Chapter 13

After replacing Leggo’s food bowl back in its proper spot, Vivian and Alanna Lu sat down at the kitchen barstools, going over arrangements for the Valentine’s dance. The kettle boiled. After it had whistled, Alanna Lu served the tea, grabbing her favorite package of maple iced cookies from the cupboard on the way back to the table.

The steam rose thin and white against the winter blue of the sky. Vivian lifted out of her seat once to check on the dogs through the window, then spoke to Alanna Lu.

“So! How’s it going with Tom?”

Alanna Lu smiled with a cocked brow, as if to say, how did you know?

“Sheesh, Auntie, I’d hate to think how much you’d know about me if you actually were on Facebook!”

“Ooh, c’mon, you’ve been the go-between for him and me ever since the Valentine’s party got started! I was just asking a question.”

“Okay, you’re right, I’m sorry.”

“So? Tom?”

“Auntie, you act like there’s a ‘thing’ between us. He’s a nice guy! But I don’t know very much about him.”

“You don’t? Why not?”

“I don’t know. We only talk business.” Alanna Lu ran her palm over her black hair.

“Do you like him?”

“I don’t know him well enough to say.”

“What’s his major in school?”

Alanna Lu sighed. “Auntie…‌”

“Don’t you ‘Auntie’ me! When do you see him next? Before the dance, right? Ask him that the next time you see him.”

“Aunt Vivvy, all those questions are just so…‌so…‌mundane!”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing! A little boredom ought to be appreciated every now and again. Has he asked about your college plans?”

Alanna Lu put down the cookie she had just picked up. “Yes.”

“So you find that taxing.”

“No, just‌—‌”

“You don’t mind it when those dating sites ask you the same four questions over and over!”

“But Auntie, they ask unusual questions, too! Interesting ones!”

“Then ask a few yourself.” Vivian ticked off each suggestion on her fingers, bangles clicking. “Ask him about his college, his family, and one question your choice. Freestyle.”

Alanna Lu faceplanted on the table.

The witch stood, clearing the tea. “Then it’s settled. Three questions, then report back.”

“Yes, Auntie,” said Alanna Lu to the table.

“Good girl. You can take the cookies home.”