Bella entered the kitchen. “Thanks for doing the after-dinner cleanup, Abby. You’ve been the best guest, and we’re all going to miss you being here.” She pushed the button to start the dishwasher.
“I can’t imagine how I’d have coped in Charm if not for all of you. I hope you’ll drop the kids off whenever you need some me time. It’s the least I can do after your kindness. Besides, I think they’d have fun exploring my gardens and helping me create some extra magic.” Abby laughed and pointed outside at Aubrey waving her fairy wand over Will.
Bella chuckled along. “She’s been casting wishing spells nonstop since seeing the play. If you invite her to make magic at your cottage, she’ll never leave.”
“You’ve got great kids. One day I’d love to have a couple like Aubrey and Will.” Her mind conjured Nash’s face as the father. Abby instantly dismissed such foolishness.
“You have the qualities for a wonderful mum.” Bella dimmed the kitchen lights. “Guess I’ll head to the den and do some writing once I get the kids corralled into the playroom. What about you this evening? It’s too bad Nash had to stay late at the monolith site and miss dinner with us.”
“Yes, but I understand. As for what I’m doing tonight, it’s between keeping that porch swing company or enjoying a swim.” Abby twisted her mouth to the side, pondering.
“I vote for the pool. Take advantage of the quiet and the soothing water’s influence,” offered Bella.
Abby smiled. “You’re right. I’m going to change. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
~*~
Hurrying down the stairs, Abby turned the corner and crashed into a surprised Nash. She felt him steady her balance, but not her heartbeat. “Hey, I didn’t know you were home.”
Nash laughed. “That I believe. You’re pint-size but still a solid force.” He rubbed his chest.
“Mister, I feel like I hit a brick wall. I really do need a relaxing swim,” countered an amused Abby. Standing mere inches from Nash, her disloyal body was heating up. She stepped back, putting distance between them.
Nash chuckled.
Abby made a little groan realizing he’d read her body’s reaction. Her overactive hormones were getting tiresome. Get it together, she scolded herself. He’s a guy that happens to look hot. No big deal, except for the fact Nash Walker possessed a growing list of qualities she was finding irresistible. Fortunately, the move to the cottage should resolve the ever-increasing concern. Great, she’d missed his last words.
“Hello?” Nash waved his hand in front of Abby’s face. “Mind if I join you for a swim?” Nash’s eyes stayed locked with Abby’s.
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. A bad habit I’m trying to break.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Please, come swim. I want to hear what you’re doing at the rock.” Abby spun on her heels and nonchalantly slung the striped towel over her shoulder. She hoped the act made her appear less…something.
Nash looked momentarily puzzled. “Well, okay then. Super. I’m going to change. See you in a few minutes.”
Abby strolled outside to the pool, lecturing her traitorous body the whole way. She kicked off her sandals and deliberated whether to dive into the cold water or ease in using the steps. The chicken way won.
The water was up to her waist when Nash reappeared wearing navy swim trunks. He swiftly jettisoned his white polo. Why couldn’t Nash keep his blasted shirt on his body? Seeing the display of ripped muscles and broad shoulders forced Abby to suck in a breath and dunk herself. She surfaced in time to see Nash execute a perfect dive. “Of course, he hardly made a splash,” she muttered.
Nash swam a lap and returned to where Abby treaded water by the pool’s edge. “The water feels good tonight.”
“Yes,” Abby smiled. She guessed it felt good. Too many distractions had kept her from experiencing the liquid rainbow. She flipped over on her back. “Think I’ll do some backstrokes. Don’t grade my form, Mister Olympian,” she quipped.
“Woman, you do love to hang names. I’m opting for plain ol’ lap swimming. I’ll try to keep my wake down.” Nash flashed a smile, showing perfect white teeth. He kicked off.
Abby sighed, thinking about her two years of being a metal mouth. He probably hadn’t even needed braces. Taking a glance at her location, she knew the pool was a generous size and could easily accommodate four lanes of swimmers. Abby swam the first lap with her mind chattering away.
“Hey, you a perpetual back floater?” Nash tapped Abby gently on the head as she swam past. “Are you interested in making s’mores if I light the fire pit over there?”
Abby did a U-turn back to Nash, who stood in the pool’s shallow end. “Did I hear s’mores? Answer me this. Is there a limit on how many I can eat?”
