The lines on Grant’s forehead deepened. “I do not think that Beings can fall in love with other Beings.”
“Why not? You’ve experienced it with a human, and so has Camarin. Why can’t the two of you feel your own unique form of love toward each other?”
“It would be impractical for Camarin and me to explore such feelings, even if they were possible.” He bowed his head. “She is exceptional in many ways. The inequality of our skills creates a great divide between us.”
“She wouldn’t agree. Camarin thinks you’re beautiful and wise and the most astonishingly complete Being she knows.”
He looked up, a smile of pride tugging at the corners of his mouth. “She has described me with those words?”
“Yes. Now that you know, how will you use that information?”
“I’m not certain. However, it would appear that we share a mutual esteem. Perhaps I should learn more.”
“Yes, you should.” I held out my keys. “Here. You or Camarin can drive my SUV home. Just leave the keys where I can find them.”
His fingers closed around them. “Thank you.” Hesitantly, he took a few steps forward and then paused, shifting from foot to foot nervously. A few seconds passed before he crossed to where she stood, bathed in silver by the moon. She turned to face him. I could see their faces clearly in profile, but their voices were too soft to hear.
As he spoke, she looked in my direction, her lips twisted in dismay.
Guilt nudged me but only for a second. I’d been the messenger for something that begged to be known. She would forgive me.
Camarin returned her gaze to him and gave a sharp nod.
From my vantage point, I could read what his body was trying to tell her. He was completely focused on her, his smile slow and lovely and full of meaning that she had to understand.
She gasped and took a step back. He offered her both hands and waited. She stared from them to his face. And then she smiled. A sweet, happy, tentative smile. Slowly, she pressed her palms to his.
“What’s going on?” Scott whispered.
“Not sure, but I think we should leave them alone.”
“Um, yeah. Even I can see that.” He clasped my hand and pulled me down the trail, heading back toward the parking lot. “It took the dude a long time to make his move.”
I nodded, enjoying the feel of Scott’s hand around mine. “I hope they’ll be able to work something out, but it might be hard. Their employer frowns on co-workers dating.”
“Well, their employer needs to get over it. If I were Grant, I wouldn’t give in. Camarin is fun to be around. Not to mention smoking—” He cleared his throat.
I gave him a mock punch to his abs. “Pretty?”
“Yeah. That.” He grinned. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”
It had been a wonderful night. There was so much to celebrate from the past few days, and I did feel more content and at peace with the world than I had in many months. Yet I couldn’t ignore the bittersweet twinge that—in serving us well and quickly—the Beings had created our good-byes too soon.
TO: Counselor
FROM: Grant
DATE: 24 July
I have completed my assignment with Sara Tucker.
Her early progress was uneven—sometimes stalling, occasionally regressing. Yet I believe that she is now moving steadily forward, albeit slowly, on the journey back to balance. Her grief is dissipating. When I arrived five weeks ago, she stumbled about the world disoriented, hiding her pain behind a wall of light pleasantries. Some of the wall lingers, but the chinks are widening.
I do leave with regrets, however. I have spent much of my past year in Magnolia Grove. I shall miss the friends I have made here. They care for me, and I for them.
The League must review its reliance on helping individuals only. In this small town, over three cases, I learned that each mistress made the most progress when her family and friends also received attention. This realization has led me to an important conclusion.
I propose that we relax our rules and widen our scope. There may be instances where it would be better to actively heal the master’s environment rather than the human alone. It might also be best to send teams in such cases. I hope to serve again with Camarin. Her presence accelerated the quality and resiliency of Sara’s outcome.
