“You removed your gloves.”
He was right. My forearms and hands were exposed. I studied the ground at my feet. Wow, bad news if I tripped. “I’ll be careful where I step.”
“Allow me.” He swept me into his arms. “Ready?”
I locked my hands around his neck. “Ready.”
As he took me back to safety, I gave myself permission to feel this new experience. I wasn’t exactly a small girl, and this might be the only time I would ever be carried. It was weirdly interesting, floating above the ground, clinging to a moving body. I didn’t find it the least bit romantic. As much as I trusted Grant’s strength, I didn’t like being this dependent on someone else.
When we reached the clearing, Scott was waiting, expression stern, eyes hidden behind his shades. “What’s up?”
Grant set me down gently. “Poison ivy,” he said, and handed over my gloves.
I slid them on, my attention glued to Scott. “Grant rescued me. I walked right into it.”
Scott gave a curt nod. Irritation radiated off him, which didn’t make sense. We’d made serious progress on our assignment.
“We weren’t goofing off,” I said. “But feel free to dock our pay.”
His lips relaxed into a half-smile. “I won’t this time.” He looked around and then back at us, the tension gone from his body. “This looks great, and it’s further along than I’d hoped.”
Grant bowed his head in acknowledgement.
“I know you’re working for Sara, but can you come back any next week? I’d pay you.”
“Regretfully, I must decline.” Grant gestured toward the tree line on the opposite side of the clearing. “However, I’m not done with today’s project. May I ask your opinion about an area of concern?”
He and Scott took off, slipping right back into their talking/stopping/pointing routine. I flopped onto the bench and closed my eyes, weary beyond belief, aching in every limb, but happy. Really happy. I hadn’t felt this alive in months.
Status Report #22
Saturday’s Wish: Landscaping
Dear Boss,
Thank you for your response. I am sorry that the League has denied Sara’s request to give her wishes away.
Our progress was fast but certainly at a pace that won’t alarm any humans who aren’t aware of my true skills. A few solid days of skilled labor and good weather will be all that Scott needs to remain on schedule.
This wish triggered a small but distinct transformation within Sara. Despite the sweaty, grimy, exhausting tasks, she blossomed under the sun. It would be a great pleasure to see her reveal that level of joy more often. Trust me when I say that applying her wishes to this landscaping project would benefit Sara.
Are there alternatives?
Regards,
Grant
TO: The Elite Alliance
FROM: Camarin
DATE: 11 July
It is unfortunate that the League was unable to approve Grant’s proposal. I applaud the courage of his persistence.
We all profit when junior Beings offer fresh ideas. Are you familiar with the human technique of pilot projects? Perhaps we should discover the viability of an idea by permitting a proving period.
I am nearing the end of my current assignment. Once it is satisfactorily completed, I shall travel to North Carolina and determine for myself what is at stake.
