Tuscany Trip

"So it looks like you're playing stripes," Khaat said. She took careful aim and sank 3 different striped pool balls. "We might be evenly matched," Khaat smiled. "That would be nice for a change."

"Hey!" Brian laughed. "When do I get to play games?"

"About as often as I do," she laughed. "Your turn, Ronata." She stepped back from the table and laid her hand on a spot on her ribcage that refused to stop aching. She felt Brian watching carefully and saying nothing. He was being protective. Very protective. Her mind went to the wild haired woman. She wondered who she was and why she wanted her so badly. Did it have to do with whatever past the woman had with her father? And where was she now? Would she be back?

Ronata was right. Khaat's mind was not on the game. Between thinking of the wild haired woman and also feeling like she had far more physical pain that what she wanted, she wasn't nearly as on her game as she wanted to be.

She circled the table and studied it carefully. She didn't normally select just easy shots, but something was not right with her ribs--especially on the right side. Brian hadn't found any broken bones, but she really did hurt. She thought that she perhaps just bruised them. That was going to hurt for awhile. She selected a shot where she didn't have to pull on her ribs so hard. She managed to sink two solid colored balls, but that was all. She sighed heavily.

"Sorry, Ronata. I'm off my game today. I can normally offer a better challenge," she said. "I'll try harder. I promise."

"Thanks," Khaat smiled. "I think I"m just really sore...."

"We'll check it again," Brian said with quiet firmness.

"The sorbet sounds really good," Khaat said. She heard a crash and saw Steven dash up the stairs. Brian instantly drew his wand. When Steven yelled about broken glass, Brian looked at the women.

"Your wands," he ordered. "It's probably just the storm but it could be a trap. I'd rather you be prepared." Khaat obeyed and drew her wand. She watched him disappear upstairs.

Brian saw the tree limb that had come through the window and rainwater spilling all over the floor. He was hoping that someone had not had mraculous timing and had perhaps used the storm to facilitate a distraction.

"I think if we work together we could move this big thing out of here and put things back to rights. But then we really do need to make a full check of the house," Brian said.

"Nice work!" Brian smiled. "Good job. Now, allow me." He mended the broken window glass and used a spell to dry out the inside of the room. "And you're right. I doublt if it is related, but after this morning, I would feel better if I made a full check on the house. Would you mind protecting our ladies, and I'll do the legwork on this one? Shouldn't takem ore than a minute or two. IF I'm gone more than that, come looking." He grinned at Steven.

He made his way to the top floor and checked each room, closet, and nook and cranny--carefully but quickly. He found everything in order and when he reached back down to the main floor, he called to them. "We're all good! How about that sorbet now?"

Khaat followed upstairs and watched Ronata scoop out the sorbet. She took a spoonful and tasted it. "It is delicious," she smiled. "Its a good balance of flavors. You did a nice job. Its a great summer treat. Passion fruit is not that easy to work with and to keep the flavor genuine, but you did great. You won't need my help so much after all. You learn fast. That's a good thing. Hm...Maybe we should let you cook dinner tonight. What do you think?" She was truly enjoying the sorbet, and from Brian's look, he was just as satisfied. "See?" she pointed out. 'There's another happy customer." She laughed.