Abby entered the library, finding Gita sitting behind an antique walnut desk. “Here I am, a tad wiser and a whole lot more chagrined with myself.”
Gita laid a paper aside and removed her glasses. Amusement played across her face. “Would I be correct in stating your understanding of the mind’s strengths and weaknesses has brought greater clarity?”
“Yes, it has.” Abby sat in a swivel chair. “Boy, the mind is certainly a trickster and so wily.”
A laugh escaped Gita. “I grant you that truth. Perhaps you’ll feel less inclined to give it free rein. That act will change everything in your inner and outer world. I promise.”
Abby nodded in agreement. “I can’t reclaim my lost hours of sleep last night while my mind ran me over hill and dale. But you’d better believe that I can keep a better watch on it. And that starts now.” Abby took in a breath. “I grasp that the teachings offer me a chance to experience life in an awake and knowing way. That’s gotta result in some profound shifts.” Abby waited to hear if what she’d shared met the final lesson’s requirements.
Gita reached into her desk drawer. “This is for you, dear girl.” She passed a small gold leather-bound book, with a matching satin bookmark, to Abby. “What you hold is a distillation of the lessons and teachings. It’s your reference. Also, the book represents your successful completion of our agreement.”
“Thank you, Gita, for everything. I don’t seem to have adequate words to express my feelings.” Tears pooled in Abby’s eyes. “My time with you has been so—everything. You’re so very dear to me, and….” Abby waved her arms. “I give up. Tell me you understand?”
“We understand each other very well.” Gita rose from her chair, smiling. “Come now. Let’s do something creative. Take in this dreary room. It requires a total facelift. Share your decorator vision.”
“Okay, but remember, I’m not a real decorator.” Abby walked around the room’s perimeter, taking in the overall appearance. Her impression jibed with Gita’s. It was indeed dreary with the dark woods and burgundy walls. The furnishings added a heaviness. She touched the bird-printed damask draperies with camel-colored swags and wondered what century they belonged in. The room lacked breath, predominantly because sunlight couldn’t find a path inside. She pivoted to Gita’s expectant face. “Begin by telling me what you like about this room.”
“I was prepared to tick off what I disliked. This question takes me to a more positive place.” Gita tapped her chin with a pen. “Let’s see. I’ve got a particular fondness for my Louis XV desk and the pair of Louis XVI candlestick lamps flanking the fireplace mantle.”
“Yes, those pieces are wonderful.” Abby touched the swivel chair that belonged in a tract house from the 1950s. “What about this? Could you part with it?”
“Part with it? Goodness, I’d help you load it in your vehicle this minute, along with the hideous draperies and tattered sofa.” Gita’s laugh was infectious.
Abby joined in. “Got it, though we might need to ask a couple of burly types to help us. What else do you like?”
“I’m partial to the wool rugs with their French flair and my books. The few decorative pieces can stay or go.”
“I’ve one final question. What colors resonate with your spirit?” Abby grabbed the paper and pen resting on the desk. She jotted a few notes.
“That’s easy. I gravitate toward azure blue, shades of yellow and gold, and a dash of ivory. Does that help?” Gita raised a brow.
“It does. And now I have a proposal. Would you allow me time to gather some ideas? I’d like to stop by tomorrow with two or three options. You mustn’t feel any obligation to pick one. We can always fine-tune things to your preferences.” Abby saw the endeavor as a way to show Gita gratitude. Images for the room were already popping into her head.
“My dear, I don’t expect you to labor over my room. Really, I—”
“Say no more. It’s my pleasure to offer some fresh interior design ideas. We’ll have fun with this project, and it gives me an excuse to see you.” Abby waited.
“We’ve got a plan. I can’t wait for this shabby library to transform.” Gita glanced at the desk clock and moved toward the door. “Heavens, it’s time for us to go. I’ll grab my handbag and meet you in the car.” She disappeared before Abby could respond.
Lifting her tote from the swivel chair seat, Abby tucked the décor notes inside. Walking out to Gita’s sedan, she felt excitement and curiosity building. Her mind’s chatter began offering answers to the destination. “You again? And back so soon to distract me from feeling anticipation. Hush already.” Abby slammed the car door and focused on a rainbow butterfly sunning on a nearby bush.
“Here I am.” Gita got in and started the engine. “Only a few more minutes until—well, you’ll see.”
Abby’s mouth became a giant smile. “I’m past excited. Feel free to speed. I won’t tell anyone.”
“Maybe a smidge over the limit would help our cause.” Gita stomped the gas pedal, throwing Abby back into the seat.
Their laughter filled the cabin as the car left a plume of white exhaust behind.
Abby twisted in the seat, glancing back at another vehicle. “Our contrail is impressive.”
Gita’s eyes looked in the rearview mirror. “Dear me, I do believe that’s Lillian’s car. I’ve suffocated the poor woman with fumes.”
“She’s slowed down and is out of the cloud. No worries.” Abby’s hand covered her amusement.
Gita pursed her lips. “I must put things right later. I know how. Lillian’s going to receive her favorite box of petit fours. It’s my best apology for asphyxiating her.”
“I’ll gladly chip in and pay half—whoops, I forgot again. No money in Charm, but plenty of laughs.” Abby gazed out the window, not recognizing the road they’d turned onto.
“Prepare to see vistas that’ll take your breath. Shall we invite silence to ride the rest of the way?”
Abby nodded, feeling her ears pop as they climbed in altitude. The scenic views unfolding rivaled any postcards she’d seen. As they neared the mountain’s crest, subtle hues of the spectrum colors tinged the clouds. She loved the color show and would never grow tired of it.
The road made a sharp curve to give way to what looked like an ancient Greek temple designed with impressive ionic columns.
“Have you guessed?” asked Gita.
“Holy sacred cow. Are we on Divinity Mountain? Is this the temple you told me about?” Abby pointed to the impressive structure that an architect would struggle to describe.
“Yes, ma’am. If you recall, I promised you a visit here. Completing your lessons with such excellence and devotion has earned you this very high honor.” Gita parked the car and noticed Abby’s open mouth. “Dear girl, are you all right?”
Abby’s eyes locked on Gita. “Tell me we aren’t going inside. I’m dressed in overalls. I can’t possibly enter looking like I just left the pea field.”
From the open passenger window, Abby felt a tap on her shoulder. “Nash? What are you doing here?”
He flashed a grin toward Gita and opened Abby’s door. “I’m deeply crushed. Do you think I’d miss sharing this moment with you? After all, I’d like to believe I played a role as one of your guides. Right, Gita?”
“I’d say you’ve excelled as a guide and added a dash of—never mind that other part.” Gita chuckled to herself.
“Forgive me, Nash. You’ve been amazing and taught—showed me—I can’t go in that Zeus house in overalls. Please, can’t we return when I’m dressed properly and have my wits?” pleaded Abby.
Nash bowed. “Come, my lady. Methinks you’re quite fetching and countryfied cute.”
“This is embarrassing.” Abby saw no way out. She sucked in a breath and took Nash’s hand.
“Thanks, Gita. I’ve got things from here. I’ll bring Abby around to get her vehicle later.”
“That’s fine, Nash.” Gita turned. “Dear girl, do stop by tomorrow. We’ve so much yet to discuss. Savor every moment of this experience. A most treasured gift awaits you.”
Abby watched Gita drive away, leaving her mystified, a state she seemed to reside in more often than not. What was the treasured gift awaiting her?