Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"Here, let me help you with some of that," he said, and began taking books off my pile before I could object. He looked at some of them.

"Ambitious," he declared, nodding. "Anyone else would be quite content with what is required. But this is a very good quality to have. Despite what everyone thinks." he added in a loud whisper, "the true student teaches himself."

He laughed.

"Don't let my colleagues know I said such a blasphemous thing."

"My father loved to say you can lead a horse--"

"--to water, but you can't teach it to drink," he recited with me. We both laughed,

"Are you getting anything else? There are still a few thousand left to choose," he said, waving at the stacks.

"No. I believe I have what I need."

He stood by and watched me open my purse to get out my credit card while the cashier began to total my purchases.

"So," he said after I handed her the card. "how are you enjoying living here so far?"

"Except for the traffic and what I call Florida lights. fine." I said.

'Florida lights?"

"Those four-way traffic lights. If you miss the green, you're there long enough to read a chapter in one of these texts," I told him, and he laughed harder.

"But don't you have the same sort of traffic lights back in South Carolina?"

"Yes, but somehow not on every single intersection," I told him, and signed my credit card slip. As I reached for the bags, he seized one quickly.

"Let me help you to your car." he offered,

"Thank you. This really is personal service," I said. I thought he blushed a little, but he followed me out.

"Thank you," I said when he and I had put everything into the car.

'Delighted. You're welcome." he said.

He stood staring at me, looking like he was thinking very hard about something. His eyes held me. and I waited with a small smile of amusement,

"Are you in a hurry?" he finally asked.

Not in particular. no. Why?"

"I was supposed to have a luncheon with the dean of students today, but he had one of his small crises and just canceled on me. How would you like to join me for lunch? I know this little nothing place that serves the best chicken burritos and chiles renews in southeastern America. Unless you don't like Mexican food."

>

"I don't eat it very often, but when I've had it. I've enjoyed it."

"Is that a si?"

"Si, "I said.

"Muy bien, You can leave your car here and come with me., or follow me in your car."

"Why don't we just go in my car?" I suggested.

"Now, why didn't I think of that?" he said. laughing. "Actually. I did." he admitted as he got in. "but I didn't think it was proper to ask you to drive me."