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‘So, it’s a professional gift, for a colleague or client?’

‘No, she’s not that.’

‘A thank you?’

‘Yes. I think so. A thank you for a new friend. Maybe…’

‘Maybe, huh? Don’t worry, J. I gotcha.’ She started gathering roses. Bright red ones. ‘What do you think of these?’ She held up what looked like a giant daisy – again, red.

‘Umm… Is red really the best option?’

‘Look around, it’s a bit of a colour theme for this time of year.’ She laughed. ‘Trust me, would you?’

‘Sorry.’ He held his hands up. ‘I’m sure they’ll be fine.’

‘I don’t do “fine”, Jamie. You should know that by now. We’re aiming much closer to perfect. But keep it to yourself, OK? I don’t really like doing this, but I’m hoping they’ll agree.’

‘They who? Will agree to what?’

Lily-Ann leaned against her shop counter. ‘The flowers, obviously. You are beautiful exactly as you are, but I’m hoping you would consider changing? It’s to help my friend show his gratitude to his new friend. Will you help? Thank you. I appreciate it.’

Jamie felt a peculiar tug in the air, and blinked to adjust his vision. When he did he could see pale green tendrils of power pooling around Lily-Ann’s hands.

‘Well?’ She looked up at Jamie, her eyes a brighter green than usual.

‘Sorry, what?’

‘They’re not changing for me. They’re doing it for you. Tell them about her.’

‘I, umm…’ He licked his lips. How was he supposed to describe Amrita when he was still getting to know her?

‘Today, please, Jamie. Changeling spells aren’t the most comfortable to hold.’

‘Right, sorry.’ Jamie looked down and realised the roses were slowly changing colour, golden yellow seeping from their centres and spreading, lighting the flowers like flames. ‘She’s… amazing. She cares fiercely about others and is passionate about fighting for those who need it, and she’s really intelligent. The way she talks makes me challenge the things I thought I knew. I changed designs for her… because her suggestions made them better.’

‘She’s an architect then?’

‘No. A specialist physio. She’s funny, an amazing cook, kind, and she’s gorgeous – absolutely beautiful. And brilliant – she told me off the first time I met her.’ He laughed.

‘I think I like the sound of her already,’ Lily-Ann quipped. ‘And so do they.’ The flowers had finished their transformation, and were now shaded like the most beautiful sunset. ‘Are you sure she’s just a friend? Because the way you’re talking about her, and how you’ve influenced these to change, makes me wonder. If I didn’t know better, I might think you like her a little more than just in a friendly way. Don’t you think, Ivy?’

The vine fluttered its leaves, whispering as if wind had blown through it.

‘She’s… different.’

Quickly, Lily-Ann grabbed a band and secured the flower stems before snipping them off neatly. ‘No, I know you don’t like it, but it’s good for you. Clean stems mean a better water draw. Different how?’

‘Have you… ever met anyone who triggered your magic?’

‘I’m a greenmage, Jamie. I work with plants. Anyone who could trigger my magic would probably have roots and leaves of their own!’ She regarded him as she wrapped the flowers quickly in brown paper and tied them with twine. ‘Do you mean like a resonant? I know Mia’s one, but they’re really rare.’

‘No, I don’t think it’s like that.’ He struggled to conjure up the right words to explain. ‘And, like you said, it’s rare.’

‘I’m sure you’ll figure it out.’ She smiled and held the flowers out to him. ‘What do you think?’

‘They’re perfect. Thank you.’ He pulled out his wallet and added a decent tip.

‘More than welcome. I hope she likes them.’