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My turn to plan.
How can I say no to that?
Mia grinned to herself as she replied.
Hoping you can’t.
Goodnight, Mila
She giggled.
Night x
What? No comment. Was I right?
Nope.
Damn it.
13
‘Really?’ Ophelia’s eyes widened. ‘And you’re sure?’
Whiskers and noses twitched, while spines rattled.
Our eyes might not be strong, but our other senses are.
‘Right, yes, of course. I’m not doubting you. I just hadn’t realised she would be resonant… it’s so rare.’ She scattered some more of the dried crickets across the floor. ‘Thank you for your time, and information.’ She dusted her hands off and headed back into Glimmers, grinning.
‘Morning, boss.’ Aiden greeted the door guardian with a jaunty bow a few minutes later and flicked a cheeky gesture at the pumpkins, who blew raspberries back at him. He hung his coat up, stashed his helmet and smoothed his hair, trying to put off what he was expecting to be an awkward conversation for as long as possible. And hoping that, by some small chance, she might not know.
‘Are you done with your avoiding tactics?’
Oh well, that had lasted all of three minutes.
‘So, you and Mia?’
‘Yes.’
‘You’ve kept that quiet.’
‘We have.’
Ophelia sighed. ‘Aiden, you mean a lot to me. But so does Mia.’
‘I know. And I’m not looking to make any waves or cause you trouble,’ he promised.
‘Thank you, but this isn’t about me. Can I ask if it’s serious?’
‘I think… hope… it might be.’ He nodded, smiling. ‘I’m not just playing with her. She’s far too important to me for that.’
Ophelia smiled, relieved. ‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘Can I ask who told you?’
‘The hedgehogs. But I’m guessing they won’t be the last.’
‘I should have thought to bribe them, like I did the birds.’
