Page 82 of Positively, Penelope

“I do have a parade question,” Matthias said.

She relaxed her head back against the headrest and looked over at him. “All right.”

“What did you give away in those little bags you distributed? The phone rang all day yesterday with inquiries, but Evelyn only smiled and told me to ask you or Grandfather.” His brow quirked. “But Grandfather said he’d leave the surprise to you.”

Penelope burst forward in her seat. “Classes.” She squealed. “There were some sweets and a card with the upcoming productions through summer, and then there was a coupon for classes. And if people called to show interest in Darling featuring classes again, then they would have their names put down for a 20percent discount on the first set of classes offered.”

“Classes?” Matthias shook his head, one expressive eyebrow pointed skyward. “Who is planning to teach these classes?”

“Haven’t you realized how many people you have around you with amazing potential?”

“You’re right.” His grin split wide. “I do. They just seem to have been gently prodded to become more demonstrative in their potential.”

“Positivity is highly influential, Mr. Gray.” She gave a shrug topped with a not-so-innocent smile. “Gwynn volunteered to start with the voice class, along with Gloria. Dani offered to teach an audition course for those interested in learning how to try out, and Mark said he’d teach something about set design. Lilith is going to teach beginners dance, and Grandpa Gray volunteered to teach an advanced waltz class.”

“Grandfather?”

“He did.” Penelope giggled. “It’s amazing. Once he embraced the life he still has left to live for his family and theater, he jumped all in.”

“He’s done that with the business side too. Taking things back in hand.” Matthias shook his head as if the news surprised him. “I’m afraid you’re going to inspire me out of a job.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if Grandfather takes back his previous responsibilities, then all I’ll have to manage are the finances. He’s already taken back his previous work overseeing the donors and working with the board of directors.” He chuckled. “That may sound like a handful, but it’s nothing compared to what I’ve been juggling the past few years.”

“I’m sure there’s plenty to do.” She watched the passing scenery of green fields and jagged mountains growing nearer. “You love the theater, too, don’t you?”

He hesitated enough for her to notice. “I appreciate it as a place my family loves, a place of history and talent, but I was more invested in the entire production because I was working alongside family.” He nodded. “I’m realizing more and more how much it means to the people who perform on a regular basis, and how they can become like family, to an extent.”

“You didn’t know that before?”

“I was so close to the theater and the business of it, I don’t think I’d ever stepped back and seen the... house view, if you will. As someone watching the performance and recognizing how it all works together to create something memorable.”

“That’s a great way to think about it.” She rested her head back against the seat again, basking in the comfort and sweetness of sharing this drive with her . . . friends. On her birthday. “It’s something I learned when I worked at The Ashby Theater because we had a little crisis there—kind of like here—and had to revitalize.”

“Ah.” He raised a brow and sent her a look from his periphery. “You’ve had practice saving places before.”

She liked the notion of saving places, rescuing dreams and people. It sounded very heroic. “Well, I don’t know ifsavingis the right word, but maybe loving a place back to life? Or loving a dream back to life?” She shrugged. “It’s what sent me in the direction of marketingandtheater, instead of performance. Besides, despite my obvious emotional flexibility, I didn’t have the superb talent for performing that’s required to make it big.” The ocean came into view along the road. Just glimpses. And a smaller town, all cobblestone and lantern-lined roads. “And, well, to be honest, I want a family, so I chose a different path.”

His quiet drew her attention to him. His attention shifted back to the road. “Do you regret it? Not pursuing performance? Broadway?”

“No.” She’d spent a lot of time thinking and praying about the decision, but the past two months had only proven her choice was positively perfect for her. She was doing exactly what she was meant to do, professionally. Introducing others to theater. Educating them. Bringing the classics back to the forefront of people’s minds while giving the old a new shine for a new population. “I’m doing exactly what I feel professionally called to do. I love it.” She looked over at him. “What about you? What would you want to do if you could do anything?”

“A few months ago, I don’t know what I would have said. But now?” His gaze flickered back to her, searching, and then he gestured with his chin toward the window. “Well, right now, I’m going to take you and Iris on one of our favorite walks.”

Hmm... deflection? Well, she’d just have to save that particular investigation for another day.

The parking lot was nothing more than a little dirt patch near a thick wood of evergreens.

“It’s the best place ever, Penelope!” Iris danced alongside her. “Da says it’s our special place and we only take special people to see it.”

“Do you?” Penelope looked up at him as they entered the forest on a little trail weaving between the trees. He carried a basket and the wind tossed a few strands of his hair over his forehead in a look of disarray. She decided she rather liked that look on him. It made him seem less put together and serious, though she’d come to realize he wasn’tsoserious.

“It’s a public footpath,” he whispered. “Anyone can find it.”

“You’re supposed to just say yes, Matthias,” she whispered back. “Only special people come here with you.”

His grin crooked and his gaze roamed over her face in such a way her breath grew a little shallow. He really believed in pulling out all the stops for a special birthday, because she sure felt special at the moment.

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