Page 64 of Loyally, Luke
Izzy:The news? Are you in trouble? What did you do?
Luke:Why is it something I might have done?
Izzy:Do you remember Uncle Lee’s motorcycle when you were fifteen?
Luke:Fair, but that was over a decade ago and it was a really fast motorcycle.
Izzy:Brodie says we can be there in an hour and a half.
Luke:Great. Thanks.
Luke:And maybe you shouldn’t watch the news. Just... in case.
***
Text from Penelope to Luke:You’re working with a princess??? And you had your photo taken with the KING???!!!
Penelope:I know you saw my last text. It shows “read” at the bottom.
Penelope:You realize I watch Skymarian news religiously. Even more than Matt and that’shishome.
Luke:Gossip columns aren’t the same thing as news.
Penelope:Well, that actually depends on which news shows you’re watching. (See, I can be funny.) Anyway, it doesn’t matter when your brother’s photo pops up in the same shot as the KING. LUKE!!! Your life has just become more exciting than mine and I never thought I’d type that!
Luke:Is that supposed to make me feel better?
Penelope:Wait! Oh my goodness, Princess Elliana? Is she... GRACE KELLY?????? She looks like Grace Kelly and I didn’t see any other Grace Kelly look-alikes in the photo. LUKE!!!
Luke:How did you...? Oh, I forget, you’re some sort of movie guru/sleuth wannabe.
Penelope:I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how much this is like a movie. I’m sure you already feel it in your bones.
Luke:More than you know.
Penelope:Oh, that wasn’t a good response! Have you started caring about her? Have the two of you had one of those heart-to-heart moments that switches the enemies into... more? Did you know she was a princess?
Penelope:I saw that you read my last comment and didn’t respond... so you DIDN’T know? Oh my goodness, LUKE!
Luke:Why is it that I can almost hear you screaming and we’re thousands of miles apart?
Penelope:But I want to hug you. I’m so sorry. A royal! I mean, every time you even say the word “royal” you grimace, so this can’t be a happy discovery.
Luke:Would you please keep it private, Penelope? I’d rather not make a big deal out of this, okay?
Penelope:Of course! I’ve only talked to Matt and Grandpa Gray. I may be exuberant, but I’m not a betrayer. My heart just hurts for you right now. Because despite all yourgrumpiness, when you care about someone, it’s the most magnificent thing in the world. Addicting because it’s like finding the chocolate in the center of a Tootsie Pop.
Luke:You’ve compared me to a Tootsie Pop? I have no response.
Penelope:And if she’s anyone worthy at all, she would have figured that out pretty fast. Matt says she’s had a tough history. Grandpa Gray said she’s really been trying to make amends for a lot of the past, so it makes perfect sense that when she meets someone as great and authentic as you, then she would want what you have to give. And she would even be able to overlook the beard, constant flannel, and possible fish smell.
Penelope:And you give great hugs.
Luke:Princesses don’t give up their worlds for guys like me, even with my amazing beard and great hugs. And I wouldn’t ask her to. She’s got responsibilities I don’t understand. And once I get some time to sort it all out, I’ll be okay with it. I just need to go cut down a few trees or walk a few hard miles uphill in the cold to get to that point.
Penelope:I’m not going to give you a list of all the times princesses and regular guys have gotten together.
Luke:Fiction, Penny-girl.
