Goddess Curse

by RaShelle Workman

  He isn’t Will, she thought.

  That was the truth. Her heart and soul never responded to Dashel the way they did to Will.

  “Blast.” She rolled onto her side.

  Soft knocking woke Lucy. She was dreaming of Apep, Hathor, and Bastet, but couldn’t remember what about. “Yes?”

  “We’re getting ready to land, Lucy. Better get up and come eat.”

  Surprised to hear Will’s voice, she pulled the covers up around her neck. “Thank you,” she uttered. Now that she was awake, she could feel the movement of the plane. There was a window to her right. She climbed out of bed and ran over, pushing the shade open.

  The sun shone bright in the sky. Below was a gleaming city.

  Cairo, she thought excitedly. She survived time travelling, driving, a smart phone, a hot dog, flying, and would now get to see a land she only ever read about. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation. No matter what happened for the rest of her life, she would soak in the next few days.

  Lucy freshened up in the bathroom, slid on her shoes and her sweater and then went back to the cabin. A beautiful spread of food was laid out on a table in the middle of the aisle.

  “Hi,” Will said.

  Lucy noticed he looked refreshed. He changed into a pair of cargo pants and a black button shirt. His hair was slightly wet, and he smelled like vanilla and breakfast spices. Or perhaps the aroma came from the food on the table. “Mr. Godwin.” She slid into her seat.

  Will had a plate of food in front of him. It was beautiful, with colorful strawberries atop cream and some sort of pastry with rows of deep squares. Lucy’s mouth watered. She was famished.

  “You hungry?” Will asked.

  “Yes,” Lucy said, clasping her hands in her lap. She wasn’t sure if she should help herself or wait for one of the stewardesses to serve her.

  Will handed her a plate. “Dig in.”

  She smiled as she took one of the stacked pastries and put it on her plate. Next, she added cream and then some of the berries.

  “You’ll want a little of this as well.” Will poured some golden brown liquid over it. “Syrup makes everything taste better. That and bacon.” He smiled as he popped a large bite of food into his mouth.

  She took some bacon and set it on her plate. Then cut into the pastry and put it in her mouth. She chewed, a sudden need to moan her gratitude coming up her throat. After she swallowed, she asked, “What is this?”

  “They’re called waffles.”

  “Mmmmmm.” She took another bite, savoring the flavor.

  Will watched, amused. “You don’t like it?” He took a drink of some orange liquid.

  “On the contrary, I love it. I want to know how they’re made.”

  Will chuckled. “Well, my little tinkerer, it’s made of flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and…” he paused, taking another bite. “Butter and baking powder.”

  Lucy took another bite as well, surprised he knew the recipe, and pleased he used the word “my” to describe her. “Perhaps I should write it down?”

  “Sure. But not right now. Right now you should eat. Once this plane lands it’ll be a rush to get a hotel, then I’ve got to meet my contact and get everything set up.”

  “We,” Lucy said after she swallowed another bite. “You meant we need to do,” she waved her fork at him, “everything you just mentioned.”

  Will snorted, pushing his plate away. “I meant me. Only me.”

  Lucy tried not to pout. “I want to go with you. Perhaps even be of some use. I’ve studied the Egyptian gods, the culture and customs.”

  Will stood. “What you know you learned two hundred years ago. A lot has changed since then.”

  Lucy poured some of the orange liquid into a small glass. Took a drink. It was delicious. “That may be.” She wanted to remain strong. Show him that she wasn’t just baggage, but she also didn’t want to be left behind. “Please.” She took a deep breath. “Take me with you.” Lucy figured her emotions were probably plain as day on her face, but she couldn’t help it. She needed to go with him.

  Will pushed the table out of the way and nodded for the attendants to take it away. Then he bent down in front of her. “I’ll take you with me on one condition.”

  “Anything. What?” She took his hands and then pulled back, surprised with how forward she had just been.

  “I need you to do exactly what I say, when I say it. Sometimes it may sound bossy and I know you don’t like that, but if I ask you to do something, remember I’m trying to keep you safe. If you can promise me that, I promise we’ll do this together.”

  Lucy breathed deeply. She didn’t like to be bossed around, but this was his world, his time. “I promise.”

  Will nodded, taking her hands in his and squeezing. “Good.” He released her hands again and buckled up in his seat. “Get buckled.”

  As soon as Lucy clicked her seatbelt, the pilot’s voice came on. “We’ve begun our descent into Cairo. Please fasten your seatbelts. We’ll be on the ground in approximately ten minutes.”

  “See?” Will said with a smirk.

  Lucy wanted to laugh at his confidence, but she was too nervous about the landing. If it was anything like the take-off, she was in trouble.

  23

  READY FOR THIS

  Sitting through the plane’s landing wasn’t nearly as bad as the take-off, but it did make her stomach feel funny. Will worked on his laptop and spoke a foreign language into the phone. Once the plane stopped, Lucy watched from a window while their bags were loaded into the waiting limousine. She saw the great pyramids in the distance and her heart bloomed with excitement.

  Once the stairs were let down, Lucy got off first followed by Will.

  The limousine was stark white as was the driver’s uniform. He wore a suit and matching hat with a black brim.

