Sleet Sugar by S.J. Tilly
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
IZZY
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: House Hunt
Hello Zachary,
I’ve attached properties that the realtor, Emma, thinks you should see. She has showings set for all three on Saturday evening. I agree that they’re all good options for you. But this is just the first round. If you don’t like them, she’ll find more.
Take care, Isabelle
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Excited as an Izzy in a Candy shop
Dearest Izzy,
I trust that when you say things like “you should see” and “if you don’t like them” you really mean “we”. You aren’t bailing on me! My ego couldn’t handle a hit like that. (Also, when you call me Zachary it sounds like you’re scolding me.)
Sincerely, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: cough*dramatic*cough
Dear ZACH,
Have no fear, I will not abandon you. I actually find it great fun to go through other people’s houses, so I’m happy to tag along. I’ll see you Saturday.
OkayBye, IZZY
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Peeper
Innocent Izzy,
Are you a Peeping Tom? Do I need to worry about you knowing where I live? Do I need to keep an eye on you while we are touring these houses, make sure you stay out of their goodie drawers?
Endlessly curious, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Of course not!
ZACHARY!
How dare you think so poorly of me. But yes, you should probably keep an eye on me. If I find a goodie drawer, I might have to take samples.
SorryNotSorry, Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Uhhhh…
Sweet Silly Izzy,
I’m thinking that maybe you and I are experiencing some miscommunication as to what’s in a goodie drawer. Please see Urban Dictionary for further details.
Your teacher, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: OMFG
Sensei Zach,
You have to trust me when I say that THAT is not what I meant. When I think “goodie drawer” I think sugary treats. Not… that.
Seriously, Izzy
P.S. My friend Meghan heard my gasp when I read the definition, and now she’s crying she’s laughing so hard at my expense.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Sharing is Caring
Izz,
Your lack of a dirty mind is entirely too enjoyable for me. And would this Meghan be the same one that I spoke to on the phone that fateful evening?
Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: One and the Same
Mr. Zach,
It is indeed the same Meghan. She’s my best friend. Or one of them. The other girls are also my friends, but I see (and talk to) Meghan the most. She’s a touch insane, but she’s great. And she enjoys teasing me almost as much as you do.
Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Intrigued
Dear Izzy,
Insane But Great would be a good band name. It’s also a good set of characteristics for a friend to have. Who are the “other girls”? I’m not trying to pry, but you just make it sound so cryptic and alluring. Or maybe that’s just you.
Still Curious, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Girls! Girls! Girls!
Curious Zach,
The “other girls” are Katelyn and Stephanie. Katelyn is Jackson Wilder’s fiancé, and Stephanie is Jackson’s sister. They, obviously, met through Jackson, and Meghan and Katelyn have been best friends since they were in grade school. I met them all last year. Well, I met Stephanie before that, at games and such, but we didn’t really know each other. We’re all friends now, and they’re pretty much the first friends I’ve ever had. I can hardly believe how much I already rely on them. I probably shouldn’t have told you that…
Please don’t judge, Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Never
Isabelle,
I would never judge you. Not for a lack of friends, not for anything. Having good friends can be a life saver. And you may have lacked for friends before, but from our one lunch together, I can see that you didn’t lack for fatherly love. That counts for a lot.
Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Thank you
Thanks Zach,
Honestly, thank you. That means a lot. (shakes it off.) Quick, say something to lighten the mood!
Blushing again, Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: You’re Welcome
Candy Girl,
I’m writing a research paper, as of right now, and I have a few questions for you. As adults, do you have sleepovers with your female friends? If yes, do you feed each other popcorn and partake in half-naked pillow fights?
For science, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Insert Eyeroll Here
Dr. Zach,
On occasion, we have been known to throw sleepover parties. And more than once Meghan has made her homemade Kettle Corn. However, I’ve never had the pleasure of being fed snack food. And although we may sleep half-naked. The pillow fights are reserved for full nudity only.
Kidding, Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Is it hot in here?
Sugar,
I’ve just learned that the cold shower theory is a myth. I will add that to my list of compiled research data.
Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Back on Track
Dear Zach,
I feel like we have strayed awfully far from the initial realtor email. Sorry for that detour down Unprofessional Lane. Did you have a chance to look at those houses? Are there any you don’t like?
Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: My favorite Lane
Rule follower Izzy,
I didn’t look at any of them. I want to be surprised. I trust you, so if you say they’re good, then they’re good. As for detours, it should be no surprise that I’ve never been one to color in the lines. Plus, I’m new here. Coach, aka your kick-my-ass-dad, has been keeping me busy, so I haven’t had time to make any friends. Aside from teammates. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.
Begging for continued communication without sounding desperate, Zach
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Low Blow
Dear Zach,
That’s going right for the jugular. Of course I can’t just ignore you now. Though I will put my best effort into trying. Hopefully Coach keeps you working hard enough to keep you out of trouble. I’d hate to be your one call from jail. I need to save my money for sweets, not bail.
BubblegumBeforeBros, Izzy
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Have no fear
Sweet Izzy,
Don’t worry, Sugar. I’m good at not getting caught. Have fun at your Speed Dating tomorrow night.
Yours, Zach
