“Containers? Certainly.”
Once I’d paid for everything, I drove to the loading area and waited as Grant filled the trunk with my purchases. He came to the driver’s side. “What shall we do next?”
“Did you bring your own car?”
“I was dropped off. May I ride with you?”
“Of course.”
We were silent on the drive. When I pulled into the garage and cut the engine, Grant turned to me.
“Sara, before proceeding, we must have a difficult conversation about the ways I can help you.”
“Okay.” A difficult conversation didn’t scare me as much as doing this project alone.
“Perhaps we should adjourn to your swing.”
“Why?” How bad could this be?
“It is where you are most receptive.”
“Fine.” I led him to the swing and perched uncomfortably. He stood before me, hands clasped behind his back.
“The terms of service are fairly simple. You will make thirty wishes, which I shall grant one per day for a month.”
“Wishes?” An interesting word choice. “What kind of wishes?”
“Whatever you desire, although you may not ask for magical elements. It isn’t permitted.”
“Are you capable of magical elements?”
He nodded, unsmiling.
“Let me make sure that I understand this. I can wish for anything I want, and you’ll give it to me. But I can’t ask for magic even though it’s something you can do.”
“Correct.”
Uh-huh. “Are you a magician?”
“Not in the human sense of the word. My powers are supernatural.”
I studied his face, but it remained completely calm. “Is this a joke?”
“Not at all.”
“You actually think you have supernatural powers?”
“Iknowthat I do.”
Wow. There must be something wrong with me, because what I’d heard him say was absurd. I closed my eyes and tried to focus my thoughts. Was I groggy? Could I still be in a drugged sleep?
There was a lot of factual information coming in. Rough boards under my thighs. People splashing in a nearby pool. The oppressive heat of a muggy June day. The scent of fresh mulch and the woodsy/pine soap Grant must be using. I didn’t have multi-sensory dreams, so not that. “You’re capable of actual wishes. What does that make you, Grant?” I didn’t want to sneer, but it took restraint. “A genie?”
“Indeed, except there are rules.”
“Of course there are.” I opened my eyes reluctantly. “I suppose you’re about to tell me what those rules are?”
He snapped his fingers. A scroll appeared in his hand. “Perhaps you should read this.”
