When they were alone again, he asked, “Are you reallytheGoddess? Gaia? Mother Nature herself?”
“Yes, I am. And I’m sorry, but I don’t want to continue this date. It’s all right. Really. It’s not you. I mean, not really. You have some odd ideas, but I’m trying hard not to correct people if they’re not harming anyone.”
“Yes! That’s the Witches’ Rede. If it harm none, do what ye will…”
She shrugged. “Most people don’t even realize the harm they do.”
His posture slumped. “I guess when I thought you were too good to be true, I was right.”
She smiled. “Why don’t you continue to meet up with your cronies and do whatever it is you do? You’ll find someone there. But for heaven’s sake, you can just talk to me. You don’t need all the rituals and tools and…um…offerings.” She snorted.
He looked crestfallen. “I—I don’t know what to do with my life now. It’s—it’s all a sham.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, it’s not that bad. You’re doing what you learned to do, which is nice. But it’s for you, not me. You understand, right?”
He nodded but still looked confused.
“Tell you what. It won’t matter in a minute.” She swiped her hand across his face, and he blinked.
She stuck out her hand. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Bruce. I think I’m going to head home now.”
“Would you like a ride? I have my car parked around the corner.”
“No, that’s okay. I’ll just walk. It’s a nice evening.”
“Okay. Take care.” And with that, he jogged across the street, and she strolled off into the sunset.
Chapter 8
“Kizz?”
“Ruthie. How are you? It’s so good to hear your voice!” Kizzy exclaimed.
“I’m okay. I’m really sorry to bother you, but it’s Dad. He’s acting very depressed. Just moping around, and…I don’t know. He’s just not himself.”
“Oh dear. Did something happen?”
“I’m not sure. He seemed to be fine at first, but when he saw that I was doing better—great, in fact—he seemed to get upset. Like it wasn’t okay that I snapped right out of it.”
“That’s strange,” Kizzy said. “How’s your pregnancy going? Do you feel like you’re ready to pop any second?”
Ruth laughed. “Yes. But I was wondering if I could come and visit before that happens? I miss you. And no offense to Dad—he’s a doctor and everything—but I don’t want him around me in his depressed state. I need some excited support when I go into labor. I think I’d rather have you with me.”
“I’d love that! You’ve got to get down here soon, before it’s too late to travel. It might even be too late now.”
“I’m sure some doctors will say ‘yes, it’s too late,’ and others will say ‘no, it’s not. Go ahead.’ I think I’d rather make up my own mind.”
“You’re still seeing your obstetrician, aren’t you?” Kizzy asked.
Ruth sat on the sofa and put her feet up. “Yes, and she’s wonderful, but she’s not you. You know how it is. If anything goes wrong… Well, I’d want you to be my doctor, and early in the day before you save anyone else!”
Kizzy laughed. “Don’t be silly. You’re not going to need any supernatural help. Emergency or otherwise. You’ll be fine.”
“I don’t know, Kizz. My doctor was concerned about my small hips. Apparently, this baby’s got Gordon’s big head.”
Kizzy was quiet. At last, she said, “In that case, I’d rather have you down here too. How soon can you get here?”
“I don’t know. It depends on whether or not Dad will come with me. I don’t want to leave him here alone like this.”
