Page 28 of Positively, Penelope

PPS: Sorry for the kissing talk, Luke.

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: September10

Subject: Re: Brodie, Alec, and Grumpy Gray

Your “hair looks beautiful in the moonlight”? (Do girls really want guys to say things like that?) How does your hair look the rest of the time?

Luke

PS: I’ve lived with you. I already know the morning look.

PPS: Anytime I see the wordk__s, I skip the sentence because I don’t want details. Neither of you realize the hazards of being the only male cousin in this family.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Gwynn Gray

Date: September11

Subject: Re: Your ideas!

I am so glad you like my ideas and graphics so far. It’s wonderful to finally put some of the things I’ve been learning into practice. Despite Matt’s grumpiness, he really does seem to take my ideas seriously. And no, *I* asked if I could inventory things in storage. I feel as if there’s something within all those boxes and crates just waiting to be discovered. Your grandmother’s photo was just one of many things. I found a glass slipper in pristine condition. That doesn’t happen every day and few people truly appreciate such a find. (It fits me, BTW. In case you were wondering.) One should always take finding a glass slipper seriously.

Besides, if we’re going to attempt to save this theater, we need to see what props, costumes, and things we already have so we’ll know which productions we can perform with the least cost. I know you all consistently have donePeter Pan, of course, as well asThe Wizard of Oz.(I found Elphaba’s hat, Glinda’s wand, and a replica of a flying monkey. In fact, that’s what brought Matt and Evelyn running to the storage room. They heard my scream when I found it buried beneath a massive hat that looked like it came straight from the Ascot scene inMy Fair Lady. Flying monkeys and Edwardian hats should never go together.)

The ONLY positive thing about that horrendous moment was the fact that your brother ALMOST laughed. I think. It sounded like he was strangling on something, but I’m pretty sure it was because he didn’t want to laugh. Isn’t that the most ridiculous thing? Not wanting to laugh! When I look back on it now, a flying monkey wearing an Edwardian hat could be very funny, especially when one is prepared by fluorescent lights. I love to laugh.

And thank you for the insights about the theater group. What a great idea!!

I look forward to seeing you again when you’re back in town. I’d love to try that funky seafood place you talked about.

Penelope

PS: I’m getting ingredients for éclairs from the grocery tomorrow... so I will be armed.

Text from Penelope to Gwynn:Why does Matt feel like he needs to protect himself? Is it because he’s concerned about someone wanting to buy the business? Because I’m not a dangerous person. Well, except one time, but that involved hot tongs and a tube of lipstick. And it wasn’t my fault.

Gwynn:I think it’s more related to protecting his and Iris’s hearts than the theater. Though he does appreciate the theater. But his biggest love has always been his family. Despite his grumpiness, he’s a closet romantic.

Penelope:Oh my goodness! Well, we need to help him find courage for his heart again, don’t we? I think it’s wise to carefully open your heart, for certain, but guarding it so tightly that you’ve stopped laughing? A closet romantic shouldn’t live with such fear!

Gwynn:I think if we take a team approach, we could make great progress in helping him.

Penelope:Don’t worry one bit. I’m on it like Maria on the Captain.

Penelope:Not in the dangerous sort of way, like an assault or anything.

Penelope:And not in the romantic way, of course.

Penelope:Just in a doggedly optimistic sort of way. Like an Audra McDonald singing “Make Someone Happy” kind of way.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

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