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‘How strong do you think Ophelia’s tea was? Do you think it’s worn off yet?’

‘Pretty strong, so probably not. Why?’

‘Because I want to abuse this situation and ask you something I don’t think you’d usually answer. Are you OK with that?’

‘No.’ He covered his mouth. ‘Make that very strong. No, I’m not happy about it, but you can ask your question.’

‘Thank you. I think, if you were being honest with yourself, the reason you prefer having your lady friends and playing, and having careful boundaries like Friday nights, is because you’re scared.’

‘No tea needed there. I’m terrified. I can’t put someone through what I’m going through with my ma… what I still have to go through. It’s too much to drop on someone and expect them to stay.’

She squeezed his hand. ‘That wasn’t my question.’

‘What is?’

‘Can you be brave enough to stop being scared and try this? To give us a fair chance?’

‘It wouldn’t be fair to you.’

‘I understand what your ma’s facing – I know she’ll have to be your priority a lot of the time – and I know what you might be facing. I’d be lying if I tried to tell you that doesn’t scare me, but the thought of not having you in my life is even scarier.’

‘You really want to try this?’

‘I really think I do.’

‘Even with…?’

‘Yes. Even with your mum.’ She smiled. ‘And your man-whore history. Because it is history, right?’

‘Ancient. I’d love to take you on a date sometime soon’ – he hesitated – ‘Emmeline?’

She snorted in amusement. ‘Not even close. But yeah, I’d love to go on a date with you. Soon.’

‘OK. Wow. You know I’m tempted to abuse this situation too and make you tell me your name, right?’

‘I do. I just think you’re smarter than that.’ She laughed.

‘Oh crap. Mia, there’s something else you should know. Before we… Well, there’s something else I haven’t exactly told you.’

‘What?’

Mia leaned forward, listening, and Aiden swallowed hard. He’d nearly lost her by lying – he had to be honest with her. ‘I’m not even sure if I’m allowed to tell you… It might try to stop me, but we can’t truly try with secrets between us. I just really hope this will work.’

‘That what will work?’

‘Please let me.’ His words were a whispered plea. Then he straightened and met her gaze. ‘Mia, this… The shop, Rayenne, Ophelia, the books, crystals, spells… Even my baking. It’s all real.’

‘Well, obviously. We’re sitting here talking, aren’t we?’

‘That’s not what I mean.’ Aiden shook his head. ‘I mean it’s all real.’

‘You said that already…’

‘I’m not doing a very good job of this. I wish Rayenne or Ophelia were here. They handled it much better.’

‘Handled what, exactly?’

‘Would you please help?’ He begged Mist.