Page 27 of Positively, Penelope

Also, Brodie was wonderful. I can see why you love him so much, Izzy. He seemed to really understand my fear of sea monsters without one bit of sarcasm. Did you know he can drive a Vespa? I asked him to drive so I could ride on the back like Audrey Hepburn inRoman Holiday. I wore a red skirt just for the occasion. I’m so glad you were home so we could have a video call with you. It just seemed even better with you there. He’s such a quiet fellow. I feel as though you probably have to carry the conversation most days, but I didn’t have one bit of trouble with that. He invited me for dinner with his family next weekend and I can’t wait to meet everyone.

Alec and I had dinner this evening, quite by accident, I think. I had walked up to the big house (after Brodie left) so I could visit with Grandpa Gray and ask him more about his “darling” wife. Oh, their love story is exquisite, complete with a rescue in the rain, a runaway sheep, and a little bit of aBeauty and the Beastvibe (with Lorianna overcoming Grandpa Gray’s grumpiness). Maybe that’s where Matt gets it from, because when I got ready to walk home in the dark, Matt sent a scathing look in my direction and told Alec to walk me home. I imagine Alec would have walked me home anyway, but being bossed around by his older brother probably didn’t make him want to as much.

At any rate, Alec escorted me to my little cottage and we had a chance for a long conversation. He told me that The Darling House is such a family legacy, and they all want to see it grow, which is why he spends so much time traveling—in an attempt to build new relationships to bring more income, actors, and businesses our way. (Interestingly, he also has a second job as a business consultant. I don’t know what that means, but he travels for it too.)

Since finances have been so bad for Darling, a few larger companies have made substantial offers to purchase it, but Grandpa Gray refuses to sell and Alec is concerned the business may end up bankrupt before it can turn around... if it CAN turn around at all. Alec made some comment about Matt not being as invested in the future of the theater as the rest of them, so I’m not sure whether that is a reference to the idea that Matt might be open to selling or that he wants to try something else for his future. Either way, it makes me wonder why he seems to work so hard for a place in which he isn’t as invested. (I didn’t end that sentence with a preposition like I wanted to, because I could feel eighth-grade teacher Mrs.Linder scowling over my shoulder as I wrote.)

The idea of the Grays losing The Darling House breaks my heart. There is such love and history and legacy in it, so obviously, I am determined to save it even more. I have confidence in me . . . and a lot of other people helping me, of course. I just have to find those people. From all I can tell, Matt seems to love the place, at least for his family’s sake, if not for his own, but I don’t sense a deep passion. (However, I’m not sure I’ve sensed a deep passion for much at all, except Iris, of course, and bicycles.) Alec shared some delightful memories of the place, nearly getting emotional about it a time or two, so he may have more of the passion.But the most passionate one about it (besides Grandpa Gray) is Gwynn. I certainly have an ally in her. You know how I used to just walk through the hallways and stages of Ashby for fun? Well, I’ve found her in The Darling House several times, doing the same thing!

Anyway, when Alec walked me to my door, he took my hand and kissed it before leaving. He also told me that my hair looks beautiful in the moonlight. Good grief! I feel like I’m floating. (Do you think men in Skymar kiss ladies’ hands in a totally platonic sort of way? Like a goodbye ritual or something? Because it didn’t feel platonic.)

Penelope

PS: I know I’ve resolved not to date until someone (myself) in the relationship was mature enough to handle it, but if Alec Gray wanted to date me, I wouldn’t object.

PPS: Am I allowed to date him since he’s not my immediate supervisor? Oh dear, do you think Maria von Trapp felt this sort of dilemma when she started having romantic feelings for her boss? (But he’s not my boss! Grandpa is the real one in charge.)

From: Gwynn Gray

To: Penelope Edgewood

Date: September10

Subject: Your ideas!

Penelope,

I’m still in school for marketing so my wisdom on this may not be expert, but these graphics and your marketing plan soundamazing to me. My graphic skills are not the strongest, but I know what looks nice. However, I DO know about business. I’ve not only been a part of The Darling House my whole life, but I’ve tried to learn as much as I can in school so our theater can have a second chance. Poor Matt is trying, but his skill set only goes as far as accounting (besides his artistic side), but he’s no visionary, unless it’s set to music. So the first steps of this marketing plan are great. Visibility and increasing (or creating) our online presence. I can’t wait to hear more about some of the ideas you’ve hinted at.

In regard to historical information about The Darling House, I know there are plenty of things in storage, but you may also want to check the other stage (called Stage A... the smaller of the two stages). We haven’t used it for several years, so it’s been accumulating rubbish. I’m not certain what’s there anymore. Did Matt really ask you to go through our mess, or what did he call it?Inventory? Or did you offer?

And I’ll keep the float idea a secret, but I’d encourage you to try to get some help. Did you mention meeting with some of the theater troupe on Friday? Many of them have been a part of the festival for years and I would imagine they’d be happy to help. I haven’t been highly involved in the group for a while, but they were a good lot for the most part. Of course, you have your Casanovas and divas, especially in theater troupes, but I imagine you’ll find some kindred spirits too. I’d join you if I could, but I have a few meetings at university, which will keep me there this weekend. Talk to Dani (a.k.a. FA). He’ll make sure you meet the right folks.

Gwynn

PS: Matt has a ridiculous fondness for chocolate éclairs. It’s always good to know your enemy’s weakness.

PPS: You understand that I don’t believe Matt is your enemy. He’s just rough around the edges because he has to guard himself from everything and everyone. But, as I’m sure you can tell, he’s a great dad, so don’t let his gruffness fool you.

PPPS: Grandfather loves you. I thought you ought to know. He hasn’t had someone bring him freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in years. I think he might name his next pug after you.

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September10

Subject: Re: Brodie, Alec, and Grumpy Gray

Brodie told me all sorts of fun things about your visit when we had a video chat last night. Oh goodness, Penelope, I can’t believe you convinced Brodie to drive that scooter. He said he’d never driven one in all his life, but you had an uncanny ability to convince people of things they wouldn’t normally do. I told him you got “the gift” from Grandma Edgewood, who always boasted that her long-ago ancestors from Scotland went all the way back to Merlin. I don’t think she really knew who Merlin was (or is, as the case may be), but she boasted about it anyway. I really do think it has to do with your undying optimism. Your belief in people is just so unswerving, they can’t help but believe in themselves too... and most of the time things turn out in amazing ways, except with trampolines or goats.

I love the video you sent of the sea. Oh, I’d forgotten how blue the water is there. I can’t wait to get back and experience my own hand kisses (or any other kisses, as long as they’re in person and from Brodie).

Maybe you could pick up on some of yourYou’ve Got Mailvibes and save the theater like Kathleen Kelly tries to do with her bookshop.

Izzy

PS: I think the hand kissing leans toward more romantic vibes. I’m sure this “type” of hand kiss may give off more romantic vibes than others, but it’s still a strange thing for a ritual.

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