Page 58 of Positively, Penelope

Penelope lived for the fairy tale. And he couldn’t give it to her.

He could only offer her his heart, and a broken, fumbling one it was. Even if he could afford to be interested in her.

And when it came to any comparison to Alec, he fell short. He’dnever been the extravagant or spotlight sort. No, even if he were interested in winning Penelope’s heart, she would never choose him over Alec. Even the best fairy tales didn’t work that way.

“He’s borne his troubles differently, I suppose.” Matt moved to the porch steps, opening the umbrella as he reached the breach between the porch roof and the open sky.

“I suppose.” She tossed a look over her shoulder as she pushed the cottage door open. “Would you like to come in for some tea?”

He looked away and gestured toward the car. “I’d better get home in time to put Iris to bed.”

His gaze caught in hers as she studied him. “Thank you, Matthias, for rescuing me.”

His pulse responded to the name again, to the tender look in her eyes, and an ache branched out through his chest. One thing was certain. He wouldn’t dance with her again. He couldn’t. As the song said, “Music leads the way to romance,” and especially dancing for him.

So he had to end any possibility before it even began.

“Good night, Penelope.”

He returned to his car and sat for a moment, staring at the cottage door. The warm lights from the windows beamed with an invitation to the wet world outside. Home. Warmth. A second chance.

He wanted them all.

But not with Penelope Edgewood. The risk proved too great.

Chapter12

Text from Matt to Penelope:You tell me about Mr.Westing but don’t share the most important details!

Penelope:What do you mean? I told you he was going to give me a top-floor office.

Matt:The Carringtons, luv. You didn’t mention the simple fact that the Carringtons are going to donate a massive amount of money to the theater AND support a position for Kinleigh as an intern to grow the youth theater. Just those two minor details.

Penelope:I’m confused. You sound angry but you called me luv, so I’m not sure how to respond.

Matt:I’m not angry. I’m over the moon. Impressed. Astounded. You truly are a gift to us, Penelope, and I’m extremely grateful for you.

***

She stared down at the text. It wasn’t like Matt had made any grand gesture or sweeping soliloquy, but the tenderness in his sentiment hit her. Being helpful and creative and reaching out to people came so naturally to her, she didn’t really do it for gratitude, but his message meant something special for some reason. Maybe it was because it came from him. Or because it seemed so deliberate and heartfelt?

She walked to the window and stared out across the woods, barely making out the roof of the Gray House. Her finger hovered over his name, which she realized she needed to change to Matthias in her contacts instead of Matt. She shook her head. She didn’t need to call him. Why would she even think that? They’d talked only an hour agoin person. Talking in person could wait until tomorrow, of course. She could respond now by text. With a turn away from the window, she sat down on her bed.

“Your message was so sweet”? No, that didn’t quite convey the right feeling.

“I really appreciate your kind words”? She wrinkled her nose at the text and then deleted it. Though shedidappreciate his words and theywerekind, that particular response didn’t seem to hit the mark either.

“Would you mind repeating your message in person so I can hear what ‘luv’ sounds like from your voice”? She grinned and promptly deleted that one too. Silly. She nodded toward the blinking cursor. Though a very legitimate desire.

Text from Penelope to Matthias:It’s such a joy to be a part of the magic of bringing The Darling House back to life. I feel kind of like a fairy godmother (though I’m much too young to be one, you know).

Penelope:And thank you, Matthias. For your text. It really mattered to me.

Skymarian Theater Troupe

From: GK

To: JA

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