Page 38 of Authentically, Izzy
Luke:Your brownies confirm two things: (1) You bake better than Josephine. (2) You’ve confirmed a decision I’ve made that I’ll tell you about when I see you. Thanks, Izzy.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: March20
Subject: Brodie
Penelope and Luke,
I couldn't wait for dinner to share this with you. I just got off the video call with Brodie. The reception wasn’t ideal, but our call lasted for an hour before things became so bad we had to end it. He thinks the problem may have been on his side, but we all know it’s my inability to master technology. I think I have some sort of magnetic destructive field in my fingertips. Thank heavens my e-reader hasn’t borne the brunt of my unintentional electronic homicidal bent. Brodie did mention that his house (theone he’s renovating) is due for new Wi-Fi within the next week, so . . . maybe my inadequacy with technology isn’t at fault.
At any rate, the first part of the call was filled with those awkward silent moments that have punctuated the majority of my dating life. He made a few comments about how pleasant it was to finally see my face instead of Éowyn or Charlotte Brontë. I returned the favor and added that the rustic look of his living room reminded me of Christmas. More silence permeated a few bumbling exchanges and then he asked about the most recent book I was reading (I didn’t mention Eli’s) and then asked about my day and, well, I told the decapitated leprechaun story (leaving out the Eli parts). Everything changed. He laughed. I laughed. And suddenly the person from the emails emerged into the conversation and our dialogue turned into a pitifully hilarious one-up to who has had the most embarrassing moments. I must say, Brodie’s were impressive. Especially the one about the horse and a vat of pudding.
And I wondered if we’d have difficulty understanding one another, but his accent is not as thick as I’d imagined. There’s a bit of a James McAvoy feel to it. He seemed to understand my accent fine. Maybe he’s been practicing by watchingThe Andy Griffith Showreruns.
He has kind eyes. You know what I mean? The sort that encourages you to keep talking because you actually believe he’s listening? There’s something very comforting about that.
I’ll tell you more when I see you at Larenzo’s.
Izzy
PS: Before you ask, Penelope, there was no hint of a wedding band on his finger.
PPS: Sweater-vests are very appealing on men. Why haven’t I noticed them before?
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March20
Subject: Re: Brodie
Are you serious? You send an email about a video chat with your Scandinavian-Celtic pen pal and tell us everything except what he looks like? What is wrong with you? Izzy, really, you should know me better by now. “Kind eyes” but no color? I just don’t understand you.
Penelope
PS: Was his accent divine? Did he call you something endearing like “poppet” or “rosebud” or “cabbage”?
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood
Date: March20
Subject: Re: Brodie
If you can’t see me right now, I’m slowly shaking my head in resigned acceptance that Penelope is my sister.
Luke
PS: Did you share your experience on the runaway donkey? I could never decide who looked more afraid. You or the donkey.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
