Page 17 of Authentically, Izzy
Brodie (though if it makes you feel more comfortable, you can keep referring to me as Josie)
PS: Your Anne Frank quote was much better than my Keats. I raise you Lewis Carroll, since the mountains on my horizon are currently dusted with snow. “I wonder if the snow loves the trees and the fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’”
PPS: No job opportunity should ever cost a person’s heart.
Text from Izzy to Penelope and Luke:I don’t think Brodie is Josie. I’m going to go prick my finger on the needle of a spinning wheel and sleep through this disaster for a hundred years.
Izzy:Unless Josie has suddenly developed a wonderful sense of humor and a kindred understanding of a reader’s heart, which she’s never had before, this Heart-to-Heartmessage cannot be from Josie. I’m forwarding Brodie’s message to you both. Does this sound like your sister at all? Please say it does. Somewhere? Maybe the sweater-knitting part?
Izzy:Did I really pour my soul out to a complete stranger? From an online dating community? What do I do now?
Izzy:It is a very good letter.
Izzy:Off to find an evil fairy named Maleficent.
Luke:I felt the same way aboutThe Count of Monte Cristo. I think you ought to give old Blighty a chance. And just think how many books you’ll miss if you sleep for a hundred years .
Izzy:You are right. No amount of lifelong embarrassment is worth that sacrifice. Thank you for keeping me grounded.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March5
Subject: Sweaters and Blighty
I love him!! I have no idea whatThe Count of Monte Cristois, but his response to it and the nickname Blighty has me all aflutter. He’s so eloquent and charming. I’m sorry to say this, but I bet he’s old. Young, dashing men do not talk like that nowadays, unless they’re a part of some costume drama production.
They certainly don’t talk that way at the university.
Except my literature professor. But he’s wonderful. And old.
Love,
Penelope
PS: Why would he need knit sweaters if he lives in California? Isn’t it pretty temperate there?
PPS: I have decided to stop dating until someone in the possible relationship matures to the point of actually being able to date. I’m not that person, nor have I met that person yet. I actually think dates should involve conversations. Oh gracious, Izzy, I just sounded like you! I need to go buy some new shoes.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March6
Subject: Brodie the Mysterious?
Penelope and Luke,
If I can work up the nerve to respond to his very charming note (and I’m still trying to muster up that courage), I have no idea what to say. What could I possibly write after having smeared my heart across the page to the wrong person? And then, to have him answer as if I’m not some unstable, book-maniac recluse? I can’t figure out if he’s... real! And if he is, what’s his angle? Why would such a man NEED an online dating service? Why would he want to continue corresponding with ME? Why would my attempt to call his bluff (or Josie’s) have no negative impact on this correspondence at all?
Penelope is probably right. He’s old. But how old is too old?
Why am I even asking that question? Clearly, Josie’s desperation is beginning to rub off on me. I need ice cream.
Perhaps I should indulge in some movie talk? That would give him away at once, wouldn’t it? As far as life-era?
