I resolved to do something about it.I resolved to do something about it. "Tell me, Hailli, why are you interested in me?" She shrugged. "Why not? Let's be honest, Father, you and I. You view everyone who comes to you with suspicion, because you don't know if it's you their after, or if it's the Vatare' in you. Well, I'm asking. What does it take to get to know Ken Shardik?" I laughed. She was so direct. "Well, that's part of it right there." "What is?" "Being direct. Forthright. Honest. I like people who know how to get into my personal space without threatening me, but that means I have to be comfortable with you first. Does that make sense?" She nodded. "What else?" "Well, that really covers it, I guess. There's very little else that I object to. I mean, I really can't stand obfuscation." I smiled. She did along with me, and I assumed she understood the meaning of the word. She nodded. "Your lunch is getting cold." "What? Oh, you're right." She smiled and stabbed at a piece of meat with her tine. We managed a few words throughout the meal, but they were minor. After we had finished, though, she stood and reached out her hand. "Will I see you again?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. "Probably, sometime soon." "I'd like that. |