“No limit.” Nash moved up the steps. “Unless I eat them all while you stay in the pool negotiating terms.” He broke into a sprint toward the house.
“Wait for me,” hollered Abby, trying to make her way to the pool steps. “I want to divvy up the makings between us.” Abby hurried after him, thinking only Nash could turn s’mores into something more than a treat. How she liked this man and his company.
~*~
Nash and Abby sat around the firepit as the sky’s canvas changed to a deep shade of indigo. A multitude of stars appeared in the night sky like tiny pinpricks. The crescent moon hung to the west, casting a glow upon their faces. It was a night meant for savoring.
“Is that your sixth s’more?” Nash watched Abby pull the gooey toasted marshmallow off the bamboo stick.
“I dunno. Why?” Abby licked melted chocolate from her fingers.
“Because I can’t stuff another one down. I’m ready to award you the win of s’mores eating.” Nash laughed. “That hurts.” He held his stomach.
“I’ll take that win, and you can keep the bellyache.” Abby considered her next words. “Hey, for my s’more award, I want to hear about your work.” Abby put the last bite in her mouth. She chewed and smiled. “Come on. Tell me the parts that aren’t hush-hush.”
Nash studied her face. “What makes you think—?”
“Look, I do research too. I know we scientists must guard our studies and findings. Spies lurk everywhere, from agriculture to zoology. Share what you can. I’m super interested.” Abby watched the fire crackle and waited.
Nash gave an affirmative nod. “You’re one hundred percent correct about that defining the research world. At least the ones where we came from. Fortunately, our studies in Charm have protections in place. We’re relieved of constantly looking over our shoulders and trusting no one. Here we’re free to chase the joy and excitement of discovery. I grant you that it’s an uncommon setup but a much appreciated one.”
“I can’t imagine the luxury of conducting research in such an environment.” Abby sighed, missing work and her recent breakthrough on dermal aging. “Can’t you give some tidbit on what you all—?”
Nash smiled, thinking. “Okay. I’ll share some things, starting with there’s a group of us exploring concepts I think you’ll find intriguing. We’re experimenting with the power of crystals and color as therapies. We’re looking at patterns and paths.”
“That’s vague enough,” teased Abby.
Nash’s eyebrow raised. “How about this? Do you recall how, in days past, a quartz crystal powered a radio?”
“Of course,” Abby’s head bobbed.
“Then we agree that energy is in everything. We’re examining how this energy can be harnessed and used for good across a broad swath. I mean, it’s clean and abundant.” Nash tossed his napkin into the fire. “When you combine the spectrum colors with certain crystals we’ve identified, well, let’s say the results are impressive. Light is high-frequency vibration. Light is medicine, and we need the spectrum for health.”
Abby nodded, grasping Nash’s point.
“Here’s the nugget, Abby. The goal of all Charm scientists is to deliver discoveries to those outside for the betterment of the planet and people’s lives. The arching message is that living in harmony with nature is the only way for a species to thrive. Nature has everything we need, but only if we’re good stewards and don’t attempt to alter her.” Nash grew silent.
Abby sat back, stealing a breath and trying to absorb what she’d heard. “Your work, or whatever the Charm term is for what everyone does, sounds absorbing and vital.”
“It is, and for reasons better left unsaid. We’re hopeful that those where we came from will course-correct in time before nature does it her way. There’s still time. Anyway, in the present moment, our research holds great promise.”
“Do you see me colored green with envy? If so, ignore it,” said Abby.
Nash’s tone shifted to an instructor. “You don’t need to feel jealousy. Why not choose to feel something else?”
Abby’s expression mirrored confusion.
“Never mind. Let’s return to that teaching later.” Nash tossed another log into the fire pit.
“Whatever you think best.” Abby’s mind grabbed an idea. “It sounds to me like your work can also change how we live and function energy-wise. If you all succeed at getting enough power from rocks, then the polluting coal plants and worrisome nuclear plants could go adios. That’s a profound leap, Nash.”
“Yes, the potential here is enormous if we can deliver the payload.” Nash stretched out his long legs and gazed at the flames.
