“You’re in an awfully good mood,” I muttered.
“That’s because we’re having a special guest for dinner tonight.”
“We are?” I perked up. “Who is it?” If we were having a guest, did that mean Dad was up for company? His Moonrot kept him in bed most days.
“You’ll see.” Mom’s smile widened, and she walked off to help another customer, calling over her shoulder, “Now head on to the back and start on tomorrow’s prep, will you?”
“Sure.” I spent the next few hours going over inventory, prepping for tomorrow’s goods since most of the stuff needed plenty of time to rise, and alternating between thinking of the cookie I’d given Graham and tonight’s mystery guest. Even though she said “visitor,” I was pretty sure she’d invited Lizzy and Jane for dinner since she’d mentioned earlier that morning that there would be seven of us tonight.
The rest of my shift flew by, and soon it was time for dinner. We locked and cleaned up, then went through the magical door that connected the shop to the rest of the house. By shifting the knob by the door to red, it opened to our kitchen in the house instead of the bakery.
Before setting the table, I checked my phone for a message from Graham. This time I wasn’t disappointed. One had come in at 6:00, just a quarter of an hour ago.
Thanks for the cookie. Ate it a little while ago and it was delicious.
I froze. He’d eaten it. I was finally going to get the truth.
I’m glad.
I drummed my fingers on the back of the couch, debating on what to say next. I needed to meet with Graham before the potion wore off. While sometimes we only sold doses at partial strength that lasted less than half an hour, I’d given him a full dose since the cookie’s flavor covered the taste and it would give me a wider window. As long as I met with him in the next twenty-four hours, I’d be good, but to be safe, I’d shoot for the morning.
Can we meet tomorrow? I’d like to talk.
Sure. What time?
Does 10:00 a.m. work?
“Hurry, Kitty! Our visitor will be here soon.” Mom put the fancy table runner out, the one with a vine of autumn leaves that flickered and changed colors like the vine was alive. Then she put a handful of small gourds on the table, arranging them to her satisfaction before heading back to the kitchen.
Slipping my phone into my pocket, I set the table.
Dad came out of his room, walking on his own for the first time in a while. He gave me a hug, then took his place at the head of the table. The chair creaked slightly as it adjusted to fit him perfectly—the old magic as worn as the soft cushions.
Mom walked over and kissed his cheek before putting down the pot of butternut squash soup on the table. “Today was so tiring.”
“I’m sure it was, my dear,” Dad said.
“Are you teasing me?” Mom put a hand on her hip. “You don’t even care about my poor nerves.”
“Of course I do,” he said with a wink. “They’ve been my constant companion since we married.”
“You’re lucky thatI’vebeen your constant companion since we married,” Mom said. “I’ll have you know I was quite sought after when I was younger.”
“I know, dear.” Dad caught her hand and kissed it. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”
Mom’s smile shifted to a frown as a cough racked Dad, highlighting that he wasn’t as well as he wanted us to believe.
A knock sounded on the door as I was about to add the silverware, and the door opened. “I’m here!” Lizzy shouted from the other room.
I smiled and ran to greet her. It had been forever since the family gathered for dinner. The house wasn’t the same ever since Lizzy and Jane moved out, but the one silver lining was that at least Mary, Lydia, and I had our own rooms.
“So, what’s the big surprise?” Lizzy flicked her chocolate brown braid over her shoulder.
“I thought you coming was the big surprise.” I shrugged. “Maybe it’s that Dad’s feeling a bit better. He’s eating dinner at the table with us.”
“That’s great,” she said as we made our way through the living room.
"So, I met your friend Riley today.”
