Page 38 of Positively, Penelope

Subject: A mole?

I had Alec set up an interview with the local news station tomorrow and just got a call that they’ve rescheduled the interview for the less popular time slot because Emblem offered to pay for the top spot we had. Is that even possible? And how did they know we had an interview set up? The Darling team were the only ones I told, unless they shared it with other folks. Or someone at the news team did.

I’m starting to feel that my paranoia is grounded in some truth here, y’all.

The Skymarian Theater Troupe promised to remain silent about the float (and if a group of drama folks give their oath, it’s nearly as binding as blood); however, if Emblem pops up with a float similar to mine, I’m going to KNOW something strange is going on. But why? Emblem is this huge, apparently thriving business. Why would they target The Darling House?

But I will say to you all, I’ve been researching them ever since I started getting worried that they have something against The Darling House, and I realized that The Darling House could have an edge against them in one important spot. The community. Emblem Studios only brings in outside musicals and offers overpriced, impersonal lessons. But The Darling House began out of a love for theater and for this community. And after a little snooping, of which I am NOT ashamed, I’ve discovered that Emblem’s numbers have been in decline for about two yearsnow. People have been traveling all the way to Limmick on the island of Ansling to take lessons because Emblem’s reputation is of a cold and disconnected place. Darling used to fill that need here in Fiacla. Lorianna Gray, in particular, used her connections to cultivate an atmosphere of community for The Darling House. I think we need to find a way to bring that sense of belonging back. To help remind the people of Skymar what The Darling House has meant historically and how important it can be even today.

Oh, I’m so excited. Now I know exactly what I want to do with this float AND what my purpose for being here is all about!

I still want to see if I can bring in a larger production for the winter season so we can raise some funds, but the heart of this theater is the people of Skymar, and that’s where the focus needs to be.

Penelope

PS: I wonder what helps a closet romantic come out of the closet? I’ve always been an out-in-the-open romantic, so I have no idea. Chocolate? Fuzzy socks?

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood

Date: September17

Subject: Re: A mole?

Penny-girl,

I just have one thing to say about this whole mole thing.

“To survive a war, you gotta become war.”

Luke

PS: I can send you a red headband if you need one.

PPS: Some people want to stay in the closet. It’s safer from all your Hallmark nonsense.

From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood

Date: September17

Subject: Re: A mole?

I’m glad you haven’t included Josephine on these emails. There’s a good chance she would have already called some police station in Skymar to suggest that Emblem Studios may have some sort of spy who will stop at nothing to destroy The Darling House, complete withMission: Impossible–style explosions.

But I don’t like the sound of it. As to “why,” could it be as simple as it is inYou’ve Got Mail? The Darling House is the competition? Maybe what you’re doing for it is making a bigger impact than they anticipated? Or they’re afraid it will? Was anyone at Darling trying to make changes before you came that could have started Emblem’s concern?

Izzy

Text from Alec to Penelope:Good morning, princess, I’m sorry about the news interview. Since the time has been changed, I won’t be able to be there. Perhaps Matt will stand in for me?

Penelope:Alec! The interview is today! In an hour! I sent you a reminder yesterday. Why didn’t you let me know then?Matt is at a dentist appointment with Iris, so he can’t be expected to prepare for it with such short notice.

Alec:Maybe check with Gwynn?

Penelope:She has classes this afternoon.

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