Abby had caught the scientist’s enthusiasm wave. “And the aspect of your employing the whole color spectrum for healing and medicine leaves me breathless just thinking of the potential. I’ve observed the major role that color plays here and how Charm folks connect on so many levels to the spectrum.” Abby paused. “Heck, I’m staring at a swimming pool filled with rainbow water. I suspect that’s not just for beauty, but that the water is doing something enlivening. Don’t try to deny it.” Abby took a sip of tea and raised her eyes to Nash. She swooped her arm in a circle. “The area is a veritable cornucopia for scientific research.”
Nash chuckled. “Well said. There’s no denying by me. I watched you experience firsthand the vibrations that color emits at Angel Cascade. We’re learning that the spectrum enlivens and influences everything when used properly and with intention, which brings us back to our creed. All actions must strive for harmony and balance.”
“Yes, harmony and balance, while honoring that nature’s intelligence reigns supreme.” Abby stopped. A troubling awareness hit her. She stood and paced silently around the pool. Glancing at Nash, she saw the unexpected. Worry lines found his forehead. He knew. Somehow, he knew. And now so did she. A reluctant Abby returned to the seat next to him and accepted his outstretched hand. Her throat ached from pent-up emotion.
“I’d like to welcome this awakened Abby back into our discussion. What would she like to say?” Nash’s caring tone helped ease her discomfort, but not her shame.
“I can’t begin to understand the how, but you were made aware I was taking my research in the wrong direction. That I was altering how nature intended cells to age. You knew I’d veered off course and employed GMO-like principles in my work. I’m presuming you were told or shown that I was corrupting…ruining nature’s code.” Abby’s eyes filled with tears. She pulled away from Nash.
“Pretty much.” Nash rubbed his forehead.
Abby heard the pain in his voice. “Is that why I’ve been dropped into Charm? To stop me from developing something that would ultimately cause harm?” Abby snagged a napkin from the nearby stack and dabbed at her eyes. “Am I right?”
“You’re half right. If it’s any consolation, it’s one of the major reasons I landed here too. My archeological work in Peru was leading to something far worse than just developing more destructive ways to use GMO in agriculture.” Nash offered Abby another napkin. “Suffice it to say, I saw the light in time.”
Abby swallowed more disgrace. “If I hadn’t been tinkering with how God made things to operate with such—”
“With such perfection, yes, you’d not find yourself in Charm. Instead, you chose to stir up potions….” Nash hesitated.
“Potions that would cost hundreds of dollars an ounce and deliver subpar results and who knows what possible damage. What a despicable way to use my talents.” Abby released a loud exhale and stood. “I’m seeing this all too clearly now and feel so ashamed. I’ve dishonored myself and my work.” Her conscience had been on a long siesta, but no more. She turned to Nash. “Did you feel beyond lousy too?”
“For a long time.” Nash paused. “As you’ve probably guessed, Gita’s role is to help you recalibrate. To learn how to tap into your gifts and use them for good, only for good as you move forward in life. You’re in Charm to learn valuable lessons. This one rates in the top five of importance.”
Abby hugged herself, grateful the tears had stopped. “I can see why this lesson makes the hit parade. Talk about ginormous screwups. I—” She gulped, unable to continue.
“Look, Abby, I recognize your mind’s inner assault. Hang with me here. I’d like to help you navigate away from the old ways of dealing and processing things. Willing?” Nash held out his hand again. “Hang on to me for this ride.”
Abby nodded and grabbed on. “Please, show me how to chart a course.”
“First, I want to see your smile. The smile that lights me up like the Fourth of July.”
“What? Are you daft? I’m sitting awash in remorse and guilt, and you want me to smile for you?” Abby grabbed another napkin. “What do you mean my smile lights you up?” Abby stole a glance at Nash and saw his dimples were waiting. The boyish grin, combined with his eyebrows raised, made her smile.
“I’m an expressive kind of guy.”
“Nash Walker, you’re a scoundrel. Can’t you see I’m in a dark place? You don’t play fair with my fragile emotional self.” She let him wrap his arms around her.
He kissed her forehead. “I happen to think I’m taking excellent care of your fragile self. Don’t you?”
Her smart retort wouldn’t come out. Instead, she snuggled into Nash’s chest. “Um, most excellent care. Could you kiss me again? I think it’s helping.” Before the shock of her words could penetrate her brain, Nash’s lips claimed hers. His kiss sent a charge humming through her body. A breathless Abby pulled away. “Did you feel that?”
Nash’s finger traced the outline of her lips. “Describe ‘that’?”
