Page 52 of Bewitch

“Not everyone has a silver spoon.”

“Here they do.”

“I’m sure there’s at least one—”

“Maybe one,” she concedes with a laugh. “Here we go.”

This place is just as fancy looking as the Untamed Mermaid. An elegant host directs us to our table.

We order drinks—Mom a cocktail, just water for me—and she leans forward. “You look wonderful, Dawn. Truly. I can’t believe how well you look.”

My heart starts to race as I beam at her. “Really?”

“Oh, yes. You look so amazing,” she gushes. “I was worried… but you’re just fantastic!”

“Thanks!” I beam, thrilled she noticed the progress I’ve been making because I haven’t exactly been able to see it for myself in the progress pics or the mirrors at the gym. Maybe if I had to start buying new clothes, which I probably will have to, or else I could just raid my closest at home. My mom would always bring home clothes for me, especially dresses, that just wouldn’t fit because she never wanted to buy clothes for me in my actual size.

She orders her meal, and I hesitate, thinking about the salad and then opting for the fish, rice, and asparagus dish instead. Not all salads are healthy, and I need to try to get back on track with my diet starting now.

“Great choice,” my mom says, looking as proud as a peacock.

“Definitely,” the waiter says. “The halibut is my favorite dish here, personally. I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

“Thanks.”

The waiter hurries away, and my mom leans forward. “I think you should give him your number.”

“What! Mom, no.”

“Why not? At a place like this when the menu has no prices listed… you know he has to make a lot of money in tips. He’s a hard worker to have earned a job here. What’s not to like?”

“I don’t know anything about him,” I protest.

“You know he likes halibut, and his name is Charles.”

I say nothing.

“You weren’t paying attention when he introduced himself.” She shakes her head, clearly disappointed.

If there’s one thing my mom prides herself on, it’s the fact that she never forgets a name. She only pretended to have forgotten Brooke’s name earlier.

I clear my throat. I had wanted to wait and check in with the girls again about this particular topic, but since I have Mom’s ears…

“Can you look into the janitor at Kresley Hall?” I ask.

“Which one?” she ask, her eyes narrowing. “Did something happen?”

“One of my friends mentioned that he creeped her out. He asked her to pick up a piece of trash, and she didn’t like the way he was watching her.”

“Absolutely. I will check into this. There are five different full-time janitors who work at the campus plus two more who sub in when needed. If you can get me the name of this particular one, I would appreciate it, but it never hurts to make sure that all of them know their place.”

“Know their place?” I can’t help wincing at her word choice.

“They’re working in an environment with young ladies who should be treated with respect. That’s all I mean.”

“Right. Of course. I’ll find out the name and text it to you.”

“Cn you possibly do that now?” she asks. “Not that I think you’ll forget, but…” She grimaces. “I have a bit of a sour taste in my mouth now. I don’t like the idea of the university having hired someone who isn’t above board.”

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