“All that candle does is make me hungry. You don’t have any apple pie hiding around here, do you?” Zaina said, plopping down next to her.
“There are some cookies left from the class this morning. No apple pie, though.”
Zaina hopped up. “Do you want one?”
“No thanks, I’m good.”
Zaina returned, already stuffing a cookie into her mouth. “Oh, that’s a good cookie,” she said, and then she took a drink from the water bottle she almost always had in her hand. “I’m so glad we encouraged the craft class attendees to bring snacks if they wanted. You didn’t happen to see who brought these cookies? I know the box was from Books and Breads.”
Hannah put down the cards and twisted her long hair up into a bun and then let it all fall back down.
“Long night last night?” Zaina’s brown eyes narrowed.
“I was over at Brandee and Luc’s babysitting.”
Zaina pursed her lips. “That’s it? Shoot, back when I was your age I don’t think I got home before three, even when it was a weekday.”
“Ah,” Hannah started, and Zaina waved her off. “I know I should have been doing like, quality Samhain celebrations. But back then, I just wanted to throw on a sexy cat costume and meet someone cute.”
One side of Hannah’s mouth ticked up. “Sexy cat costume?”
“Sure, a headband with cat ears and a super short dress, and I was good to go. Now what were you going to say before I interrupted you?” Zaina folded her legs and sat crisscross in the orange chair. Zaina was one of those people who had almost boundless energy, although being the mom of a toddler had slowed her down a pinch. Hannah admired her ability to balance new motherhood and the shop. Even though there were teething, colds, and wellness baby appointments, Zaina had continued her mentorship of Hannah.
“You know what, nothing. How was Lily’s first Halloween?” Hannah’s stomach was queasy from lack of sleep and a niggling of worry about Kate, but she didn’t want to talk about it with Zaina right now, especially since a customer could walk in at any moment. Besides, talking about last night would just make her worry that she wouldn’t be spending time with Kate anymore. So, she swallowed that train of thought and turned the conversation to Zaina’s favorite topic.
Zaina whipped out her phone and began showing Hannah a bunch of pictures. There was one photo someone else must have taken because it showed Zaina in a long wig as Daphne and Lily in a Scooby Doo costume, holding Daphne’s hand as they walked up to a house. From a few feet away, Jasper was in the photo dressed as Shaggy. Lily looked adorable as Scooby Doo, but what had Hannah all choked up was the way that Jasper was gazing at his wife and daughter. His face was lit with joy and love. Hannahwanted someone to look at her like that. Someone who would help her build a life and a home. To do silly stuff like dress-up in ridiculous costumes with a family theme.
She cleared her throat. “I’m surprised Jasper was willing to dress as Shaggy instead of Fred.”
“I’m surprised you even know about Scooby Doo,” Zaina said.
“I spent too much time in front of the TV as a kid. I really liked the live-action movies. Velma was my favorite.”
“Really?”
“I had a crush on her. I think it was the glasses.”
“I can see that,” Zaina said. She put her phone away. “Before we get busy again, do you want to do a practice reading with me?”
“Sure! I think I might be ready to try reading humans. I’ve been working on it at home.”
“Shuffle the cards, and we’ll do some practice three-card spreads. Then, if you feel ready, I think you should offer readings to people at the shop.”
Hannah’s pulse started racing with equal parts excitement and nervousness. “What did you want to ask?”
“What can I do to have a magical holiday season with Lily and Jasper?”
Hannah smiled, “That’s such a fun question.”
Zaina winked at her.
Hannah shuffled the cards a few more times and quietly repeated the question to herself. Then she put the deck down on the table. “Please cut the deck.”
Zaina took a third of the deck and moved it next to a second spot on the table. She looked at Hannah expectantly.
Hannah froze. Then she realized her mistake. “Put the deck face up.”
Zaina flipped over the third of the deck, and the first card showed. Hannah carefully added a second and a third card and then she reviewed the cards, telling Zaina what each card meant.
