She couldn’t exactly admit that her shoes were enchanted to prevent pain and posture problems. Probably, she should offer to help with the cleaning, but the day had been exhausting, so she settled on the couch and let the news really sink in. I have a dad. He’s dying, and he wants to meet me. I have brothers and a sister. It was all hard to digest, but especially that part. She’d made peace with the idea that she was alone in the world, apart from the coven and occasionally Junie, when she was feeling maternal. Now she had Trev too.

Well, sort of.

Suddenly, Leanne realized she hadn’t texted the coven group chat at all today. Actually, it had been more than one day. Messages from the other witches had been pinging, but not only had she not read them, she hadn’t shared her news either. I refuse to drift away just because I’ve got a lot going on. I’ll talk to everyone later.

A few minutes later, Trev joined her on the sofa and pulled her feet into his lap, delivering on his promise. “More pressure or less?”

“A little more. That’s perfect.” She sighed as he dug into her arches.

“So what’s your first reaction?”

“Honestly? To hell with all of them. When I was a kid, I wanted a normal family, but I grew out of it.” She smiled slightly, tipping her head back as a wave of pleasure washed over her. “Not that anything about this mess qualifies as normal.”

“Sounds like you don’t plan on meeting your dad,” Trev said.

“You think that’s a mistake?”

He shook his head. “It’s totally up to you. Hell, sometimes I wish I’d never met mine.”

She laughed softly, as she was meant to, but she could tell talking about his father hurt Trev. “Part of me wishes I wasn’t so obstinate because if I went, put up with some bullshit, and pretended to be moved by this nonsense, I might get something out of it. I can’t muster any motivation, though. Even if he’s an asshole, it’s immoral to run a game on a dying man.”

“Words to live by,” Trev said with a mock-somber air.

Before bed, Leanne caught up on everyone’s news and made a mental note to check on Vanessa, who was quieter than usual. She responded to everyone then apologized: Sorry I’ve been unavailable, I’ll do better.

Margie: It’s understandable. Win the election.

She sent a private text to Vanessa: Everything okay? Do you want to talk?

Vanessa: There’s some stuff going on, but I’d rather not get into it right now.

Leanne: Okay, but I’m here if you need me. Day or night.

Vanessa: I know. And thanks.

***

A few days later, Trev got a message from Dante, a little unusual.