“That energy thingy. Like an electric buzz.” Abby sat upright and retied her ponytail. “Never mind.”
“I felt it.” Nash’s fingers moved her head toward him. “I think it’s called attraction.”
“I call it a distraction,” Abby huffed.
“How about we compromise and call it a welcome distraction?” Nash leaned in closer.
Abby pushed him back, stifling a grin. “No more of your welcome distractions, at least right now. I need your wisdom, Nash Walker. I need to understand how to move past my conscience berating and bruising me for my actions in the lab.”
“You’re right, though I enjoyed our side trip. Didn’t you?” Nash waited.
“Leave me alone. Don’t ask me those types of questions. I lose my filter. It’s embarrassing.”
“Not to me.” Nash’s eyes danced.
“Side trips are nice with you.” Abby clapped her hands across her mouth. “I swear Charm’s air-infused truth serum is going to be my downfall.”
Nash’s laugh woke up the frogs. “Okay, relax. We’ll postpone discussing our attraction and return to the mind’s sabotaging ways. Give me a moment to recalibrate myself.”
Abby sat up straighter. “The mind. Finally, something I can work with—I think.”
Nash’s expression shifted to serious. “Look, for the next few minutes, try not to think. Be mindless. Mind less,” Nash repeated.
“Got it. Mind less. Cool.” Abby closed her eyes to her attractor. “Go on.”
“This may sound farfetched, but your spirit is anxious to engage and override your mind. You see, Abby, the mind isn’t always our friend. It shapeshifts. Gita teaches how it traps us in what we in Charm call a thought prison.” Nash gazed at the pit’s glowing coals.
“Thought prison.” Abby’s head nodded vigorously. “I’m guilty as charged. My thoughts never leave me alone. Gita’s so right. Over the years, I’ve become a prisoner of them. So, are you telling me there’s a way to escape my jail?” Abby stood and felt the embers heat.
“There is, and Gita will guide you toward finding freedom. For now, understand this. Your spirit is your only constant. Your north star. Allow your spirit to lead you. Here.” Nash tapped his heart. “I realize it’s a lot to absorb.” Nash came to stand next to Abby.
“No, I get it. I’ve read a smattering of inspirational books, but I’ve never bothered to apply their teachings. One of my downfalls.” Abby pondered her next words. Nash was giving her time to find elusive inner guidance. “You know, I trust on some level my spirit knows what’s best. Yes, siree, I’m becoming a convert to the benefits of ignoring my mind’s chatter. Its guidance is flirting with obsolescence. I mean, come on. My mind’s dictates got me sucked into the Charm vortex.” Abby tried to find the humor to dilute the guilt.
“Charm vortex? Good one.” A glimmer of laughter came into Nash’s eyes. “Anyway, the mind can still serve you, even needs to serve you, but from an awakened place. That’s the secret key. Gita will—”
“Of course, Gita. Poor woman to get tasked with me. I’m such a handful.” Abby tossed the tattered cry napkin into the pit.
“Trust me on this. Gita does her best work with handfuls. You’re looking at her biggest and most resistant handful.” Nash stood at attention and delivered a mock salute to an absent Gita.
Abby giggled. “Stop yourself. I want to change the subject away from us handfuls. You said something before that’s surfaced.”
“What’s that?” Nash made a face and sipped his watered-down tea.
“You said something about your research being given to those on the outside. Do I want to delve into how that whole process…?” She quit talking, seeing Nash shaking his head.
“You do not. Tonight has brought you enough to ponder. Don’t you think?”
“Affirmative to that. At the moment, I’m not feeling a bit envious of you and the research. Nope.” Abby shook her head and turned to face Nash again.
“But that envy will return. Count on it. You’re a scientist and highly curious,” Nash taunted.
“I’ve heard enough. More than enough. Walk me back to the house. I’ve got some penance to do in my room if I can figure out how to go about such an act…of contrition.” Abby grimaced as her fists clenched.
Nash draped his arm around Abby’s shoulders. “Don’t worry about penance. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow brings a happy change.”
“You’re right. I’ve had a day chocked full of new experiences. My bed is calling.” Abby’s smile even felt tired.
Nash picked up their pace as his arm tightened around her. “To bed with you. Besides, Gita has—”
“I know. Gita has my lessons. Those glorious calls to evolve,” finished a weary Abby.
Nash nodded. “And so much more.”