Page 28 of Witch Please

“Okay, I’ll talk to her. Are you visiting because of Gram?”

Her mother sighed. “Yes, she said she has some concerns about you. I wish she’d spend more time living her own life and less time trying to manage yours.”

Danica agreed, but it felt…disloyal to say it aloud. “Yeah, well. Let me know if you manage to grow a wishing tree. Oh wait, that’ll never happen.”

Since her mother lacked magic, she grew a garden the mundane way, and it was beautiful, but still, it was a lot of work. Danica realized belatedly that it sounded like a passive aggressive dig about her mom’s life choices, and she had no idea what to say to smooth the awkward moment over. The silence lingered a little too long.

“What time should I be there?” Minerva finally asked.

“Six thirty would be good. I’ll tell Clem not to make plans. It’ll be a full-on Waterhouse reunion.” Probably, it would also be unspeakably awkward.

“See you soon, Little Star.”

“Yep. Bye, Mom.”

The cuteness of that childhood nickname simultaneously made her smile and roll her eyes. Danica meant “morning star,” and her mom called her “Little Star” to this day. She texted the invite to her grandmother, not wanting to deal with another family chat today.

The next night, she and Clem braced for Gram-and-Mom-ageddon. Lucky for Clem, her own mother lived in Florida as well, closer to Gram in case she needed help during snowbird season. Tonight, the pressure would be on Danica to mediate and keep old grievances from spoiling dinner. They’d picked up a roast chicken from the deli, and Clem had made a salad while Danica slow cooked a pot of baked beans last night. Neither one of them loved cooking, but they’d hear about the lack of effort if they served only takeout.

Gram arrived first in a swirl of lavender. It was mystifying how she exuded glamour at her age, but she did. Her hair was always done, sleek and silver, and her clothes were elegant. She always chose the right accessories, pearls today, along with a crisp cotton sheath. Beaming, she hugged both her granddaughters in turn and then turned her gaze to the house with an assessing air.

“Beautiful. Love the flowers.” She cut a look at Danica that made her nervous.

Does she know?Clem would say, “Yes, definitely, she always does,” but it seemed out of character for Gram not to mention Titus right away. Danica addressed only the surface statement. “They’re lovely, but they won’t last. I’ll have to throw them out soon.”

“As long as you know, my dear.”

Well, that was pointed.

Minerva rapped on the door, waiting to be granted access before she came in. Danica hugged her mom first thing and stood back to see how she’d changed since her last visit. She’d lost a little weight, slimming from plump to average. Her face showed lines only at the corners of her eyes, and her hair was auburn, redder than Danica’s. Her mom had none of the freckles—those came from her dad—and she wore an adorable tie-dye romper over a yellow T-shirt, paired with chunky sneakers and hand-strung beads. As always, she had a warm smile and soft-hazel eyes.

“You look great,” Danica said.

Gram made a scoffing noise. “She looks absurd. When will you act your age, Minerva? You could be so pretty if you—”

“Dinner!” Clem called.

Danica flashed her cousin a look, grateful for the interruption. Gram had precise ideas about how Waterhouse witches ought to behave and living up to her expectations could be…challenging. Minerva didn’t respond to the half-completed criticism, but Danica stayed her with a hand on her arm as Gram headed for the dining room.

“You look adorable,” she whispered.

Her mom smiled. “It’shot. I enjoy being comfortable. And your dad thinks I’m cute no matter what I wear.”

I wish I had that. I wish I was brave enough.

The dinner was every bit as tense as she’d feared. Gram ate a few bites of the chicken and then said, “Danica, dear, you can’t pine over Darryl forever. Let me—”

“Mom,” Minerva cut in. “Please let her live as she sees fit. Any choice she makes, as long as she follows her heart, will be the right one.”

“Oh please! That’s the fastest way for her to—”

“Mother.” Normally, Mom’s tone was soft, but it held a thread of steel now.

“Fine, let’s talk about something else. Are you still heading up that garden club? You won a prize for your work, didn’t you?” To Danica, Gram’s praise sounded…forced, as if she couldn’t find anything to admire about gardening like a mundane.

It hurt to see her own mother dismissed this way, but since Minerva didn’t defend herself, Danica didn’t make waves. Instead, Minerva ate some beans, then calmly replied, “Yes, I’m still the point person. Hobbies are important, far better to invest your energy in something you enjoy.”

Maybe Danica was imagining this, but that sounded almost like chastisement. She traded looks with Clem, who raised her brows as if she thought so too. This could get ugly before dessert. Quickly she asked, “Who wants cookies?”

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