“Yeah, a little bit.”
“But we got closer,” he says. “Invisible? Vision? Not that far apart really. They’re in the same family.”
I sigh. “I guess so.” But this is a defeat, and my frustration is hard to contain. “We’re missing something. I have no idea what, but we’re fucking missing something.”
“I’m sorry. I know this is really surge-y of me, but I have to eat.”
He pats my back, and I climb off of him and the bed before grabbing my robe.
“Death tripping makes for terrible bedside manners,” he says apologetically.
“It’s okay. I get it.”
“You all right?” Sam pulls on jeans and a T-shirt.
“No, not really.”
“I know you’re frustrated. But I think this invisibility thing is a good sign. It’s progress.”
“Progress isn’t good enough. You’re doing your part. You’re death-tripping. I’m the one doing something wrong. Apparently, I’m the worst power augmenter ever.”
“Stella, stop. This is not your fault. You are doing more than anyone could, and you’re doing it well.” He does a little dance in place and shakes his body until he disappears. “Check me out! I can go all invisible on your ass!”
I laugh in spite of my crummy mood.
Sam repaints himself and takes me against him. “I smell good things wafting up here. I gather you put Costa to work?”
“Some kind of creamy seafood casserole with parmesan topping.”
“Oh, man. He’s good.”
“And homemade biscuits and blueberry cobbler.”
Sam races down the stairs, and I follow at a more normal pace. While Sam might be fired up about a big meal, I know that Costa is going to be crushed that the vision power is still proving to be unattainable.
I grab a bottle of wine and a glass and leave the guys in the kitchen. The sunset is gorgeous tonight, and I feel as though sitting out on the tiled patio area in a lounge chair might be just the thing to lift my mood.
The sunset is just starting, and the sky is layered in tiers of color and clouds.
Vision. Clarity. Sight.
What am I missing? What the hell am I missing?
Invisible, I think. My memories scream at me, memories from being in the stairwell at the hospital so many years ago.I’m good at being invisible.
When the sun has sunk halfway to the lake and my glass is half gone, Costa joins me outside. “What’s up, pussycat?”
“What’s up, CJ?”
“Nice outfit.”
I’m still in my robe. I pull the fabric more over my leg, and I shrug. “Too lazy to get dressed. Sunset was calling.”
He leans back in the lounger next to me and squints into the view. “Sam told me. Just so you know.”
I put my hand on his. “I thought it would work this time. It’s the right power to go after, and I’m trying so hard.” I can feel myself getting upset. “I am doing everything I can think of to will him to see.”
“Hey, hey. Easy there. I know that.”
