Page 89 of Authentically, Izzy
Date: May12
Subject: Re: An unexpected-yet-expected journey
Izzy,
I really don’t understand your analogy at all. Bilbo is still alive?!? I thought that cat died years ago.
Oh my goodness, Izzy! But what a quote! “Or perhaps forever”???!!! He already wants to marry you! Of course he does. I adore Brodie. He complimented me on my freckles. Any man who can appreciate freckles is worth talking to, you know? And I’m so glad Josephine didn’t scare him away when she started lecturing him on the value of country life. I’d never seen her wield a spatula like that before. I’ve heard that pregnant women can be unpredictable, so just imagine how a pregnant woman with twins could be! It’s a good thing Brodie has fantastic reflexes. Another attribute to add to your list for him. And you didn’tjustmeet him. You’ve known him since February. I think that meeting him in person only secured your feelings—kind of like smelling the cookie before taking a bite.
As far as traveling? You must go! Then you can tell me all about it so I can prepare for my study abroad next semester. Plus it’s the perfect opportunity for you to show him you care as much as he does. Though I think he cares more for you than you do him, but I’m fine if you want to prove me wrong.
Penelope
PS: From all I remember (and have heard) about your parents, Izzy, I think they would want you to travel because they loved traveling. Seems to be a great way to celebrate something they loved, kind of like you’re taking them with you.
PPS: I refuse to debate you on the virtues of Edward Rochester. Suffice it to say, you are wrong. He may be misunderstood, buthe’s incredibly romantic and brooding and a little dangerous. Though he doesn’t seem the sort to wear sweater-vests.
PPPS: Is there aJane Eyremusical? I bet Rochester would be a bass.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: May12
Subject: Re: An unexpected-yet-expected journey
Penelope,
Clearly you have not watched the movies I sent to you. Please do so immediately. We cannot keep having these discussions if you have no idea who Bilbo, Gandalf, Samwise, Frodo, Aragorn, or any otherLord of the Ringscharacters are. We just can’t.
Secondly, Brodie is adorable, and I am hopeful that by the end of the cookout, Josephine had warmed up to him. She stopped calling him Bradley, so that’s definitely a move in the right direction. Patrick took the spatula away after the first two swipes in Brodie’s direction, so I think that helped too. And... “smelling the cookie before taking a bite”??? I don’t think I have a response for that.
Thirdly, traveling to Skymar is definitely a way to show Brodie I care about him. If only I can keep from hyperventilating on the plane to such an extent it drops cabin pressure to an all-time low and causes the plane to have to turn around in midflight . . . orcrash. Of course, I would die with the memory of Brodie’s kiss so that’s not all bad.
Izzy
PS: You are right about my parents. I’ve never thought of it that way before.
PPS: I refuse to comment about your mild obsession with Rascally Rochester except to say HE WAS ALREADY MARRIED.
PPPS: And he was almost perpetually grumpy. Do you really want a man like that?
Text from Luke to Izzy:I can’t believe I’m typing this, but Penelope does have a point about your parents. They would love seeing you fly. (As usual, the rest is nonsense.)
Luke:How much do you care about Brodie? Answer that, and you’ll have what you need.
Izzy:Enough to take sedatives to fly to Skymar.
Luke:Call cousin Clark. With a pharmacy degree at his disposal, I’m sure he can fix you up the perfect courage cocktail. In the meantime here is a sentimental quote from Lao Tzu that is poignantly true and therefore I am forced beyond my usual texting repartee to share it with you. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you the strength. Loving deeply gives you the courage.” Be brave, Izzy.
Izzy:Thanks, Luke.
Luke:I’m still trying to decide if I’m glad or not that I actually know who Edward Rochester is.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
