Page 22 of A Dream of Stars and Curses

Then our phones buzz. Bonnie smiles, and I can’t keep my own grin off my face.

‘Sunitha is asking if she can come over in a day or two. To talk about what happened.’

‘Wait, she’s coming here?’ For some reason I figured they’d only ever meet in Bournemouth. I didn’t have a logical reason for this, I just hadn’t thought about it, either.

Bonnie nods. ‘We said earlier today that we’ll meet up at mine next time.’ Her lips curl again, more cautious this time. ‘I guess this is a good sign. What did Leverett say?’

We squeal like school girls who just caught a glimpse of their crushes without shirts on when I show her his text:

‘You won’t regret it.’

Lady is bouncing up and down Kate’s path before we even have a chance to knock. Bonnie is coming along, too—I was going to ask Kate about some simple protection magic, and we figured it wouldn’t hurt Bonnie to know some as well. We’ll both be able to protect ourselves better, even if our initial attempts probably won’t amount to much. I still don’t think it’ll be enough in time for the party, but that’s not a reason against starting to learn now.

Kate gives us a radiant smile when she opens her door. Lady shoots straight past her and greets her dogs first, then gives Kate’s hand a happy little sniff.

‘Are both of you joining me today?’ Kate asks. ‘It hasn’t been a week yet, though I’m happy to see you’re eager to learn. How is your homework going?’

I don’t want to admit that I let it slide a tiny bit yesterday. There’s so much going on right now, but I’m grateful it’s all positive.

‘It’s overwhelming,’ I say honestly. ‘How do you memorise it all? All those different V—’ I catch myself. We’re not exactly out of earshot here. ‘All the different kinds. Do you know all of them? By heart?’

Kate’s smile turns into her patient teacher version I love so much. ‘Give yourself time. I find it’s more about accepting the variety than trying to memorise every single detail. Much of it is simply common sense, and you don’t need to be able to recite the rest without error. That’s what your encyclopediae are for. They’ll remember if you don’t, but I think you’ll surprise yourself.’ She turns to Bonnie. ‘Are you joining our lessons from now?’

Bonnie shakes her head. ‘I wish, but my internship starts next week. I wouldn’t have the time. No, this was all Esta’s idea just for today.’

Which sparks another idea. Maybe we can ask Kate about mermaids—not to go behind Sunitha’s back, but just to make sure we’re aware of anything we shouldn’t say to mermaids. Preferred presents, maybe, so Bonnie can apologise in style. And maybe, if Bonnie doesn’t give her any regular flower bouquet anyone might have thought of but a... whatever is special to mermaids, Sunitha will see that Bonnie really just overreacted and can be thoughtful. I smirk in her direction. It’s a good thing she can’t read my mind or I’d have a bruise forming on my arm right about now.

‘Leverett has invited me to this social event this Saturday,’ I say. ‘Do you know any... self-defence I can use to protect myself?’ I cringe a little at the over-emphasis. At least I stopped short of wiggling my eyebrows and winking.

Kate ushers our dogs across the road, and we follow like well-trained puppies ourselves. Anywhere Kate goes, we all go.

‘Ah, I see. I believe I know the one. I’m invited, too, though I don’t intend on going.’

‘Why’s that?’ I ask before I can stop myself. It isn’t really any of my business. I don’t know if I’d feel even safer with Kate there or if I’d feel awkwardly watched the whole time. And what if Leverett confesses his undying love for me and kisses me? It’d be really weird if she watched from a distance.

‘It’s not my kind of event,’ Kate says, ‘and I already have plans for the waning crescent moon that night.’

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