  “You ready for this?” Will whispered into her ear.

  “Oh, yes.” Lucy gave him a radiant smile.

  “Welcome to Cairo, Mr. Godwin,” the driver said. His English was perfect, but with an accent Lucy found charming. A light wind blew, lifting the edges of her sweater. “It’s seventy-three degrees in Cairo, the perfect temperature.”

  “Appreciate it,” Will said.

  “My name is Sudi. Anything you need, you just let me know.” He held the door open.

  “Will do.” Will climbed in after Lucy.

  “I’ll have you to The Fairmont Cairo in Nile City in approximately thirty minutes, sir.”

  “Very good.”

  The driver pulled the car away. “Are you in Cairo for business or pleasure?” Sudi asked.

  Will poured himself and Lucy some water from a bottle. Will took a drink. “Both,” he said.

  “Ah, very good,” the man said.

  Will closed the partition. “The hotel we’re staying in overlooks the Nile River. Thought you might enjoy that.”

  “That was very thoughtful of you, Mr. Godwin.” She turned so she could see out the window. The city could be seen in the distance. It sparkled like jewels in the sunlight.

  “Our rooms are separate, of course, but there is a connecting door, just in case you need anything.”

  Lucy took another sip, keeping her focus on the window, but she could see his reflection. He was watching her. She hid a smile. Will was a good man, honorable, if a bit, or rather a lot, arrogant. “That is most appreciated, Mr. Godwin.” She took a sip of water.

  Will checked them into their hotel. An attendant brought up the luggage. Lucy wanted nothing more than a shower and a change of clothes. She felt rumpled and her teeth were grassy. She found it odd how easily she had grown accustomed to the luxuries of a person living in the twenty-first century. But she guessed anyone from her time would do the same. No way would a person choose to relieve herself in a pot instead of a toilet that flushed everything down when finished. There was more than just that though. Toothbrushes, dental floss, and showers with hot and cold running water, those were items she couldn’t imagine living without n
ow she knew they existed.

  They took an elevator up to the top floor. Lucy grabbed hold of Will’s arm when it began to move, and she didn’t give a blast that it was inappropriate. Will covered her hand with his and patted it. “You’re fine,” he said.

  She nodded, trying to steel herself, but the movement frightened her.

  Their hotel rooms were just as Will described, separate with a connecting door. Her room was spacious. A large bed adorned with white coverings and pillows rested against the left wall. It was covered in gold print except for the space where the bed sat. There was a floor to ceiling black leather backboard. It was quilted with large black buttons. A round mirror hung in the middle of it. On the far wall was an enormous window. The coverings were white and gold. To the right of the window was a glass desk with a black leather chair. The wall across from the bed housed a large black dresser. A flat screen TV hung above it. The bathroom had two sinks, a shower, a jetted tub, and a toilet.

  Lucy went over to the window. Below were several smaller buildings and the Nile. It was a long way down, but still easy to watch light sparkling on the water.

  Will knocked on their connecting door. Lucy opened it. “I need to meet with my contact. Do you think you’ll be okay for an hour or two?”

  Lucy wanted to go with him, but she wanted to get cleaned up more. “Yes, I’ll find a way to keep myself busy.”

  Will nodded. “Good. Just don’t leave the room. Stay here. Stay safe.” He pulled a phone from his back pocket. “I got this for you.” He handed it to her. “My number is programmed in.” He handed her a booklet. “These are the instructions. If you get bored, read them over.”

  “Thank you.” She was so grateful he provided her with a smart phone. It meant even though he wasn’t right next door she could still talk to him if need be.

  “I’ll be back in time for dinner. If you packed a dress, wear that.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  Lucy used her alone time to get unpacked, clean up, get ready as best she could by herself, and then get started on reading the instructions manual. It was nearly six in the evening. Will should’ve already been back.

  She texted him: Checking to see how you are doing. I am ready lest you feared otherwise, Mr. Godwin.

  Will texted back almost immediately: Almost there.

  Lucy heard his door open. Then he knocked on their connecting door.

  “You are ready,” he said, appraising her outfit.

  She chose the cocktail dress Ingrid packed for her. The bodice was white lace with a boat neckline and cap sleeves. The lace was done in the shape of leaves. Her favorite part was that several of the lace leaves carried into the navy blue skirt, so it looked like they were falling. She wasn’t wearing any stockings. Ingrid told her not to. So she shaved her legs and applied lotion. The shoes were gorgeous. They were the exact same shade of navy as the skirt. The heel was five inches, the toe was covered, and they stayed on with a large ribbon of the same fabric as her skirt. The bow hung down her ankle and nearly touched the floor.

  “I told you,” she said.

  “Awesome. I’m going to shower and then I’ll take you to dinner.” He closed the door.

  Lucy went back to the overstuffed chair by the window. She stared out, trying not to worry about the fact that she was going to dinner with Will and it would be just the two of them, without a chaperone.

  By the time they finally went to dinner, she was at peace with the situation.

  “You’re welcome to hold onto me,” Will said with a smirk as they stepped into the elevator. Strangely, it didn’t feel like they were going up.

