Page 61 of Positively, Penelope

“Well, I’ve decided to stop with the whole blind date thing.”

He shook his head. “Don’t say things you don’t mean,suz.”

“I’m serious. I believe, since you are starting to step back into your life on your own, I’m going to let nature take its course.”

Warning bells went off in his mind. Gwynn Gray rarely backed away from matchmaking opportunities, whether they were welcome or not. In fact, she seemed fueled even more by the unwelcome ones.

“What are you up to?”

“Up to?” Her pitch rose in overdramatic offense. “Merely doing as you’ve asked me to do all along. Leaving your romantic life to you and... whomeveryoufancy. But let me just say, dear brother, I don’t think you need look too far for the right match. If you’re willing to see, that is.”

“Willing to—”

“And if you’re brave enough, of course.”

A knot started forming in his throat and he almost asked Gwynn tofind another date for him. Anyone. Just so his mind would not return to the ginger-headed pixie waiting in the wings to bewitch his heart.

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From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Luke Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: September29

Subject: Jacqueline Morrow Crenshaw (JMC) & floats

I just wanted you all to know that I had a video call with JMC during my lunch break today. I think the video of the twins laughing is what spurred my courage. JMC took me on a virtual tour of the theater while she asked questions about what I’d add or change or improve. It was like giving me an empty stage to create whatever masterpiece I wanted. Just from my time here, I can already imagine how we can incorporate the community and donors and social media.

I mean, I’m going to need a job when I get back home anyway, aren’t I? And to be executive director automatically gives me a chance to use my gifts and training in ways I’d never expected to in my first year postgraduation.

Just so you know, I’ve already decided that it would be worth the thirty-minute drive, though, to live in the mountains outside Mt. Airy so I can have a view in the mornings. After being here, there’s just something energizing about waking up with a view of nature to start your day. And since I inherited that little piece of land from Grandma Edgewood, I thought I could build a little cottage there, just for me and my future family. Hiking trails are nearby. A biking path too!

I didn’t give JMC an answer yet. We just discussed more specifically the nature of my role and the plan to expand, so I’d manage a small staff. She wanted to make sure I knew her desire is for me to be the one to travel for further training and marketing, and she wanted to assure me that she fully supports my desire to have a family someday.

I mean, it really does sound perfect.

The longer I’m away from home, the more perfect it sounds.

But am I just speaking from homesickness? If I make this decision right out of school, will I regret not becoming a world-famous Broadway star or West End actress? (Stop laughing, Luke. I can practically hear you. Besides, we already know I don’t really want to follow the spotlight.)

Just a reminder:My Fair Ladyplays next weekend (Th–Sun). I’ve been able to help out in some of the rehearsals and the theater group is AMAZING. I’m so proud to be involved, even if on the periphery.

AND... some folks from the theater group met with me last night to help with the float. Gwynn showed up, too, which was an added bonus. BUT the biggest thing was that Mark, a carpenter who is part of the online theater troupe, had already taken some of my ideas and partially finished the float. Y’all!! It’s on two trailers. TWO. One features the upcoming musical and the next gives a teaser for upcoming productions—with lots of fun characters they may see in the future—with an added invitation to folks to join the theater. Gwynn has promised to take photos so I can show you because, as you can imagine, I MUST be a part of it. I’m handing out goody bags... while in costume, of course.

Penelope

PS: I know that I haven’t the extreme talent for Broadway or West End, despite what my high school drama teacher said. I have the voice, but my acting could use a little polish.

PPS: And both would take me away from home for a long time, so...

PPPS: There is something special about belonging somewhere. It’s an indefinable sort of something, but when you are away from it for a little while, you know.

Text from Izzy to Penelope:You’re still young, Penelope, and this is your first really big adventure. You’ll find where you belong. I promise.

Penelope:I love it here, Iz, but I have this longing for the familiar that I didn’t really understand until now. I feel like a failure somehow.

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