Page 35 of Positively, Penelope

His Appalachian drawl tickled her ears. Having been around Skymarians for a few weeks now, she found the familiar speech patterns of home to sound all warm and cozy, like she needed to wrapherself up in her pink robe and sip hot chocolate while watching old movies. She sandwiched the phone between her ear and shoulder, digging her keys from her purse. “Oh, Luke, I wish you were here. You’d love all the architecture and buildings. And the fact that people still do things like walk to work and own sheep.”

There was a pause on the other side of the phone before he responded. “Penny-girl, I’ve never once wanted to own sheep. I don’t need a reminder about why God used them as examples of His kids.”

“It’s not that!” She laughed and bumped the door closed behind her with her hip. The scent of oatmeal-raisin cookies still lingered in the air from her before-work baking, but everyone at work had seemed to like the treat. Even Matt smiled. A little.

Of course Alec raved like they were the most delicious things he’d eaten all week. Said they reminded him of his mum.

“The quieter way of life is similar to back home, it’s just that over here everything seems a little fancier. Old stone buildings, cobblestone streets, church bells chiming the hour.”

“We have a clock that chimes the hour on Main Street.”

“Not the same thing.” She shook her head and tossed her purse on the little table by the door, then she dropped down on the couch, pulling a nearby blanket up around her. She wasn’t sure why, but talking to her brother with a blanket wrapped around her somehow made her feel as if it were a hug. How weird was that? “Maybe you could come for a visit?”

“What do you think of the theater folks that have come in this week? They keeping you busy?”

She sighed. Deflection meant no. But who could blame him? He’d just started a new business and was “busier than a squirrel in a windstorm,” as he’d quaintly put it. So of course he didn’t have time to drop everything and come see her. Besides, she hadn’t even been away for a month yet. It was a rather ridiculous request. “I’m still doing my marketing research and making plans for the float, but I think they’vebeen forced to ask me for help with some of the production logistics because they’re so short-staffed here. Finances aren’t great, and to be honest, Luke, some of the actors could really use coaching.”

“Could you teach them? I mean, didn’t you offer acting and singing classes during summers here?”

“Yes,” she answered slowly, nibbling her bottom lip. “But that was with kids and teens. Most of these folks are adults. New to acting, but still adults. It’sMy Fair Lady. There are no kids.”

“I thought classes were offered for adults too? As I recall, it brought lots of revenue for The Ashby Theater, didn’t it?”

Luke’s statement sank in.Classes. The Darling House used to offer classes years ago. Or at least that’s what she thought Gwynn had said. If Penelope could discover some of the old brochures to find out what sort of classes were offered and who taught them, perhaps she could encourage the team to try again. With classes. Give Emblem a little wholesome competition.

“Luke, you’re brilliant.”

“You’re just figuring this out?”

She rolled her eyes heavenward, but her lips burgeoned into a smile. “I try not to tell you too often because the rest of us can live with your arrogance only so long before we become overwhelmed with nausea.”

“Mortals are prone to weakness.”

She hugged the blanket closer. “I’m really glad you called, Luke.”

“Anytime, sis.”

***

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September16

Subject: Epiphanies and more epiphanies!

A museum!! That’s what I could do! With all the theater paraphernalia and history! There is a lovely set of rooms on one end of the theater that no one uses anymore. They’re not far from the main entrance and have gloriously large windows. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the centennial and also help newer folks grasp some of the theater’s history. We appreciate things so much more when we know their histories. What do you think?

But... I spent the morning with Grandpa Gray (after bringing him some of my famous chocolate cheesecake) and he’s agreed to consider opening the other stage, especially when I mentioned we could dedicate that stage to his wife. The Lorianna Gray Stage. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I mean, we’ll end up calling it the Gray or the Lorianna, but officially it will be dubbed the Lorianna Gray. Being the smaller of the two, it would make a perfectly intimate spot for smaller plays and children’s theater. And since Lorianna is the one who started the first children’s theater in Skymar, it makes perfect sense! When I presented my argument in that light—celebrating his wife, renewing the children’s theater, AND increasing business for the theater—Grandpa Gray began to have a little change of heart. I think. At any rate, he nodded more frequently, so I took that as a good sign.

Oh! And guess what????

Matt’s name is Matthias! MATTHIAS!! Can you even believe it? I thought it was short for Matthew but it’s much cooler! I feel as though I’ve heard that name before, but I can’t remember where. I did an online search for it in the Bible, but it wasn’t there either. But I love it! Matthias Gray. Doesn’t that seem to give even more character to him? I shall henceforth refer to him as Matthias because... why wouldn’t I? (Izzy, did you like that use of “henceforth”?)

Gwynn thinks the museum is a great idea! We’re going to keep it a secret and reveal it to Grandpa Gray when it’s closer to being finished! She’s coming in for a long weekend next week so we can brainstorm. She’s also volunteered to help me with some of the social media stuff so I can focus on other things. I have a blog idea I want to try, so that will help.

Penelope

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