  She swallowed, focusing on Will’s attire. He looked amazing in black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a navy, black, and white striped tie.

  “I believe I can manage,” Lucy said, but her heart was racing as were her thoughts. They were going to supper together, just the two of them and that was something she would never contemplate doing in her time. She was also enthusiastic about the prospect of spending time with him. But she was worried too. What if she made a fool of herself? Or spilled food on her dress. Or tripped while trying to walk in her shoes. What if she sat wrong and her short dress flashed parts she didn’t want to flash.

  “You’re going to be fine,” he muttered, turning toward her.

  “I hope so,” Lucy responded quietly. She hoped she would be. “But…” The elevator didn’t feel right, and her tummy turned in knots.

  “The elevator is moving sideways instead of up. Is that why you’re looking sick?”

  “I think so,” she said, feeling immediately better. Just knowing which direction she was going helped with her queasy stomach.

  “If you don’t want to hang onto me, use the rail. It will help ground you.” He touched the gold railing, showing her what to do.

  She followed his lead and closed her eyes a moment.

  “Just breathe. Relax.”

  She heard him breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth. “Like this.” He did it again.

  Lucy imitated him, opening her eyes to watch him.

  He graced her with a big grin. “That’s it, Lucy.”

  She kept breathing. It was helping.

  “Have I mentioned how stunning you look tonight?”

  Lucy glanced down at her shoes. “No.” She couldn’t do much with her own hair, so she used the products Ingrid told her to, and the blow dryer and brush, to straighten it. She also applied mascara, some blush, some lip-gloss, and then spritzed on some perfume.

  “Well you do.” He put a finger under her chin, lifting her face. “Beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Godwin.” She met his eyes, but only briefly before lowering her lashes.

  “Call me Will.”

  She chanced another peek at his gorgeous face.

  “Please,” he added.

  Could she? She had years of etiquette training embedded into her brain. Of course she could, she thought. Calling a man she cared about by his first name should be acceptable. She called Dashel by his first name on more than one occasion. But she also knew him nearly her whole life and she didn’t feel any sort of romantic notions toward him. “You’re insufferable, Will,” she said, fighting not to laugh, but it burst out of her anyway.

  “I know.” He tucked his hands in his pockets, facing forward, seeming mighty proud of himself.

  The elevator doors opened. They stepped out into an elegantly decorated restaurant. Chandeliers hung from forty-foot ceilings. The tables were dressed in fine white linens, and topped with beautiful silver, purple, and navy centerpieces with splashes of green.

  “Looks nice,” Will commented softly, stepping up to the black-haired woman standing behind a tall pedestal.

  She glanced up. Appraised Will. Then Lucy. “Table for two?”

  “If you have an availability.”

  “Of course. Right this way.”

  She walked them to a table with a gorgeous view of the city. Light caused the buildings to shimmer and sparkle.

  Lucy took in the size of the setting sun. It never looked so big as it did at that moment.

  Will pulled out her chair. She sat and Will took a seat across from her.

  Once they were situated, the woman provided them each with a menu.

  Lucy took hers. “Thank you.” She was pleased to see it was written in English even though she didn’t recognize many of the words.

  “Your waitress, Siti, will be with you in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you. Could you have someone bring two bottles of sparkling water?”

  Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Of course.”

  24

  ALSO AMAZING

  After the woman departed, Lucy leaned over the table. “I am unclear about most of the items on the menu,” she said.

  “Would you like me to order for you?” Will asked.

  “That would be appreciated.” Lucy set the menu down, grateful he offered.

  “Are you sensitive to any
foods? Anything you don’t like?”

  A bus boy came by, turned over their glasses and filled each with sparkling water. “Anything else, sir?” he asked.

  “No, thank you.”

  When he was gone, Lucy said, “I’m not sensitive to anything, at least not that I know of and I’m willing to try anything once.”

  “Excellent.”

  Their waitress showed up. Will ordered an appetizer called sambosa, and for their main course he ordered kabobs with strawberry lemonades to drink.

  “What is sambosa?” Lucy asked after the waitress left.

  “They’re pastries stuffed with vegetables and meat. Quite delicious. I think you’ll enjoy them.”

  “They sound fantastic.” She took a sip of the lemon flavored sparkling water. It fizzed in her nose. “And a kabob?”

  “They’ll bring out shrimp, beef, and chicken they’ve seasoned and cooked on a skewer, usually over an open flame.”

  His description didn’t make sense, but if Will liked it, she thought she might like it too.

  The waitress brought the sambosa. Lucy took one and bit into it.

  “What do you think?” Will asked.

  “Very good,” she said after she swallowed.

  Will set his down.

  “Is the flavor not pleasing?” Lucy asked.

  “It’s good enough, but I’m saving room for the main course.”

  “I see.” Lucy took another bite.

  “So tell me something about you? What’s your favorite pastime?”

  While Lucy chewed, she pondered his question. She loved spending time in the kitchen with Harriet and her mother. She enjoyed playing on the pianoforte. Then there was studying the sciences. And the world. “Probably my favorite thing to do is coming up with different ways to solve problems, like inventing a snake cage, or turning a pillowcase into a trap to catch a mouse.”