" I lay down on the bed next to her and said, "You smell like a sweaty Centaur." I lay down on the bed next to her and said, "You smell like a sweaty Centaur." "Why thank you, Ken, that's the most romantic thing you've said to me all week." The scary part about that was that it was probably true. I rarely aim romantic comments at Carroll. "What if I told you that I find it to be one of the most alluring scents I've ever had the privelege of being near?" "Then I'd say you're as crazy as Paul, who tells me that at least once a day." "Then I'm crazy... I accept. But it's still a great smell. If we could bottle it..." "You'd have a bottle of Centaur sweat." I rolled my eyes and said, "I'm going to go draw your bath." "I'll be waiting," she smiled at me. I walked into her bathroom and examined the tub, suspension bench, and controls. "Dave," I said, "Can you get me a bottle of that Sea-Salt stuff P'nyssa like so much?" "I can," the AI responded calmly, "but Carroll's not fond of it." "Oh. Then what would you recommend?" "Plain bubbles." "Do it." It took maybe six seconds for Dave to transport the soap powder into my hand, and I soon had the tub rolling at her preferred temperature, with about 20 cents of bubbles. I surveyed the bathroom, looking for the brushes, combs, and oils that she preferred. Dave was helpful. Then I ordered her drink. "Carroll," I said, gently, "Bath is ready." I stepped out of the way as she walked into the bathroom and enjoyed the look in her eyes when she spotted the tub. "Bubbles!" she squealed, nearly jumping down the steps into the tub and settling onto the cushioned bench with a deep sigh. "I love bubbles." "Then why don't you have any bubble soap?" I asked gently, sliding into the pool with her. A bathtub big enough for a Centaur is big enough for a human to swim in. |