Page 52 of Loyally, Luke
Text from Izzy to Luke:How are things going?
He took a seat on a bench in the park and paused. How was he doing?Better focus on the job or she’ll know something is up.
Luke:Good. I haven’t killed anybody yet, and the team follows direction just like I like it.
Izzy:Ah, stroking the ego, are they? How are things with the cabin?
Luke:Making good progress on that too. I sent some photos to Grandpa Gray and he likes what we’ve done so far.
Izzy:And... Grace Kelly? Are things getting a little better with her?
His grin twitched.
Luke:I think so. She’s not as high-and-mighty as she used to be.
Izzy:I suppose she just couldn’t resist your southern charm. Wait. Do you have southern charm?
Luke:I save it for special occasions.
Izzy:You must have pulled out your best.
Luke:I tried.
Izzy:Well, I’m glad she’s come around. It would be horrible to have to work so closely with someone who added tension to the work environment.
Luke:Unless it was the good kind of tension.
Um... how do you delete a text?
Izzy:Sure?
Luke:I think we just got off on the wrong foot. She seems to be one of those cautious folks who take a little extra care to get to know, but once you do, they’re worth it.
Izzy:You like her, don’t you?
Izzy:Luke! When you get quiet, I know I’ve hit on something true. Oh my goodness! Penelope was right!
Luke:Don’t ever say that, even in a message.
Izzy:What happened?
Luke:Are you and Brodie headed this way anytime soon?
Izzy:Deflection. A definite yes!
Luke:Not deflection, just that if I’m going to talk about anything important, I’d rather do it the old-fashioned way. In person.
Izzy:Actually, I was texting to see if we could go to dinner with you somewhere in Crieff on Wednesday. Now there’s no way I’m missing it.
Luke:It’s nothing to get all excited about. And likely won’t amount to anything because I’m not crazy like somepeople who pick up their roots and move across the world.
Izzy:Love is a pretty powerful thing. What was the quote you told me? “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
Luke:There is NO talk of love on this end of the phone. We just moved from being annoyed by each other to tolerating.
Izzy:Well, that’s half the battle right there. See you Wednesday!
Luke:Don’t expect much. Seriously. Very little.
