Page 46 of Ra
Abasi grinned at her. “Really.”
“So, what can I do to help?” she asked, approaching the throne.
“You can help me hold the sheets of plastic in place so that I can wrap it in the protective sheeting, and then put it on the small pallet.”
“Consider it done,” Azi said, going to hold the edge of the roll of plastic sheeting so that Abasi could secure it.
“Have you finished your presentation?” Abasi asked.
“Well, I’m kind of winging it.”
“Winging it? You?” Abasi asked, completely shocked at her reply.
“Yes. A friend pointed out that no one knows more about the tomb and all its contents than I do. There’s no reason to write an entire presentation, rather I should just make a list of things to remind me of the points I want to touch on so that I don’t forget anything really important to me.”
“A friend, is it?” Abasi asked.
Azi smiled, blushed a little and nodded, while avoiding all but a quick gaze.
“I know my father was always so precise with his presentations, but I think my love for the tomb and for what I do may actually touch some adventurers’ hearts in the crowd, instead of remaining so academic.”
“I think you’re right, Dr. Clement. And speaking of your father, how is he?”
“He’s alright. Still thinking that he’s going to recover enough to make it back into the field. Still planning to come to tomorrow’s presentation. It breaks my heart that he won’t be there. I don’t know how to make him understand that we can’t do it alone. We’ll need nurses for him, or at the very least someone assigned to just assist him to and from, and to keep him company as the presentation goes on. I won’t be able to give the presentation if I’m worried about him. I need to know he’sgot the care he needs while I’m preoccupied. And the digs are just out of the question. He cannot possibly traipse out into the desert again.”
“I think it must be very hard for someone who was once so capable to accept their vulnerabilities on a good day. Much less after such a debilitating stroke. But he’s a very reasonable man. I think it will all work out.”
“He’s just so stubborn. I feel like I’m letting him down each time I have to tell him he can’t do something.”
“I haven’t visited him in several weeks because I’ve been busy here. Perhaps I’ll go visit him later today.”
“I’m sure he’d love to see you. It would make him very happy.”
“Then I’ll be sure to make the visit. Now my only remaining question is, what has you so happy?”
“What do you mean?”
“You are glowing, Dr. Clement. It is quite obvious something has you full of joy.”
Azi smiled, and just nonchalantly shook her head and shrugged. “Just loving life and every surprise it brings.”
“Good for you!”
“Here, can you hold this edge now?” Abasi asked.
“Got it!” Azi said, still smiling as her mind wandered back to Ra and their developing bond.
“There it is again, that secret smile. What are you hiding, Dr. Clement?” Abasi teased.
“I’ll never tell,” she countered.
Abasi laughed, delighted with this new side of Dr. Clement. “As it should be,” he said. “Just as it should be.”
Chapter 11
“I am ready!” Ra announced, running quickly down the stairs and jumping from the third from the bottom to land in the living room excitedly.
Azi had been checking off the list in her phone, making sure she didn’t forget anything. She turned and looked at Ra — and her heart skipped a beat.
