Page 32 of Bargain with Fate
“Did it work?” I asked.
Camille blew a raspberry. “Definitely not for poor old Mitch. He was the least self-aware man I’ve ever met in my life, but he wanted enlightenment so badly.” She gave her head a rueful shake. “Never should’ve married that one. Live and learn, I guess.”
I wasn’t sure any of the information she shared was relevant to the seers’ visions, but you never know. It was in my best interest to keep an open mind too.
“Listen, I know you’ve got your hands full while you’re working solo. If you need intel on any Neighbors, you feel free to call me. I’ve got the scoop on everybody who walks through these doors.”
I was relieved I hadn’t revealed too much about myself, not that I’d been remotely tempted. I knew better than to overshare—or share at all.
“Thanks. I appreciate the offer.”
“We’re all on the same team in the Neighborhood.” She cracked a smile. “Unless you’re like me and play on both teams.” Still gazing at us in the mirror, she pinched my cheek. “Unlike you, we can afford to be picky because we are spoiled for choice.”
“I’ll bear that in mind,” I said, eager to escape the hot seat. This entire experience was the reason I usually cut my own hair. If it meant living the rest of my life as a six, that was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
I returnedto the office with a spring in my step. Despite my discomfort at the salon, I had to admit that an actual hairstyle was a nice change of pace. For the most part, I didn’t take much care with my appearance, which quickly became evident based on the number of compliments I received between the salon and the office.
“Maya, I almost didn’t recognize you,” Miguel said, coming to a full stop to admire my new look. “What’s the occasion?”
“Camille insisted.”
“That dryad’s got the persuasive skills of a vampire.”
“You would know. Are you on your way out?” Miguel worked in the neighboring transportation office.
“Lunch date. Want to join us? We have room for one more.”
“Thanks, but I have work to do.”
“When don’t you have work to do? Guess I won’t see you at the square dance later either.”
“Unlikely.”
“I figured as much. Have a good one, Maya.” He tipped his Eagles hat and carried on.
As I approached the main door, I noticed someone in my peripheral vision. I’d recognize the outline of a well-built demigod anywhere.
I turned to face Vale. “Wow. Write this day down in history, folks. The mountain came to Muhammed.” Dressed in a sea blue three-piece suit, the mountain looked like he walked directly from a fashion runway to the island.
“You emailed my office, and I got the distinct impression you didn’t plan on a return visit to Savannah.”
“Ever hear of a handy device called a phone?”
“I don’t share confidential intel over a telephone.”
His response caught me off guard. “You have intel about Stella’s report?”
“Possibly. We’ve had a few strange occurrences. Thought it would be a good opportunity to compare notes.”
I remained convinced a phone call or email would’ve sufficed, but I decided to humor him anyway. “This is Evermore. We specialize in strange occurrences.”
“I’m talking about slightly elevated incidents.” He hesitated, eyes narrowing. “Your hair looks…different.”
“Because I’ve been pruned by a dryad.”
“On purpose?”
“Hey, she said I’m a seven now. With a bit of makeup, I might climb to an eight.”
