certainly strong with this woman.
May the Fourth Be with You,
Brodie
***
Text from Izzy to Luke:I thought you were coming to the Force Party at the library today?
Luke:You stole my lightsaber. I couldn't come unarmed.
Izzy:Didn’t you once say your smile was your secret weapon? You could have brought that. And I did NOT steal your lightsaber. I stole the extra one from Jason Rush (the tenth grader who kept arguing with me about Star Wars canon. He definitely didn’t come armed with knowledge... and library rule is if you try to hit the teacher with your lightsaber, the teacher gets to keep it).
Izzy:BTW, thanks for taking such good care of Brodie. He’s enjoyed getting to know you better.
Luke:I don’t know how all this is going to work out, but I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who fits your weirdness like him. Isn’t there a quote about that somewhere? Dr.Seuss?
Izzy:Well, actually it was originally written by Robert Fulghum and later attributed to Seuss. But either way it’s perfect. “When we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love.” I’m not saying I’m in love, but I’d definitely say we have compatible weirdness.
Luke:Your response just confirmed all the weirdness I think about you and Brodie. Seussian or not.
***
From: Anders Sutherland
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: May5
Subject: The fast decline of American influences
Brodie,
I had thought you’d come to your senses about this entire online relationship fiasco, but after our phone conversation last evening, I am even more concerned. Why would you ever have your photo taken inside a police car, no matter how vintage? And why are you eating bear paws? Is that some sort of mountain delicacy that I don’t want to know about? And I’m not too keen on this Luke fellow. Anyone who thinks putting vinegar into someone’s coffee is an idea of a good joke cannot be trusted. You know my thoughts about Americans and this just proves my point!
