"Answer me first, Lincoln."
"I can't give you the answer you want, Mary."
The door-bell chimed again.
He took her shoulders firmly, held her close and looked deep into her eyes. "You're a 2nd. Read me as deeply as you can. What's in my mind? What's in my heart? What's my answer?"
He removed all blocks. The thundering plunging depths of his mind cascaded over her in a warm, frightening torrent... terrifying, yet magnetic and desirable; but... "Snow. Mint. Tulips. Taffeta," she said wearily. "Go meet your guests, Mr. Powell. I'll make your canapes. It's all I'm good for."
He kissed her once, then turned toward the living room and opened the front door. Instantly, a fountain of brilliance sparkled into the house, followed by the guests. The Esper party began.
Frankly Canapes? Why Ellery Thanks delicious. Yes. I Mary, they're Tate, don't I'm think treating We you'll Canapes? D'Courtney. brought be I
Galen working expect along for him to Monarch in
help him celebrate, much town He's longer, very just The shortly. taken his Guild Exam If is and you're just been interested about classed Powell, we're ready 2nd. to run rule you Monarch's for espionage Guild Canapes? unethical. President. Canapes? Why yes. Thank
Canapes? you, Mary...
"@kins! Chervil! Tate! Have a heart! Will you people take a look at the pattern (?) we've been weaving..." The TP chatter stopped. The guests considered for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"This reminds me of my days in the kindergarten. A little mercy for your host, please. I'll jump my tracks, if we keep on weaving this mish-mash. Lets have some order. I don't even ask for beauty."
"Just name the pattern, Linc." "What'll you have?" "Basket-weave? Math curves? Music? Architectural design?" "Anything. Anything. Just so long as you don't make my brains itch."
Sorry, Lincoln.