Page 47

‘Welcome back. How do you feel?’

‘Umm. Good, I think. Maybe a little odd?’

‘Take your time moving,’ he advised. ‘You might be a little disorientated for a few moments. Do you want some water?’

‘Yes please,’ she murmured sleepily.

By the time Aiden came back, Mia was sitting on the edge of the treatment couch and yawning as she stretched. ‘Thanks.’

‘How are you feeling now?’

‘I think I’m still figuring that out.’ Mia stared at the glass he gave her for a couple of seconds before remembering what to do with it. ‘That was way more intense than I expected. Lighter. I feel lighter.’ She stood and stretched again. ‘And is it weird if I say a bit taller too?’

‘Maybe not. I noticed you were carrying some tension in your lower back.’

‘You released it. When my back got really warm and then sort of popped.’ She wriggled to test it. ‘But I don’t understand…’

‘Reiki.’ He shrugged.

‘Well, it’s effective. What do I owe you for today?’

‘For a favour you’re doing me? Nothing.’

‘Aiden, please, it was hardly a favour.’

‘Nothing,’ he repeated, more firmly. ‘I wouldn’t charge a friend for something that costs me nothing, and I’m still in training.’

‘I guessed you might say something like that.’ Mia reached into her bag and drew out a small cake tin. ‘I’m nowhere near your level, but I thought you might appreciate this anyway.’

Aiden flicked the lid up with the edge of his thumb and took a sniff of the dark loaf nestled inside and fixed Mia with a look. ‘Banana bread?’

‘Technically it’s more of a cake,’ she deadpanned.

‘As a thank you?’

‘Yes.’

‘Should I ask whether or not these bananas might have been used in certain… demonstrative situations?’

‘Only if you really want me to answer.’ She grinned.

‘In that case, you’d better have time for a brew and a slice. I’m not eating it alone!’

‘Fine way to respond to a gift.’ She laughed again.

‘Come on, Princess.’ He led her back into the shop, which was a lot dimmer than usual.

‘How late is it?’

‘Just gone six-thirty.’ Rayenne was back in the corner, tidying up from the spell bag craft session. ‘Ophelia’s already gone upstairs, but I wanted to see how it went. What did you think of reiki with Aiden?’

‘It was very relaxing.’

‘She brought cake. I was just about to put the kettle on, if you didn’t mind us hanging here a bit longer?’

‘You’re welcome to stay, but I’m heading home. Goodnight.’

‘Maybe you should have saved your reiki for her,’ Mia pondered, watching Rayenne retreat. ‘She seems tired.’