"Exactly!" Relief flooded through her at his understanding. "Just... fix the broken parts. Make everything work the way it's supposed to."
A rich, deep sound filled her living room - Kieran's laughter, she realized with astonishment. The sound held echoes of wind through ancient caves and the distant roll of thunder. "You continue to surprise me," Kieran said, amusement still coloring his deep voice. "Most humans I've encountered would jump at the chance to restore their youthful appearance completely."
Mandy scowled at Kieran, her brows drawing together. "And how exactly would that work? A sixty-seven-year-old woman suddenly running around with a nineteen-year-old face?" She shook her head emphatically. "Talk about drawing attention! Not to mention, vain. Ugh."
"Although..." Heat crept up her neck as she glanced at the old photo again. "Okay, so maybe a little vain. If it's possible... my hair used to be so thick and full back then. And I'd have loved if my hair had gone silver in some respectable way, not just salt-and-pepper until it's just … blah."
His gaze held that unsettling intensity. "These requests are well within my capabilities. The physical restoration - all of this can be accomplished with a single wish."
Relief flooded through Mandy, making her feel light-headed for a moment.
"However," Kieran continued, his deep voice carrying a note of concern, "such dramatic changes will be noticeable to others. Have you considered how to explain this transformation?"
"Of course." Mandy nodded firmly. "That's what I needed the extra time for, to make a plan." She grinned at him. "I like plans."
At his appreciative laugh, she continued. "I'm going to tell everyone I finally agreed to that back surgery the VA's been pushing for years." Her finger traced down the carefully organized timeline. "Given that I live alone, they'd insist on inpatient rehabilitation afterward, which would be a total ofabout four weeks. That gives me the perfect cover for being away long enough to explain the changes."
Kieran's brows rose. "You have given this considerable thought."
A smile tugged at Mandy's lips as she scratched behind Mozart's ears. "Actually, I have." She allowed mischief to creep into her voice. "I made another spreadsheet."
Kieran pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. "Of course you did."
Mandy couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up from her chest. The sight of this ancient, powerful being looking so utterly exasperated by her spreadsheet struck her as hilarious.
"I know, I know." She waved her phone at him, still grinning. "But look - I've got everything planned out. The timeline, the cover story, even potential places to stay while the 'rehabilitation' is supposedly happening. There are some great AirBnb's, some with swimming pools, and I can even take the cats. There are pet-friendly AirBnBs that would work perfectly."
Those silvery-blue eyes opened to fix her with that intense stare, but Mandy caught a glimmer of what might have been amusement in their depths. "You truly do plan for every contingency, don't you?"
"I've been on my own, pretty much all my life," she said, shrugging. "Someone has to do it, and there's no one else but me." She tapped her finger on the laptop screen. "And honestly, spreadsheets and task lists help me think things through. It's a way of creating order out of chaos."
Kieran waved an elegant hand at her laptop, where her meticulously organized spreadsheet filled the screen. "How long will you need to prepare?"
Mandy's throat tightened as the reality of what she was planning hit her. This wasn't just theoretical anymore - this was actually going to happen.
"Just overnight, I think." Her voice came out steadier than she expected. "I need to research Airbnbs and make a reservation somewhere suitable that I can check into tomorrow afternoon. Plus, I need to let management know I'll be gone, so they can keep an eye on my apartment."
Mozart bumped his head against her hand, demanding attention. She stroked his silky fur absently as she continued, "And I'll need to let Sabrina know about the surgery, of course, and know I may be in and out of contact for a bit, so she doesn't worry."
The thought of deceiving her daughter, even for a good reason, made her stomach clench. But there was no way to explain the truth - that magic was real, that Djinn existed, that her entire life was about to change because of a wish.
"A few days of preparation seems reasonable," Kieran's deep voice rumbled through her living room. "You've clearly considered the practical aspects thoroughly."
Mandy dipped her head sheepishly. "That's what I do - plan and organize. It helps keep my anxiety under control." She gestured at her laptop. "When everything's laid out in neat rows and columns, or checklists, it feels more manageable somehow."
"Then I shall leave you to your planning," Kieran said, rising from his chair with fluid grace. His midnight blue robes rippled with silver threads that caught the afternoon light. "Contact me once you have secured the accommodations you require."
Mozart still seemed fascinated by Kieran's robes, and the ancient Djinn reached down to scratch behind the cat's ears, a gesture that seemed oddly domestic coming from such a powerful being.
"Thank you," Mandy said softly, her fingers finding the pendant's familiar warmth. "For understanding what I meant about the restore point, and for not thinking I was being greedy about it."
Kieran's eyes met hers with that characteristic intensity that still made her stomach do little flips. "There is nothing greedy about it. Your request is both reasonable and well-considered. I look forward to hearing your arrangements."
With that, he vanished in that distinctive shimmer of magic, leaving only a trace of otherworldly energy that made the hair on her arms stand up. Bach meowed plaintively at the spot where Kieran had stood, apparently disappointed by the abrupt departure of his new friend.
Two hours later,Mandy sat back in her desk chair, exhausted but thrilled. Her fingers ached from typing, but she'd secured two perfect reservations. Mozart sprawled across her desk, occasionally batting at her mouse cursor as she scrolled through confirmation emails.
The AirBnB she'd found nestled against the Catalina Mountains took her breath away. The photos showed a Spanish-style home with a courtyard and pool, perfect for swimming practice. Red tile roofs and cream-colored walls gave it that classic Southwestern feel she loved. Best of all, it was completely private - no shared spaces or nosy neighbors to notice any dramatic changes. Also, wi-fi.
